UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN EAU CLAIRE CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION Study Abroad KANSAI GAIDAI UNIVERSITY, HIRAKATA CITY, JAPAN 2020 Program Guide TABLE OF CONTENTS Emergency Contacts ...................................... 12 911 Equivalent in Japan ................................. 12 Academics .............................................................. 5 Marijuana and other Illegal Drugs ................ 12 Pre-departure Planning ..................................... 5 Required Documents .......................................... 12 Credits and Course Load .................................. 5 Visa ................................................................... 12 Registration at Kansai Gaidai .......................... 5 Visas for Travel to Other Countries .............. 13 Japanese Language Class ............................... 5 Packing Tips ........................................................ 13 Art & Science and Business Admin Classes . 5 Weather/Clothing ............................................ 13 Studio Arts Courses........................................... 6 Packing ............................................................. 13 Grades ................................................................. 6 Gifts ................................................................... 13 Transcripts .......................................................... 6 Converters & Adapters ................................... 14 Japanese Academic System ............................ 6 Do Not Bring .................................................... 14 Service Learning ................................................ 6 Getting To Japan ................................................. 14 Money Matters ........................................................ 7 Travel Arrangements ...................................... 14 Cost Estimate ..................................................... 7 Early Arrivals .................................................... 14 Exchange Explanation ...................................... 7 Airport Pick-Up Service .................................. 14 Meal Costs .......................................................... 7 Late Arrivals-Expected and Unexpected ..... 15 Currency Exchange ........................................... 7 Leaving Your Host City .................................. 15 Cost of Living ...................................................... 7 Airport Departure Tax ..................................... 15 Money on Arrival ................................................ 7 Settling In ............................................................. 15 Money in Japan .................................................. 8 Orientation ........................................................ 15 Credit Cards and ATMs .................................... 8 On-Site Support ............................................... 15 Traveler’s Checks .............................................. 8 Local Transportation ....................................... 16 Opening a Bank Account .................................. 8 Getting Involved .............................................. 16 Scholarships ....................................................... 8 Housing................................................................. 16 Health & Safety ...................................................... 9 Housing over Break ........................................ 17 Centers for Disease Control ............................. 9 Dormitory – Global Commons ....................... 17 Insect Bites ......................................................... 9 Homestay ......................................................... 17 Medical/Mental Health Availability in Japan .. 9 Homestay Bathroom ....................................... 18 Restrictions on Medications in Japan ........... 10 Laundry ............................................................. 19 CISI Insurance in Japan ................................. 10 Shopping .......................................................... 19 Services for Students with Disabilities .......... 10 Living with a Family ........................................ 19 Safety in Japan ................................................ 11 Changing Families ........................................... 19 Tickets............................................................... 23 Financial Arrangements .................................. 19 Shinkansen ......................................................... 23 What's Provided? ............................................. 20 Buses ................................................................ 23 Meals & Snacks ............................................... 20 Air Travel .......................................................... 23 Internet Access ................................................ 20 Culture .................................................................. 23 Housing Costs .................................................. 20 Religion ............................................................. 23 Communication .................................................... 21 Cultural Concepts ........................................... 23 Time Difference ................................................ 21 Customs and Etiquette ................................... 24 Email/Internet Access ..................................... 21 Contact Information ............................................ 26 Cell Phone Information ................................... 21 Mr. Yoshihisa Nishimura .................................... 26 Calling from the U.S. ....................................... 21 Director of International Programs ................... 26 Courteous Communication ............................. 21 Center for International Education.................... 26 Snail Mail ........................................................... 21 YOUR ADDRESS IN KANSAI GAIDAI .......... 26 Japanese Language ........................................ 21 Web Information: Japan ..................................... 27 Travel While Abroad ............................................ 22 City .................................................................... 27 Tourist Information ........................................... 22 Culture .............................................................. 27 Train Travel ....................................................... 22 Country ............................................................. 27 Stations: ............................................................... 22 Congratulations on being accepted to the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire study abroad exchange program with Kansai Gaidai University. Living and studying in a new culture is both an exciting and a challenging experience. Past participants of study abroad report that the many advantages of international study include: Gaining new perspectives on a chosen academic field Increasing understanding of different cultures Enhancing personal development Developing different perspectives on U.S. culture Gaining self-confidence and independence Learning skills for the future international job market It is up to you to determine how you can best benefit from these possible advantages. This is your adventure! Use this program-specific guide with the more general resources in your BlugoldsAbroad account. While this guide contains the information available at the time of publication, it is impossible for any single resource to answer all of your questions. Your peer advisor will email information throughout the semester, and we encourage you to do your own research, also, using the web resources listed towards the end of this guide, as well as others that you find. Contact the Center for International Education (CIE) staff or your peer advisor with your specific questions. Questions only you can answer include: 1) What are YOUR goals for this experience? Advancement in a future profession, desire to expand personal and academic horizons, and wish to challenge yourself in a new environment? 2) How can you best prepare to meet your goals within the context of this program? For example, if one of your goals is truly being immersed in Japanese culture, yet you are going with a group of American students, how can you ensure that you do not spend too much time with other Americans? The information in this guide was current at the time of publication, though changes may occur at any time. 4 not allow pre-registration. Available courses ACADEMICS and short descriptions are in the Kansai Gaidai Additional information on topics such as Asian Studies web site at maintaining program eligibility, registration https://www.kansaigaidai.ac.jp/asp/. You will be at UW-Eau Claire, class attendance, course allowed to add courses during the first two equivalencies, grades, transcripts and weeks of the semester and be allowed to drop service learning is in the Academics section any courses during the first three weeks of the of your Study Abroad Handbook. semester. Pre-departure Planning Japanese Language Class Please see the Kansai Gaidai academics page All Japanese language classes meet in the on our website, for details on how to plan your morning. Everyone takes a Japanese language courses. There are details on how your courses placement test. Your placement test will be will transfer back to UWEC. used to determine the appropriate level for you. The spoken Japanese class meets five Credits and Course Load days/week; the Kanji and reading meet two At Kansai