Japan: Kansai Gaidai University in Osaka

• 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.
• This program has a required advising session (30 minutes) as part of the application process. Please visit our home page to schedule an advising appointment.

How to Apply

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.

Spring 2023

• Jan 17–18: Required Arrival Dates
• Jan 19–20, 23-24: Orientation 
• Jan 25: First Day of Classes 
• Mar 18-26: Spring Break 
• May 19: Last Day of Classes 
• May 22-26: Exam Period 
• June 2: Program End Date (deadline for moving out)

Fall 2023

• Aug 19-21: Required Arrival Dates
• Aug 23-25: Orientation
• Aug 28: First Day of Classes
• TBD: Fall Break
• Dec 18: Last Day of Classes
• Dec 11-15: Exam Week
• Mid Dec: Program End Date

Orientation & Flight

The orientation program begins with a welcome service that assists students arriving at local airports and helps students travel by shuttle bus to the dormitories on campus. All students live in the dormitories during the week-long orientation which covers immigration information, language placement tests, and other administrative first-steps, as well as introducing students to Japanese life and culture. A campus tour is also part of the orientation, and students may choose to participate in an optional tour to Kyoto for a small, additional fee. You are responsible for booking your own flight. Pick-up service is available for all new international students at three locations: Kansai International Airport (KIX), Osaka Itami Airport (ITM, also known as Osaka International Airport), and JR Kyoto Station.

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 our Passports and Visas Page.

Institution

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. Courses are taught by Kansai Gaidai faculty and instructors. Student support and services are provided by the staff of the Center for International Education which oversees the international student dormitories, all homestay arrangements, and all international student activities, including the orientation program. 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, 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.

Courses

The curriculum at Kansai Gaidai includes Japanese language courses and courses taught in English in the Humanities, Social Sciences, and Business/Economics with a focus on Asian studies. Students do not need a background in Japanese to participate on this program, though all students must take the five-credit spoken Japanese language class. Courses in Japanese reading/writing are also available for interested students. For students with a background in Japanese, appropriate course level is determined by a placement test upon arrival. In addition to the Japanese language courses, most students will select additional courses in English—all courses in English earn three credits each. For a full list of courses and further details about the curriculum, please click here. Some of the courses integrate field trips to destinations of interest near the Kansai Gaidai campuses—these include museums, temples, historic sites, business centers, and companies.  Expenses associated with these course-related trips are subsidized by the university.

Sample Course Schedule

Exchange

The number of exchange places available on this program depends on how many students Kansai Gaidai sends to Rollins. The number of available exchange places changes year to year and exchange places will be allocated to Rollins students based on the merit of the application. Exchange places are not guaranteed and interested students should visit IP for advising.

Transfer of Credit

Students participating on this program will need to seek the appropriate departmental approval for all major/minor requirements and approval for General Education Requirements through Student Records. All courses on this program appear on the Rollins transcript as transfer credits and the grades are factored into the Rollins GPA. Students who successfully complete this program through Rollins will receive an official transcript from the Kansai Gaidai University. It can take up to 3 months to receive the official transcript.

Housing

There are two housing options available to students: on-campus international student dormitory and homestay with a Japanese family.

Homestay: The homestay certainly offers the best opportunity to learn about Japanese culture and practice the language; however, some students may find it difficult to adjust to family schedules and household rules and since some homestays may be far from campus, the commute to classes may seem inconvenient. Students in a homestay live in a single room and share the family’s laundry facilities.

On-campus residence hall: The dormitory, Global Commons, is located at the Gotenyama Campus, which is a 15 minute walk to the main campus, Nakamiya Campus. Rooms are single rooms with shared hallway bathrooms, and one to two RAs are assigned to each unit of rooms. All rooms are barrier-free single rooms equipped with a desk, bed, closet, book shelves, shoe box, small refrigerator, and air-conditioner. Internet access and linen service are available as well as other common spaces for students, such as a 24/7 study room, a fitness room, karaoke room, and a 24/7 computer room.

Visit the Kansai Gaidai University Campus Life website for further housing details

Meals

Meal arrangements vary depending on the housing selected. Students in homestays are provided with two meals a day during the week, and three meals a day on the weekends. All students staying in both the residence hall and in homestays are provided with a declining debit card for use at the on-campus dining halls. Students staying in the residence hall can also use the shared kitchen, which is supplied with basic cooking and eating utensils.

Activities

Kansai Gaidai offers several unique activities for international students. The Speaking Partner program pairs local Japanese students with international students to allow for language practice—however, it often leads to other activities and the local student can be an excellent resource for the international student. The Experience Japan program features events and activities planned and led by local students for international students—these include day trips, sports, cultural activities and cooking lesions. International students can also join the student clubs at Kansai Gaidai—these run from soccer, to various martial arts, to cultural activities like the tea ceremony club or the flower arrangement club.

Excursions

Semester breaks and holidays provide opportunities for wider travel and downtime 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 on the main island of Japan.

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. 

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. 

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 Fee

Homestay and Residential Hall:

Most Rollins financial aid and scholarships will apply to the semester abroad.

• Tuition: $29,150
• Housing: $4,925
• All meals/food: $3,170

Also Includes

Orientation, on-campus activities, program administration, and emergency insurance.

Estimated Additional Costs

• Transportation: Round-trip airfare from FL $1,400, onsite $680

• Refundable $300 (approx) ​
  - General Deposit (refundable) 10,000JPY​
  - Residence hall Deposit (refundable) 30,000JPY​

• Non-refundable  $110 (approx)​
  - International student fee 10,000JPY​
  - Liability insurance & medical assistance fee 3,620JPY

• US 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 Abroad

Having a credit card while abroad is very helpful. Japan has a comparable cost of living to the United States.