'A Year in America' discusses experience of Japanese exchange student in American university in a dramatic enactment. Japanese student prepares to leave Indiana University he packs his belongings and walks out of dorm room. He pauses to carve his initials in a tree limb where others have done before. In flashback the Japanese student is informed about the living quarters,funds and other administrative information by university dean in a interview. The student is greeted by his American roommate in his dormitory room. The two students talk.1951.
Japanese student acquaints himself with American university life. Japanese student walks around the Indiana university campus. Young American couples on campus. University students fill up forms at administrative office of Indiana University. Japanese student attends his first class at the university. Japanese student speaks in english with the professor.1951.
Japanese Indiana University student reads in his dormitory room. English literature books from writers such as Mark Twain are stacked in front on his desk. Three American students in a informal discussion. Japanese student meets a university professor. The two men talk while walking. Professor invites the student for dinner at his home. Professor,his family and the Japanese student talk while they have dinner and coffee 1951.
Japanese student meets Indiana university dean. Dean suggests the student join 'The Camera Club' and 'The International Dance Club' as extracurricular activities. Japanese student dances with an international student. The student showcases Japanese dance. Japanese student meets with other members of the camera club. Members of the club take pictures and discuss their interest in photography.1951.
Group of Indiana University students in a discussion. Japanese student checks a camera film. Japanese student with his American room mate at a vegetable farm. Small hand tractor is used by the two Indiana University students to plow the field. Family of American student along with student from Japan have lunch. All the people watch a television broadcast of a United Nations meeting.1951.
Indiana University students in a classroom. Japanese student and his friends take a trip to Mark Twain's home near Mississippi river. Three students stop at a lake for a swim. Three students in a black convertible car. Billboard painted 'Hannibal' at the side of road. The three students stop at Mark Twains boyhood home. Old lady at the home shows the three students a book 'The Extraordrinary Twins' by Rundonhead Wilson. Students in a university class room have a discussion with professor.1951.