Akita International University Signs Agreement with NTNU to Stimulate Academic Exchange
Akita International University (AIU) is renowned for promoting its students foreign language capabilities and broadening their international perspectives. AIU President Norihiko Suzuki visited NTNU on October 7th. During the visit, President Suzuki and NTNU President Kuo-en Chang signed an agreement to promote academic exchange.
Akita International University is located in Akita Prefecture, Japan. It is the first locally administered independent university in Japan. Established in April of 2004, AIU has become famous for its innovative approaches to international liberal arts education, with emphasis on promoting the foreign language capabilities and international perspectives of students. AIU offers master's programs in International Liberal Arts and Global Communication and Language Practices. All courses are taught in English with small class sizes to enhance interaction between faculty and students. AIU is striving to establish relations with top universities around the world.
President Suzuki stated that, 'Compared to the newly founded AIU, NTNU has a long history and a rich humanistic tradition.'Suzuki also pointed that his first trip to NTNU last year left a deep impression. According to Suzuki, the signing of this agreement turned his dreams into reality.
NTNU President Kuo-en Chang mentioned that NTNU and AIU have a lot in common. That is, both schools focus on holistic education and internationalization. Currently, about 6,000 foreign students and 2,000 Overseas Chinese students are enrolled at the Mandarin Training Center (MTC). Thus, the MTC embraces a truly global worldview.
“Students from Japan make up the majority of exchange students at NTNU each year; at the same time, Japan is the top choice of NTNU students considering international exchange,' stated Chang. Hence, this agreement will benefit students from Japan and Taiwan alike.