Asia University America Program

Introduction

WWU-Asia University America Program (AUAP) is an English language and cultural orientation program that has been developed cooperatively with Asia University (Tokyo, Japan), Central Washington University, and Eastern Washington University. During this five-month study-abroad program, students from Asia University attend AUAP courses at Western in English as a Second Language, American Cultural Studies, and Global Issues. AUAP students earn credit from Asia University and are not matriculated to Western. Approximately 130 AUAP students come to Western each year, with sessions running from September to mid-February, and late February through late July.

AUAP offers a number of opportunities to the Western community:

Language and cultural exchange opportunities to Western students and community residents through the Campus Friends, Community Friends, and Classroom Volunteer programs; these programs provide intercultural contacts both within and beyond the classroom.
Informational programming about Japanese culture in various Western classes and residence-hall groups; in addition, AUAP staff facilitates exchanges with AUAP and regular Western classes.
Interaction with Japanese students on a daily basis with Western students who share residence halls and dining rooms with AUAP students.
Cultural-exchange services to the community, including programming in Bellingham public schools which introduces local elementary school children to Japanese language and culture and, most importantly, to international friendship.
Participation by Western faculty and students in research opportunities through AUAP; faculty and students from the communication studies, foreign languages, psychology, business, and anthropology departments have conducted studies based on linguistic or attitudinal surveys.
Paid leadership positions for Western students, such as international peer advisors and curriculum assistants; these positions give valuable experience in an intercultural context, provide opportunities to develop international friendships, and assist in financing their education.

Courses

Asia University America Program

Courses numbered X37; X97; 300, 400 are described in the University Academic Policies section of this catalog.