In international exchanges, an agreement between Lyon College and a university abroad allows the two institutions to enroll each other’s students. The main benefit of an exchange from a student perspective is that it allows students studying overseas to pay tuition to their home university and room and board costs to the host institution, with a guarantee that all credits earned abroad will transfer to the home institution. Examples of exchange programs at Lyon are the partnerships with Akita University in Japan and with Myongji University in Korea. Many times in exchange agreements, especially in Europe and Latin America, study in the language institute of a university will not be covered by the agreement. In such cases, a student who is fluent in the host country’s language can enroll in regular undergraduate classes taught in the local language and can pay just the home campus tuition, while a student who studies in the university language center will be charged additional local tuition and fees. The exchange agreement with the University of Poitiers in France is an example of this kind of exchange situation. In Poitiers, Lyon students enjoy the full benefits of the exchange only if they enroll in regular classes taught in French, but must pay language center tuition and fees out of personal or scholarship funds if they study in classes at the language center.
City and University
The city of Poitiers has a history of serving as a university center since the Middle Ages. The University of Poitiers is the second oldest university in France and was established in 1431 by Pope Eugene IV and King Charles VII. It is known for educating many famous philosophers and scientists – including François Rabelais and René Descartes, Franvis Bacon, Guez de Balzac – throughout the ages. It is one of the oldest universities in Europe.
There are currently over 26,000 students attending the University of Poitiers, 4,000 of which are international students. The university utilizes buildings that date back the 16th Century as well as facilities that were built within the last few decades. With over 1,000 faculty and researchers and 14 colleges and faculties for, students have a wide variety of academic subjects to study. And the campus is just a 15-minute bus ride from the city center.
Poitiers is the capital of the Poitou region. It is a young city as many college students inhabit the area. Located in western France in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, it is full of historic churches, Romanesque architecture, shops and cafés near the city center. It is approximately 2 hours from Paris by train and has convenient public transportation (bus and railway). Poitiers is also in close proximity to the Loire Valley, dozens of charming chateaux, an excellent wine region, and Basque country just to the south. The Futuroscope--part interactive learning center and part theme park--is located just outside Poitiers and pays tribute to the technologies of multimedia in several wildly imaginative pavilions. Normandy, Brittany, the French Riviera, the Alps, London, northeastern Spain, and northwestern Italy are all within half a day's train travel.
Student Comments
“Poitiers has been an overall great place to stay and study. Many of the French people who I told that I would be studying in Poitiers asked me why I would want to come here, as they thought that I would not find much to do. I found out on my own however that I love Poitiers, and there is plenty of history to learn about as well as a small amusement park nearby! Also, the fact that France is so small really allows me to be able to take trips around the country during the many vacation days that universities have over here. Having already made plans to travel to several places, I would definitely have the time to travel had the pandemic not happened! The teachers at the university here are so kind and helpful, and every student that I have met has been enthusiastic and excited to be here. This experience is a necessity for any student that has the opportunity.” - Raleigh Jeffrey, Lyon College Exchange Program Student
“My professors were fantastic and engaging." - Jodi Schmidt, Lyon College study abroad student at the University of Poitiers
"I would recommend studying abroad to anyone and wouldn't trade my time in France for anything." -Norah Gnade, Lyon College study abroad student at the University of Poitiers
“Plenty of opportunities to travel, for good for the improvement of (French) Language” - Jacey Flatte, Lyon College study abroad student at the University of Poitiers
“Was very confusing at times, especially when registering for classes and taking placement exams. Some unexpected costs.” - Jacey Flatte, Lyon College study abroad student at the University of Poitiers
City and University
Akita Prefecture, one of 47 in Japan, is located in the northwest of the main island along the Sea of Japan. It is 280 miles (450 km) north of Tokyo and known for magnificent nature, abundant festivals, and sites such as Kakunodate (a 17th-century samurai town) and Tazawako (the deepest lake in Japan), among others. Industries in Akita have traditionally centered around rice farming, forestry, and mining, but recent decades have seen rapid development in electronics, nonferrous metals, and tourism. The ruins of the Kubota Castle and surrounding park in Akita City are currently very popular tourist attractions for Japanese and foreign visitors. Spring, summer, and fall allow you to enjoy hiking, canoeing, and fishing. As much snow falls from late December through March, Akita is famous for its many skiing and snowboarding resorts with excellent powder snow and fabulous facilities. After enjoying outdoor activities, a range of different onsen, or mineral hot springs, will bring you physical as well as mental relaxation.
Akita International University (AIU) is located in Akita City, which has a population of 320,000 people. (The University has an excellent website which can be accessed here. The campus has modern facilities and is surrounded by a peaceful, natural environment. Opposite the university is a state-of-the-art sports facility (basketball, baseball, tennis, soccer, weight training, and more) run by the prefectural government. A variety of hiking, cycling, and golf courses are adjacent to our campus as well. There is a huge shopping mall 10 minutes away from campus by bus where students can stop before or after classes and on weekends for groceries, restaurants, movies, video-gaming, and much more.
Akita International University campus is located in a rural environment, but is accessible from downtown Akita city via bus and train and is less than 10 minutes by car from Akita Airport, which offers flights to Tokyo and Osaka. Adjacent to the university is a sports facility run by the local government (basketball, baseball, tennis, soccer, and weight training, etc.). A variety of hiking, cycling, and golf courses are adjacent to the campus. A shopping mall is 10 minutes away from the campus by bus. Akita prefecture is known for its natural beauty and resources. The university is located close to ski areas, scenic hiking opportunities, and the Sea of Japan coastline. Akita is particularly famous in Japan for producing the country's most delicious rice and sake. The new AIU campus is set on the same location as the previous academic entity known as Minnesota State University in Akita which operated from 1990 to 2003. In Spring 2019, AIU welcomed 151 international students from 30 countries and regions, a strong indication of its commitment to inter-cultural education.
“Studying at Akita was truly one of the best experiences of my life.”- Jessica Craven, ’17, Lyon College Exchange Student at Akita
You can find more information on the Akita Exchange Program at the links below:
City and University
Myongji University is a private, Christian university founded in 1948 in South Korea. It provides higher education in the fields of engineering, sciences and humanities. It has two campuses: the Social Science Campus is located in Seoul and the Natural Science Campus is in Yongin which is 35 kilometres (22 mi) south of the capital. The English-language version of the University’s brochure for international students can be found here and their university website here.
Yongin (Korean pronunciation: [joŋ.in]) is a major city in the Seoul Capital Area, located in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. With a population close to 1 million, the city has developed rapidly since the 21st century, recording the highest population growth of any city in the country. Yongin is home to Everland and Caribbean Bay, South Korea's most popular amusement and water parks. The city is also home to the Korean Folk Village, the largest of its kind.
With over 22,000 undergraduates and 2,600 postgraduates, Myongji University has been a center for practical humanism over the past half century, and is operating various and practical globalization programs while having exchanges with 150 universities in 22 different countries.
