Akita International University (AIU) Summary
Akita International University (AIU) is one of the most internationally-oriented universities in Japan that is well known for its English-medium education, global liberal arts education, compulsory study abroad program, multicultural campus, international business education, and the employability of its graduates. AIU in Akita Prefecture was established with the vision of producing graduates who are competent on a global level and can work across cultures, languages, industries and countries. While AIU is young compared to many universities in Japan, it has a strong international reputation and regularly ranks as one of the top universities in Japan for global education. Established in 2004 by the Akita Prefectural Government, AIU was established to meet the growing demand for professionals educated in an international environment. The university decided from the start to provide most undergraduate courses in English, setting it apart from other universities in Japan. The curriculum is designed internationally with the aim of developing intercultural communication skills, leadership, critical thinking and practical problem-solving skills in students. The university provides undergraduate, postgraduate and professional graduate education mainly in the areas of Global Business, Global Studies, International Liberal Arts, Japanese Studies, International Relations, Communication, Public Policy, Regional Development and Global Leadership. AIU focuses on interdisciplinary education that encourages students to integrate business, economics, political science, language, history, sociology, international relations and media communications into a seamless curriculum. One of the defining features of AIU is the requirement for undergraduate students to study abroad. Undergraduate students study for about one academic year at one of the university’s many partner institutions in Asia, Europe, North America, South America, Oceania, Africa and the Middle East. Similarly, the university receives hundreds of exchange students every year, fostering a multicultural campus where Japanese and international students study together in English. The university campus is home to modern classrooms, technology-enabled learning spaces, a world-renowned library open 24 hours a day, student residences, innovation spaces, language learning facilities, career development services, sports facilities and international student support offices. With almost all students living on or near the campus, AIU has fostered a close-knit international academic community. International students are provided with a full spectrum of support including orientation programs, academic advising, Japanese language education, accommodation assistance, scholarships, career counseling, and cultural integration activities. AIU also has strong links with international universities, multinational corporations, government organisations, NGOs and research institutions. These are the reasons why employers highly value the international experience, intercultural competence, leadership ability and global outlook of Akita International University graduates. Our graduates are employed in multinational corporations, consulting firms, financial institutions, government agencies, international organizations, in the fields of diplomacy, education, media, aviation, tourism, technology companies, entrepreneurship, NGOs and research institutions in Japan and abroad. “In summary, Akita International University is a great public university for students who want to study in English, experience international life, go abroad, learn about global business and have good career prospects in an increasingly interconnected world.
