Lin Kobayashi founded UWC ISAK Japan, a residential high school that opened in Karuizawa in 2014. UWC is an international education organization with a history reaching back almost 60 years that aims to cultivate courageous action, selfless leadership, peace and a sustainable future through education. Most students who attend UWC schools are selected to attend by national committees in 165 countries and territories worldwide. On August 1, 2017, UWC ISAK Japan became the 17th UWC. Prior to UWC ISAK, Lin had worked for UNICEF in the Philippines, where she programmed non-formal education projects for street children. She holds an MA in Education from Stanford University and a BA from the University of Tokyo. She was selected as Young Global Leader from the World Economic Forum in 2012, Change-maker of the Year 2013 by Nikkei Business, Woman of the Year 2015 by Nikkei Woman, Yale World Fellow 2017, and EY Entrepreneur Of The Year (Exceptional Growth) in Japan in 2019. She is also a member of the UWC International Board and Japan Advisory Board for the World Economic Forum.