2026 NAGOYA . JAPAN
29 SEPTEMBER - 2 OCTOBER 2026
In 2026, Aichi-Nagoya will host the largest multi-sport event in Asia and the second largest worldwide:
- 46 Competing Nations
- 41 sports, 68 disciplines and 461 events overall
- 24 days of competition
The GEP places you at the heart of this sporting moment, offering educational insight into how major events are prepared, delivered, and experienced.
- Develop leadership and future ready competencies aligned with IB philosophy
- Explore pathways in international sport management and event operations
- Engage in experiential learning, cultural immersion, and behind the scenes activities
- Connect with peers from schools across Asia-Pacific and beyond
- Receive a joint Shigakkan University - WAoS Certificate of Participation
The GEP is a four-day international sport leadership immersion designed to support the development of IB students in grades 9, 10, CP & DP1 who are interested in sport, leadership, global engagement, or event management.
INSPIRE . EXPERIENCE . LEAD
YOUR PATH TO GLOBAL SPORT LEADERSHIP
- Visit training and preparation facilities at Shigakkan University
- Explore the operational and competition environment
- Observe how cities prepare for large-scale sport events
LEARN FROM INTERNATIONAL EXPERTS
- Insights from sport administrators and event professionals
- Perspectives from athletes and high-performance environments
- Understanding preparation, performance, and pressure at a complex system of an international multi-sport event
- Examine how sport connects with communities and culture
- Experience international sport in motion
EXPERIENCE THE ENVIRONMENT
Shigakkan University is a private, coeducational institution located in Obu, Aichi Prefecture, Japan, with roots dating back to 1905. The university is known for its strong tradition in physical education and wellness, having produced multiple Olympic wrestling medalists, and today emphasizes an educational philosophy of “Capacity Building for Global Citizenship,” focusing on wellness, intellectual insight, social ability, self-development, and effective citizenship. Its programs center on wellness and sports- and health-related fields.
The World Academy of Sport (WAoS) is a global leader in sport education, dedicated to developing the next generation of sport leaders through innovative, values-driven learning. Working across major events, international federations, and academic institutions, WAoS delivers programmes that combine academic rigour with real-world application. Its approach emphasises leadership, integrity, and global citizenship, equipping participants with the skills, mindset, and experience required to succeed in the evolving international sport landscape.
The GEP supports students across a range of global education and sport pathways:
DESIGNED FOR ASPIRING LEADERS
Japanese Schools & Universitites
AFEC Schools
IB Schools
(Asia-Pacific & Global)
Students
(Grades 9,10 CP & DP1)
Updated schedule will be provided closer to the date.
At the conclusion of the event, you will be able to turn insight into direction, as the valuable lessons will shape your next academic and leadership steps in sport.
Gain valuable insight into how large-scale international multi-sport environments are prepared and delivered, and explore the systems that support athletes and event operations.
Examine why communities support major sporting environments and how international sport events connect with culture, infrastructure, and the local stakeholders.
Explore the athlete–coach dynamics and roles within high-performance sport and begin building connections with peers from different cultural and academic backgrounds.
DAY 4 - Shigakkan University, Obu
DAY 3 - Aichi/Nagoya 2026 Games Visit
DAY 2 - Shigakkan University & Nagoya City
DAY 1 - Shigakkan University, Obu
YOUR EXPERIENCE IN JAPAN, DAY BY DAY
The Shigakkan University Campus in Obu, will be used for the GEP Campus, the basis for the operations of the Games Experience Programmes.
The Games Campus concept is the base of the Games Experience Programme and at the heart of learning at Games-time.
One of the key objectives of the GEP is to create an international forum of students. The campus setting:
- facilitates interaction among participants
- provides networking opportunities for participants from various schools to exchange ideas
GEP CAMPUS & ACCOMMODATION
Sport Management
Career & Academic
Leadership Skills
*
*
*
*
* AFEC Schools & CRS, International Sports Management students will recieve an extra 10% discount on the above prices.
