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W&M Exchange- Akita (Exchange Program) (Outgoing Program) Featured:

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  • Locations: Akita, Japan
  • Program Terms: Academic Year, Fall, Spring
  • Homepage: Click to visit
  • Restrictions: W&M applicants only
  • This program is currently not accepting applications.
Fact Sheet:
Fact Sheet:
Click here for a definition of this term Study Abroad Advisor: Molly DeStafney (mldestafney@wm.edu) Click here for a definition of this term Program Type: WM Exchange
Click here for a definition of this term Language of Instruction: English Click here for a definition of this term Language Requirements: None
Click here for a definition of this term GPA Requirement: 3.0 Click here for a definition of this term Host Institution: Akita International University
Click here for a definition of this term Service Component: No Click here for a definition of this term Credit Type: Transfer Credit
Prerequisites: None Click here for a definition of this term Housing Options: Apartment (shared), Double occupancy rooms, Foreign Student Dorm
Program Description:

AIU logo


Terms | Application Deadlines | Course Information | Program Fees | Housing and Meals | Eligibility
 

Akita International University (AIU) is a small, four-year liberal arts university in Akita prefecture, Japan. Under 1,000 students attend AIU, with numerous international students from over 25 countries represented on campus. AIU is known for its support for international students and prides itself in the university’s international presence. The university organizes various events, activities, and field trips providing students with a hands-on experience with Japanese culture. There are nearly 200 cross-cultural community involvement programs run each year at AIU. There are four undergraduate faculties: International Resource Sciences, Education and Human Studies, Medicine, and Engineering Sciences. The campus has a 24/7 library and is adjacent to a state-of-the-art sports facility run by the Japanese government. A 10-minute bus ride from campus is a large shopping mall where students can find groceries, restaurants, movies, and much more. 


The AIU campus is located in a peaceful, natural setting, but is easily accessible from downtown Akita and Akita Airport. Akita is 280 miles north of Tokyo and is known for magnificent nature, abundant festivals, and sites such as Kakunodate (a 17th Century samurai town). Akita is famous for its many skiing and snowboarding resorts, while other times of year will allow for excellent hiking, canoeing, and fishing, and opportunities to participate in unique traditions.  


A Note on Exchange Programs:  
Exchange programs require a balance of sending and receiving students, therefore exchange programs may not consistently be available in the semester you are seeking to study abroad.  Please inquire with the GEO Advisor for the most up-to-date information on your program choice, and have some alternative programs in mind should the exchange program not be available or be competitive.  

Terms:
Fall Semester (September-December)
Spring Semester (April-July)
Academic Year (September-July)

Application Deadlines:
Fall Semester: March 1
Spring Semester: October 2
Academic Year: March 1

Course Information:
Students may take courses from the Japanese Language, Japan Studies, Global Studies, Business, and Basic Education programs, with the exception of EAP and Teacher’s License courses. All courses, outside of Japanese language courses, are taught in English. More course information is available here. 

Except for History, all courses must be pre or post approved: Study Abroad Transfer Credit Approval Form. History courses will be automatically approved as HIST 299 once students submit a syllabus to the Global Education Office at Reves. Please note that any courses transferring as Japanese credits (language or otherwise) can only be post-approved. Grades will not appear on transcripts or be included in GPA calculations.


Program Fees:
The tuition exchange agreement between the College of William & Mary and Akita International University allows W&M students to pay their regular tuition and fees to W&M while taking classes at AIU. Students will pay for housing, meals, and other fees on site in Akita.
 
A $75 application fee, $400 study abroad fee, and an international medical/evacuation insurance fee of $170 apply to all students, to be paid to the W&M Bursar's Office prior to the start of the program. Students are responsible for airfare and visa costs. 
 
Students participating in semester long study abroad programs must have a visa and/or required entry documents. Please familiarize yourself with the requirements prior to applying and begin the application process immediately after you are nominated for the program. As a reminder, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the end of the program.

Housing and Meals:
Room and board are paid to Akita International University. Almost 90% of all AIU students live on campus, including all short-term international students. International students are guaranteed housing in the Komachi dormitory, Global Village, or Sakura Village apartments. Students should fill out the Housing Application form once accepted. More information on housing can be found here.
 
Eligibility:
W&M student in good standing; minimum 3.0 GPA
 
For more information on this program and the steps to apply, please review the Getting Started page on our website


Dates / Deadlines:

There are currently no active application cycles for this program.

This program is currently not accepting applications.