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Kansai Gaidai University

The Rollins College exchange and study abroad program at Kansai Gaidai University in Osaka, Japan, offers Rollins students the incredible opportunity to spend a semester in Japan, learning Japanese and taking Asian Studies courses in English.  The Asian Studies program at Kansai Gaidai offers a range of courses in a variety of fields, from literature to economics, all with a focus on Asia.  Program participants have the benefit of two housing options: on-campus international student dormitory or homestay with a Japanese family.  This program is an excellent fit for students interested in Asian Studies, Political Science, International Relations, Languages and Literatures, Philosophy and several other fields.

Location: Kansai Gaidai is situated in Hirakata City, just over a thirty minute train ride from Osaka City, the second largest metropolitan area in Japan.  The ancient cities of Kyoto and Nara are also close by—both within about an hour train ride.  Between Osaka and Kyoto and Nara, students are able to experience Japan’s ancient traditions, temples, and arts, while also experiencing the vibrant bustle of modern Osaka City, a center for commerce and pop culture.

Host University: Established in 1945, Kansai Gaidai is an accredited, private institution with about 13,000 students.  The University has a demonstrated commitment to international education that shows through the relationships it has established with more than three hundred institutions around the globe.

Costs: The program fee is equal to Rollins College tuition and fees, plus room and board, for one semester. For 2013-2014, this is $27,210.

• Includes: tuition, administration, housing, some meals, internet access, complete medical and emergency insurance, orientation, and on-campus activities
• Does not include: airport transfers in the US, travel/property insurance, personal expenses, and course materials
• Credit on Student Account:  In December for the spring semester and July for the fall semester, students will receive a credit on the Student Account for airfare (average commercial price), additional meals not included in the program, and for the students who choose to live in a homestay, a credit towards on-site transportation as they will be commuting daily to campus. This credit will be applied against the balance owed on the account.  Students with significant financial aid may end up with a positive balance on the Student Account which can then be requested as a refund.  Rollins College does not book flights for this program so students must make arrangements to pay for the airfare themselves.

Estimated Additional Costs Not Included in the Comprehensive Program Fee:

• Airport transfers in the US: Costs will vary
• Travel/Property insurance: Costs will vary
• Personal expenses and course materials: Estimated at $1000
• Souvenirs, entertainment and independent travel: Costs will vary

Asian Studies at Rollins: The Asian Studies major & minor that provides students the opportunity to study in depth one of the most important regions in the world. The importance of Asia derives from its large population, long history, complex and diverse societies and cultures, and rising economic significance. As the peoples and nations of the world become increasingly interconnected, successful leaders will benefit from a mastery of this key region.

The Asian Studies major & minor combine courses in history, culture and politics with those from modern languages and an array of electives from other disciplines. Students are expected to do the following:

• develop an understanding of the historical, cultural, political and economic forces that have shaped modern Asia
• master the rudiments of an Asian language
• experience cultural immersion through study abroad in at least one Asian country

With course pre-approval on a semester program, majors can transfer up to (4) courses and minors can transfer courses as determined by the Asian Studies department.