Kansai Gaidai University

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Kansai Gaidai University

Kansai Gaidai University | Hirakata, Osaka, Japan

Kansai Gaidai University in Hirakata, Japan, offers an exceptional opportunity for exchange students seeking a comprehensive and immersive educational experience in the heart of Japan. Renowned for its strong emphasis on international education, Kansai Gaidai provides a wide array of courses taught in English, focusing on Japanese language, culture, and business. The university’s vibrant campus life, with over 100 student organizations and various cultural activities, ensures that exchange students can easily integrate and form meaningful connections. Located in Hirakata, between the bustling cities of Osaka and Kyoto, students can enjoy the best of both traditional and contemporary Japanese life. Kansai Gaidai’s supportive international office, modern facilities, and homestay programs further enhance the experience, making it an ideal destination for students eager to explore Japan academically and culturally.

Mercer Application Deadlines:

October 1 (Spring)
March 1 (Fall, Academic Year)

Location: Hirakata, Japan

Requirements: In order to attend an Exchange Study Abroad Program, students must have a 3.0 or higher GPA. Questions regarding this policy may be directed to Emily Dunn (dunn_ea@mercer.edu).

To apply: Please click on the “Apply Now” button in the overview section and fill out all of the information requested.

SEMESTER / PROGRAM DATES
Semester 1 (Fall): late August – late December
Semester 2 (Spring): late January – early June

MERCER APPLICATION DEADLINES FOR EXCHANGE
Semester 1 (Fall): 01 March (online applications)
Semester 2 (Spring): 01 October (online application)

KGU APPLICATION DEADLINES FOR EXCHANGE
Semester 1 (Fall): 15 May
Semester 2 (Spring): 1 November

The special feature of the program is to provide international students with a means of exploring Japan and Asian studies through classroom instruction and interaction with local people. Japanese language courses offered from introductory to advanced levels, and thus previous Japanese language is not required. A wide variety of offerings relevant to Japan and Asia, taught by experienced faculty members in English, will provide new perspectives for participants and inspire their intellectual growth.

Japanese language courses book

Japanese language courses offered from beginning to advanced levels make it possible to accommodate students at any level.
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Group of students studying

Elective courses cover a wide range of areas so that students are able to develop deeper insight into their areas of interest. More than 60 courses, all taught in English, are available.
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Origami crane

Studio art courses such as Manga Drawing, Koto (Japanese Harp) and Ceramics add unique and hands on study opportunities.
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Temple in Osaka

Some courses are supplemented by field trips, which can be done only at the study abroad site. What is taught in classrooms can be put into real context by visiting significant sites and interacting with local people.
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Given our primary framework of meeting upper-level undergraduate requirements, students must have at least one year (preferably two years) of college level instruction prior to coming to Kansai Gaidai so as to fully benefit from our Course Offerings and to maintain our high academic standards. Due to this policy, there has been very little difficulty in Credit Transfer from Kansai Gaidai to the participants’ home institutions.

Kansai Gaidai offers its international students two types of housing arrangements: homestay or residence hall (Global Commons -YUI-). Both arrangements provide students with many opportunities to experience Japanese life and culture first-hand.

Since there are no facilities available for students who come with spouse and/or children, students who have accompanying members will be asked to secure their own housing.

Homestay

A homestay offers an excellent learning opportunity to help acquire knowledge about Japanese language and culture, but more importantly, contribute to the personal growth of the participating student. Living with a Japanese family will provide students with an environment to develop their language skills and to understand the daily life, values, and customs of Japanese people first hand.

Residence Hall, Global Commons -YUI-

Global Commons -YUI- serves as an international residence. Approximately 50% of its residents are local students who are eager to share their experiences with international students. Various cultural activities are held to promote international friendship.

Billable Amounts:

Rates based on 2024-2025 academic year rates for one semester

Tuition (Mercer): $21,321
Study Abroad Fee: $75
Mercer Technology and Facility Fee: $150

Billable Total: $21,546

Non-Billable Amounts:

Rates based on 2024-2025 academic year rates for one semester

Flight: $2,000
Housing: $2,000
Personal Expenses: $2,500
- including meals and groceries as KGU does not have meal plans.

Non-Billable Total: $6,500

Total: $28,046

Scholarship opportunities:

*Please contact Emily Dunn, the Assistant Director of Global Education, before applying to the asterisked scholarship opportunities at dunn_ea@mercer.edu.

Applicable Financial Aid:

All Federal and State Loans
All Federal Grants (including Pell)
All Georgia State Scholarships and Grants (Hope, Zell)
All Mercer Scholarships and Grants

Our office highly recommends working with your financial aid officer before attending any study abroad program to understand how much of your current aid package is applicable to your chosen program. You can make an appointment with your officer here: Contact Us – Student Financial Planning (mercer.edu)