Kansai
Gaidai University
Asian Studies Program
________________________________________________
Program Requirements -
Included/Not Included in Program Fee -
Academic Calendar - Course Offerings - Housing -
Extracurricular Activities - Link to University
Kansai Gaidai University is located in Hirakata City (population 405,000), midway between Osaka, Japan's second largest industrial metropolis, and Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan. Kansai Gaidai was originally established in 1945 as a small, private language school with an initial enrollment of only eight students amid the smoldering ruins of post-war Japan. The founder, Dr. Takako Tanimoto, hoped to create an institution which would instill a sense of internationalization in its students. Today Kansai Gaidai enrolls over 13,500 students. Established in 1972, the Asian Studies Program annually welcomes more than 400 competitively selected students who represent some 160 institutions from over 30 countries around the world.
Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0. While Kansai Gaidai recommends at least two semesters of college-level Japanese instruction, Kansai Gaidai can accommodate beginning language learners in either semester.
- Tuition
- Housing (homestay or dormitory)
- Some meals (homestay only)
- Health insurance
- Three-day on-site orientation
- Partially subsided academic field trips
- Student clubs and cultural activities
Not included in Program Fee:
- Airfare
- Most or all meals (depending on housing)
- Passport/Visa fees
- Personal expenses
Fall
Semester: August - December
Spring Semester: January - May
The program focuses on providing international students with a means of exploring Japan and Asian studies through classroom instruction and interaction with Japanese people. The curriculum provides students with a broad-based exposure to Japan and Asia, and well as relevant experience learning and living in Japan. Japanese language courses range from the introductory through the advanced level, and previous Japanese language training is not required.
The program begins with a three-day orientation at Kansai Gaidai, during which students are tested for their language ability and placed at the appropriate level. With the exception of Japanese language classes, most course work is in English. A wide variety of courses are available in Business, Humanities, and the Social Sciences. Course offerings range from topics on traditional culture to the management policies of leading Japanese companies to studio art courses. Japanese students occupy 20-25% of enrollment in each English-speaking class.
Students are required to take four or five courses per semester, including Spoken Japanese (5 credits). Japanese Reading and Writing classes are also available (optional). Course descriptions may be found at: http://www.kansaigaidai.ac.jp/
Courses are supplemented by extra contact hours in the form of field trips, guest speakers, group projects and special assignments.
Student housing is arranged either in a homestay or in dormitories. Students are strongly encouraged to live with Japanese families, as it offers an excellent learning opportunity to help acquire knowledge about the Japanese language and culture. Students choosing the homestay option have breakfast and dinner with their host family. Lunches are available at the three cafeterias and snack shops on campus. Dormitories house two students per room and contain full kitchen facilities.
Students who wish to take full advantage of studying in Japan are encouraged to take an active part in the friendship programs as well as clubs and circles available at Kansai Gaidai. Programs serve to foster active communication between the international Japanese students, as well as to deepen international students' understanding of Japanese culture. The most popular friendship program is the Speaking Partner Program, whose primary function is to assist international students in further developing their Japanese language proficiency. In return, international students help Japanese students learn their own language and culture. Speaking partners are a great resource during the initial adjustment to campus life at Kansai Gaidai as well.
Throughout the year, student organizations, clubs, and circles at Kansai Gaidai plan, organize and carry our a variety of university events.
Students may join soccer, basketball, or tennis clubs to name a few. Martial arts and cultural pursuits such as Tea Ceremony, Flower Arrangement, or Koto (the Japanese harp) are also popular.
For more program-specific details, go to:
_____________________________________________________
For more information
please contact the Study Abroad office at:
714-997-6830 or
abroad@chapman.edu