Overview

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad, formerly known as AsiaLearn, offers semester/year abroad programs at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU). APU opened in April 2000 based on a vision of freedom, peace and humanity, mutual international understanding, and the future shape of the Asia Pacific region. Currently, there are over 6,000 students, almost half of whom are from 100 nations and regions outside Japan. A large majority of international students studying at APU are from other East Asian countries, providing you with the opportunity to have a dynamic multi-cultural experience while making friends from all over Asia. 

APU offers a dual language education in Japanese and English, with most academic subjects given in both languages. This bilingual education system means no prior Japanese language experience is required for admission.

APU’s international student body and teaching faculty are dedicated to fostering greater understanding of the Asia Pacific region among the peoples of the world, continuing to attract attention as the standard bearer of international education in Japan. APU welcomes students each semester with a “Hanami” (cherry blossom viewing) picnic or barbeque at the beach. 

Want to learn more about study abroad in Japan?

Quick Links

General information applicable to all GlobaLinks Learning Abroad Semester and Year Abroad Programs:

Use the left-hand navigation for information specific to this program.

Location

Japan is an island country separated from the east coast of Asia bythe Sea of Japan. It is approximately the size of Montana. Japan’s four main islands are Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku. Most of the islands are mountainous, many volcanic; for example, Japan’s highest peak, Mount Fuji, is a volcano.

Japan has the world’s tenth largest population, with about 128 million people. The Greater Tokyo Area, which includes the capital city of Tokyo and several surrounding prefectures, is the largest metropolitan area in the world, with over 30 million residents.

Much of Japan’s history has contributed to its homogeneous society. The Japanese highly value group identity and social harmony, even above individual expression. Confucian and Buddhist influences also contribute to this cultural trend. The people are also said to be remarkably conscientious, meticulous, industrious, honest, and technically-skilled. Since WWII, the population has become increasingly urban, with only 25% of the population still living in the rural mountains and rugged coastlines.

While modern Japan has been heavily influenced by other countries, many traditional elements of the culture can still be experienced in Japan. While studying abroad in Japan, you’ll enjoy the exciting blend of ancient culture and modern society.  For more information on Japan, visit the Destinations section.

APU’s campus is located on a hill with stunning views over the township of Beppu and its picturesque bay. Beppu, famous as Japan’s leading hot spring resort, is proud of its small-town atmosphere and tradition of hospitality to visitors and new residents from around the world.

Studying abroad in Beppu rather than a larger city will allow you to more fully immerse yourself in the local culture.

Academic Highlights

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad participants are required to enroll in a minimum of 14 credit hours (5 – 7 classes) per semester.  Participants may elect to take up to 18 credits, but additional fees will apply.  There is no reduction of fees for students dropping below our required 14 credits per semester. 

The Japanese language class is taught over the 15 week semester with classes meeting 4 days per week for 95 minutes each session and awarded 4 credits on the APU academic system. Other subjects are taught in a shorter format with classes meeting the 1st or 2nd half of the semester (quarters as they are called at APU). These classes are held 15 times over 7 weeks meeting for 95 minutes each session and awarded 2 credits on the APU academic system.

A 2 credit subject at APU may transfer as 2 to 3 credits at your home university and the language classes (at 4 credits) will likely transfer as 4-6 credits. Be sure to clarify the conversion of credit with your home university academic advisor during the course pre-approval process. AsiaLearn participants are encouraged to enroll for 16 credits and drop a class, if necessary, once they understand the demands of each course and the academic differences at APU. 

The two colleges at APU are Asia Pacific Studies (APS) and International Management (APM).

Studies in Asia Pacific Studies are founded on the following themes:

• Comparative Societies and Cultures
• International Governance
• Environmental Resource Policy
• Sustainable Development

Specialized fields in International Management include:

• Marketing and Corporate Strategy
• Accounting and Finance
• International Business
• Comparative Management
• New Business and Innovation

Japanese Language Classes:

• Students are NOT required to take a Japanese language class while at APU, but are strongly encouraged to do so in order to further integrate into the Japanese society.
• Upon arrival students will take a placement test to figure out which level of Japanese they will be placed in. APU offers beginner to advanced levels of language. Students may only register one level per semester and must pass that course in order to register the next level. 

To see specific subjects available, click on "Course Catalog" to the left. Most courses are offered in both English and Japanese. Japanese Language classes (fundamental to advanced) are also available for study abroad students.

Housing

All study abroad students are guaranteed a place in AP House, the on-campus halls of residence. Modern single and shared rooms are well equipped with a refrigerator, air conditioning, bedding, and telephone. Japanese-style rooms and a communal Japanese-style bath are located on the ground floor (showers are available on each floor). Students have the option of cooking in the hall’s communal kitchens or eating at the cafeteria on campus.

Bridging Cultures Program

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad semester/year participants will participate in a multi-day Bridging Cultures Program in Asia, prior to arriving at their host university. For more details on the Bridging Cultures Program CLICK HERE.

