Extended Education
Group of AUAP students fill the steps of old main where they pose for a picture

Asia University America Program

A five-month study abroad program for Asia University students in beautiful Bellingham, Washington

Welcome to Western’s AUAP Program

  • Group of AUAP students posing in front of a building on campus
  • AUAP students playing twister
  • Group of different AUAP students posing in front of the same building
  • Group of AUAP students sitting down to a meal with faculty
  • Group of AUAP students stand outside a glass fronted building along the water under a blue sky
  • Group of AUAP students having a meal together
  • Group of AUAP students in class together
  • Group of AUAP students getting baked goods at a bakery
  • Group of AUAP coordinators and volunteers posing for a picture
  • Four AUAP students forming the letters "AUAP" with their bodies, similar to "YMCA"

AUAP is designed to support the curriculum of Asia University while teaching global perspectives and English language skills through coursework and social activities.

The Asia University America Program (AUAP) began in 1988 with 60 Japanese students from Asia University, located just west of downtown Tokyo, Japan. Now, over 30 years later, more than 4,100 students have attended Western through participation in the AUAP.

Those studying in the AUAP include International Relations, Business, Urban Innovation, Law, Economics, Multicultural Communications and Multicultural Relations majors. While completing the AUAP, these students stay on track for graduation by fulfilling Asia University’s academic requirements.

Not only does the AUAP offer a cultural exchange experience for Japanese students, it also provides a variety of opportunities for those at Western and in the Bellingham community to interact and learn with students from Japan. Please see Getting Involved for more information on how you can partner with our AUAP students during their visit, or learn how you can be an AUAP roommate.

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Our Locations

Western Washington University is conveniently located throughout the Puget Sound and Central Salish Sea regions.

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