Osaka Gakuin University 2015-16 International Exchange Program Experience the Real Japan!

Table of Contents

P3 Welcome To Osaka Gakuin University P4 2015-16 Application Procedure P5 2015-16 Academic Calendar P6-7 What Can I Study? P8 Study Workload P9 Where Can I Stay? P10 How Much Will It Cost? P11 What Can I Participate In? P12 What Support Is There? P13-14 What Facilities Does OGU Offer? P15 What is it like in Japan? P16 What is OGU like? P17 Short-term Japanese Language and Culture Programs P18 Who are OGU’s Exchange Partners? P19 Where is OGU?

The International Center’s mission for international students:

Providing international exchange students with a life-changing authentic Japanese experience.

Giving students a personalized experience that they will be able to reflect

English on and build upon after leaving OGU, where their lives and future will never

be the same.

Konnichi wa!

Osaka Gakuin University invites you to become a part of the most ideal Japanese studies program to study Japanese language and culture in Japan. Our location is second to none! The campus is located only thirty minutes from Kyoto, the cultural center of Japan; ten minutes from the downtown hub of the Osaka business and entertainment district; forty minutes from Kobe, one of the world's leading trading ports; sixty minutes from Nara, the oldest historical region of Japan, and about two and a half hours by Shinkansen (Bullet Train) from the nation's capital, Tokyo. Our Japanese studies program is the most progressive, practical and unique in all of Japan. In the morning, we offer intensive Japanese language classes and in the afternoon, subject courses related to Japan and Asia which are instructed in English, or Japanese by our highly qualified teachers.

The International Center staff also offer extensive support and guidance for each student. They pride themselves on the individual attention given to each and every international student. If you are interested in a "life-changing," and unforgetta- ble study abroad experience; we await you at Osaka Gakuin University!

The International Center Osaka Gakuin University

English

2015-16 Application Procedure

English

2015-16 Academic Calendar

Fall Semester 7 Sep – 18 Dec 2015

Aug 29-30 Arrival in Osaka (Pickup from KIX) Aug 31-Sep 3 Orientation Sep 5 Welcome Party Sep 7 Classes Begin Oct 24-25 Kishibe Festival Dec 18 Classes End Dec 18 Farewell lunch

Spring Semester 25 Jan – 13 May 2016

Jan 21 Arrival in Osaka (Pickup from KIX) Jan 22 Orientation Jan 25 Classes Begin May 13 Classes End

May 14 Farewell Party

English

What Can I Study?

The OGU International Exchange Program consists of comprehensive Japanese Language course in the morning, followed by a variety of elective classes in the afternoon suitable for every level of Japanese proficiency from beginner to confident Japanese speakers.

Japanese Language Course (AM)

EnglishRecom-歴時間数科目名秋春 Hours 内容（時間）mended （週） Course Name Fall Spring per Content hours of week JSL1 （初級） ● Study0 12 総合English

JSL1JSL2 (Beginner) （初中級） ●● ● 1800 12 12 Comprehensive総合English Japanese

JSL2 (Pre- JSL3 （中級） ●● ●● 360180 12 12 総合English/文法、コンテンツベース授業と個別指導Comprehensive Japanese Intermediate) JSL4（中上級） ● ● 500 10.5 Comprehensive文法、コンテンツベース授業と個別指導 Japanese/ Grammar, content -based JSL3 (Intermediate) ● ● 360 12 study and personal consultation JSL5 （上級１） ● ● 650 10.5 文法、コンテンツベース授業と個別指導 JSL4 (Upper- ● ● 500 10.5 Grammar, content-based study and personal consultation Intermediate)JSL6（上級２） ● 800 10.5 文法、コンテンツベース授業と個別指導 JSL5 (Advanced 1) ● ● 650 10.5 Grammar, content-based study and personal consultation *開講されるクラスは学生の人数とレベルにより異なります。上記の通りに開講されるとは限りません。 JSL6 (Advanced 2) ● 800 10.5 Grammar, content-based study and personal consultation

The above explanation is intended as a guide, as the classes offered may differ depending on the level of the students who participate in the program.

