Randolph-Macon College and Hirosaki University, located in Aomori Prefecture in Japan, have signed a formal partnership agreement establishing an exchange program between the two institutions.

Starting as early as spring 2027, up to two students per year from each institution can spend a semester (or one student can spend a full academic year) at the other host school. This partnership is a full exchange model, meaning RMC students will pay what they would normally pay in tuition to RMC and only need to secure funding for travel and personal expenses, and vice versa for Hirosaki students studying in Ashland.

Exchange students at Hirosaki University may take courses offered by the Department of International Education and Collaboration in Japanese Language and Japanese Studies, as well as general education and specialized courses.

“I truly hope that our collaborations with partner institutions around the world open the door to deeper academic exchange, cultural learning, and expanded global mobility opportunities for students and faculty to engage with one another in meaningful ways,” said Mayumi Nakamura, Director of RMC’s Office of International Education.

The connection between the schools was helped along by Jeff Freeman ’90, who has spent much of his professional career overseas in a variety of areas, including education, journalism, business, and international relations.

“The new agreement between Hirosaki University and RMC is a fantastic opportunity to study abroad and develop your language skills,” Freeman said. “Learning a language abroad is something which I really benefited from during my time at Randolph-Macon. It was really rewarding to take things which I’d learned in the classroom and adapt them to real world situations. And that kind of experience can be a key part in being competitive for jobs internationally.”

“I feel extremely fortunate about these unique and special connections made possible through our distinguished alumni who are constantly doing remarkable work to connect RMC with the rest of the world,” Nakamura said. “Through Jeff Freeman’s longstanding engagement with Japan and his thoughtful introductions, Randolph-Macon College and Hirosaki University were able to begin meaningful conversations that have now grown into this exciting partnership. Jeff’s global career and his continued commitment to RMC reflect exactly the kind of international perspective we hope to foster for our students.”

This new partnership adds to RMC’s existing relationships in both Japan and across the globe. In Japan, the College has partnerships with Ishinomaki Senshu University, Rikkyo University, and Kansai Gaidai University, which complement partnerships with Wroxton College and Richmond American University London in England, Yonsei University in South Korea, and the Intercollegiate Center for Classical Studies in Rome, Italy.