Group photo of JASC and KASC delegates inside the United Nations General Assembly Hall, highlighting international student diplomacy and cross-cultural leadership.
KASC delegates smiling in front of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C., during the Korea-America Student Conference, showcasing youth diplomacy in action.

International Student Conferences

Since 1934, ISC’s programs have united students across borders to spark bold discussions, build lifelong friendships, and pioneer solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges.

Learn About ISC Choose Your Conference
Two JASC delegates posing with a costumed samurai actor in Japan, capturing cultural immersion and people-to-people exchange in U.S.–Japan
KASC delegate playfully posing in front of a colorful wall mural in Busan, South Korea during a cultural activity, representing student-led U.S.–Korea exchange.

Our Conferences

From New York to Seoul to Tokyo to Beijing and beyond, ISC offers three flagship programs — each led by students, for students. Every conference is a chance to explore complex issues, experience a new culture, and join a global network of changemakers.

Cherry blossoms in full bloom with Mount Fuji in the background, symbolizing Japan and linking to the Japan–America Student Conference (JASC) page.

Japan-America Student Conference (JASC)

Application Open
Traditional hanok rooftops line a quiet street in Bukchon Hanok Village, with Seoul Tower visible in the background at sunrise.

Korea-America Student Conference (KASC)

Application Open
A bronze guardian lion sits before the richly detailed Hall of Supreme Harmony in Beijing’s Forbidden City, symbolizing China’s imperial history and cultural heritage.

China-America Student Conference (ChASC)

Why We’re Different — The Student-Led Model

The Only Fully Student-Led International Exchange of Its Kind

ISC trusts students to identify the most urgent issues of our time — and lead the conversations that matter.

Our programs aren’t designed by staff in offices. They’re built from the ground up by elected Executive Committees of students from each participating country. These students choose the themes, invite speakers, and run every part of the program.

Because the agenda is student-set, participants have the freedom to innovate, ask bold questions, and test new ideas. This model builds leadership skills while fostering creativity, ownership, resilience, and lifelong networks that extend far beyond the conference.

Historic photo of Japan-America Student Conference (JASC) delegates aboard the Taiyō Maru , featuring American and Japanese students together during one of the earliest sessions of the student-led exchange.

90 Years of Building Global Connections

The Japan-America Student Conference (JASC) began in 1934, making it the world’s oldest student-led international exchange. In 1979, International Student Conferences, Inc. (ISC) was established to carry its mission forward.

From that first gathering in Tokyo to today’s global network of more than 6,000 alumni, our mission has remained the same: to build mutual understanding, friendship, and trust through student-led dialogue.

Our History

Our Story Explore The Archive
KASC delegates share tea and conversation in a traditional Korean teahouse, experiencing cultural immersion and hospitality.

Invest in the Next Generation of Global Leaders

Your gift ensures students from all backgrounds can participate in ISC’s life-changing programs — gaining the skills, confidence, and networks to lead in a global context.

Two JASC delegates pose together at a traditional Japanese shrine, highlighting cross-cultural exchange and student friendship during the Japan–America Student Conference.
Three JASC delegates standing between American and Japanese flags, celebrating international friendship and student diplomacy.
Delegates paint a mural as part of a community service project during the Korea-America Student Conference, showcasing cultural connection through art.