Waseda University, Study Abroad 2014-2015
Waseda ISA (Individualized Studies Abroad) at American
University
Location: Washington, D.C.
American University is located on an 84-acre campus in northwest Washington, at the top of
―Embassy Row‖ and close to downtown. The campus is in a beautiful residential neighborhood
where many diplomats live and is in one of the safest areas of Washington.
During the academic
year, a university shuttle bus departs campus every 15 minutes to the Tenley town Metro/subway
station close by. From there, it is a short 10-15 minute train ride to downtown Washington, DC.
Language Requirements:
Min. iBT TOEFL (Internet Based) requirement at the time of Waseda selection in Oct. 2013: 70.
If TOEFL-iBT score is 80 or more (at least 18 in each section), you can participate to ―Abroad at AU
program‖ from the first semester.
GPA Requirements: 3.0
Nationality:
Is enrollment open to students of any nationality including your own country?
specify all restrictions.
If ―No‖, please
/ Yes
Dates: The 2013-2014 academic calendar is:
Fall 2013:
August 17-25 (welcome week, required orientation)
August 26 – December 6 (classes)
December 9-16 (final exams)
October 11 and November 27-December 1 (semester breaks)
Spring 2013:
January 13 – April 28 (classes)
April 30 - May 6 (final exams)
March 9 - March 16 (semester break)
American University
ISA: 2014-15
Waseda University, Study Abroad 2014-2015
Summary:
American University (AU) has a well-deserved reputation as a global university, with over 10%
students from abroad, many award-winning faculty engaged in international scholarship and research,
and a curriculum notable for its wide array of courses with international themes. Many of the
university’s academic programs are rated among the best in the United States.
A distinctive feature
of many courses of study is their close integration with Washington-based organizations and decision
makers, both governmental and non-governmental. AU also prides itself on providing students with a
very supportive learning environment. Class sizes are quite small, with an average of 23 students,
and AU has dedicated counselors in its Academic Support Center to assist international students.
Academic Study
American University offers a special program for those students who would like or need additional
study of the English language before enrolling in regular undergraduate academic course work. This
International Gateway Program (IGP) allows students to spend the fall semester (August-December)
studying intensive academic English and U.S. academic culture before participating in the Abroad at
AU program in the spring semester (January-May). For more information, see
http://www.american.edu/spexs/igp/
After studying intensive academic English in the first semester, Waseda students enter the Abroad at
AU program in the second semester and may select their courses from the university’s entire
curriculum for undergraduate students.
If your TOEFL score is iBT80 or more (at least 18 in each section), you can participate in the
Abroad at AU program from the first semester.
Each semester, AU offers thousands of courses in 53 subject areas. Students may take courses from
the entire American University undergraduate curriculum, subject to enrollment capacity constraints
and the meeting of prerequisites for such courses. To obtain a complete listing of courses and
course descriptions for the current academic year at American University, consult the AU Web site at:
http://american.edu/provost/registrar/schedule/class.cfm.
American University
ISA: 2014-15
Waseda University, Study Abroad 2014-2015
Sample course schedules:
International Relations:
Semester 1
Semester 2
International Gateway Program
Beyond Sovereignty
Cross Cultural Communications
Regional/Functional Course
Elective
Communications:
Semester 1
Semester 2
International Gateway Program
Understanding Mass Media
Visual Literacy
Elective
Elective
Justice, Law, Society:
Semester 1
Semester 2
International Gateway Program
Intro to Systems of Justice
Western Legal Traditions
Elective
Elective
Business:
Semester 1
Semester 2
International Gateway Program
Microeconomics
Principles of Marketing
Elective
Elective
Housing and Meal Plan
Students will be housed in one of American University’s residences. The university shuttle runs
every 15 minutes, 7:00 a.m.-midnight, between the campus and the Metro station (less than 10
minute shuttle ride).
American University
ISA: 2014-15
Waseda University, Study Abroad 2014-2015
Students participating in the International Gateway Program live primarily with other international
and Japanese IGP students in the Fall semester. IGP students would then have the possible option to
change their housing placement to live with other American University students in the Spring
semester.
Residence halls are modern and comfortable with kitchens and lounges, air conditioning, and
Internet and cable TV access in every room. Students will also have access to the University’s meal
plan which allows for a combination of meals in its Terrace Dining room and a flexible spending
allowance which can be used at eateries and shops on campus. For more information on housing and
dining options, visit http://www.american.edu/ocl/housing/index.cfm.
Opportunities for Learning through Experience
American University prides itself on integrating experiential learning into all aspects of a student’s
education. In addition to supplementing coursework with visits to organizations and institutions in
the Washington, DC area, students will have the opportunity to participate in any of the 140 student
clubs and organizations on campus and may participate in numerous campus-wide activities annually
scheduled for all students (lectures and seminars, social activities, athletic events, and student clubs,
among others). Through AU’s Community Service Center, students can participate in volunteer
activities at organizations across the Washington DC area. Each year, over 2,000 AU students
participate in volunteer activities throughout the city. Two of the most popular activities are tutoring
students at local schools and helping to renovate housing for senior citizens.
In their free time, IGP/Abroad at AU students may apply for and participate in unpaid, non-credit
internships in the Washington, DC area. However, the scope of the Abroad at AU program is
primarily academic, and internships are not a main component of the program. Interested students are
responsible for finding, applying for and obtaining their own internships. Internship opportunities
may vary depending on a student’s background, work experience and English ability. Students will
also have access to AU’s Career Center to search for internships and ask for help and advice from
internship advisors. Examples of locations where previous students have interned are: NHK, Fuji TV,
International Labor Rights Fund, Congressman Ron Paul (Texas)’s Office, Inter-American
Development Bank, and Voice of America.
American University
ISA: 2014-15
Waseda University, Study Abroad 2014-2015
Facilitation Plan
Students will participate in a week-long orientation program prior to the start of classes to acquaint
them with the resources on campus, learn about Washington DC, and meet key faculty and staff who
will be assisting them while they are in the United States. During the mandatory orientation session,
students will meet with their academic advisor to finalize their course selection and will be paired
with a current AU student who will help them integrate into the AU community.
The Office of
International Student and Scholar Services will also provide advisory services on curricular and
extra-curricular concerns of students.
During the academic year, students will have the opportunity to participate in several programs,
which are specifically designed for international students. These include among many others
(subject to change):
> Road Trip USA:
The goal of Road Trip USA is to expose international students to American
multi-culturalism and provide an enriching setting for them to mingle with US citizens in the
community. Previous trips include DC Black American History Trip; Amish Country; and Cherokee
Nation; Alternative Spring Break Trip.
> TALK (Taking Action to Learn about ―Kulture‖): TALK is a weekly facilitated discussion about
cultural issues with a group of U.S. and international students. The group meets each week for 8
weeks, starting early in the semester.
> Traveling Gourmet: Traveling Gourmet is a monthly program where students from around the
world cook a dish from the native land to share with other international and American students.
Credits:
Students enrolled in the Abroad at AU program must take 12 credits per semester. One course usually
counts for 3 credits. Students in the IGP for the first semester take a total of five courses—four
courses are required and taken with other IGP students and for the fifth course students can choose
from a limited list of regular undergraduate courses.
Coordinator
Ethan Merritt, Incoming Student Advisor (Japan)
Alison Nagy, Program Coordinator / Incoming Student Advisor (Asia, Europe, Oceania)
Web Page http://abroadatau.american.edu
American University
ISA: 2014-15