JSL1~3 (Comprehensive Japanese) These Japanese classes cover the basic skills of listening, speaking, writing (including Kan- ji) reading to enable students to engage in natural conversation and become comfortable with life in Japan. Students make a final presentation in Japanese at the end of the spring semester.

JSL4~6 (Grammar, content-based study and personal consultation.) In addition to consolidating their Japanese in the grammar lessons, students also have a specially designed, 4 hours per week of content-based lessons to offer a hands-on opportunity to study current Japanese cultural and societal issues and topics in the Japanese language. Students will become engaged in cultural/social issues, thought and discussion, and

English express their opinions using “real life” Japanese reading and media materials, while incorpo- rating all four skills of reading, speaking, writing, and listening. Students make a short presentation in class during the fall semester, and have a final presentation at the end of the spring semester.

 Students levels and classes will be decided based on placement tests and oral interviews. JSL classes offered may vary depending on the semester and student requirements.

Elective Subjects (PM)

Hours Course type Contents and Language of Instruction Examples of Classes offered per week

Fine Arts and Performing Arts Economic Development of Japan E-commerce and Marketing Japanese Studies Course: Classes taught in Japanese Business Culture and Practices English covering a variety of aspects regarding Japanese Pop Culture JSC 3 Japan/Asia, including society, culture, religion, Japanese Religions traditional arts, economics, etc. Japanese Psychotherapies Peace-building and Economics Japanese Sub-cultures and Philosophies Modern Japanese History Classes taught in easy to understand intermediate to advanced Japanese regarding Japa- Intercultural Studies in Japan nese society, culture, business, etc. Practical J-Bridge Japan and East Asian Relations 3 Japanese skills are enhanced, suitable for Japanese Modern Art students who wish to take regular faculty classes.

Osaka Dialect, Japanese for Specific Purposes: Classes Reading and Composition taught in varied levels of Japanese (Beginner Contemporary Japanese Literature JSP to Advances) that aim to improve specific Jap- 1.5 Japanese Culture and Society anese language skills and deepen understand- Readings on Social Science ing of culture and society. Understanding Japanese in Movies

Classes in in departments such as Internation- International Relation theory al Studies, Economics, Foreign Language De- Introduction to Philosophy partment, in native level Japanese with Japa- Faculty Classes Japanese Thought 1.5 / 3 nese students. Introductory Economics NOTE: Faculty classes have different academic Hospitality Management calendar. JLPT Level N1 Preparation Class Supplementary Classes for students who wish to expand their JLPT Level N2 Preparation Class 1.5 Classes Japanese language skills further. Conversation Class

 Classes offered may differ each semester  The list of elective classes can be viewed on the website. The list of faculty classes will be given out during the faculty class information session.

Regular Promotion & Cultural Events English Information and promotion events are held regularly as a chance for international students to promote exchange with their university and country or region to Japanese students.

All exchange students will be asked to participate in at least one of these sessions, and are requested to bring items that can introduce and promote their university or country, such as traditional dress, university paraphernalia, etc.

Study Workload

Studying and living in Japan can often be challenging, so students are advised to be aware of their workload, and manage their time accordingly. Credits are determined by the student's home institution based on the academic transcript issued by OGU.

Example of Weekly Course Workload (Beginner level student)

Time/ Day Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri 9:00-10:00 JSL JSL JSL JSL JSL

10:10-11:10 JSL JSL JSL JSL JSL

11:20-12:20 JSL JSL

12:50-14:20 JSC JSC JSP

14:30-16:00 JSC JSC

Course type: Hours/week:

JSL (12x 60min classes) 12 JSC (2x 90min classes) 3 JSC (2x 90min classes) 3 JSP (1x 90min class) 1.5 Total 19.5 hrs

Example of Weekly Course Workload (Advanced level student)

Time/ Day Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri

9:00-10:00 JSL JSL JSL JSL JSL

10:10-11:10 JSL JSL JSL JSL JSL

11:20-12:20 JSL (Consultation)

12:50-14:20 J-Bridge J-Bridge JSP

14:30-16:00 Faculty Class Faculty Class

English Course type: Hours/week:

JSL (10.5x 60min classes) 10.5 J-Bridge (2x 90min classes) 3 Faculty Class (2x 90min classes) 3 JSP (1x 90min class) 1.5 Total 18 hrs

Where Can I Stay?

