APU BUDDY | Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University

We make exchange students' lives more rewarding!

APU has concluded student exchange agreements with approximately 150 universities around the world. Every semester, roughly 70 students are accepted from these institutions to study on the APU campus. APU BUDDY is an organization made up of student volunteers to help these exchange students make a smooth transition to APU and their new lives in Japan. There are currently around 40 students affiliated with APU BUDDY.
APU BUDDY members enjoy planning activities and interacting with exchange students from all over the world and the personal growth that comes with this volunteer work.

• ・Supporting incoming exchange students from foreign and domestic (RU etc.) partner universities.
• ・Introducing the campus etc. to the above exchange students
• ・Taking part in necessary guidance sessions and meetings
• ・Supporting exchange students through e-mail and Zoom, giving them advice, etc.
• ・Planning and running activities, both online and in-person

Note: APU Buddy is a volunteer activity, and not a part-time job. There is no renumeration for participation.

<<Application Requirements>>

1. 1. Being able to participate in Buddy Activities throughout program period
2. 2. Being able to participate in all meetings and events.
3. 3. Being able to communicate in both English and Japanese. The most important thing is wanting to be understood without giving up. (There are no semester requirements)

* Participants are chosen based on their ability to pro-actively create connections with exchange students.

• ・I was able to make friends from across the world!
• ・I made friends who can introduce me to all kinds of countries around the world!
• ・I improved my vocabulary and communication skills!
• ・I became the first Japanese friend for the exchange student!