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Updated on May 22, 2015

Important Information about 2015 Summer Program

INSURANCE

The Summer Program fees do NOT include insurance. You are required to purchase comprehensive overseas travel insurance on your own BEFORE departing your home country. Coverage should include a wide range, such as disease, hospitalization, repatriation, etc., and take effect from your flight to and last until your return flight to your country of origin. Below is an example of basic overseas travel insurance coverage.

Overseas Travel Insurance Package Example

Insurable Amount Coverage Afforded JPY *Estimate in USD

Injury Death 20,000,000 JPY 165,549 USD

Injury Residual Disability 20,000,000 JPY 165,549 USD

Injury Medical Expenses 20,000,000 JPY 165,549 USD

Sickness Death 20,000,000 JPY 165,549 USD

Sickness Medical Expenses 20,000,000 JPY 165,549 USD

Emergency Reunion 20,000,000 JPY 165,549 USD

Liability 100,000,000 JPY 827,746 USD

Baggage 400,000 JPY 3,311 USD *USD=JPY 120.81 at TTS rate as of March 25, 2015.

. VISA

Japanese visa requirements differ by nationality, purpose of visit, and length of intended period of stay. Please check the “67 Countries and Regions for Visa Exemptions” page at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan website, below, to confirm if you are required to obtain a visa. http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/short/novisa.html *If your country does NOT have a visa exemption agreement with Japan, or if you have any questions about visas, please contact the nearest Japanese Embassy or Consulate General in your country of residence.

If your country does not have a visa exemption agreement with Japan, we encourage you to apply for the “Long-Term Stay General Visa: College Student (留学) ” instead of the “Short-Term Stay Visa (短期滞在) ” to ensure your period of stay will cover the six week Summer Program.

We are aware of cases where visitors with a short-term stay visa were granted only 30 days of stay at the time of landing permission (when entering Japan). Therefore, when consulting with the Japanese Embassy or General Consulate, please mention this fact to them and ask what kind of visa will be most appropriate.

The documents necessary for a visa application differ depending on the purpose, nationality of applicant, etc. Please note that we will provide you with supporting documents if you require any; however, it is YOUR sole responsibility to apply and obtain your visa.

For more information about Japanese visas, please refer to the following websites: http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/index.html http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/system/index.html

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. TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS (ARRIVAL)

An Arrival Form will be provided online at the end of April 2015 and you will be requested to inform us on how you will come to .

PICK-UP SERVICE You are requested to check-in at the Residence Hall during the designated hours below on Monday, June 15. AIU will provide a pick-up service from JR (Akita Train Station), Akita Airport, and Hotel Plaza Crypton at the designated hours on June 15 ONLY (a detailed pick-up schedule will be made available with the aforementioned Arrival Form). You will then be taken to AIU to check into the campus housing. Please note that you cannot check-in before June 15.

*Check-In Hours* Monday, June 15, 2015: 9:30AM – 4:00PM *You are required to attend the Opening Ceremony and Orientation at 4:30 PM on June 15. Please arrange your travel plans accordingly.

  Meeting Point at JR Akita Station (Akita Train Station): Bus Stop No. 5 at East Exit Bus Pool Please note that there are two bus pools at JR Akita Station; one at the West Exit side (西口/Nishi-guchi) and the other at the East Exit side (東口/Higashi-guchi). The AIU bus will be at Bus Stop No. 5 on the East Exit side of JR Akita Station.

******************* How to get to Bus Stop No. 5 ******************

1. If arriving at JR Akita Station by Shinkansen (bullet train) or Train: Go through the Central Ticket Gate and walk left toward the East Exit (東口/Higashi-guchi) If arriving at the West Exit side of JR Akita Station by Bus: Take the stairs or escalator upstairs in the JR Akita Station building and walk toward the East Exit (東口/Higashi-guchi). 2. Take the stairs or elevator downstairs (at the East Exit side), you will see the Bus and Taxi stops. 3. Go to Bus Stop No. 5 (this is where you will meet AIU staff and be picked up). *If you are arriving at the East Exit side of JR Akita Station by bus, just simply walk to Bus Stop No. 5. ***************************************************

 Meeting Point at Akita Airport: Arrival Gate AIU staff will be in front of the arrival gate for pick-up. It will not be difficult to recognize the AIU staff since there is only one domestic arrival gate and one international gate at Akita Airport.

