The program is normally open only to juniors in good standing at consortium institutions, although students from non-consortium schools may apply. Applicants must have completed at least one year of Japanese language study at their home institutions by June of the year of application, and at least one other Japan-related course, preferably in premodern history. Finally, applicants should possess the flexibility to adapt to a different culture, the social and emotional maturity necessary for living with a host family, as well as the intellectual sophistication and seriousness to benefit fully from the program.
Admission is competitive.
The thirteen students I had in my class were smart, lively, and worked like dogs. I got terrific writing out of them . . . Applications for the 2000-2001 Program are due January 24, 2001. Please submit completed applications to the AKP representative at your home institution. Non-consortium applicants should submit completed applications directly to the AKP office at Whitman College.