Partner Universities - Japan
Kansai Gaidai University
Study Options:
Asian Studies Program; Japanese language, Business, International Business, Economics, History, Religion, Art History, Literature, Film, Fine Arts, and Social Studies
Session Dates:
Semester 1 (fall) - late August to mid December
Semester 2 (spring) - late January to late May
Accommodation:
International students may choose to live in housing on campus, off-campus and home stay. Students are encouraged to participate in the home stay option as it is an excellent opportunity to be immersed in the culture and lifestyle of the Japanese.
There are three housing options on campus. Seminar houses I and II consist of Japanese style rooms shared by two students. The houses are furnished with futons, desks, closets, communal study rooms, student lounges, kitchens and storage areas.
Seminar House III is an apartment type dormitory with each unit accommodating six or eight students. Up to two students share a bedroom and common areas consist of a living room and kitchen.
There are also catering facilities at the university, and restaurants, classrooms, grocery stores and a train station are within a walking distance.
Approximate expenses per semester:
- Home stay; Y290 000 includes meals
- Dormitory; Y200 000 excludes meals (single accommodation)
- Housing deposit; Y10,000
- Meals Y150 000
- Text books Y20 000
- Miscellaneous Y140 000
- General affairs deposit: Y10 000 (refundable)
- Studio Art course materials fee; Y10 000 (optional)
- Health Insurance
- Round trip airfare
- Passport and Visa fees
Exchange student support services:
Support for students begins when they are met at Kansai International Airport. Students are transferred to their accommodation which they will share with all newly arrived students until the end of the orientation program. The Centre for International Education provides the compulsory orientation sessions, giving specific advice on placement tests, payment of fees, course registration and a basic introduction to Japanese culture and daily life. They can also enrol students in special programs such as the Experience Japan Program; activities aimed at giving international students a 'Japanese' experience - cooking, calligraphy, excursions etc and the speaking partner program where Japanese and international students assist each other with their language studies.
Students living on or off campus are encouraged to participate in the Home Visit Program, where local families acquaint students with Japanese culture and daily life through various social, cultural, and recreational activities.
An introductory level Japanese language class is also available to all international students.
Visa:
Exchange students must obtain a student visa to study in Japan. A Certificate of Eligibility, forwarded by Kansai Gaidai is required in order to apply for a visa. On receipt of this certificate, students must present it to the Japanese consulate in their capital city to begin visa application procedures. The following link provides more information on visa requirements and processes; www.au.emb-japan.go.jp/e_web/embassy_guide/Visa.htm
Health Insurance:
Health insurance, which covers illness and injury, is compulsory for all exchange students. This should be obtained from home before departure. Students are also encouraged to apply for the free Japanese Government Medical Refund System sponsored by the Japanese government. This provides approximately 80% refund of medical costs. Applications are available upon arrival on campus.
Facts in brief
About Kansai Gaidai University:
Kansai Gaidai was established in 1945 as a private language school. The mission of the two founders was to create an institution that provided its students with a 'sense of Internationalism'. Today, the school prospers as a private, non-profit educator and is well on its way to fulfilling its founders pledge. It has a reputation of excellence both locally and abroad for its high quality education. Enrolments in 2004 reached approximately 14,100 with about 500 of those being international students.
Location:
The University is located in the city of Hirakata near Osaka city, Japan. Hirakata in, its population then was 40,000. Hirakata is situated on the Yodo River, close to the Ikoma Mountains. The area served as the hunting grounds for nobles and aristocrats during the Heian period. It grew from a farming village to a modern city until in 1947, was declared Japans 12th city. The population has grown from 40,000 at this period to approximately 407,000 today.
Climate:
Japan has four very distinct seasons. The blossoming of the cherry trees marks the start of spring which can start as early as March. Summers can be hot and humid with temperatures reaching as high as 31degrees Celsius. Autumn brings the chrysanthemums and transformation of the trees from green to gold and red, winter (which is not as severe as Europe or North America) is mild and dry. Snowfalls can happen in the areas of the northern mountain provinces but not in the Osaka area.
Average low and high temperature ranges (in degree Celsius):
- January 2 to 9
- April 10 to 19
- July 23 to 31
- October 14 to 22
Activities:
Culture;
Hirakata and the cities in the Osaka prefecture offer many opportunities to discover the beauty of Japan and its rich culture. Osaka is known for its generation of new and interesting trends, Kyoto is an ancient city housing much of Japans most valuable artworks and could be considered a museum itself. It has many temples and shrines for visitors to appreciate. An even older city - Nara is home Horyuji, the worlds oldest standing wooden structure.
Students at Kansai Gaidai are well situated to discover all these fascinating cities. The university itself provides excursions as well as activities such as calligraphy, traditional Tea Ceremonies, Flower arrangement, Japanese cooking and much more. There are many organisations that welcome international students providing a unique experience of Japanese life and culture.
Sport;
The surrounding environment of Hirakata provides locations where people can take pleasure in outdoor activities. The white beaches of Japans coast are enjoyed by many during the summer season and the snow capped mountain regions allow for skiing and skating. There are also many scenic areas to be explored on foot or bicycle.
The university's athletic clubs also invite students to participate in recreational activities, from traditional sports such as Japanese martial arts to such 'western sports' as volleyball, soccer, cheerleading and American football. 'Circles' are less formal organisations whose interests include dance, camping, skiing and aerobics. The philosophy of these groups is to get active in a fun social atmosphere.