As Osaka Gakuin University does not have any dormitory facilities available applicants are required to choice from the following options: 1) OGU student Apartment 2) Homestay 3) Finding own accommodation (Contracting an apartment, guesthouse, or sharehouse) 1) OGU Student Apartments Searching for an apartment in Japan can be very difficult for International Students due to the Japanese system requiring reikin (gift money for the landlord) shikikin (deposit) and hoshonin (A Japanese Guarantor). For that reason Osaka Gakuin University has arranged a selection of apartments for its Exchange Students that do not require any deposit, gift money or guarantor. Students who wish to take advantage of this accommodation option must fill in and return the Housing Questionnaire together with their admission application. These apartments are con- tracted to Osaka Gakuin University and students cannot move out during the contact period. In the event a student has to vacate the apartment they will be charged for the month they move out in addition to another months rent. The OGU student apartments will vary depending on their location, and have the following facilities: - Monthly rent: ¥50,000 or less (Electricity, gas and water separate) - Meals not included - No curfew - A kitchen, mini-bathroom, bed, TV, microwave, fridge, desk and chair. - Plates, pots, kitchen utensils and curtains are not included - For certain apartments, students may be required to purchase a futon & bedding (¥4,000- ¥12,000) upon contracting the apartment.

2) Homestay Osaka Gakuin University offers the opportunity to live with a Japanese host family in a long- term home stay living arrangement. This is considered to be one of the most valuable opportu- nities while studying at OGU. The long-term home stay experience offers the unique opportunity for international students to gain invaluable experience and insight while observing, living, and understanding Japa- nese daily life and customs. - Monthly fee: ¥50,000 - Private room- includes a desk or table to study at and a bed or futon. - Two meals per day - Shared bath/toilet

3) Finding Own Accommodation (Contracting an apartment, guesthouse or sharehouse) Students who do not wish to stay in an OGU student apartment or homestay are required to English find their own accommodation. NOTE: Osaka Gakuin University can not act as guarantor for individual housing contracts. ≪Example of Sharehouse in Suita City≫ - Deposit (Returned upon moving out) : One months rent and Utility fee - Administration fee (Not returned): ¥10,000 - Monthly rent: ¥38,000 - ¥44,000 - Utilities fee (Gas, electricity, water): ¥13,000 - Meals not included - Shared kitchen & Bathroom

How Much Will It Cost?

Course costs: Tuition*1 ¥350,000 / semester Books ¥3,000-¥5,000/semester

Field Trips ¥2,000-¥5,000/semester

*1 Tuition is waived for exchange students. Regular, non-exchange enrolments are required to pay tuition of ¥350,000 per semester, or ¥700,000 for the year.

Monthly estimated living costs: *2 Housing ¥40,000-¥50,000/month Transportation fee*3 ¥3,000-¥10,000/month

Lunch approx. ¥20,000/month National health insurance ¥2,000-¥2,200/month Liability insurance*4 ¥1,000/month *2 Personal expenses ¥20,000-¥30,000/month Total approx. ¥90,000-110,000/month

The price varies depending on the type of accommodation. Please refer to the table below for details. *3 Public transportation such as buses and trains are commonly used to commute to and from OGU. An average commuting time is approximately 40mins. Students are not al- lowed to drive motor vehicles. For exchange students, when the transportation fee from their accommodation to the university exceeds ¥5,000 per month, OGU will reimburse up to ¥5,000 per month of the excess amount. Not applicable to JASSO scholarship recipi- ents or direct enrollment students. *4 The liability insurance fee varies depending on the length of stay (see pg. 12)

Housing costs:

Type Monthly rent Meals Homestay ¥50,000 2 per day

OGU Student ¥42,000- ¥45,000 *5 - Apartment (excl. electricity, water, gas )

¥40,000- ¥60,000 *5

English Finding Own (excl. electricity, water, gas ; furniture - Apartment not included, Landlord gift money or deposit of ¥100,000 to ¥200,000)

*5 Monthly utilities: ¥7,500 (Approximately: electricity ¥4,000, water ¥1,500, gas ¥2,000)

What Can I Participate In?

