Blog 4: Academic Differences

The typical teaching style in Japan is different from the typical teaching style in America. Lectures are very much note-based, and students are expected to hold questions until after the class. Teachers are highly respected and are to be treated as superiors. Classes are typically two credits each, and one credit in Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University is equivalent to one credit in Maryville College. By taking 6 credits abroad, there will be a total of 192 contact hours throughout the summer. Fall and spring semester times are different in the US from Japan, but that will not be a concern for summer study programs. In fact, the summer study program falls right in the middle of the Japanese spring semester. Letter grades at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University differ slightly from grades at Maryville College. Ninety percent or higher is deemed an A+, 80-89% is an A, 70-79% is a B, 60-69% is a C, and anything below that is failing. To be considered a full-time student during the summer here, a minimum of 6 credits must be taken. During the summer program, a minimum of 6 language credits is also required.