Center for Global Education

Kansai Gaidai University

UW-W Exchange Program

Location	Osaka, Japan
Academic Focus	Asian Studies
Eligibility	2.5 GPA
Terms	Semester, Year
Language of Instruction	English
Partner Website	Click Here

Kansai Gaidai University is a well established international institution in the field of international education in Japan.  It is located near the cultural and commercial cities of Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara, providing students a variety of Japanese cultural experiences.  Kansai Gaidai’s world renowned Asian Studies programs have been providing international students excellent education since 1972. 

Academics

Established in 1972, the Asian Studies Program today annually welcomes over 600 competitively selected students who represent about 40 countries and regions. The goal 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, although 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.

Students must have sophomore standing, a 3.0 GPA at time of application, a clean disciplinary record and be back at UW-W for one semester before graduating. Preference will be given to those students who have a major or minor in Asian studies.

Accommodation

Kansai Gaidai offers students the choice between a homestay and living in a dormitory.  The homestay provides students with an authentic Japanese culture experience.  Host families are carefully selected by the Center for International Education and are committed to giving students the best opportunity to learn while in their country. 

Dormitories are also an option for international students, especially those seeking a cross-cultural learning experience.  The four international student dormitories, know as “Seminar Houses”, offer a comfortable alternative for students who choose to live among fellow students from different cultural backgrounds. Dorms come fully furnished and full kitchens are available.

Student Life and Surroundings

There are many opportunities for students to get involved with campus programs, student organizations, festivals, and athletic organizations  while at Kansai Gaidai.  Kansai Gaidai is located  in the pop culture center for Japan, Osaka, which is also the second largest city in Japan.  Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe are all short train rides and offer students  opportunity to further immerse themselves in Japanese culture. 

Cost of Attendance, Financial Aid, and Scholarships

Exchange programs are affordable study abroad options that allow students to pay UW-W tuition while studying abroad.  As with all approved study abroad programs, UW-W financial aid can be used on this program.  Eligible students are encouraged to apply for the Wisconsin Grant for Study Abroad, and UW-W and external study abroad scholarships are available.

UW-W tuition, as well as the Global Experiences Application Fee and CISI international insurance, are billed to the student’s UW-W account.  Other expenses are paid individually (e.g. living expenses) or to the host university (e.g. accommodation).

Estimated Cost of Attendance (per semester)

*2012-13 UW-W tuition for in-state residents. Non-residents are subject to UW-W non-resident tuition rates. Tuition rates are subject to change each academic year.

	UW-Whitewater	Kansai Gaidai
Tuition	$3,789*	$3,789*
Housing	$1,500-$2,500	$1,800
Meals	$1,600	$1,225
Other Living Expenses	$1,475	$2,500
Global Experiences Application Fee	$0	$275
CISI International Insurance	$0	$170
Travel Documents	$0	$145
Round Trip Flight	$0	$1,500
Total Cost of Attendance	$8,364-$9,364	$11,404

Passport and Visa Requirements

Students will need a passport to study abroad that is valid for at least 6 months beyond the end of their program.  Students in this program are also required to apply for a  Japanese student visa.

Key Dates

Term	Application Deadline	Term Dates
Academic Year	March 15th	Late August to Early June
Fall Semester	March 15th	Late August to Mid December
Spring Semester	October 1st	Late January to Early June

Contacts

CGE Exchange Coordinator
Mikaela Auerbach
Center for Global Education
Office: Hyland 1227
Tel: 262-472-5759 (appointments)
        262-472-5379 (direct)
Email: auerbacm@uww.edu

UW-W Faculty Exchange Advisor:
Lawrence Neumann
Department of Sociology
Office: Laurentide 2110
Tel: 262-472-1093
Email: neumanl@uww.edu

UW-W Faculty Exchange Advisor:
Kasumi Kato
Dept. of Languages & Literature
Office: Laurentide 3119
Tel: (262) 472-1241
Email: katok@uww.edu