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Akita National University is located in the Western part of Tohoku region, the northeastern district of the main island of Honshu (the main island of Japan). The university lies in the center of Akita City which has a population of about 310,000 and is about 350 miles from the capital of Tokyo. The city is surrounded by mountains and the sea. There is a multitude of natural scenery and lush vegetation that change with the four seasons. Many festivals and other activities are held throughout the year.

Participating students are not required to have prior Japanese language skills. Students attend Akita National University and take classes within Akita's School of Education and Human Studies. These include courses in education, regional studies, international language, cultural studies, environmental studies, and mathematical sciences. Language classes at all levels are offered.

Students participating on this program live in International Student Housing operated by Akita National University. In this setting, students have the opportunity to meet and live with other international students from all over the world.

Students are no longer required to have previous knowledge of Japanese. Applicants must be currently enrolled, degree-seeking SCSU students. All applicants must be in good academic standing and have a minimum G.P.A. of 2.5. Students must have completed one year of continuous study at SCSU and be of sophomore standing to participate on this program.

Akita National University, together with the Japanese government, may provide funds for one-two SCSU students to attend the university for minimal cost. Scholarship may include tuition, housing, a food stipend, and airfare making it possible to attend Akita National University for 12 months under the JASSO Scholarship. Juniors and seniors who have taken courses in the Japanese language and who meet the qualifications stipulated by the scholarship committee are eligible to apply.

This program is offered for the full academic year only. The deadline to apply to this program is March 1. The academic calendar runs from late September to August.

A pre-departure orientation meeting for the program will be conducted the semester preceding the program. All orientation meetings are mandatory.