JPY 187,230 Early Bird Discount
JPY 208,000 Standard Rate
JPY 289,560 Standard Rate
JPY 268,670 Early Bird Discount
No Accommodation
Early Bird registration closes: 29th May 2026
- 4 Days Experience Programme
- Lunch Break on site
- Local Transportation
- 5 nights Accomodation including Breakfast (if selected)
- Free chaperone place on 1:5 ratio
USD $1,200 Early Bird Discount
USD $1,340 Standard Rate
No Accommodation
USD $1,730 Early Bird Discount
USD $1,860 Standard Rate
PROGRAMME PRICING
For further information and any questions please contact afec@worldacademysport.com
Group and school packages available. Please fill out the contact form and we will be in touch.
For pupils and parents please contact your school coordinator to express your interest.
Japan is re-emerging as a leader in sport and major event delivery. The GEP provides a unique educational lens into this evolving landscape.
REGISTER INTEREST
JOIN US IN JAPAN
*Pricing Information
All fees displayed on this website are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute a binding offer or contractual agreement.
Additional costs may apply, including but not limited to transportation, visa processing, meals, and optional programme components.
Chaperone accommodation is included at a ratio of 1:5 (one chaperone per five students). For groups with fewer than five students, please contact us for revised pricing.
The confirmed invoice issued upon enrolment and acceptance into the programme shall represent the final and binding programme fee.
Important Information
The Graduate Experience Programme (GEP) is delivered by Shigakkan University and the World Academy of Sport as an independent educational programme. References to the Aichi/Nagoya 2026 environment relate to contextual learning opportunities and do not imply official partnership or guaranteed access to restricted Games-time operations.
Programme elements, including accommodation, site visits, speakers, and scheduling, are subject to change based on availability, institutional requirements, and health, safety, or regulatory considerations.
All participants must comply with school travel policies, visa requirements, insurance conditions, and safeguarding protocols. Final participation is subject to confirmed registration, payment terms, and minimum enrolment thresholds.port.
Safeguarding Statement
Games Experience Programme (GEP)
Delivered by Shigakkan University and the World Academy of Sport (WAoS)
The safety, wellbeing, and dignity of all participants are central to the design and delivery of the Graduate Experience Programme (GEP). Shigakkan University and the World Academy of Sport are committed to maintaining a secure, respectful, and professionally supervised learning environment for all students.
The GEP operates under the following safeguarding principles:
1. Duty of Care
- All activities are structured, supervised, and scheduled within clearly defined programme parameters.
- A built-in supervision model provides a minimum ratio of one approved chaperone per five students.
- Daily briefings, attendance checks, and clearly communicated expectations are embedded within the programme structure.
2. Safe Learning Environment
- Programme activities take place within approved venues and campus facilities.
- Students are accommodated in designated, organised accommodation arrangements.
- Clear codes of conduct apply to all participants and staff.
3. Staff & Partner Responsibility
- Programme delivery is managed by experienced educational and event professionals.
- Staff and chaperones are required to adhere to institutional safeguarding standards and behavioural expectations.
- Concerns relating to student welfare are addressed promptly through established reporting channels.
4. Student Conduct & Wellbeing
- Participants are expected to:
- Respect cultural norms and local laws
- Follow school and programme behavioural guidelines
- Act in a manner consistent with international student travel standards
- Support mechanisms are in place to address wellbeing concerns, including pastoral check-ins and clear escalation pathways where required.
5. Collaboration with Schools
- The GEP works in partnership with participating schools to ensure alignment with each institution’s safeguarding policies, travel approvals, and risk management procedures.
- Shigakkan University and the World Academy of Sport recognise that safeguarding is an ongoing responsibility. Continuous review of operational procedures, supervision structures, and risk mitigation strategies forms part of the programme’s commitment to student protection and responsible international education delivery.
Experience sport leadership in action.
Become part of the next generation shaping the future of global sport.
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