Asia University America Program Overview
and International Peer Advisor Information
The Asia University America Program (AUAP) has brought well over two thousand students to Central
Washington University from Asia University in Tokyo, Japan, since 1989. The AUAP is an innovative
study abroad program for sophomores at Asia University and is ongoing at three Northwest
universities—Central Washington University, Eastern Washington University, and Western Washington
University. Approximately 50 students majoring in International Relations come to each site for a fivemonth program from September to February, and another group of around 80 Law, Economics,
Business, Business Hospitality, and Multicultural Communication majors come from February to July.
AUAP students are enrolled in 18 hours a week of English as a Second Language, major-related, and
American Studies classes taught by AUAP instructors. The AUAP sites and Asia University work
closely together to develop the curriculum, and an emphasis is placed on inviting native Englishspeaking students to classes to help make studying the language more authentic, communicative, and
fun. Equally important to what students learn in classes is what they learn by interacting with Americans
on campus and in the community. This is facilitated by Cross-Cultural Training modules in classes,
experiences living with American roommates in the residence halls, interacting with "Community
Friend" families and CWU "Campus Friend" students, volunteering in the community, and enjoying
recreational activities in smaller groups with their International Peer Advisors (IPAs) and local friends.
The International Peer Advisor component of the program is required by Asia University. Within this
component each group of 8-11 AUAP students has a CWU student serving as a resource person and
friend to help the students get the most out of their experiences here and to help the campus and
Ellensburg communities also benefit from the opportunity for cultural exchange. IPAs coordinate and
implement activities to facilitate students' interaction with Americans both on and off campus, support
and assist students as necessary within the residence hall community, encourage student participation in
campus clubs, organizations, and various campus activities, and act as communication links between
AUAP students and staff.
The International Peer Advisor position requires organized, professional, and responsible individuals
willing to take initiative to make AUAP students' overseas experiences educational and enjoyable. IPAs
are required to devote 19 hours a week to their duties which include such responsibilities as daily student
interaction, activity planning, attending weekly staff meetings for exchanging information and discussing
concerns, and participating in service training programs with the AUAP staff. (Please see job
description for more detailed information regarding duties.) Because student needs may arise at anytime
of the day or night, IPAs must be flexible in how and when the 19 hours of work are met. In order to be
successful in this position, an IPA must have a genuine interest in the welfare of the students assigned to
his or her group.
IPAs work closely with the Residence Hall staffs, University Recreation, the Student Medical and
Counseling Center, and various other departments on campus, and are expected to be positive role
models for both AUAP and other CWU students.
Being an IPA is a unique way to enrich one's college experience. The position provides continual
opportunities for individuals to bring knowledge from the classroom to realistic, professional situations.
The leadership skills and a broadened view of the world acquired from such an international experience
will surely contribute to the future professional success of those who participate.