Please enter search keywords
教育プログラム
The Service Learning Program supports APU students’ career development by offering a combination of academic and practical learning. Participants attend pre- and post-program lectures held at APU as well as English language learning and service learning experiences (internships or volunteer activities) at an overseas host university. Students take part in special lectures on American culture at the University of Texas at Austin (the host university in the US) and fieldwork in locations related to the lectures, deepening their knowledge of local culture. From the third week onward, students concurrently engage in intensive English language learning that includes business English. They also take part in practice-oriented training in the field through internships or volunteer activities involving companies, NGOs, or other activities to benefit the local community. By brushing up their English skills and thinking about their future paths and careers, students get a clearer perspective on learning and skill-acquisition goals useful in their academic career.
Students from APU are accepted as interns at the following institutions:
I was drawn to the program when I saw it described as “a program that delivers a range of valuable experiences.” The deciding factor was my objective of acquiring business-level English skills while at APU, a goal I set for myself soon after I enrolled. In the latter half of my second year, I reflected on my student life, looking at my remaining time in the university, and felt I had made little progress toward achieving my goals. As a result, I wanted to identify where I could make improvements, and work out a more concrete picture of where I wanted to go in the future. I was also attracted by the prospect of participating in a long-term, three-month internship in the US.
My vision for the future has further expanded, and I can now feel proud of myself. The internship demanded more university-level specialized knowledge and experience than I expected, and this helped me gain a clearer perspective on what I should study at APU after my return. Spending time with the students I met in Texas became a source of inspiration that allowed me to realize I could express my personality and talents in any environment while communicating with all kinds of people.
Every day, I think about which English expressions to use in different settings, and try to practice them. Because this program is limited to three months, I created a learning plan focused on effectiveness and applicability. I believe this was a wise decision, as thinking about such plans in advance allowed me to confirm my learning priorities after arriving in the US.
As much as possible, I wish to interact with people who are studying in fields I am, and be inspired by them.
This program is suitable for students who wish to expand their English skills, but I would recommend it particularly to those students thinking about (or are still trying to work out) their path following graduation. The program provides opportunities to meet a wide range of people, not only at the host university but also in the internship program, allowing you to gain a lot of experience. I would definitely encourage students who (like me) are in their second or third year of study and have trouble picturing their future career. Students who have some idea of what they wish to do in the future, but wonder if that direction really would suit them, should attend the recruiting orientation, learn about the characteristics of the program, and sign up.
I recommend the program to all students who are looking for a challenge. The students participating in this program each apply for their own reasons and have different language ability and goals. This program undoubtedly represents a terrific opportunity for students who want to change, whether in terms of study or mindset, or for students who need a challenge. Finally, I would strongly recommend the program to students who wish to take part in an internship in the US. I am presently working as an intern at an elementary school in the US. Although I do not have a teaching license, the program allows me dive into an education-related workplace overseas and experience a real working environment.