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 Meeting Point at Hotel Plaza Crypton: Hotel Lobby On-campus housing will not be available before the check-in time/date. If you plan to arrive at Akita Airport earlier than the designated day, Hotel Plaza Crypton, AIU’s guest house, is conveniently located near campus within walking distance. Hotel Plaza Crypton is a 10-minute taxi ride from the Akita Airport and is located right next door to the campus. If you would like to make a reservation for a room at Hotel Plaza Crypton, the reservation form is on the last page of this document. AIU staff will be at the hotel lobby for pick-up on Monday, June 15.

OTHER HOTEL INFORMATION IN AKITA CITY If you plan to arrive at JR Akita Station (Akita Train Station) earlier than the designated day, and if you would like to stay in a hotel in Akita City, you may want to stay at “Toyoko Inn, Akita-eki Higashiguchi,” located near the Meeting Point at JR Akita Station indicated above (Bus Stop No. 5 at East Exit Bus Pool). Please see the information about the hotel and reservation at the following website: https://yoyaku.4and5.com/reserve/html/rvpc_myPageTop.html

For other hotels in Akita City, please refer to the following website: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g298239-Akita_Akita_Prefecture_Tohoku-Hotels.html

☞ Note:  Reservation must be directly made between the student and a hotel.  AIU is NOT responsible for any problems or inconveniences related to the reservation.  AIU will provide a pick-up service from Hotel Plaza Crypton on Monday, June 15, but not from other hotels.

TRANSPORTATION If you are coming to AIU campus on your own, the following information may be useful:

■ Taxi Akita Airport to AIU approx. 1,800 JPY 10 min. JR Akita Station to AIU approx. 7,500 JPY 30 min. Wada Station to AIU approx. 1,800 JPY 10 min. *Please note that taxi fares vary depending on traffic and weather conditions.

■ From Akita Airport to AIU AIU is a 10-minute taxi ride from Akita Airport and will cost approximately 1,800 JPY.

■ From JR Akita Station to AIU A taxi from JR Akita Station takes about 30 minutes to campus. The other option is by train and bus/taxi as follows:

JR Akita Station Take the Ōu-Honsen Line (bound for Shinjo, Yuzawa, Yokote,or Innai). ↓to Wada Station Take a bus for Akita International University. The Japanese characters written on the bus is: (2 stops/ 国際教養大学 (Kokusai-Kyoyo-Daigaku) Approx. 15 min) Or take a taxi (see the price above). You can find the bus timetable from Wada Station to the campus at: http://web.aiu.ac.jp/en/access

If you take a taxi from Akita Airport or JR Akita Station to AIU campus and you are not confident whether you can tell the taxi driver your destination correctly, please show the below script to the driver, which asks to take you to AIU campus Residence Hall “ Hall” and also includes the address and phone number of AIU, just in case.

国際教養大学のこまち寮までお願いします。 住所は、秋田市雄和椿川字奥椿岱193-3です。 国際教養大学事務局の電話番号は、018-886-5900です。

When you arrive at the Residence Hall “Komachi Hall,” please sign-in to receive your room key and information about the orientation sessions at the Check-In Desk or Residence Hall Office. Please contact the following numbers in case of emergency: 018-886-5936, 018-886-5937 (Center for International Affairs), 018-886-5900 (AIU Main phone number), or 080-2809-0776 (Center for International Affairs mobile for emergencies). - 3 -

☞ Note: There are four universities in Akita with similar English names: 1) Akita University (秋田大学 – Akita Daigaku) 2) Akita Prefectural University (秋田県立大学 – Akita Kenritsu Daigaku) 3) Akita University of Art (秋田公立美術大学 – Akita Koritsu Bijutsu Daigaku) 4) Akita International University (国際教養大学 – Kokusai-Kyoyo-Daigaku)

In case you need to ask people how to get to AIU campus, or if you take a taxi, please ask for Kokusai-Kyoyo-Daigaku. Note that the word “Akita” is not included in AIU’s Japanese name.

