I have studied here for 4 years. The students are more focused on study than average Japanese college students. Although it's located in the middle of mountains and it snows 2m high, most of the facilities are connected with each other, so you don't really have to go outside. They are clean and new. Local students are friendly to exchange students if you try to join any circles or communities.

One of the best universities I've studied in. It's not typical Japanese university, it's hosts lots of international students that AIU hosts every semester. Prices of living exactly in this place is cheaper than in bigger cities in Japan. Since there aren't many attractions and transportation system isn't so frequent, you can save lots of money living and studying here. Study programs and schedules are very comfortable to use, all digital. Professors are mostly international, and each of them has his/her own way to teach. Being a small area it also offers lots of events for students and locals.

I was here studying as an exchange student. Even though the university is somewhat isolated, the university is very good. It has all facilities you need and has a beautiful library that is open 24 hours for students. There are also enough sport facilities available across the road you can use. Warning: there could be bears nearby.

It's a great university for an undergraduate degree for Japanese students who want to get a liberal arts education in English, and a great place for exchange students wishing to experience a great deal of Japanese culture, thanks to its great and unique location in northern Japan. However, stay away from the graduate school, especially the ELT department, if you are a foreigner in Japan. It may be a good program for local Japanese students hoping to better their careers as educators in Japan, but unless you have already secured a job after graduation, I personally wouldn't recommend it to Westerners. Save your money and time. The degree doesn't amount to much outside of Japan. I found out the hard way. The head of the ELT Department ( a Japanese national) is a real bully in every sense of the word. It's obvious that he loves white students (Caucasians) and despises students of color. He terrorizes Japanese students by making them think he's a god and the center of gravity of English Language Teaching in Japan. He will give you a C+ or worse if you try to deviate from his narrow thinking or think outside his small box. Can you believe that? A C in graduate schooI??!!! I was a graduate student there and got my first C, marked on my transcripts forever. I'm dead serious. I regret my decision to study there 😔😒 It's unbelievable that he's still the head of the ELT Department despite the fact that he only has a master degree. He has a nasty personality and if you can, stay away from the courses he teaches. He's a horrible teacher. I learned nothing from him nor discover anything under his guidance. Trust me on this, you either kiss his arse or you're an outcast, and the ELT students and staff are divided or united around his ego. The ELT Department would be better off without him. That's just my honest opinion 😉

I was there last year from August to December. It was really amazing. I will never ever forget anything about AIU, friends and facilities. It was and still a perfect place for me to enjoy social life and study life at the same time. I wish that some day I could go there again to see my friends.

I've missed you!!! :( 4 months living in AIU was a great experience for me. I hope one day I can go back to Akita again

did my exchange here. it’s amazing being surrounded by nothing but nature. truly a global institution with plenty of international students from all parts of the world. fun times!

Best experience of my life. Will always have a piece of my heart at this school.Made the closest friends, integrated into rural Japanese culture, and learned so much Japanese. I wish I could go back.