Nearly 40-year partnership helps learners strengthen English skills

Bridge Program English language learners with UMGC in Asia and OIHF staff at a program event in July 2026.

With locations in more than 20 countries and territories, University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) offers opportunities for distinctive learning experiences around the world. 

As a prime example, the Bridge Program 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. 

The Okinawa International Exchange and Human Resources Development Foundation (OIHF), a local UMGC 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 available on military installations. 

Twenty-six new learners were accepted into the program this year, and—although they are not required to choose UMGC to continue their education—all are planning to apply to UMGC for the upcoming semester, including six pursuing undergraduate degrees and five seeking master's degrees in business administration.  

The Bridge Program will celebrate its 40th anniversary in January 2027. UMGC 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.

Standing here today reminds me that dreams do not always follow a straight path, but they are always worth pursuing.

Maho Harano Bridge Program participant and incoming UMGC graduate student

 
Bridge Program participant and incoming UMGC graduate student Maho Harano spoke to fellow learners in English at an event in July 2026.

A longstanding path to educational opportunity

"This year also marked an important first for the program," said James Cronin, vice president and director of UMGC 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. 

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 UMGC 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."

Burt Okamoto (right), associate vice president and deputy director of UMGC in Asia presents a plaque to commemorate 40 years of partnership in the On-Base College program to OIHF Executive Director Takashi Uezu.

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. 

This occasion also coincides with the 70th anniversary of UMGC operations in Asia in fall 2026. Since 1956, UMGC in Asia has played a pivotal role in shaping UMGC'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 UMGC in Asia's Yokota headquarters, for providing translation support and helping make this story possible.

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