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HOW TO GET TO AKITA Your travel arrangements are your sole responsibility (below are some examples).

FLIGHT ARRANGEMENTS ______✈ Flight Connections from Korea Route 1: Incheon International Airport, Seoul ⇒ Akita Airport ⇒ AIU Incheon Intl Airplane (2hr+30min) ↓ Three direct flights per week between Akita and Seoul by (KE). Details on website: https://www.koreanair.com/global/en.html Akita Airport (7 min) ↓ AIU Pick-up Bus AIU

______✈ Access from Tokyo to AIU Route 1: Narita International Airport ⇒ (Tokyo International Airport) ⇒ Akita Airport ⇒ AIU Narita Airport Airport Limousine Bus – purchase ticket to Haneda Airport (3,100 JPY) from (65-85 min) ↓ the Limousine Bus Counter at Narita Airport. Airport Limousine Bus Website: http://www.limousinebus.co.jp/en/ Haneda Airport (60 min) ↓ Airplane – Purchase ticket in advance. Fees may vary. Akita Airport (7 min) ↓ AIU Pick-up bus AIU

Caution! When taking the Airport Limousine Bus to Haneda Airport, please be aware that (ANA) and (JAL) depart from different terminals, and make sure to get off the bus at the correct bus stop. For further information, please visit the following links:  Narita International Airport: http://www.narita-airport.or.jp/airport_e/  Haneda Airport (Tokyo International Airport): http://www.tokyo-airport-bldg.co.jp/en/  Narita Airport Access Planner: http://naa.ivcreation.com/pc_us/  All Nippon Airways (ANA): http://www.ana.co.jp/asw/AMCTopServlet?type=use  Japan Airlines (JAL): http://www.jal.co.jp/en/

Please remember that Narita International Airport and Haneda Airport (Tokyo International Airport) are two different airports. They are NOT located close to each other. It takes more than an hour to get from Narita to Haneda or vice versa by limousine bus or by train, so please plan accordingly.

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Route 2: Narita Airport ⇒ Tokyo Station ⇒ JR Akita Station ⇒ AIU Narita Airport Narita Express Train (Ordinary Cars - 3,020 JPY) Narita Express Train Website: http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/nex/ (60-90 min) ↓ You can purchase your tickets all the way to Akita at Narita Airport JR Ticket Window. Tokyo Station Shinkansen (Bullet Train) – Purchase ticket at Midori-no-Madoguchi (4 hr) ↓ (JR Ticket Window) at Narita Airport or Tokyo Station. Cost is approximately 20,000 JPY (One-way) JR Akita Station (30 min) ↓ AIU Pick-up Bus AIU

Route 3: Narita Airport ⇒ Tokyo Station ⇒ JR Akita Station ⇒ AIU Narita Airport Airport Limousine Bus – purchase ticket to Tokyo Station (3,100 JPY) from the (75-125 min) ↓ Limousine Bus Counter at Narita Airport. Airport Limousine Bus Website: http://www.limousinebus.co.jp/en/ Tokyo Station (9hr+10min) ↓ Night Bus - (9 hours 10 minutes). One way is approximately 10,000 JPY. JR Akita Station (30 min) ↓ AIU Pick-up Bus AIU

______✈ Access from Osaka to AIU Route 1: Kansai International Airport ⇒ (Osaka International Airport) ⇒ Akita Airport ⇒ AIU Kansai Int’l Airport ↓ Limousine Bus – purchase ticket at Kansai International Airport (1,950 JPY) (70-85 min) http://www.kansai-airport.or.jp/en/access/bus/index.html Itami Airport (1hr+25min) ↓ Airplane – Purchase ticket in advance. Fees may vary. Akita Airport (7 min) ↓ AIU Pick-up bus AIU

______✈ Access from Nagoya to AIU Route 1: Centrair (Chubu Centrair International Airport, Nagoya) ⇒ Akita Airport ⇒ AIU Centrair (1hr+25min) ↓ Airplane – Purchase ticket in advance. Fees may vary. Akita Airport (7 min) ↓ AIU pick-up bus AIU

