Akita International University

Akita International University's approach to international liberal arts gives students the opportunity to develop an international mindset and the flexibility and adaptability to succeed in the global economy. In addition to a curriculum focused on developing international expertise, it is Japan's only university to offer all undergraduate content courses entirely in English and to require all students to study abroad for a full year. AIU also offers an unparalleled opportunity to develop close relationships across cultural barriers and establish an international network. Approximately 20% of the student body is made up international students from over 199 exchange partner universities in 50 countries and regions. Local and international students participate in all the same small classes, clubs, and activities, and over 80% of students live on campus, allowing for daily, personal interaction.The Professional Graduate School of Akita International University, named the “Graduate School of Global Communication and Language,” is truly unique and an appropriate professional graduate school for this globalized society.Our graduate school consists of three programs: English Language Teaching Practices, Japanese Language Teaching Practices, and Global Communication Practices. These three programs are intended to provide specialized courses to support the acquisition of knowledge and practice, in order to train highly specialized professionals who can play an active role in the international community.  In the AIU graduate school, all courses are taught in English, except for some subjects in the Japanese Language Teaching Practices program. Furthermore, in order to accept excellent students from all over the world, as graduate schools in western societies do, the screening of applicants is strictly conducted on the basis of documents submitted. Through such new and unconventional features, we aim to establish a graduate school of global standards.