Welcome to the Asia University America Program at Eastern Washington University. The Asia University America Program (AUAP) is an innovative study abroad program for freshmen and sophomores from Asia University in Tokyo, Japan. Twice a year, groups of 30 - 90 students come to EWU and live and study on campus for five months. Participants study 20 hours a week in courses designed to develop their communicative competence and overall English language proficiency. Upon return to their university, students receive 15 semester hours of Asia University credit for these classes. Over 2,600 students have participated in this program at EWU since it began in 1989.

As part of its basic philosophy, Asia University advocates active international relations and has promoted exchange with universities in other countries for many years. Relations were first developed with institutions of higher education in Asia, and more recently with a number of American universities. At present, Asia University has agreements with 18 universities in 9 countries including Eastern Washington University, Central Washington University and Western Washington University.

In addition to studying English, an important feature of the program is to help the AUAP students learn about and experience American culture. The AUAP students live in EWU residence halls and the majority of AUAP students are matched with American roommates. An International Peer Advisor (an EWU student hired to work in the AUAP) is assigned to serve as a resource person to each group of 10 AUAP students. The IPAs assist students with orientation to campus and community, plan cultural, educational, and recreational activities on and off campus, help students understand and adjust to American life and culture, help with personal or medical problems, and facilitate student involvement in campus and residence hall activities.

An important goal of the program is to get students involved with campus and community life. Students participate in Homecoming Week activities, Japan Day festivals in the residence halls, intramural sports, and a variety of educational, cultural and social activities. In addition, upon arrival at EWU, all AUAP students establish pen pal relationships with elementary school children in Spokane and Cheney and then visit those schools at least once during their five-month stay in America.

The AUAP Program also helps students to learn more about American culture and social issues by arranging volunteer opportunities in the local community. Students have worked on Habitat for Humanity houses, volunteered at various after school programs, passed out water during Bloomsday, volunteered at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center, helped clean up the banks of the Spokane River during "Riverfest", and worked at the America's Kid's Run.