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POST ARRIVAL SCHEDULE / TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS (DEPARTURE)

The schedule for a few days after your arrival will be as follows:

Check-in (9:30 AM – 4:00 PM) Opening Ceremony, Orientation (Starts at 4:30 PM) Monday, June 15: *You are required to attend the Opening Ceremony and Orientation. Please arrange your travel plans accordingly. Japanese Placement Test (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM) Tuesday, June 16: Orientation, Announcement of Test Results, Welcome Dinner (1:00 PM -)

Wednesday, June 17: Japanese Language Classes Begin

JAPANESE PLACEMENT TEST You will be assigned to a class according to your results on the Japanese Placement Test on June 16, 2015.

ATTENDANCE IN CLASS Please note that if you miss class, field trips, Japanese culture workshops, and conversation classes, etc., (which are all part of the summer program) it will negatively affect your grade.

CHECK-OUT The last day of the summer program is Friday, July 24. You may not check-out before 3:00 PM on July 24. Please make your travel plans accordingly.

The schedule for July 24 is as follows:

Friday, July 24

9:00 AM – 10:50 AM Last Class

11:00 AM – 12:30 PM Closing Ceremony

12:30 PM – Lunch Bedding and Room Inspection 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM  Check-out (3:00 PM – 5:00 PM)

You are allowed to stay at the Residence Hall after July 24 if you wish without paying extra cost for housing. However, you will need to pay for your own meals in cash after lunch on July 24. All students are required to check-out by 5:00 PM on Friday, July 31.

☞ Note: AIU will NOT provide a drop-off service. You will need to arrange transportations to JR Akita Station or Akita Airport on your own.

PAYMENT FOR DAMAGE TO ON-CAMPUS RESIDENCES Students are required to pay for damages before checking out of the residences. If you share a room, the cost of damages will be divided between both students unless responsibility for the damage is identified by the university as having been caused by only one of the students. If damage is found in common areas such as the lobby, the kitchen, and hallways, all residents will be responsible for recovery of the damage on a pro-rated basis per resident. We expect all students to take proper care of AIU facilities.

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LIFE ON CAMPUS

Housing Information Please refer to the following website:. http://www.aiu.ac.jp/international/en/in/summer-program/student-life/

Telephone Calls  Domestic Calls Public telephones accept ¥10 and ¥100 coins and/or prepaid telephone cards, which are different from calling cards. One local call costs 10 yen per minute. If you put in two ¥10 coins and speak for less than one minute, one of the coins will be returned to you. No change is given for partial use of a ¥100 coin. Prepaid telephone cards cost ¥1,000 and are available from vending machines, kiosks at train stations, and convenience stores. Charges for inter-city calls and calls to cell phones vary according to the distance and time. Domestic calls may be less expensive at night and on Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays.

 Telephone Use on AIU Campus Room telephones in Komachi Hall are available only for internal calls. There are no public phones on AIU campus; therefore, we suggest that you use a VoIP (Internet-based phone service) to make domestic and international calls. If you would like to receive outside calls, you need to use your own cell phone or phone software with your own computer.

Internet Access You can access the Internet with your own computer by using an Ethernet cable in your room, or wireless in the Komachi Hall lobby, library, or Student Hall. Use of phone software is acceptable in on-campus residences, but not in the computer laboratories.

Electricity Electricity in Akita is 100 V AC/50 Hz and plugs are 2-flat-pin style, as pictured. Please bring any necessary transformers / converters / adaptors from your home country.

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THINGS TO BRING

Since you will be in Akita during our summer months, bring light summer clothes and a warmer jacket to wear in the evening. You will be provided with a bed, mattress, sheet, comforter, comforter cover, blanket, blanket cover, pillow, and pillow case. You should bring a towel and face cloth with you.

