May 5, 2004

Boise State Signs Exchange Agreement With Asia University

Boise State University entered into a student exchange agreement with Asia University in Tokyo on Saturday, May 1, during a luncheon and signing ceremony. Asia University President Masahiro Ikejima and Boise State President Bob Kustra signed the agreement. Boise State and Asia University have had a partnership for 14 years involving an English as a Second Language (ESL) and an American culture program for Asia University students on the Boise State campus. The program will expand to allow Boise State students to study Japanese language and culture at Asia University for a semester or academic year. In return, Asia University students with advanced English language skills will study at Boise State for an academic year enrolling in undergraduate courses. Asia University is a prestigious private institution in Tokyo enrolling approximately 10,000 students in degree programs in business administration, economics, law and international relations. The university also offers master’s and doctoral degrees in business administration, economics and law. Asia University has a strong emphasis on English language study and internationalization. The majority of Asia University students study abroad in locations around the world, and the university hosts approximately 400 international students from 19 countries. Ikejima recently stepped into his leadership role at Asia University and was visiting Boise State as part of a tour of Asia University partner institutions in the US. For more information about the exchange program, call International Programs at Boise State at 208 426-3652. -30- Contact Sabine Klahr Director, International Programs 426-3652 Media Contact Sherry Squires communications and marketing 426-1563