Students pose with their host families during the fall 2009 GlobaLinks Learning Abroad Bridging Cultures Program held on Kyushu Island.

                         C. Taylor - Metro Univ. Denver        J. Omeilian - U of M - Twin Cities

                          M. Jones - Eastern CT State Univ.      T. Ennemoser - Texas Tech Univ.

Scholarships Available

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad strives to offer the most reasonable abroad fees to Asia.  To further enhance the affordability of the semester/year study abroad programs, we encourage you to apply for scholarships through all available scholarship sources.  Learn more about our scholarship opportunities.

Special Programs/Excursions

Beppu is an amazing city just waiting to be discovered by you! As a student with GlobaLinks Learning Abroad you will be able to live the traditional Japanese student life and work on your Japanese language skills at APU while taking time to discover the larger cities such as Tokyo, Nagasaki, Kyoto, and Osaka over the breaks and weekends. 

Excursions Each semester students are invited to participate in a variety of optional affordable excursions organized by the Resident Coordinator. Each activity is designed to be fun and educational so that students gain a deeper appreciation for the arts, culture, and history.

Examples include:

• Experience a traditional theatre or dance performance
• Hike through the volcanic Kirishima-Yaku National Park
• Visit the peace memorial in Nagasaki
• Enjoy the pristine scenery of Kyushu’s northwest islands

If you are interested in discovering more of Asia than just Japan we recomment you take a look at the STA tours!

Get Involved Abroad

Community Involvement

While abroad, we recommend getting involved in your local community. It's an awesome way to meet locals, experience the true Japanese culture, and create long lasting memories. From volunteering to festival-going, we challenge you to make the most of your international experience... See a how to live like a local and become involved with community activities available in Japan or discover your own upon arrival!

You'll get a taste of how enriching community involvement can be during your first few days in Japan on GlobaLinks Learning Abroad's Bridging Cultures Program. The program includes one day of pre-arranged volunteering with the local community. You'll interact directly with locals while giving back to and sharing your own culture with the community that first welcomes you to Japan.  Plus, you can continue your volunteer efforts throughout the semester making a profound impact on the local community.

 Extracurricular Activities

 APU has highly encourages students to become involved on campus. They have clubs, activities, and organizations that will suit every student's interests. At the beginning of the semester you will be welcomed with a “Hanami” (cherry blossom viewing) picnic or barbeque at the beach. Some sample organizations include:

• Photography

• Calligraphy Club

• Tropic Salsa

• Comic Story Telling Club

• Model UN

• World Cooking Club

• Sports (Swimming, Baseball, Martial Arts, Lacrosse, Volleyball, ect.)

• Double Dutch (yes, you read that right, they have a double dutch club!)

Enhance your Experience

Global Citizens Development Modules

The new Global Citizen Development modules are online learning components designed to help you explore your study abroad destination and experience at a whole new level. These modules are not mandatory, however we strongly encourage your participation as they will introduce you to the opportunities and challenges you may encounter when participating in a study abroad program, as well as expose you to cultural insights and knowledge about your host country to help make your program abroad even more successful and fulfilling. Through the 3 modules, you will refine your skills in cross-cultural observation, adaptation, and communication. 

Learn the Local Language!

• LiveMocha - Prior to departure you will receive information and instruction for, LiveMocha, an online language learning program to help you learn your host language. Learn at varying levels and at your own speed. Get started now!
• Lonely Planet Guide & Phrase Book - For both language learning and culture/history/country specific inforamton you will receive a Lonely Planet Guide and Phase book before departure, which will allow you to start planning your adventures and learning how to communicate with locals.
• Additional Language Resources - To even further your language skill take a look at some of these optional language learning tools.
• Basic language practice during the GlobaLinks Learning Abroad Bridging Cultures Program (BCP) - for semester/year programs students will participate in the AsiaLearn BCP and have the opportunity to practice their language skills and learn a few new words through interaction with locals.

Course Catalog

Slideshow

Fees

Fee Includes

Program Fees are in US dollars and include tuition for 14 credits, on-campus student fees, official transcript, overseas health coverage, introductory survival language training, in-country AsiaLearn Bridging Cultures Program, pre-trip services such as: orientation materials, visa-processing service and fee, personal advising, subject selections, liaison with your home university, credit transfer assistance, financial aid services, and alumni support.

Fee Advice

Dates

Entry Requirements

Programs in Asia Coordinator

Name: Krista Lane Title: Coordinator, Outreach and Student Services Department: Asia Programs Team BIO: Krista holds an M.A. in Political Science with a B.A. in Political Science and Spanish, and a minor in International Relations. She studied abroad her junior year of college in Sevilla, Spain, and having traveled internationally since an early age, seeks every opportunity to go to new destinations. Having previously worked as a university advisor in multiple capacities, Krista has developed a passion for international education and looks forward to helping students discover their own journey. Other travels include: Costa Rica, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Switzerland, Ireland, England, Italy, Austria, Singapore, Laos, and Vietnam.