Japan: Kansai Gaidai University (Exchange Program)
Study abroad in Japan at the Kansai Gaidai University in Osaka.
Live in the heart of Japan’s Kansai region, near Osaka (one of the world’s largest cities), Nara (Japan’s ancient capital), and Kyoto (over 15 UNESCO World Heritage Sites). Through this exchange program, students explore an ancient nation rich in culture, religion, art, food, and natural beauty. Great fit for History, Anthropology, Art History, CMCS, Sociology, Religion, International Relations, and International Business students, and more!
Why Study Abroad in Japan?
"I ventured to Japan my senior year of Rollins with no knowledge of Japanese, and a pocket guide of not-so-useful phrases...Together, with a ragtag trans-continental assortment of international students, I was able to scale Mt. Fuji and karaoke till dawn, navigate the train system in Japanese and somehow, amidst the fun, learn more than I ever thought I would." - Rollins Study Abroad Alum
Academic Information
Courses
Established in 1945, Kansai Gaidai is an accredited, private institution with about 13,000 students. with a demonstrated commitment to international education.
- Required Spoken Japanese Language Class (5 Credits): Students do not need a background in Japanese to go to Kansai but must take one spoken Japanese language class. Japanese reading/writing courses are also available for interested students. For students with a background in Japanese, appropriate course level is determined by a placement test upon arrival.
- Additional Courses (3 Credits Each): Most students take 3-4 other courses in English. For a full list of courses and further details about the curriculum, please click here.
- Sample Course Schedule
Exchange
This program is an exchange, which means Kansai Gaidai sends students to Rollins and Rollins sends the same number of students to Kansai Gaidai. As a result, places on the program are sometimes limited and will be allocated to Rollins students based on the merit of the application.
Transfer of Credit
- Students must be enrolled in a minimum of 14 credits to stay within the student visa requirement.
- Grades appear on the Rollins transcript and factor into the GPA. It can take up to three months for grades to be processed.
- Students can take major and minor courses abroad (with approval from the academic department) and can also take competencies and rFLA200-level seminars abroad (with approval from the Registrar).
What It’s Like to Study Abroad in Japan
Homestay
- Students will have a single room and share laundry facilities with their Japanese family. This is an excellent opportunity to learn about Japanese culture and practice the language. Some students may find it difficult to adjust to family schedules, household rules and the commute to classes. Ask IP for more information.
- Homestays are provided with two meals a day during the week, and three meals a day on the weekends.
On-Campus Residence Hall
- Students live in a single room with communal bathrooms at Global Commons at the Gotenyama Campus, a 15-minute walk from the main Nakamiya campus.
- All rooms are single rooms equipped with a desk, bed, closet, bookshelves, small refrigerator, and air-conditioner.
- Common spaces are also available for students including study space, a fitness room and a karaoke room!
- Students are provided with a declining debit card to purchase meals out or at on-campus eateriesor to purchase groceries and use shared kitchens, which are supplied with basic cooking and eating utensils.
- Visit the Kansai Gaidai University Campus Life website for further housing details.
Meals
- Students are provided with a declining debit card so they can eat at the different dining halls and restaurants on and around campus, but there is no meal plan. Meals on campus are quite inexpensive.
- There are plenty of nearby, local restaurants offering very inexpensive meals and a Western-style mall in walking distance with a wide range of restaurants.
Activities & Excurisions
- The Speaking Partner Program pairs local Japanese students with international students to allow for language practice.
- The Experience Japan Program: hosts events and activities planned and led by local students for international students, including day trips, sports, cultural activities and cooking lessons.
- Student Clubs: Kansai offers various clubs such as soccer, martial arts, tea ceremony, flower arrangement, and more!
- Semester breaks and holidays provide opportunities for wider travel and down time during which students can explore the campus and nearby neighborhoods. Osaka City, Kyoto and Nara are easily accessible via short train rides. Students may also travel easily to Tokyo and other destinations in Japan and Asia.
