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Studying at Akita International University has been a great experience. Through my stay at AIU, I have been enjoying the Liberal Arts curriculum, which allows students to learn a variety of subjects and equip themselves with interdisciplinary knowledge. During my stay at AIU, I found that the staff members are committed to providing a range of quality services that can support and assist you in your time here. In the completely new environment, international students might have some problems regarding their lives at AIU, but with the help of a well-organized student support service, all problems will be solved easily. I would strongly recommend that you join AIU. Your study abroad time at AIU will be full of unforgettable and valuable experiences that will definitely help you in your future career. I am sure my study abroad experience at AIU will help me go to new and exciting places, not only in my career, but also in my personal life. |
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Since I was a child, I have been interested in Japanese culture, and when I discovered I had the chance to experience my study abroad year in Japan, I became determined to use it well. AIU’s academic structure is very interesting, with the opportunity to take all my business courses in English and also continue learning Japanese language and culture, with the knowledge that most of my credits will transfer to Mexico at the end of each semester. The faculty is excellent, with professors skilled in global business and possessing real experience in some of the finest companies, both in Japan and around the world. Nevertheless, the best AIU has to offer is the student community. My schoolmates are all so friendly, diverse, and hard working, so much so that is a common sight to find dozens more at 2 am still working in the library. There are plenty of people with whom you can have interesting conversations or just go out with on the weekends. Academically, culturally and personally, I can state that coming to AIU has become one of the best experiences of my life, and would recommend it to anyone who has the opportunity. |
What does this one year of study abroad mean to me? It has truly been the best year of my life so far! All the Japanese and International students, whom I am proud to call my friends, have become a second family. They made life here so much more than just enjoyable and I will miss them dearly. To the staff, I have to say: Thank you a trillion times, for being as awesome as you are! You helped me with every problem that came up along the way; I couldn’t have made it without you. Thank you AIU for providing this great campus, where we could all live, study, play, cook, dance, hang out, etc, together. Having taken part in the various programs like bus and field trips to visit various places in Akita, I had the opportunity to meet so many lovely people and take part in so many “typically” Japanese activities. They are one of the best memories I will take home with me. To everyone who thinks about coming here: Do it, it’s awesome! |
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If you're anything like me, and your experiences of Japan so far are limited to what animé and manga could teach you, then you may find the distinct lack of giant killer robots and katana-wielding schoolgirls in the streets of Akita somewhat unsettling. You will, however, soon find that the Japanese experience is much, much better than you have imagined. AIU is located smack-dab in the middle of some of the most gorgeous scenery on the planet, and while you won't find a bustling metropolis right outside your front door, the city of Akita, with restaurants and all-you-can-drink karaoke awaits you, with a big mall and the megastore Manga Soko, which has many comic books and models of the aforementioned giant killer robots. If you're afraid of becoming lost in a sea of unfamiliarity, then fear not. It is a certain kind of person who comes to study in Japan, and AIU's main strength is that you will find common interests with people from all corners of the globe, from Melbourne to Mongolia, and the University goes to great lengths to encourage integration, arranging festivities, language practice and field trips. In short, you will be a richer person after your stay here. |
I have never experienced this kind of interesting global environment. Many students from many countries are gathered here and we can communicate using different languages like English, Japanese, Korean, and so on. AIU has all sorts of special programs, especially for international students. There are a variety of field trips which students can take to famous places in Akita prefecture and community outreach programs for younger Japanese students and international students – such as the junior-high school/elementary school programs on which I myself worked. I was interested in communicating and playing with them in English and in Japanese, which I thought was an excellent opportunity to learn Japanese and English and to experience Japan. I will never forget the memories I’ve made at AIU. |
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AIU organized several bus trips for all the students around Akita which was a good chance for us to understand the local culture. Moreover, I also experienced what I like to call a “real Japanese lifestyle” through a home stay, and communicating with the host family members. I had really a good time with my host family. I met them once every month and spent one night at their home. Sometimes it was just about “experiencing” Japanese life, while sometimes they took me to festivals or museums to show me Japanese culture. I'm looking forward to the next semester, and I will never forget this experience at AIU. |
The intimate campus environment encouraged me to step up, defy the language barrier, and meet many Japanese and international friends. The rural atmosphere on campus is pleasant for daily life, with the extra-curricular entertainment of Akita City just a bus-ride away. If you are looking to try something new and experience local activities, the school does a fantastic job of providing an array of engaging opportunities. During my time here, I planted rice with farmers, learned Judo, grew and sold vegetables with the Environment Club, carried a shrine in a local Shinto festival, visited a nuclear power plant, watched live traditional Japanese theater, visited a local samurai town, and so much more. If you hear the call to embark on an exciting exploration of Japan, I would recommend AIU as the means to do so. I am eternally grateful that I was able to immerse myself in the Japanese language and culture, especially on an international stage. This kind of opportunity only comes once in a lifetime, so take it! |
 Christopher Hendrickson Ithaca College  U.S.A. |
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Since I’ve come here, my views have gained depth and width. I have met so many people from so many different countries and have made closer friends here than at my home university. For American students, especially, I think this is one of the best schools for study abroad. Denmark, Norway, South Korea, Taiwan, Britain—all of these countries and many, many more, send students to AIU, so you will find such a melting pot of cultures as I imagine old New York City to have been like. Pretty much all of the professors here are awesome people. The semester is filled with all manner of trips and activities for students—international students in particular. I have only found one thing wrong with this university—you have so much fun you never want to leave. If you have decided to come to AIU, I offer my deepest wishes that you will enjoy your time here at least half as much as I did, because then I know you’ll have a blast. |
I always lived in a city where I had to commute to school and felt rather alienated, although surrounded by people speaking the same language. At AIU you find a family environment of students sharing the same difficulties of adjusting, supported by the Japanese hospitality and everything you need within the campus. |
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