I-chat Events The I-chat Lounge on campus offers a variety of events to celebrate festivals around the world, such as Chinese New Year, Cherry Blossom viewing, and more. All students are welcome.

Kishibe Festival The university festival known as the Kishibe Festival is held over two days at the end of October. There are various presentations, food stalls and events run by clubs, circles and various other student bodies. During this time students, faculty, staff and people from the local community come together to enjoy the festival together. Exchange students will op- erate their own booth in this festival.

International Exchange Events A variety of International exchange events are held regularly throughout the year providing a way for International Exchange students to Japanese students on campus.

Language Exchange Language exchange is where international students and Japanese students pair up and study each others language together. This is a valuable opportunity to get to know Japa- nese students and help them improve their language skills.

Home Visit Program The Home Visit Program is for international students living in apartments to give them the opportunity to visit a Japanese family and experience life in a Japanese home. Students are allocated a family, and visit during the weekend for a day or overnight so they can get a chance to see and learn Japanese lifestyle habits and customs first hand.

Local Community Events Exchange students are invited to take part in events together with Suita City residents, pro- moting exchange at a local level.

English

What Support Is There?

OGU students and staff provide a support network to help students when they come to Japan, and offer individual help when necessary.

Airport pick up on arrival OGU staff and students welcome students at the airport and escort each student to the station nearest his/her host family’s house or apartment. International students must cover necessary transportation fees.

Off-Campus support Assistance with residence registration, Japanese national health insurance, opening bank ac- counts, and other related matters.

Arrival Orientation OGU provides a four day arrival orientation in fall, and a one day orientation in spring covering academic affairs, housing, placement testing, insurance procedures, life in Japan, and other related information.

Buddy Program Students who apply beforehand can matched with a Japanese student buddy to support them in getting used to daily life in Japan.

Japanese National Health Insurance All international students are required to enroll in and pay Japanese National Health Insurance while living in Japan. Registration is done at the city hall or ward office in the area you live in. The average cost is about ¥2,000 per month. The Japanese national health insurance plan covers 70% and students pay the remaining 30% of any health care expenses.

Liability Insurance All international students are required to purchase liability insurance upon their arrival at OGU. Depending on your length of study, you will purchase either a one semester or one-year policy. The cost is about ¥1,000 per month, the liability insurance total costs for your entire stay will be collected after you arrive at OGU. Liability insurance is to protect international students from damage and injury expenses if they accidentally cause damage or injury to someone else and/or their property. The liability insurance does not cover the students own personal injury and/or damage to their personal items. Therefore, driving motor vehicles is prohibited.

English

What Facilities Does OGU Offer?

International Center (Building 1) Both the International Center administration office and the international exchange student lounge are located on the first floor of Building #1. The International Center faculty and the Japanese language teachers’ offices are located on the third and fourth floors. Open Mon-Sat, 9:00– 17:00.

I-Chat Lounge (Building 13) The International Chat Lounge (I-Chat) is a welcoming place where students can strengthen their communication skills in international languages. At I-Chat, students can form new friendships with Japa- nese students, connect with conversation partners and meet teachers from around the world. I-Chat hosts fun holiday and cultural par- ties throughout the year. Visit I-Chat to check out the TOEIC Center, make new friends in the “Living English” area, and enjoy a refresh- ing drink at the free drink bar! Open Mon-Fri, 10:00-17:00,

Library The Shirai Memorial Library was built in April 1977. The Library provides a quiet, academic area for study and research. The building has three levels above and two below grounds, with approximately 1,100 seats. At present, the library holds approximately 1,090,000 books. Open Mon-Sat, 09:00~20:00 Sun 10:00~18:00 (Hours may change during vacation periods.)

