NEWS

On April 10, a ceremony was held to mark the start of the 2024 Iwata Academy-APU/Ritsumeikan Course.

The ceremony was attended by 19 first-year and 26 second-year high school students from Iwata Academy and eleven APU students who will assist in the course as teaching assistants (TAs).
At the beginning, the Vice Dean of Academic Affairs, Professor James Blackwell, greeted the students in English and provided advice on learning in the course, including setting personal goals, stepping out of one's comfort zone, maximizing the use of APU's resources, and seeking help immediately if needed. The students listened attentively to this English greeting, nodding in understanding.

Next, representing the students in the course, Shio Sanada, a first-year student, stated, "While taking university classes, I actively aim to communicate with many international students and deepen my understanding of different cultures and values." Next, Sota Umeki, a second-year student, also expressed his aspirations, saying, "I'm looking forward to learning specialized subjects such as tourism at APU. I want to enhance my presentation skills and teamwork abilities."

The TAs supporting this course also introduced themselves one by one, warmly welcoming the students with statements such as "This is a course where you can definitely grow personally," and "Let's work hard together." In his closing remarks, the principal of Iwata Academy, Mr. Yoji Kodama, encouraged the students: "At APU you will be able to develop multicultural competence. Now you are not only students of Iwata High School, but also members of APU. Be proud, and study hard."
The students will begin to investigative learning on global issues and career exploration, compiling their thoughts in preparation for the presentation competition in July.

APU and the Oita City-based Iwata Academy signed a university-high school liaison agreement in May 2007 as a way of promoting the development of globally-minded graduates in Oita Prefecture. This agreement led to the establishment of the Iwata Academy - APU/Ritsumeikan Course in April 2008.