English education at the University of Aizu

The University of Aizu equips students with not only cutting-edge knowledge and skills about Computer Science and Engineering, but also with English skills that you can use for practical purposes.

Note. Items 1 through 6 below apply to students admitted via the General Selection and Recommendation-based Selection, while item 7 mainly applies to those admitted in October who belong to the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Global All-English Program.

1. Curriculum

All English classes are conducted entirely in English starting from the first year. The curriculum balances reading, writing, listening, and speaking, offering plenty of time to actively use the language in class. Lessons are held in specialized CALL classrooms. Beginning with general English, the program gradually introduces academic English required for research. This step-by-step progression guides you toward using English as a practical tool for graduation theses, presentations, and your future career.

While English classes become elective in the third year at many science and engineering universities, the University of Aizu takes a different approach. To prepare for writing and orally presenting graduation theses in English, third-year students take at least two English courses, and fourth-year students take a class that guides them through thesis writing. Our consistent four-year curriculum keeps you engaged with English, fully supporting your goal to gain the English communication skills necessary for the digital industry and our global society.

List of English courses

Also refer to the syllabi.

2. Fluency Program

In every first-year EFL class, there are activities to develop fluency, in which you promptly practice applying English knowledge you have acquired in high school. In this program, you don't compete against others but against your past self.

3. Survival English

In the digital technology sector, including IT and AI, English is an essential "survival tool." In addition, non-native speakers play a major role in this industry. Leveraging the University of Aizu's real-world diversity, we have developed unique learning materials to nurture your global listening skills starting from the first year.

4. TOEIC e-learning, TOEIC Preparation Course

One of the requirements to acquire the status of a third-year student is to achieve a specified score at a standardized test, the TOEIC® Listening & Reading Test. Because it is widely accepted by Japanese society as a measure of English proficiency, achieving a high TOEIC score also gives you an advantage for job hunting. At the University of Aizu, all students work on TOEIC e-learning, and you can optionally take a TOEIC Preparation Course. As a result, the mean TOEIC scores improve in the four years.

5. Professors in Charge of English Courses

Professors of various nationalities teach EFL courses, all of whom have a Ph.D. in linguistics, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), applied linguistics or related areas.

Center for Language Research

6. Study-abroad programs

Compared to many other science and engineering departments of national/public universities in Japan, the University of Aizu has exceptionally rich study-abroad programs. In addition to mid-term and short-term study-abroad programs, we offer "Immersive English Experience for Study-Abroad Preparation," in which you can enjoy a mock study-abroad experience. You can choose an appropriate study-abroad program based on your needs.

More information about study-abroad

7. ICT Global All-English Program

This autumn-admission/graduation program is for those who have superb English proficiency, including international students and returnees. All the General Education and Specialized Education Courses in this program are offered in English. Those who have been admitted via the General Selection and Recommendation-based Selection are also allowed to take courses of this program if they fulfill the requirements.