Computer Rooms (Building 2, 16) Various computer rooms are located on campus for student use. In order to enter the rooms you will need to swipe your student ID, and log on to the PC with your OGUNET ID. Printing is available in most rooms, however, you must provide your own A4 paper. A timetable is published each week and displayed outside the computer rooms

showing the rooms available for student use. English

Cafeterias, Bakery & Convenience Store (Building 12) There are two cafeterias, a bakery and convenience store on campus, in Building 12. A small café is located in front of the I-Chat

Lounge in Building 13. Vending machines are also available at the cafeterias and in K.M.36 BANCHI, under the gymnasium.

Sports Facilities OGU features a state-of-the-art fitness/training center in Building 20. OGU’s gym is available for international students and will be introduced during the orientation. Students are required to take their student card, change of clothes and indoor shoes, and sign a waiv- er during orientation.

ATM Machines (Building 13) Japanese Bank ATM machines (Mitsubishi Tokyo UFJ and JP Bank) are located on the 2nd floor of Building 13, and can be used to with- draw, deposit, and transfer money. Some International Cash Cards can be used with these machines, but not all.

Health Center (Building 12) Located on the 3rd floor of Building 12. The health center takes care of minor injuries and referrals to doctors/ hospitals for more serious medical conditions.

Book Center– Kinokuniya (Building 13) Students can purchase a variety of goods such as textbooks, refer- ence books, dictionaries, school supplies, OGU T-shirts and the famed OGU Aloha shirts! You can use the 10% student discount to purchase books and magazines. Open Mon-Fri 8:45~17:00, Sat 10:00~17:00 (Hours may change during vacation periods.)

Communication Free Wi-fi is available on campus in Building 1 and the I-Chat Lounge for International Students’ use. Skype, Facebook and other Social Networking are often used to communicate with family and friends back home. Public phones are also available on campus that can be used to call overseas using an Interna-

English tional calling card.

Extra-curricular Club Activities More than one hundred clubs, groups, and organizations are

offered on campus. Students are welcome to observe and join some of these clubs. If you are interested in joining them, please ask at the International Center.

What Is It Like in Japan? Japanese Currency Japan uses 4 types of banknotes (¥1,000, ¥2,000, ¥5,000, ¥10,000) and 6 types of coins (¥1, ¥5, ¥10, ¥50, ¥100, ¥500). Japan is primarily a cash based society, however credit cards are accepted in most stores and restaurants.

Consumption Tax An 8% consumption tax is attached to all merchandise purchased and services utilized by consumers. Marked prices often already include such tax.

Tipping Tipping is not customary in Japan. However, hotels and restaurant bills often include service charges within the

bill. 180 155.4 160 140 121.1 Osaka 120 109.3 T(F) Osaka covers an area of approximately 1,890 square kilo- 100 81 80 58.6 65.7 T(C) 60 meters or 0.5% of the nation's entire land area. Although 42.4 43.7 P 40 27.2 14.8 18.7 Osaka is the second smallest prefecture it has a popula- 20 5.8 tion of 8.8 million, or 7% of the entire population, making it 0 冬(1月）春(4月）夏(7月）秋(10月） the third most populous prefecture after Tokyo and Kana- gawa.

What is the climate in Osaka?

Winter (December - February) The temperature rarely drops below 0°C during the wintertime. It is also quite dry and often sunny. Clothing: overcoats, sweaters. Spring (March - May) The plum blossom is a good sign that the cold winter will soon end and spring is just around the corner. This is followed by the cherry blossoms which appear between the end of March and the beginning of April. Clothing: light jackets and sweaters. Summer (June - August) Summer begins in June with a three to four week rainy season. It becomes extremely hot and humid from July through mid-September. Summer is host to many interesting festivals. Various events are held throughout the country. Clothing: light, 100% cotton clothes. Autumn (September - November) Autumn always brings renewed freshness with a light breeze and cool temperatures after the hot and humid summer. Autumn is also the season for many exhibitions, music concerts, and

sports tournaments in Japan. Clothing: light jackets and sweaters. English

Useful web site links about Japan:

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan http://www.mofa.go.jp

Japan Student Service Origination http://www.jasso.go.jp/study_j/sgtj_e.html

Japan National Tourist Organization http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/ Japan Travel and Living Guide http://www.japan-guide.com/

What Is OGU Like?

Q.1 Why did you choose Japan?

