International Exchange Programs

Programs

International Exchange Options

In an international exchange, an agreement between Lyon College and a university abroad allows the two institutions to enroll each other’s students. One of the main benefits for students is that they typically pay tuition to their home institution while paying room and board costs to the host institution. Credits earned abroad are also guaranteed to transfer back to the home institution.

Examples of Lyon exchange programs include partnerships with Akita University in Japan and Myongji University in Korea.

In some exchange agreements, especially in Europe and Latin America, courses offered through a university’s language institute may not be covered by the exchange agreement. In these cases, students who are fluent in the host country’s language may enroll in regular undergraduate courses taught in the local language and pay only their home-campus tuition. Students who enroll in the university’s language center, however, may be responsible for additional local tuition and fees.

Lyon’s exchange agreement with the University of Poitiers in France is an example of this type of arrangement. Lyon students receive the full benefits of the exchange when they enroll in regular courses taught in French. Students who take courses through the language center must pay the additional language-center tuition and fees using personal or scholarship funds.

University of Poitiers

University of Poitiers Exchange Program

City and University

The city of Poitiers has served as an important center of learning since the Middle Ages. Founded in 1431 by Pope Eugene IV and King Charles VII, the University of Poitiers is one of the oldest universities in France and Europe. Over the centuries, it has been associated with many notable scholars, writers, and philosophers, including François Rabelais, René Descartes, Francis Bacon, and Guez de Balzac.

Today, more than 26,000 students attend the University of Poitiers, including approximately 4,000 international students. The university combines historic buildings dating back to the 16th century with modern facilities built in recent decades. With more than 1,000 faculty members and researchers and a wide range of colleges and academic programs, students have many subjects from which to choose. The campus is also just a 15-minute bus ride from the city center.

Located in western France in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, Poitiers is a lively university city filled with historic churches, Romanesque architecture, shops, and cafés. It is approximately two hours from Paris by train and offers convenient public transportation by bus and rail.

Poitiers is also well positioned for exploring other parts of France and Europe. The Loire Valley, numerous châteaux, renowned wine regions, and the Basque Country are all within reach. Futuroscope, an interactive science and technology theme park, is located just outside the city. Destinations such as Normandy, Brittany, the French Riviera, the Alps, London, northeastern Spain, and northwestern Italy can also be reached by train.

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, [and] good for the improvement of French language skills.”
– Jacey Flatte, Lyon College study abroad student at the University of Poitiers

You can find more information at the links below:

University of Poitiers Details – Information on courses, program costs, registration, room and board, and cost of living.

Video of Poitiers Campus

Video Presentation of the University of Poitiers

Akita International University

City and University

Akita Prefecture, one of 47 prefectures in Japan, is located in the northwest of the main island along the Sea of Japan. It is approximately 280 miles (450 km) north of Tokyo and is known for its beautiful natural scenery, festivals, and historic sites such as Kakunodate, a 17th-century samurai town, and Tazawako, the deepest lake in Japan.

Industries in Akita have traditionally centered around rice farming, forestry, and mining, but recent decades have also brought growth in electronics, nonferrous metals, and tourism. The ruins of Kubota Castle and the surrounding park in Akita City are popular attractions for both Japanese and international visitors.

Spring, summer, and fall offer opportunities for hiking, canoeing, and fishing. From late December through March, Akita receives significant snowfall and is known for its skiing and snowboarding resorts. The region is also home to many onsen, or mineral hot springs, which are popular places to relax after outdoor activities.

Akita International University (AIU) is located in Akita City, which has a population of approximately 320,000. The university has an excellent website, which can be accessed here.

The campus features modern facilities and is surrounded by a peaceful, natural environment. Across from the university is a large sports facility operated by the prefectural government, offering basketball, baseball, tennis, soccer, weight training, and more. Hiking, cycling, and golf opportunities are also located nearby.

A large shopping mall is about 10 minutes from campus by bus and offers groceries, restaurants, movies, video games, and other shopping and entertainment options.

Although Akita International University is located in a rural setting, downtown Akita City is accessible by bus and train. The university is also less than 10 minutes by car from Akita Airport, which offers flights to Tokyo and Osaka.

Akita Prefecture is known for its natural beauty and resources. The university is located near ski areas, scenic hiking opportunities, and the Sea of Japan coastline. Akita is also especially well known in Japan for its rice and sake production.

The current AIU campus is located on the former site of Minnesota State University-Akita, which operated from 1990 to 2003. In spring 2019, AIU welcomed 151 international students from 30 countries and regions, reflecting the university’s strong commitment to intercultural education.

Student Comments

“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:

Akita International University Program Details – Application process and deadlines, student services, courses, and program costs.

Life at AIU - Akita International University

Akita International University | #02 Catch Your Dream! - Study in JAPAN

Myongji University

City and University

Myongji University is a private Christian university founded in 1948 in South Korea. It offers programs in engineering, the sciences, humanities, and other academic fields. The university has two campuses: the Social Science Campus in Seoul and the Natural Science Campus in Yongin, approximately 35 kilometers (22 miles) south of the capital.

More information for international students is available through Myongji University’s international student brochure and university website.

Yongin is a major city in the Seoul Capital Area, located in Gyeonggi Province. With a population of nearly one million people, the city has experienced significant growth in recent decades. Yongin is home to Everland, one of South Korea’s most popular amusement parks, and Caribbean Bay, a large water park. The city is also home to the Korean Folk Village, which offers visitors an opportunity to experience traditional Korean culture and history.

With more than 22,000 undergraduate and 2,600 graduate students, Myongji University provides a large and diverse academic community. The university places a strong emphasis on international education and maintains exchange partnerships with universities around the world.

You can find more information about the Myongji University Exchange Program at the links below:

Myongji University Program Details – More information about studying abroad and what to expect at Myongji University.

Myongji University: Campus Tour!

Myongji University Introduction Video

Myongji University - Yongin Campus

International University of Rabat

City and University

Rabat, with a population of around 1.9 million, is the capital of Morocco. One of the country’s four imperial cities, Rabat is located on the Atlantic coast at the mouth of the Bou Regreg River, opposite the city of Salé.

Rabat is a city rich in history and culture, with historic landmarks throughout its streets and public spaces. One of its most notable sites is the Kasbah of the Oudayas, known for its distinctive architecture and surrounding gardens. Nearby is Chellah, a historic necropolis associated with the Marinid dynasty, which ruled the region from the 13th to the 15th century.

The city is also known for its green spaces and commitment to environmental sustainability. Visitors can explore parks and gardens such as Rabat’s botanical garden and the Exotic Gardens of Bouknadel, located just outside the city. Rabat also has an extensive Atlantic coastline, with beaches stretching toward the neighboring city of Casablanca.

With modern infrastructure, a lively city center, and a variety of festivals and cultural events, Rabat blends historic character with contemporary city life. The city offers convenient access to an airport, tram system, shopping centers, cafés, restaurants, and other amenities.

Rabat is especially known for its vibrant music scene. Major events include the Mawazine Festival and Jazz au Chellah, along with performances representing a wide variety of musical traditions. Other major attractions include the Hassan Tower and Mosque, the Kasbah of the Oudayas, the Chellah necropolis, and the Archaeological Museum.

You can find more information about Rabat and Morocco at the links below:

Official Morocco Tourism Website

Rabat Additional Information