Kansai Gaidai University Hirakata City, Osaka, Japan

http://www.kansai-u.ac.jp

Arts & Social Science units only 2 semesters of Japanese required

City Population: 403,823 Enrollment: 9,700 Standard Course Load: 4 Units

ABOUT KANSAI GAIDAI UNIVERSITY "Kansai" refers to the area centering on Osaka, Kyoto, Kansai Gaidai was originally established in 1945 as a Nara, and Kobe. The area centering on Tokyo is called the small, private language school amid the smouldering ruins "Kanto" region. of post-war Japan. The founder, Noboru and Takako Tanimoto, truly dedicated educators who witnessed political COURSES chaos and economic depression, hoped to create an Each year, over 1,400 Japanese students study abroad institution which would develop in its students a sense of through various University-administered Study Abroad internationalism. Programs, while we welcome nearly 600 international students from outside Japan. Today, the school prospers as a private, non-profit institution with the four distinct educational programs. All of This program, the largest of its type in Japan, offers a these programs are fully accredited by the Japanese broad curriculum of Japanese language study along with Ministry of Education, which is the sole official accrediting courses in social sciences, humanities, organization in Japan. business/economics taught in English, in addition to studio art courses. Kansai Gaidai's two campuses (Nakamiya and Hotani) are located in Hirakata city near Osaka city, the second largest The speaking partner program is the most popular business metropolis next to Tokyo. Hirakata is also close to interaction program among international students at Kansai Kyoto which is synonymous with "Japan's rich tradition." Gaidai. The program is organized to foster active This Geographic advantage provides students with easy communication between international and Japanese access to the centres of Osaka and Kyoto in little over half students. an hour by train. Located in the cultural heart of Japan, the university provides a starting point from which to begin. The primary function of speaking partners is to assist Many of the cities in the Kansai region are extensively international students in further developing their Japanese utilized in the Asian Studies Program through field trips, language proficiency. In return, you will help Japanese independent research, and/or case studies. students learn your own language and culture. However, activities are not limited to exchange of language lessons. A speaking partner will be a good resource person for you with aspects of Japanese culture and daily life through in the process of making the necessary adjustments to a interaction with a Japanese family on weekends. new life in Japan. Upon arrival at Kansai Gaidai, you can apply for the program and a speaking partner will be Various social, cultural, and recreational activities are introduced to you. offered by the participating families. To name a few, you may enjoy tasting home-style Japanese cuisine, discussing SEMESTER DATES social and cultural differences between Japan and your Spring semester January to May home country, or you may become absorbed in playing Autumn semester September to December video games with the children. Outings may include a shopping to downtown Osaka or a visit to temples and Semester dates for International Student have been shrines in Kyoto. designed to align with northern hemisphere semester dates. These weekend activities will provide dormitory and off- Due to this, International students begin their studies a lot campus students with invaluable opportunities to observe earlier that the domestic (Japanese) students, who begin in and appreciate Japanese daily life and develop friendships April. which may last for a long period of time.

HOUSING HEALTH INSURANCE Kansai Gaidai University offers its international students UWA has insurance to cover its outgoing exchange three types of housing arrangements: students: UWA Corporate Personal and Travel Policy. It is • homestay usually accepted by the host universities as primary • dormitory insurance. However, the Kansai Gaidai will advise you if • off-campus housing you need to take out your own, additional insurance

Homestay ABOUT HIRAKATA CITY The Homestay Program offers learning opportunities for Hirakata is bounded by the Yodo River to the west, and the both international students and Japanese families who are verdant Ikoma Mountains to the east. The area has been seeking to broaden themselves through intercultural populated since ancient times, and thrived as the hunting communication. Living with a Japanese family will provide grounds of nobles and aristocrats during the Heian period students with not only an environment to develop their and as a staging post along the main road from Osaka to language skills, but opportunities to understand the daily Kyoto during the Edo period. life, values, and customs of the Japanese people, which will inevitably enhance what they have acquired in the After World War II, there was a rapid increase in population classroom. due to large-scale residential housing projects in Hirakata. A city, which had been previously known as a suburban Assistance in finding off-campus housing is provided farming village, has been gradually transformed into a primarily to those students who extend their stay into the modern residential city. Again, in recent years, six second semester. Also, since there are no facilities universities have been established in Hirakata and the city available for spouses or children on-campus, those aims to create a new image for the 21st century as a students with accompanying family members will be asked "university city". to take the off-campus option. Hirakata, a city that has prospered alongside the Yodo Dormitories River, has a strong historical link with boats. Willow trees Three Japanese style dormitories, "Seminar House I, II, that line the banks of the Yodo River, whose development and III," are a comfortable housing alternative for students has brought prosperity to Hirakata, ideally symbolize and who do not opt for homestay. Students who have severe are historically connected to the city. Hirakata's earth is well dietary restrictions may not be suited for homestay, while suited for cultivating the chrysanthemum, which is those who have had previous homestay experiences may intimately connected with Hirakata's traditional craft, the prefer the living among fellow students. flower doll.

Off-campus housing OTHER INFORMATION Some students may prefer to make their own housing There is information about Kansai Gaidai in the blue boxes arrangements. However, please carefully note the overall in the Study Abroad Office. housing shortage in Japan and the peculiarities of Japanese rental agreements. CONTACTS Kansai Gaidai University The availability of these accommodations varies each http://www.kansaigaidai.ac.jp semester. Therefore, students are encouraged to contact the Center for International Education for further Our contact details: information during orientation. UWA Study Abroad Office http://www.international.uwa.edu.au/se/welcome The Home Visit Program is designed specifically for Tel: 6488 8199 students living in dormitories or off-campus housing who [email protected] may have less opportunity for involvement with a Japanese family. This program allows students to become acquainted

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