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Spring 2024 Study Abroad Info Hunt Month held at AIU
One of Akita International University’s distinct characteristics is that students are required to study abroad for 1 year in order to graduate. From Monday, June 17-Friday, July 12, AIU held a “Study Abroad Info Hunt Month,” made up of three different events to encourage students to start thinking about their study abroad, and help students who will apply soon for study abroad to make more concrete plans.
Study Abroad Class Visits
Monday, June 17 – Thursday, June 20
17 exchange students and AIU students who have completed their study abroad visited various classes to give 5-minute presentations at the beginning of each class about their home/host universities, based on their personal experiences, followed by lively Q&A sessions with AIU students.
Study Abroad Consultation Day
Wednesday, June 26, and Wednesday July 3
The Center for International Affairs (CIA) set up a special counter in Student Hall to provide students with an opportunity to consult with staff in a casual setting.
Students had a chance to ask a variety of questions, such as What is the validity period for an English Proficiency Score when applying for study abroad? How did my senpai choose their study abroad destinations? How many preferred universities can we write in the internal application? How much does it cost to study abroad? How do I write my Statement of Purpose?
Aside from the times above, the CIA is also available for consultation as necessary during normal office hours.
Study Abroad Networking
Wednesday, July 10 and Friday, July 12
Exchange students and AIU students who have completed study abroad interacted with students preparing for their study abroad and study abroad applications. In total, 25 students representing partner universities in 16 countries answered questions and provided advice to participants and shared their experiences from before, during, and after their study abroad.
During this event, first-year students gathered information on study abroad to help them think about their future academic plans and choose their study abroad university. Students who are preparing for the next AIU internal application had the opportunity to speak directly and frankly with volunteers about how to decide on study abroad destinations, what to consider when prioritizing universities, and financial considerations for study abroad, among other information to aid them in creating and submitting their applications. Lastly, students who will depart for study abroad at the end of the semester consulted with volunteers about various topics such as academic and personal growth during study abroad, recommendations about what to bring with them from Japan, how to spend the holidays while abroad, money management, and how to get started on job-hunting.
Message from the Center for International Affairs
These “AIU Study Abroad Info Hunt Month” events not only provided an occasion for students preparing for studying abroad to gather valuable information, but also an excellent opportunity for international exchange students to teach AIU students and faculty more about their home universities and home countries.
Based on the information obtained from these events and advice from faculty members, we hope that our students will make a well-informed decision on where they wish to study and subsequently prepare for their one-year study abroad experience.
Please see here for more information on AIU’s Study Abroad Program.