DATES: June 17 – July 26, 2013
Application Fee
$100
Program Fee
The Program Fee includes tuition and program expenses. Click on Program Fee for details.
International airfare and personal expenses are not included in the Program Fee and are the responsibility of the participant.
APPLICATION PROCEDURES
In addition to the CGE on-line application, you must also submit one recommendation letter and a statement of purpose.
ELIGIBILITY: This program is open to all undergraduate and graduate students at George Mason University, who have a minimum GPA of at least 2.5 and who will have completed at two semesters by summer 2013.
NEW this year: No prior Japanese language is necessary; beginners are welcome!!
CREDITS: 6 undergraduate credits. Japanese 110, 210 & 250, 250 & 330, 330 & 331. Class level will be determined by placement exam taken after arrival in Akita.
Housing
Furnished student dormitories on campus. Students may be placed with international or Japanese roommates.
Excursions
Program includes excursions to Oga Peninsula, a famous tourist destination in northern Japan, and Kakunodate, an ancient castle town where historic samurai mansions have been preserved. Kakunodate has also been referred to as “Little Kyoto,” due to its traditional atmosphere.
CONTACT: Erin Keeler at 703.993.3604 or toll free at 866.468.1243 The toll free number does not accept calls from the 703 or 571 area code.
Downloadable Documents
COURSE SYLLABI
coming soon...
Experience Japanese language and culture this summer during our six-week program at Akita International University!!
"By being surrounded by the language and culture and taking intensive language classes, both your Japanese language skills as well as your understanding of culture will improve dramatically."
- Elyse (picture below), GMU Student Participant on 2010 Program

"I doubled my fluency in the Japanese language, acquired new vocabulary and grammar."
- GMU Student Participant on 2012 Program
Six weeks, six credits, countless memories!
The CGE is happy to announce our summer Japanese language program with one of our direct exchange partners, Akita International University. Heading up to Akita prefecture in northern Japan for the first time, this summer’s program is open to all levels of Japanese language learners from absolute beginners to more intermediate students. (Participants select 6 credits from those listed to the left but will be required to take a placement exam after arrival to confirm appropriate level.)
Student representatives of Akita's Aikido Club
This course is designed for students who wish to have the opportunity to study the Japanese language and culture in a full immersion environment. Program participants will stay in university dorms and attend Japanese language classes each morning at Akita International University where they will be instructed by local faculty. Each afternoon, students will engage in conversation practice and various cultural workshops. Some past cultural programs included tea ceremony, calligraphy, kimono-wearing, aikido, flower arranging, and furoshiki. Weekends will be reserved for excursions, free time, and other events.

Student getting dressed in traditional summer kimono, or yukata
Thousands of lanterns are balanced precariously and paraded through streets during the Kanto Lantern Festival, which takes place each summer in Akita
Academic Director
Professor Tokiko Tritt teaches Japanese in the Department of Modern and Classical Languages.
Dates: June 17 - July 26, 2013
You should plan to leave the United States at least two days prior to the program start date to arrive in Akita, Japan for the first day of the program. You can schedule your return to the United States from Akita, Japan for the last day of the program or choose to travel independently.
Do not purchase international airfare until you are advised by your Program Officer.
Summer 2013 Schedule
June 17 (Mon) Check-in, Placement Test, Orientation, and Opening Ceremony
June 18 (Tues) Classes Begin
July 26 (Fri) Last day of classes, Closing Ceremony and Check-out
July 27-31 (Sat-Wed) Check-out
Program Fee
$5,715The Center for Global Education Program Fee includes:
- Tuition (six undergraduate credits)
- Meals in campus cafeteria
- Accommodations in campus dormitories (doubles)
- Excursions, cultural workshops, and activities
- GMU Pre-Departure Orientation and materials
- Emergency medical insurance, including medical evacuation and repatriation
- Administrative services in Japan and at George Mason University
This fee does not include airfare and/or bullet train transportation to Akita
Scholarships are available to George Mason students. George Mason students can click here to download the CGE Global Perspectives scholarship application. Mason students may also use financial aid to cover a program's cost. Discuss this with your financial aid counselor early in your study abroad planning process. If you are not a George Mason University student, check with your study abroad office or office of financial aid to learn more about how to cover the cost of your study abroad.
Additional Resources
Take a tour of Akita, courtesy of AIU"s website.
Akita International University
Yokoso! Japan (Official Tourism Guide for Japan Travel)
Akita Comprehensive Tourism Guide
Transportation Links
Akita Airport
Narita International Airport
Haneda Airport (Tokyo International Airport)
JR East Japan Railway Company
How to Apply: Consult the How to Apply section for detailed instructions. Start by completing the online application. Pay the $100 application fee.
Note that all supplemental documents are required by the application deadline. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Contact the Program Officer for further application forms and instructions specific to your program.
*CGE reserves the right to make changes to a program in light of currency fluctuations, changing security and safety conditions, or any other unforeseen circumstances