Important Documents and Finances  Passport* and airline tickets (*Make sure you have a valid passport. If your current passport will expire during your stay in Japan, make sure that you renew it before leaving your home country.)  Cash (Japanese yen) and Credit card (Visa, MasterCard, etc.)  Acceptance letter to our summer program  Overseas Travel Insurance Policy and Information / Proof of enrollment

Clothing and Accessories  Casual clothes for daily wear  Exercise Clothes / Comfortable Clothes (For some culture workshops, i.e. Aikido, Zazen)  Thin collarless shirt/clothes to wear under Kimono/Yukata in Kimono-wearing workshop  Formal clothes for the Closing Ceremony (such as button-down shirts, and pants other than jeans)

Health Hygiene  Toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothbrush, etc.)  Towel and face cloth  Eyeglasses and eye care requirements, and a copy of your prescription (in case of emergency)  Prescription medication (if needed) *Please see below for details:

Medication and Prescription Bring a sufficient supply of all medications you will need in their original containers, clearly labeled. If you are bringing medication with you, carry a signed, dated letter from your physician describing your medical condition and listing all medications prescribed to you (including generic names). If you need to carry syringes or needles, be sure to carry a physician’s letter documenting in detail their medical necessity. Pack all medications in your carry-on luggage. Carry an additional supply of prescription medicines in your checked luggage.

It is illegal to bring some over-the-counter medicines commonly used in the United States or other countries to Japan, including inhalers and some allergy and sinus medications. Some foreign prescription medications cannot be imported into Japan, even when accompanied by a customs declaration and a copy of the prescription. Japanese physicians can often prescribe similar, but not identical, substitutes. If you want to bring prescription medication that must be taken frequently, you should consult the Japanese Embassy in your country before departure to confirm whether you will be allowed to bring the particular medication into Japan. Japanese customs officials do not make on-the-spot "humanitarian" exceptions for medicines that are prohibited from entry into Japan.

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MONEY AND COST

In addition to Summer Program fees, students will need to pay for the costs listed below and other personal expenses including international/domestic travel, shopping for personal items and other incidentals while in Akita.

Textbooks Please check which textbook will be used for classes below: JPL120, JPL125: Genki Vol. I (Second edition) approx. 3,800 yen Genki Vol. I workbook (Second edition) approx. 1,800 yen JPL220: Genki Vol. II (Second edition) approx. 3,800 yen Genki Vol. II workbook (Second edition) approx. 1,800 yen

If you already have your own textbook and workbook, you do not have to buy a new one after your arrival at AIU. If you do not, you will need to buy two books (textbook and workbook) for your course. Please note that you will be assigned to a class according to your results on the Japanese Placement Test on June 16, 2015.

Transportation fees Public buses from campus to the nearest train station and to the shopping mall cost 160 yen one-way.

Taxis are expensive. Taxies are available at Taxi Boarding Areas at airports, large train stations, hotels, shopping areas, and can be requested by phone.

The nearest train station to the campus, Wada Station, is the 2nd station from JR Akita Station in downtown Akita City. The train fare between Akita Station and Wada Station is 240 yen.

Laundry Washing machines: JPY 100 per use (40 min.) Dryers: JPY 100 per use (40 min.)

Japan is a cash-based society. Japanese people tend to carry large amounts of cash on their persons, and it is relatively safe to do so. While in Japan, and especially rural Japan, you should, too, as many businesses will not accept cards, but always be mindful of your money. As you will be tied up with orientation, classes, etc. during the summer program, we recommend you to exchange currencies for Japanese yen before arriving at Akita. Please note that there is no place where you can exchange currencies at Akita Airport or JR Akita Station.

Credit Cards We strongly recommend bringing a valid credit card with you to Japan. VISA, MasterCard, Diners Club and American Express are acceptable at most banks, hotels, and many stores and restaurants in large cities, however, they are NOT accepted at many stores, restaurants and medical institutions in Akita. Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Diners Club can be used at AEON, a large shopping center near the campus. Having a credit card will be useful for booking return flights or purchasing anything else on the internet while you are in Japan. You can use your credit card in Japan ONLY if the original contract between you and your credit card company allows use in foreign countries. Please verify this before coming to Japan.

ATM Withdrawal Foreign credit cards from the Cirrus, Plus, Maestro and Visa Electronic card networks can be used at Post Office ATMs in locations throughout Japan. ATM cards, even with the “Cirrus” or “Plus” logo on the back, cannot be used to withdraw cash in Japanese yen at local banks or bank ATM machines in Akita. Major credit cards usually can only be used to borrow money at local banks. Japanese post offices provide saving services in addition to postal services. Post offices where this service is available display stickers indicating which cards are acceptable. There are several post offices accessible by bus from the campus which accept cards. The maximum amount that can be withdrawn at a time is limited to 30,000 yen.

