To survive the challenging MBA program at Hitotsubashi ICS, students need to be physically fit and to learn how to cooperate with each other. In order to experience the importance of physical fitness and cooperation, the entering class at Hitotsubashi ICS undergo a 2-day team-building exercise at the start of its academic year prior to the beginning of classes.
On Day 1 of team-building, the new students who have just met a day or two before go through several ice-breaker exercises to help facilitate communication. They then proceed to low-element challenges to experience problem solving in teams, out-of box-concepts, mutual trust, and so forth.
Day 2 is for high-element challenges. The students climb some 40 feet above ground, walking on elements such as a high balance beam. Because safety is a top priority in this exercise, all students are required to wear appropriate safety gear and are supported by a belaying team who monitor their progress with a rope. In the afternoon, the students bring together the experiential lessons learned over the last two days on cooperation, communication, and mutual respect to the final two team challenges: climbing a 4-meter wall and placing a large ball on the top of a tower constructed with four beams.
