hey all! I was admitted to AU ED 1 and the Sakura Scholars program. I’m torn if this is the right program for me–i’m going into IR but hadn’t previously considered Asian Studies. Wondering if people had any thoughts on the program in general//what your thought processes are for those of you who got accepted/applied?
Thanks!
Did anyone else apply to this program?
Hi! I applied to the program as well, however I did regular admission, so I won’t know if I’m admitted until April 1. I really think you should do it! This is a new program and it can open a lot of doors for you in the future. I have a question? Did you apply with your SAT/ACT scores? If you did, what were your scores? Thanks!
Hi @Kelv314! I accepted the offer! I’m really excited, though it was a tough decision. If you have questions, you should reach out to the program directors (I found them super helpful). I applied w/ SAT scores–1390.
My kid thought about it. We attended the webinar and it looks like a great opportunity. As said before, it will likely open doors as well as give you a one-of-a-kind experience. Looks like American has relationships with Ritsumeikan (Sakura) University and Waseda University. Both are great schools. I think my kid might do a study abroad in Japan or Asia, but the Sakura program seems to go much deeper experientially.
@TekSan Did your son/daughter decide to apply? If not, what made them decide against it?
Didn’t end up applying to the program. Can’t remember if there was an extra essay required. I think essay-burnout was high then. Secondly, I think they weren’t positive about studying abroad in Japan versus Asia or elsewhere. They’ve been to Japan a couple times (and loves it) but wasn’t sure about doing a study abroad there.
Honestly, I think they wanted a more typical college experience. Also thought the schedule was packed (good and bad in some ways) and lacked some flexibility for doing an internship in DC or doing a double major.
What are your thoughts on it?
I accepted the program mainly because I love traveling and experiencing new cultures and felt the joint-degree could give me an edge when applying to graduate programs. I definitely agree there is a lack of flexibility which will likely make it very difficult to study my second interest: environmental issues. I do however think that the gap between the first and second year (about 5 months due to the scheduling difference between the US and Japan) provides ample time for a potential intership. It was definitely a tough decision and I will honestly just have to see how it turns out :).
Sounds like a good fit. I think Japan is starting to put more focus on environmental issues. They do some hardcore home/consumer recycling and the nuclear meltdown made people more aware of issues.
@whoaag Hello! I’m glad you accepted I am also a Sakura Scholar interested in double majoring in Environmental Studies and I can’t wait to meet everyone at Welcome Week! If you’d like to chat on fb my name is Samantha Rae Pulido 
Hi! I’m currently looking into applying to the Sakura Scholar program, and I also have a huge interest in Environmental Studies as well! Now that you are currently at AU, I was wondering if it really is feasible to double major in Environmental Studies while also being a Sakura Scholar? It’s kind of what will be the deciding factor between me applying to Sakura Scholars or Global Scholars haha :^)
@whoaag How did you get in contact with the directors? I looked at the program page and wasn’t able to find anything