The Center for Asian Studies has developed one-of-a-kind exchange programs with several Asian universities. Building upon successful one year student exchange programs, the Center created first-of-their-kind dual degree programs with Ritsumeikan and Korea Universities. These dual degree programs allow undergraduate students to earn bachelor’s degrees, and graduate students to earn master’s degrees, simultaneously from two universities. The students who obtain the dual degrees are provided with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience to excel in careers in both the United States and Asia. The programs have been praised by the Ministry of Education in Japan as outstanding examples of student exchange partnerships. As the Center for Asian Studies continues to build on the existing achievements of the student exchange partnerships, its objectives for exchange programs continue to be:

1. To provide students with professional knowledge, language skills, and cross-cultural understanding necessary for successful careers in a changing world.

2. To develop personal relations among future U.S.-Asian specialists facilitating closer collaboration between Asia and the United States.

3. To provide students with experiential learning opportunities in Asia and the United States through internships which will acquaint students with the employment needs of both American and Asian employers.

4. To institutionalize for higher education, the idea of global partnership involving the United States and Asia.