Please note that you will need to take public transportation to go to AEON or to the nearest Post Office. They are NOT located within walking distance of AIU; therefore, we recommend you to bring some cash with you.

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ACADEMIC INFORMATION

Grading System and Policies Please refer to the following website: http://www.aiu.ac.jp/international/en/in/academic/grading-system/

Mailing Official Academic Transcripts and Grade Summary For students from one of AIU’s partner universities: One official academic transcript will be sent to your home institution from AIU’s Division of Student Records about two weeks after the semester ends. If you are not from an AIU partner university, an official academic transcript will not be sent without request. If you would like to receive additional transcripts, please request them through the Division of Student Affairs. The postage fee should be covered by the student. A grade summary will be also available to all students for free of charge. In order to receive grade summary, you need to submit your mailing address to Division of Student Records before your departure from AIU. Detailed information will be provided during the Leaving-Japan Orientation.

AIU REGULATIONS

Please refer to the following website: http://www.aiu.ac.jp/international/en/in/after-arrival-information/aiu-regulations/

OTHER INFORMATION

Information about Japan Japan Travel Information: http://www.japantravelinfo.com/top/index.php Japan Guide: http://www.japan-guide.com/

Information about Akita Akita Comprehensive Tourism Guide: http://www.akitafan.com/en/index.html

PROGRAM SCHEDULE

Below is the tentative schedule for the 2015 Summer Program. The content of program schedule and Japanese language class are subject to change. The finalized schedule and more detailed information will be available upon your arrival.

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AIU Campus Map

Komachi Hall (where you will be living during the Summer Program) Akita International University 193-3 Aza-Okutsubakidai, Tsubakikawa, Yuwa, Akita city, Akita 010-1211 Japan

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Hotel Plaza Crypton Reservation Form for Newly Admitted Exchange/Study Abroad Students of Akita International University

FAX: +81-(0)18-882-4821 Email: [email protected] 38-4 Uwamatsurisawa, Kawabe-Toshima, Akita-City, Akita 019-2611, Japan Please send the completed form to Hotel Plaza Crypton by FAX or Email. Notes: 1) This form is to be exclusively used for room booking by newly admitted exchange/study abroad students of Akita International University. Students who are already enrolled in AIU and degree-seeking students at AIU may not use this form. 2) Reservation must be directly made between the student and Hotel Plaza Crypton. 3) AIU is not responsible for any problems or inconveniences related to this reservation.

Date of Application: / / Sender: Name Email Address TEL (including country code) FAX* (including country code) * Confirmation will be returned to the sender by FAX or Email.

Room Information: Single Room 5,500 JPY Twin Room Reserved for One Guest 7,500 JPY Room Preference Japanese-Style Room for One Guest 7,500 JPY (Please circle one room type) Twin Room Reserved for Two Guests 10,000 JPY Japanese-Style Room for Two Guests 10,000 JPY Breakfast (please circle selection) None For One Guest ( 900 JPY) For Two Guests (1800 JPY)

Guest Information: Guest 1 Guest 2 Name Name in KATAKANA (if known) Sex Date of Check-in Date of Check-out Expected Time of Arrival

NOTE: The room fees listed above are specially discounted rates for those related to AIU. However, the following dates are exempted from this special arrangement: August 3-6, and August 24. Cancellation Policy: If you cancel your reservation on the day of arrival, 100% of the room fee will be charged as a cancellation fee.

I hereby confirm that I fully understand the above cancellation policy and agree to take all responsibility for this room reservation. Signature Date

Reservation Dear Confirmation □ We confirm your reservation. We look forward to welcoming you!

□ We regret to inform you our rooms are fully booked on the requested date(s).

Signature Stamp Date

If you have any questions about the hotel reservation, please contact AIU’s Center for International Affairs by Email: [email protected] or at TEL: +81-(0)18-886-5936/5937. Services in English are not available at Plaza Crypton.

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