In the fall of 1998, Mount Allison University and Kwansei Gakuin University (KGU) commenced discussion regarding an opportunity for students from KGU to study abroad outside of the existent exchange partnership. The premise of this discussion was to create a program that would enable students to study abroad who would not normally be eligible due to English language admission standards. Due to economic conditions, however, further development was delayed until 1999.

In 1999 discussion was restored and a series of site visits were carried out by selected KGU Deans and Administrative Staff in an attempt to envision the structure and possibilities for such a program. It was realized that this program could fuel the success of the regular exchange programs in the future as students would have the unique opportunity of studying in an English environment intensively which may in turn increase their English language test scores. That increase could make regularly ineligible students eligible for exchanges. Moreover, creation of a short-term study abroad program would really open the door to many students for their futures.

Through tireless efforts of employees at KGU and MTA, MASSIE (Mount Allison Semester Studies in English) has become a reality. The program duration has been set at 3.5 months although many of our students wish to stay longer! The program has constantly consisted of a multitude of learning environments from the English language classes to the special topics instructed by Mount Allison Professors such as Introduction to Canadian Studies to extra curricular activities and friendship bonds. Students have the opportunity to receive credit value for their studies successfully completed at Mt.A upon return to KGU.

Beginning in September 2000, 50 students were sent to Mount Allison for the first session of the program and the result was an overwhelming success. The program maintained an intense English learning environment while fostering life experiences. The students made their mark on life at Mount Allison and MASSIE took on an entity of something up and coming.

Since the first session, Mount Allison has hosted over 300 MASSIE students in the Fall and Summer sessions (the 2003 summer session was cancelled due to the uncertainty of the SARS situation and its impact on the global environment). The program continues to evolve as necessary to suit the needs of the students and the changing world around us. In Japan, MASSIE has become a student circle at KGU to which past, current and future students can all become members. A very strong family bond has been created between everybody involved in this program and this is perhaps one of the most valuable experiences for students and staff and friends alike.