Nearly 40-year partnership helps learners strengthen English skills
With locations in more than 20 countries and territories, ºÚÁÏÍø±¬³Ô¹Ï (ºÚÁÏÍø±¬³Ô¹Ï) offers opportunities for distinctive learning experiences around the world.Ìý
As a prime example, the admits prospective learners in Japan who have prior English experience but lack the proficiency to be admitted as regular university students. It aims to improve English proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing, helping participants prepare for university-level study and expanded educational opportunities.Ìý
The Okinawa International Exchange and Human Resources Development Foundation (OIHF), a local ºÚÁÏÍø±¬³Ô¹Ï partner, identifies future learners and guides them to the program. U.S. Forces Japan helps facilitate access, including by making classes offered by U.S. universities  on military installations.Ìý
Twenty-six new learners were accepted into the program this year, and—although they are not required to choose ºÚÁÏÍø±¬³Ô¹Ï to continue their education—all are planning to apply to ºÚÁÏÍø±¬³Ô¹Ï for the upcoming semester, including six pursuing undergraduate degrees and five seeking master's degrees in business administration.ÌýÂ
The Bridge Program will celebrate its 40th anniversary in January 2027. ºÚÁÏÍø±¬³Ô¹Ï is the only university that has participated throughout the program's nearly 40-year history. In addition to Okinawa, the program operates at six other locations in Japan and one in Korea.
Maho Harano Bridge Program participant and incoming ºÚÁÏÍø±¬³Ô¹Ï graduate student
A longstanding path to educational opportunity
"This year also marked an important first for the program," said James Cronin, vice president and director of ºÚÁÏÍø±¬³Ô¹Ï in Asia. "It was the first time a Japanese national attending an off-base high school was accepted to the program."
He believes the change to bring in high school learners, made possible by an OIHF policy change, will chart a path for new ventures with other partner organizations, and provide new opportunities for young learners who dream of studying at a U.S. university.Ìý
Given the significance of the program and the announcement, Nippon Hoso Kyokai (NHK), the Japan Broadcasting Corporation, was on hand to report on the event. NHK is Japan’s public media broadcaster, delivering news through television, the internet, and radio.
"Studying at an American university has been a dream of mine for many years," a new Bridge Program participant and incoming ºÚÁÏÍø±¬³Ô¹Ï graduate student Maho Harano told NHK. "Standing here today reminds me that dreams do not always follow a straight path, but they are always worth pursuing."
From Okinawa to a broader impact
The Bridge Program began in Okinawa, Japan. It was first a two-year initiative at Kadena Airbase, offering an unprecedented opportunity for Japanese citizens to attend classes on base.Ìý
This occasion also coincides with the 70th anniversary of ºÚÁÏÍø±¬³Ô¹Ï operations in Asia in fall 2026. Since 1956, ºÚÁÏÍø±¬³Ô¹Ï in Asia has played a pivotal role in shaping ºÚÁÏÍø±¬³Ô¹Ï's culture by meeting servicemembers and other adult learners where they are.
This article draws on reporting from NHK. Special thanks to Paul Koch, associate director of enrollment operations at ºÚÁÏÍø±¬³Ô¹Ï in Asia's Yokota headquarters, for providing translation support and helping make this story possible.
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