Established in 1972, the Asian Studies Program today annually welcomes over 600 competitively selected students who represent about 40 countries and regions. The raison d’être of the program is to provide international students with a means of exploring Japan and Asian studies through classroom instruction and interaction with Japanese people.
Japanese language courses range from the introductory through the advanced levels. Previous Japanese language training is not required.
A variety of course offerings relevant to Japan and Asia, taught by experienced faculty members, will provide new perspectives for participants and inspire their intellectual and personal growth. One of the special advantages of studying in our program is the fact that all courses, except for Japanese language courses, are conducted in English.
Efficient language training with the latest innovations in linguistic instruction, fully equipped language laboratories, friendship programs with Japanese students, as well as the heart-warming home stay program, will all contribute to the rapid development of participants’ language proficiency and pragmatic understanding of the Japanese culture.
Firmly believing that Japan and Asia will continue to be key players throughout the 21 century, the program encourages students to tackle new challenges and take advantage of various opportunities available in Japan.
| Program Dates and Deadlines: | ||
|---|---|---|
| Term | Nomination DeadlineÌý | Application Deadline |
| Spring/Academic Year | October 1 | October 15 |
| Fall/Academic Year | February 15 | March 15 |
Information Sheet |
|
|---|---|
| Open to | All academic disciplines |
| Language of Instruction | English and Japanese |
| Level of Study | Undergraduate |
| Credit Offered | Transfer credits |
| Academic Calendar | |
|
Education Abroad Advisor:Ìý |
|---|
|
Dalila Sanchez, Coordinator Schedule an appointment:Ìý |
Travel Documentation
Important notice! Passport processing times have changed. Review up-to-date detailsÌý.
Routine processing times can take 10-13 weeks, and expedited applications in 7-9 weeks. Processing times begin when your application is received by a passport agency or center, and do not include mailing times. It may take up to 2 weeks for your application to be received by passport agency, and up to 2 weeks for you to receive your completed passport after agency mails it to you. Therefore, you should add an additional 4 weeks to you passport application processing time.Ìý
A valid passport is required for all international travel. If you are traveling anywhere abroad, you need a passport to board an international flight and to enter the country. Passport cards will not be accepted as form of I.D. You may be denied boarding if you travel with a passport that appears damaged or altered.
Some countries require that your passport be valid at least six months beyond the dates of your trip. Some airlines will not allow you to board if this requirement is not met. Check theÌýÌýto learn about entry and exit requirements for the country or countries in which you are traveling. Ìý
If you are applying for a passport for the first time, you need to renew your passport, or you have any other passport questions, you can find information on theÌýÌýwebsite. In addition, several U.S. Embassies and Consulates provide information to assist applicants in collecting the documentation needed. For a list of Embassies, please visitÌý
Kansai Gaidai University is located in the city of Hirakata (pop. 400,000) in Osaka prefecture. Located on the Yodo River, Kansai Gaidai is in the center of this region, midway between the ancient capital of Kyoto and the dynamic business center of Osaka, with Nara and its Daibutsu (Great Buddha) and “sacred deer� only a short train ride away. Kobe, located only a little further away, is the newest addition to the Kansai region, for it began its growth with opening of Japan to the West in the 1860s, and boasts of western influences in its architecture and atmosphere.
This superb location provides an excellent starting point from which to begin exploring of a land that, by anyone's standards, is truly fascinating. These geographic advantages are extensively utilized in the Asian Studies Program through field trips, independent research, and/or case studies.



Housing
Funding opportunitiesÌý
Budgetary items
These are items to consider to budget for your study abroad program:Ìý
Tuition at Kansai Gaidai for 14 credits:Ìý
$14,000Ìýfor one semester *Students are eligible for aÌýÌýfor $7,000 tuition rebate*
Kansai Gaidai HousingÌý
320,000 yenÌýfor homestay (includes breakfast and dinner on weekdays and three meals on Saturdays and Sundays)
270,000 yenÌýfor Global Commons-YUI (on campus)
Fees to paid to Kansai Gaidai:
General Deposit (Refundable) ... 10,000 yen
This refundable deposit will be reimbursed at the termination of residence at Kansai Gaidai, when all outstanding obligations have been met (loans, return of library books, etc.)
International Student Fee (Mandatory) ... 10,000 yen
Liability Insurance and Medical Assistance Fee (Mandatory) ... 2,000 yen
Global Commons-YUI- Security Deposit (Refundable) ... 30,000 yen
This refundable deposit is mandatory for Global Commons-YUI- residents regardless of their status, and will be reimbursed at the termination of residence after possible deduction based on the check-out inspection.
Out of pocket expenses:
- $200 administrative fee due at time of application
- International flight
- Personal spending
- Visa expenses
- International health insurance
Health, Safety and Travel Documentation
All students must attend pre-departure sessions prior to study abroad. Education Abroad awill provide you with further details pertaining to dates, times, and virtual linkÌý the semester before your program.Ìý
1) Mandatory pre-departure orientation hosted by the Education Abroad office. This session will cover general international travel related topics such as health, safety, insurance, and travel tips.Ìý
International Health and Travel Insurance
All Â鶹ŮÀÉ students participating on an exchange program will need to register in international health and travel insurance coverage through Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI). This mandatory insurance ensures that students have access to medical and emergency support services while abroad. You can view the policyÌýhere.Ìý