Tokyo International University of America

The one-year program at Tokyo International University of America (TIUA) and Willamette University enables students to pursue academic goals, develop intercultural awareness, and explore personal values and interests. Co-curricular programs are designed to offer students opportunities to learn through experience about other people and cultures. As a result, students also gain and share insights about their own traditions and values.

President Arai: Thanks from everyone at TIUA and Willamette

Takayoshi Arai, President of TIU and TIUA, visited on December 17 and 18 in order to participate in the Closing Ceremony of the 2009 program and to meet with WU and TIUA faculty and administrators. President Arai has served as President of both TIU and TIUA for the last eight years and will be retiring in March of 2010.

Tomodachi Program - Volunteers Wanted

We are looking for people to participate in our Tomodachi "friendship" program with the students who are here until mid-December. It is not a home-stay program. After completing the application form and criminal background check, participants are matched with one or two students. The minimum requirement is a get-together at least once a month. Activities are up to you, but dinner at your home, attendance at school, community or local musical or sporting events, shopping, movies, sightseeing are all fun options. The student and participants, through their friendship, will have an opportunity to share their cultures with each other. We kick off the program with Dessert Nights held on March 29 and March 30.

Click on this link to learn more and download the application form.

Feel free to contact Barby Dressler, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or 503-373-3330, if you have questions or need more information.

TIUA Class of 2010

Ninety three students from Japan arrived Monday, February 8, to begin their year in Salem. The American Studies Program classes began Monday, February 15th. There were many opening days activities that took place during the first week so the students could familiarize themselves with campus and Salem as well as get to know their roommates and other students.

Welcome Jane Averill

Please join us in welcoming to campus Jane Averill, the new TIUA Director of Academic Programs.

Professor Averill brings to the position decades of experience in the field of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), having done her graduate work in the field at San Francisco State University. Prior to joining TIUA, for the last 19 years, she was on the faculty and working in academic administration at Oregon State University. Jane brings many years of experience in curriculum and instruction, in the development and management of academic English programs as well as a wide variety of special programs, and she has been very active in the profession on a regional, national, and international level. In addition, she has had significant experience in teacher education.

If you have any questions, would like to introduce yourself, or would like more information about TIUA academic programs, please contact Jane. Her email address is This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Her extension on campus is x3306 (503-373-3306).