NEWS

On Wednesday, 15 April 2026, the Opening Ceremony for the Iwata Academy APU/Ritsumeikan Course was held at APU. This program is a high school–university collaborative education initiative implemented by APU and Iwata Academy. The ceremony was attended by 36 first-year and 25 second-year students, as well as 11 APU students who participate in the program as Student Assistants (SAs), providing academic support to course students.

APU and Iwata Academy signed a high school–university collaboration agreement in May 2007, with the shared goal of developing globally minded individuals from Oita. Based on this partnership, the Iwata High School APU/Ritsumeikan Course was launched in April 2008.

During the first and second years of the program, students conduct research on a wide range of global issues with support from SAs and present their findings at presentation competitions. In their third year, students participate in a curriculum that allows them to attend classes at APU alongside university students. Through this program, students are eligible to earn up to 16 university credits.

At the opening ceremony, Associate Professor BERGER Maiko, Deputy Director of Academic Affairs, delivered a message encouraging students to focus on three key pillars as they prepare for university-level learning: improving their English skills, building supportive friendships, and enjoying the process of learning.

SAs supporting the program also offered words of encouragement, stating, “We will do our best to support you so that these three years will be fulfilling. Let’s grow together.”

After the ceremony, assignments for each grade level were announced. First-year students will study the history and culture of a selected country and present an optimal travel itinerary, while second-year students will identify issues in their surrounding environment and propose group-based solutions. With continued support from SAs, students will move forward with their learning throughout the year.