Japan: Akita International University

Akita International University's exciting and rigorous academic programs offer opportunities for international students to gain vital and exploratory knowledge about Japan and the world. Akita International University offers extensive programs in subject areas related to business, linguistics, history, psychology, and political science. They offer Japanese language courses at various levels to provide the most appropriate instruction for all exchange students. For more information regarding AIU's academics,  please see here.

For courses in English or Japanese, AIU's curriculum is divided into five categories:

• Japanese Studies courses
• Japanese Language courses
• Basic Education courses
• Global Business programs
• Global Studies programs

UNI students typically take four to five courses each semester. Each class hour is 50 minutes.

Credits:

Most courses will students take are 3 credit hours and will transfer back to UNI as 3 credit hours. 

Grades:
A+                     = A
A (Excellent)     = A
A-                      = A-
B+                     = B+
B (Good)           = B
B-                      = B-
C+                     = C+
C (Satisfactory) = C
C-                      = C-
D+                     = D+
D (Poor)            = D
F (Failure)         = F

For one UNI credit, use the following:
a) 15 class hours for a lecture class
b) 30 class hours an experimental, laboratory or an activity course
c) 15-30 class hours for a seminar

For more information on the grading system, see Akita's page.

Eligibility: AIU has a very strict policy regarding student eligibility for semester and summer school programs. Applicants must have at least two semester of grades from their home institution reflected on their transcript by AIU's application deadline. (April 1st for Fall semester/ November 1st for Spring semester. To review the eligibility criteria, please see here. 

Akita International University's housing facilities have students live together with students from various cultural backgrounds as a critical part of the international experience. All students, whether degree-seeking or short-term exchange, are guaranteed housing in one of the following dormitories:

• Komachi Dormitory
• Global Village Apartments
• Sakura Village Apartments

Students have the opportunity to express their room preference on the housing application form. AIU will consider student housing preferences and other information carefully (please note that they cannot always meet students’ requests). Individuals who need special arrangements or a particular room assignment for special circumstances (physical or medical condition, etc.) should request that in advance and supply an official document, such as medical doctor’s report, to verify.

Health Preparation for Studying Abroad

Studying abroad is an exciting opportunity, but it also requires careful planning—especially when it comes to your health. To ensure a safe and successful experience, we strongly recommend the following steps:

1. Talk to Your Healthcare Provider Early
At the time you are selecting your study abroad program, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider or specialist to discuss:

• Medication Legality: Some prescription and over-the-counter medications that are legal in the U.S. may be restricted or illegal in other countries. Your provider can help you determine if your medications are permitted in your destination and suggest alternatives if needed.
• Chronic Conditions or Health Concerns: Discuss how your health needs might be affected by travel, climate, time zone changes, or access to care abroad.
• Mental Health Support: If you are currently receiving mental health care, talk with your provider about how to maintain support while abroad.

2. Schedule a Travel Health Consultation (6–8 Weeks Before Departure)
A separate travel health consultation is essential and should be held at least 6–8 weeks before your departure. During this appointment, a travel medicine specialist can:

• Review your destination-specific health risks
• Recommend or administer necessary vaccines
• Provide guidance on food and water safety
• Prescribe medications for travel-related illnesses (e.g., malaria, traveler’s diarrhea)
• Offer tips for managing jet lag, altitude, and other travel-related challenges

These appointments can be held at the UNI Student Health Clinic. For more information on their services, please visit their website.

Accessibility and Study Abroad: Plan Ahead for a Smooth Experience

If you are a student with a disability or accessibility concern—whether related to mobility, learning, mental health, chronic health conditions, or other needs—we encourage you to connect with Student Accessibility Services (SAS) as early as possible, ideally during the program selection process. Early communication allows our team to understand your specific needs and preferences and explore available accommodations in your host country.

Accessibility resources and standards can vary widely by country, so advance planning is essential to help us advocate for your needs and create a positive, inclusive experience abroad.

Reach out to Student Accessibility Services to start a conversation. The sooner we know, the more we can do to support you.

Study abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be challenged by new experiences in new environments and cultures. UNI study abroad programs are designed to prioritize educational opportunities for students. Students are encouraged to embrace the adventure of exploring how housing, meals, and daily routines differ abroad.

Meet your Advisor:

Stephanie is a full time study abroad advisor who will help you throughout the application process to Japan, including documentation, finances, scholarships, and more.  From the application process to financial assistance to preparing for your journey abroad, Stephanie will be with you every step of the way providing guidance and reassurance.

Identities Abroad

The Study Abroad Center (SAC) wants to support you as you prepare for your study abroad experience. In addition to course planning and arranging accommodations, it is also important to engage in personal reflection before your departure. There may be certain aspects of your identity that could potentially impact your international experience in ways that you have not faced or thought about previously. As we are here to help guide you, you may want to consider meeting with the SAC staff to discuss this as you plan your abroad experience. Please visit our Identities Abroad page for more information and help.

Entry and Exit Requirements:

Review and follow the travel recommendations of the U.S. State Department for travel to Japan.

Immigration Information:

Students going to Japan for more than 90 days will need to apply for a student visa. 

Your Study Abroad Advisor will help you through this process, but it is the student's responsibility to stay on top of the visa application process and to review the latest updates related to their destination country.

Akita International University's exciting and rigorous academic programs offer opportunities for international students to gain vital and exploratory knowledge about Japan and the world. Akita International University offers extensive programs in Japanese Studies and Japanese Language. All Japanese language courses are held at various levels to provide the most appropriate instruction for all students.

AIU's Summer Program is a six-week, six-credit, intensive Japanese language program designed for highly motivated undergraduate students around the world. Participants can take courses taught by experienced Japanese instructors to apply their Japanese language skills in a small class environment.

Students are assigned double rooms in Komachi Hall. Each student will have a chance to have a Japanese roommate and/or suitemate(s). A roommate is a student who shares a room and a bathroom, and a suitemate is a student who shares only a bathroom. Specific room assignments and information about your roommate/suitemate(s) will be announced upon your arrival. We are not able to provide the information such as name, nationality, and contact address of your roommate/ suitemate(s) in advance. We are not able to offer single rooms except in special circumstances because of limited room availability. The program fee includes a meal plan at the Cafeteria, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner to residential students.

Akita Summer 2025 Cost Estimate (PDF)