direct exchange with AKITA INTERNATIONAL university

DATES:
Fall Semester: August 24/25 to December 22
Spring Semester: April to July

Note: The academic year in Japan begins in April and runs through the end of March. Students are welcome to attend either spring or fall semester or a full year.

COST: Mason Tuition, $125 Application Fee, $300 Administrative Fee ($500 for year long), and Room and Board (~$4500) are paid to Akita International University. International Airfare, Passport, Visa Fees and Personal Expenses are not included in these costs.

CREDITS: Students may transfer up to 16 credits per semester back to Mason, provided the letter grade is a "C" or above. The courses are transfer credit, and therefore will not factor into the GPA of the participant.

Students may enroll in a variety of courses in Art, Biology, Chemistry, Chinese Language, Communications, Economics, Education, English, Environmental Science, French Language, Global Studies, History, Health, Japan Studies, Japanese Language, Korean Language, Political Science, Russian Language, Sociology and more. Most courses are conducted in English.

HOUSING: Exchange students are guaranteed housing in one of three residence complexes, usually housed in doubles with a Japanese roommate.

CONTACT: Email Joelle Williams or call (703) 993-2161

APPLICATION DEADLINES:
Spring Semester: October 7
Fall Semester: March 1

A new exchange program for GMU students! Founded just recently in 2004, Akita International University is still young and growing, yet on the cutting edge of internationalization. AIU offers all English coursework in Global Business and Global Studies, with a focus on Japanese studies and Japanese language for exchange students.

AIU mascot "ONE"

Interior view of Akita's beautiful library

With a student body of less than 1000, small class sizes are the norm here. AIU ensures a supportive and personalized learning experience. In a city the size of Akita, chances to bond with local students and residents abound. Discover the "real" Japan up north in Akita, away from the hustle and bustle of the huge and sometimes overwhelming urban sprawl of Tokyo, yet within 30 from Akita's JR railway station, when you need your city dose. Try your hand at rice farming, the traditional way! Learn how to balance dozens of glowing lanterns overhead in a street parade! Exchange students are encouraged to participate in numerous student clubs and activities, ranging from sports and dance to traditional Japanese art forms, such as aikido, calligraphy, and even a club dedicated to preparation for Akita's annual Kanto (lantern balancing) Festival.

Thousands of lanterns are balanced precariously and paraded through streets during the Kanto Lantern Festival.

Host families may be arranged for exchange students through the Home Visit Program of the local cultural exchange program, matching students with local families with whom they can meet on a regular basis throughout the semester.

Located along the Sea of Japan in northwest Japan, Akita Prefecture offers students the ideal setting for study abroad, with lush natural surroundings, close proximity to Akita City, and opportunities for involvement with the local community, including traditional festivals and rice farming. Heavy snowfall in the region make it ideal for winter sports while natural hot springs (onsen) allow for year-round relaxation.

Kansaku Shrine on Lake Tazawako, one of Japan's largest lakes, outside of Akita.

MORE HELPFUL LINKS:
http://www.aiu.ac.jp/en/aiu/doc/Akita.swf
http://www.japan-guide.com/blog/schauwecker/081027.html


HOW TO APPLY: Consult the How to Apply section, complete the online application, and pay the $125 application fee. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please contact the program officer for further application forms and instructions.


NOTE: This program is open to Mason students ONLY. Students must be at least a second semester sophomore at the time of departure and have a minimum 2.5 GPA. Students should not study abroad the last semester of senior year if they plan to graduate on time.

*CGE reserves the right to make changes to a program in light of currency fluctuations, changing security and safety conditions, or any other unforeseen circumstances.