Explore Japan

Bridge Cultures, Break Boundaries

MAKE YOUR MARK IN JAPAN!

国際教養大学

“AKITA” Where Your Japan
Adventure Begins!

秋田について

Tradition ✕ Modern

On the Sea of Japan coast of Tohoku, in rural northern Japan, Akita City is a small regional capital that stays close to its traditional roots with a stunning natural environment, wide variety of folk culture and performances, and warm, welcoming people.

  • Rural Peace, Urban Convenience

    郊外の風情と都会の利便

    Beach, Skiing, Hot Springs, Forests, Rice Fields−Natural beauty and escapes are close at hand, with the welcoming, friendly community you'd expect in a rural setting. But the university also has access to a large shopping center and is only minutes away from short, convenient flights to Japan's major cities.

  • Unique Culture and Dialect

    秋田弁

    Even native Japanese speakers need an interpreter when they visit some areas of Akita Prefecture. Pick up a few local terms to prove your Japanese ability didn't come only from a textbook (or manga).

  • Folk Culture and Festivals

    伝統文化と祭

    Home to more recognized intangible folk properties than anywhere else in Japan, in Akita you can experience dressing up as a Namahage god to drive away evil spirits and bring good fortune on New Years, join the famous Kanto Festival in front of hundreds of thousands of spectators, or see one of the world's largest annual fireworks competitions in Omagari.

Why Choose
AIU?

どうして国際教養大学へ？

  • Study options to meet your needs! Choose a short, intensive Japanese language program, improve your Japanese while also taking courses in English in your major over a semester or full year, or combine both options for maximum benefit.
  • Connect with students from Japan and around the world.
  • Take part in Japanese culture both inside and outside the classroom.
  • Learn about Japanese culture, history, and society in small, interactive classes.

  • 100 %

    English-taught Courses

    *Intensive Japanese short-term programs available

  • 17

    Average Students/Class

  • 25 %

    International Students

  • 51 %

    International Faculty

  • 14:1

    Student to Faculty Ratio

  • 200+

    Partners in 50+ Countries/Regions

  • 924

    Total Students

    （Number of Undergraduate and Graduate School Students）

  • 40+

    Student Clubs

  • 100 %

    On-campus Residence for
    Exchange Students

  • 200+ /year

    Local Community
    Outreach Activities

Dive into a unique adventure to create experiences and friendships that will stay with you for life.

国際教養大学の特徴

Times Higher Education
Japan Rankings 2025

No. 10
Overall

No. 1
University for Environment
(Campus and Curriculum Internationalization)

2024 Daigaku Tsushin (Education Information Communications) Rankings of Universities
Recommended by High School Guidance Counselors

  • No. 1 University for Internationalization
  • No. 1 Best Small Universities

All-English Curriculum

カリキュラム

Choose freely from over 300 arts, humanities, and social sciences courses in English across four programs to earn credits in your major, and take advantage of our comprehensive Japanese Language program!

JAPANESE LANGUAGE

Strengthen your language ability with 11 core course levels and skill-specific courses.

JAPAN STUDIES

Enrich your experience by studying Japanese culture from traditional arts to pop culture and society from history to politics.

GLOBAL BUSINESS

Get an inside perspective on Japanese business culture, finance, and economics.

GLOBAL STUDIES

Discuss international issues in courses spanning fields including History, Geography, Politics and International Relations, Sociology, and Sustainability Studies.

GLOBAL CONNECTIVITY

Explore critical issues in the intersection of humanity and technological development in fields spanning from culture to big data and AI.

COURSE PLANNING AND CREDIT TRANSFER

Find more information about our academic calendar, course offerings, syllabus search, and credit and grading system.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS

スペシャルプログラム

Accelerate your Japanese language learning and enhance your understanding of Japanese culture in AIU’s short, intensive programs.

SUMMER PROGRAM

Start your Japanese language studies with six weeks of intensive courses for absolute beginner to advanced beginner level students. You will live with Japanese students and experience Japanese culture through programs and field trips.

JAPANESE LANGUAGE AND CULTURAL IMMERSION PROGRAM: ADVANCED
(J-CIP:A)

Advanced Japanese language learner? Strengthen your language ability in a real-world setting in this rural Japanese studies Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) program taught entirely in Japanese. In this program, developed with The Australian National University under the Top Global University Project, you will also work with a rural community to prepare and execute a winter festival.

STUDENT VOICE / ALUMNI VOICE

学生の声

Student Life

大学生活

  • 100% On-Campus Housing for International Students

    AIU is an active living-learning campus, with nearly 90% of students living in campus residences, including all exchange students. You’re never more than 10 minutes from your classrooms, friends, and a wealth of campus activities. In AIU’s guaranteed housing, you will share a room or suite with students from Japan or other countries, which means more chances to build your network of friends!

  • WELCOMING ENVIRONMENT FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

BEYOND THE
CLASSROOM, EXPERIENCE THE
REAL JAPAN

At AIU, you are not just a tourist, you are part of the community. Get involved in many kinds of community events, 40+ clubs, and cultural events throughout the year to experience Akita and Japan your way.

Community Outreach

地域交流

AIU's Division of Community Outreach arranges activities with the local community throughout the year that provide a backstage pass to authentic rural Japanese culture you can’t get anywhere else.

ACTIVITY EXAMPLES

  • Teaching English and cultural exchange activities at AIU and local schools
  • School holiday parties including Halloween and Christmas with children
  • Cooking local and international dishes with schools and local community groups
  • Rice planting and harvesting with schools and farming communities
  • Homestays and activities with local community
  • Participating in set-up and execution of local festivals
  • Testing and evaluating new local tourism programs
VIEW MORE

CLUBS AND CIRCLES

課外活動

Join one of AIU’s 40+ clubs and circles to pursue your passions, build friendships, and practice intercultural communication in several languages. See below for images of just a few of the possible activities you can join at AIU!

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Experience the Real Japan, and
Learn about the World!

Semester / Year Programs

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Special Programs (Summer Program)

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Special Programs (J-CIP:A Program)

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©Akita International University.