The opportunity to learn about Japanese culture and my interest in manzai and the local Kansai culture is what brought me here. I studied Japanese only a little before I came so I was happy to be able to improve my Japanese and broaden my horizons.

Q2. What is your message to students thinking of applying to OGU?

If you want to learn about Japanese culture and the language then OGU is the best choice you could make. The teachers are all incredibly helpful, and there are many activities outside of class which will help you to enrich your experience. Don’t miss this chance. Marco (FH Mainz, Germany)

Q1. How was Osaka Gakuin University?

Many activities showcasing Japanese culture were offered to international students, so it was extremely interesting to study there.

Q2. Please tell us your most memorable experience.

There is a “Home Visit” program where you are introduced to a Japanese family and can meet them around once a month. Having dinner and English going out was them was my most memorable experience.

Jisun (Sookmyung Women’s University, South Korea)

Short-term Japanese Language and

Culture Programs

At Osaka Gakuin University we offer a range of short term programs for students in Winter (3 weeks), Spring (2 weeks) and Summer (3 weeks) in which you can experience all that Japan has to offer. Our programs are designed to meet the needs of students from various countries, and have a great combination of Japanese language, cultural activities, sight- seeing and events to give you the experience of a lifetime.

Japanese Culture Program (Spring) 25 May- 5 June, 2015 (2 weeks)

Japanese Language & Culture Program (Summer School) 20 June-11 July, 2015 (3 weeks)

Japanese Language & Culture Program (Winter School)

Mid-January, 2016 (3 weeks)

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Follow Experience Japan @ OGU on Facebook!

Who are OGU's Exchange Partners?

Australia Korea Central Queensland University Baekseok University University of the Sunshine Coast Paichai University Sookmyung Women’s University Soonchunhyang University Hallym University Dankook University Austria Lithuania FH Kufstein Tirol University of Applied Scienc- Vilnius University es

Barbados Mexico Cetys Universidad The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus

Canada Netherlands Medicine Hat College Fontys University of Applied Sciences

University of the Fraser Valley HZ University of Applied Sciences College of the Rockies

China Philippines University of San Carlos Dalian Polytechnic University Guangdong Ocean University Southwest University of Political Science and Law Peking University, Law School Southwestern University of Finance and Economics The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Faculty of Humanities

Czech Republic South Africa Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University Metropolitan University Prague

Finland Sweden University of Gavle HAAGA-HELIA University of Applied Sciences Linnaeus University Laurea University of Applied Sciences Satakunta University of Applied Sciences

France Taiwan Universite D' Orleans Providence University ISCID Southern Taiwan University ESCE Tatung University Ecole de Management de Normandie Wenzao Ursuline University of Languages

Germany Thailand FH Mainz University of Applied Sciences Bangkok University Universitaet Bayreuth Khon Kaen University Universitaet Trier

English

USA Iceland University of Alaska Fairbanks The University of Iceland California State University/Long Beach Dowling College Hawaii Pacific University Marywood University

Italy The University of Mississippi University of Brescia University of St. Thomas Coastal Carolina University California State University /Monterey Bay Centenary College

Where Is OGU?

By JR train (Kishibe Station) Tokaido Line Osaka---(local)---Kishibe (approx.12 minutes)

Tokaido Line Shin Osaka---(local)---Kishibe (approx.7 minutes)

Tokaido Line Kyoto---(rapid)---Takatsuki---(local)---Kishibe (approx.26 minutes)

Tokaido Line Kansai International Airport---(super express Haruka)------Shin Osaka ---(local)---Kishibe (approx.78 minutes) By Hankyu train (Shojaku Station)

Kyoto line Umeda(Osaka)---(local)---Shojaku (approx.20 minutes)

Kyoto line Kawaramachi(Kyoto)---(express)---Ibaraki-shi---(local)------Shojaku (approx.34

minutes)

English

Osaka Gakuin University International Center

2-36-1 Kishibe-Minami, Suita-shi, Osaka 564-8511, Japan Phone:+81-6-6381-8434 Fax:+81-6-6381-8499 E-mail: [email protected] http://www.osaka-gu.ac.jp/english/int_exchange