Kansai Gaidai University

UW-W Exchange Program

 

Location	Hirakata, Osaka, Japan
Academic Focus	Asian Studies
Eligibility	3.0 GPA; at least a sophomore standing at the time of application
Terms	Semester, Year
Language of Instruction	English
Partner Website	Click Here

Kansai Gaidai University, located in the city of Hirakata in the Osaka region of Japan, is renowned for its commitment to international education, and especially its long-standing Asian Studies program for international students. Located near the cultural and commercial cities of Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara, this program provides students with a variety of Japanese cultural experiences. 
 

Academics

Established in 1972, the Asian Studies Program 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 to advanced levels, and students of all levels of Japanese may participate. Preference will be given to students who have a major or minor in Japanese or Asian Studies.

Students participating in this program take eight credits of Japanese language each semester.  Remaining courses are selected from a variety of English-taught course offerings in Asian Studies, including those with a focus on the arts, humanities, social sciences, and business.

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 or Japanese. For more information on Kansai Gaidai's course listing, click here.

Accommodation

Kansai Gaidai offers students the choice to live in a homestay or 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 abroad. 

Dormitories are also an option for international students, especially those seeking a cross-cultural learning experience. The four international student dormitories, known 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. 
 
 For more information on accommodation, click here.


 

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 away and offer students the opportunity to further immerse themselves in Japanese culture.

Cost of Attendance, Financial Aid, and Scholarships

The Kansai Gaidai program operates on a “full exchange” basis: students participating in this program are subject to UW-W tuition, room, and board rates while receiving academic instruction, housing, and meals in Japan.   UW-W tuition, room, and board, as well as the Global Experiences           Application Fee and CISI international insurance, are billed to the student’s UW-W account.  Other expenses (e.g. airfare, personal expenses) are paid by the student individually.

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.
 

Estimated Cost of Attendance (per semester)

Billed by UW-Whitewater
Tuition*	3,800
Housing	2,100
Meal Plan	1,400
Administrative Fee	225
Contingency Fee	50
CISI Insurance	175
Subtotal	$7,750
Additional Estimated Expenses
Passport/Passport Photos	150
Round-Trip Airfare	1,800
KGU International Student Fee (mandatory; 10,000 JPY)**	100
Japanese Liability Insurance (mandatory; 1,000 JPY)**	10
Books/Supplies	200
Personal/Miscellaneous	1,400
Subtotal	$3,660
Total***	$11,410

*2019-20 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.
**Exchange rate taken in November 2019. US dollar amount will vary depending on date exchange rate is taken.
**For comparison, the UW-W Financial Aid office estimates the cost of attendance on the UW-W campus for one semester to be $7,400.
 

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	April 1	Late August to Late May
Fall Semester	April 1	Late August to Late December
Spring Semester	October 15	Mid January to Late May

Contacts

Office of Global Experiences
Office: McCutchan 204
Phone: 262-472-5759
Email: studyabroad@uww.edu

UW-W Faculty Exchange Ambassador
Dr. Marjorie Rhine
Department of Languages & Literatures
Office: Laurentide 3122
Tel: 262-472-1081
Email: rhinem@uww.edu