IE Events and News
Making Study Abroad Work for You: Resume Writing Tips
Thurs. Feb. 9, 2012
4:00pm
Glendening Annex
International Education External Review Student Open Forum
Thurs. Feb. 16, 2012
7:00pm
Aldom Lounge (Connected to the Campus Center)
Study Abroad Through their Eyes: Perspectives from Former Study Abroad Students
Thurs. Feb. 23, 2012
7:00pm
Aldom Lounge (Connected to the Campus Center)
Summer 2012, Fall 2012, and Academic Year 2012-13 Application Deadline
Thursday, March 1, 2012
5:00pm
230 Glendening
MIEA Scholarship for Study Abroad Application Deadline
April 2, 2012
International Education
Glendening Hall, Suite 230
240 895-4202
ie@smcm.edu
Semester in AKITA
A small liberal arts college with a global orientation and courses taught in English, Akita International University offers St. Mary's students the opportunity to take courses in the Japan Studies Program or in a variety of disciplines.
More programs..
Akita, Japan
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Web site:
Akita International University
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Location:
Northwestern Japan
4-hr train to Tokyo -
School Size:
600 students, of which
75 are international -
Language of Instruction:
English -
Majors:
Global Studies and Global Business -
Residential campus with apartments and residence hall options
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More than 40 student clubs and organizations
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Currency: Yen and sen
Symbol = ¥
Code = JPY -
Telephone country code = 81
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Exchange students from Akita at St. Mary's
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SMCM Faculty Advisers for Akita are Holly Blumner, TFMS, and Brad Park, Phil and Rel Studies
Why Akita?
In the words of SMCM student Sarah Dowling
Why did you choose to study at Akita?
...a desire to learn more about a culture that is very deeply different from my own. As an Sociology/Anthropology major it was of utmost importance for me to gain the practical experience of navigating such a foreign culture. It was invaluable: I learned as much about myself and American culture as I did about Japan.
What did you experience there that you might not experience elsewhere?
Japan has some of the most beautiful religious sites I have ever seen: aged temples nestled in immaculate moss gardens, surrounded by a stillness and silence that is so evocative of that country's spirituality. The aspects of their traditional culture are particularly unique and worth spending months (years!) investigating. Japan offers examples at every turn.
Why should other students study abroad?
Studying abroad was a VITAL component of my undergraduate experience. I learned so much in and outside the classroom during my semester abroad, both about myself and the culture surrounding me. You don't really understand what it means to be an "American" until you leave the United States!
Why should other students choose Akita International University and study in Japan?
I would recommend Akita to self-motivated students who are primarily interested in traditional Japanese culture. Akita is NOT located in a huge, bustling modern metropolis (like Tokyo, Kyoto or Osaka) that we so often think of when we picture Japan. In Akita, you'll have lots of down time to plan your own activities and travel. If you're not self-motivated it will be really hard to get out of Akita prefecture and see all the amazing things Japan has to offer. Understand that AIU should be a STARTING place for your experience in Japan - and under no circumstances should it be the only thing you experience. Get out as much as possible!!
