Japan: Kansai Gaidai University (Exchange Program)

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

• 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).

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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
• Required advising session (30 minutes). Please schedule an appointment.