Office of Study Abroad
60 South Lincoln Street Washington, Pennsylvania 15301 USA
tel/ (+1) 724-503-1001 x6051 fax/ (+1) 724-250-3381 e/[email protected] http://www.washjeff.edu/study-abroad Akita International University, Akita, Japan
Dates: Fall semester: late August - late December Spring semester: mid-April - late July
Housing: Dormitory
Language of Instruction: English
Institution link: http://www.aiu.ac.jp/
Host City: Akita Prefecture is located in the northwestern part of the main island of Honshu, facing the Sea of Japan. It is the sixth largest in area among the 47 prefectures in Japan with a total population of 1,160,000. You can enjoy the four seasons and many natural wonders in Akita. Especially impressive is the Shirakami Mountain Range, one of the largest virgin forest areas of beech trees in the world. The area is registered as a UNESCO World Nature Heritage Site.
Institution: As Japan’s only university with its complete curriculum taught in English, Akita International University (AIU) creates a unique academic environment in which you can receive high-quality Japanese language instruction and, at the same time, complete advanced topical coursework in English. AIU’s faculty is comprised of scholars and expert practitioners from around the world. The diverse backgrounds of the faculty, combined with their broad range of experience, state-of-the-art pedagogy, and commitment to fostering global awareness, provide the foundation for an outstanding learning environment. Class sizes of less than 10 students are not uncommon. You may also participate in field trips and excursions. Business and economics students may visit local manufacturing plants, sake breweries and agricultural producers. Culture courses may include visits to regional museums and local hot springs (onsen) as well as opportunities to watch local carpenters build thatched-roof huts. You may also have opportunities to visit local public schools to teach about your home culture.
Program in Brief: Akita International University (AIU) is a Japanese accredited university sponsored by Akita Local Government. AIU brings together Japanese and American students in a cross-cultural living and learning environment. You can enroll in one or more semesters (full-time) to study Japanese language (no previous language study required), Japan Studies, Global Business and Global Studies courses. American students live on-campus with Japanese students and have opportunities for home-stays with Japanese families, and field trips to points of historical and cultural interest.
Academic Program & Areas of Study: The Japanese Studies Program, designed mainly for international students, focuses on Japanese culture, business, economics, politics, and history. Courses include Language and Diversity in Japan, Comparative Philosophy, World War II in Asia, Entrepreneurship in Japan, Japanese and East Asian Architecture, Japanese Economy, Education Systems, and Corporate Finance in Japan. The Global Business Program is modeled after those at top business schools with a focus on such areas as marketing, finance, international business, entrepreneurship, leadership and strategy. AIU business faculty have graduated from Harvard, Princeton, University of Chicago, UC-Berkeley, University of Tokyo, Keio, Waseda and other prominent universities and have had careers at Citibank, AT&T, Ford Motor Company, Mitsui Venture Capital, Nomura Securities and other global companies. The Global Studies Program examines forces in politics, law, society, culture, media and economics that are bringing about an increasingly interdependent world. This program focuses on the relationships of North America and Asia, with a special focus on China.
Student Life: Given AIU’s small size, you will have many opportunities to participate in campus life. University clubs include many different sports, martial arts (Akido, Kendo, Shorinji-Kempo), music, dance, broadcasting, and more. Students receive a high level of support.
Housing & Meals: You will be housed in a single or double room with internet access. Every two dorm rooms share a common bathroom. The residence hall has a lounge with newspapers, a study room, satellite television, laundry facilities and administrative offices to assist students. Campus food service provides breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the cafeteria.
For more information, contact the Office of Study Abroad.