Things to Consider
- Non-Asian students, especially BIPOC, may experience stares and heightened curiosity from locals. Make sure to check the resources available on the IP Your Identity Abroad page in MyRollins.
- Although there are no legal restrictions on same-sex relationships attitudes toward members of the LGBTQIA+ community vary. Make sure to check the US Department of State LGBTI Travelers page and ILGA Sexual Orientation Laws in the World for more information as well as the IP Your Identity Abroad page in MyRollins.
- Mental Health Services are often limited in Japan. Rollins students participating in this exchange program will have access to a free counseling service that the Asian Studies program has arranged for its Study Abroad and exchange students to utilize.
Program Calendar: Fall 2024
Dates | |
|---|---|
Aug 20-22 | Required Arrival Dates |
Aug 23-26 | Orientation |
Aug 28 | First Day of Classes |
Oct 26-29 | Fall Break |
Dec 10 | Last Day of Classes |
Dec 11-16 | Exam Week |
Dec 23 | Program End Date (Deadline for Moving Out) |
Program Calendar: Spring 2025
Dates | |
|---|---|
Jan 29–30 | Required Arrival Dates |
Jan 31–Feb 2 | Orientation |
Feb 5 | First Day of Classes |
Mar 25-30 | Spring Break |
May 24 | Last Day of Classes |
May 27-31 | Exam Period |
June 6 | Deadline for Moving Out |
Requirements for Admission
- Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors
- Clean record with the Office of Community Standards and good academic and college standing
- Professional application: materials are submitted on-time, are edited before submission, and are thorough and thoughtful
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Kansai Gaidai requires students be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to participate in their program. Students who are unvaccinated due to extenuating medical or religious circumstances are exempt from this requirement.
- Required advising session (30 minutes). Please schedule an appointment.
Incoming Exchange Students
The coordinator for incoming exchange students is Jenifer Ruby, Director of International Student & Scholar Services. For information about application and advising for incoming exchange students, please visit the website for International Student & Scholar Services. You may also contact Ms. Ruby at jruby@rollins.edu for more details.
Getting There
Flight
Students arrange their own flight to Japan. Pick-up services for all new international students exist at three locations: Kansai International Airport (KIX), Osaka Itami Airport (ITM, or Osaka International Airport), and JR Kyoto Station.
Orientation
During the week-long orientation, students will learn information about immigration, language placement tests, and other administrative first steps. It will also introduce students to Japanese life, culture, and campus. For a small fee, students may participate in an optional tour of Kyoto.
Visa
US citizens must obtain a student visa before departure through the Japanese consulate in the US. For general information about the visa process and visas for non-US citizens, see MyRollins for passports & visa information.
Costs
Program Fee
Homestay and Residential Hall:
Most Rollins financial aid and scholarships will apply to the semester abroad.
Tuition: $30,290
Housing: $5,115
All meals/food: $3,295
Also Includes
Orientation, on-campus activities, program administration, and emergency insurance.
Estimated Additional Costs
Transportation: Round-trip airfare from FL $1,300, onsite $680
Refundable $300 (approx)
- General Deposit (refundable) 10,000JPY
- Residence hall Deposit (refundable) 30,000JPYNon-refundable $110 (approx)
- International student fee 10,000JPY
- Liability insurance & medical assistance fee 3,620JPYUS Passport $165
Visa fee: $70
Books, course materials, supplies: $200
Personal expenses: $1,325
Federal student loan fees if applicable: $40
Professional licensure, certification or credentials costs: $0
Need-Based Scholarships
Scholarships based on financial need are available to off-set costs associated with international airfare and other costs associated with study abroad. Students can apply for scholarships through the Rollins program application.
Living and Working
Having a credit card while abroad is very helpful. Japan has a comparable cost of living to the United States.
Connect with an Advisor, Apply or Learn More
Ready to see the world? Click below to learn more, apply or schedule a virtual or in-person advising session with one of our expert study abroad advisors.