Kansai Gaidai University in Hirakata, Japan
Asian Studies Program

Designed as an academic year abroad (some students participate for only one semester), the Asian Studies Program at Kansai Gaidai University is committed to educating students about all dimensions of Japanese life: language, cultural values, business structures and practices, political institutions, arts, literature and historical landmarks in the evolution of international relations. All courses, with the exception of Japanese language courses, are taught in English.

Location

Kansai Gaidai's two campuses (Nakamiya and Hotani) are located in Hirakata City (pop. 408,000) near Osaka city, the second largest business metropolis next to Tokyo. Hirakata is also close to Kyoto and Nara, historical and cultural capitals. Excellent train service makes the trip from Hirakata to Osaka or Kyoto in little over half an hour.

Academics

The curriculum of the Asian Studies Program includes rigorous Japanese language studies and courses in Business/Economics, the Social Sciences, Humanities and the Arts.

Below is a general list of Kansai Gaidai course offerings. The list is updated each June for the fall semester, and each December for the spring semester (see curricula link below). Please be aware that last minute changes may occur in both course offering and contents.

Study abroad students are required to take:
- Spoken Japanese language class (5 credits)
Students select up to 4 more courses.

Language of Instruction

Japanese and English


Eligibility

- Junior standing and above
- Winthrop students annual enrollment limit of 6 students
- Japanese Language requirement - JAPN 101 and JAPN 102 preferred
- Minimum 3.0 GPA

Housing and Meals

Kansai Gaidai University offers its international students three types of housing arrangements: homestay, dormitory, and off-campus housing.

Homestay, strongly encouraged, is an excellent opportunity to acquire knowledge about the Japanese language and culture. Living with a Japanese family will provide students with an environment to develop their language skills, and opportunities to understand the daily life, values, and customs of the Japanese people, enhance learning in the classroom. Breakfast and dinner are provided by the host family. Winthrop students will take their noon meal at the cafeteria on campus.

The dormitory experience enables the student to appreciate various cultural values from international students. Three Japanese style dormitories, Seminar House I, II, and III, are comfortable housing alternatives. In Seminar House I and II, an eight tatami-mat Japanese style room is shared by two students. Seminar House III, is an apartment-style dormitory, each unit accommodates six or eight students. A shared living room with a kitchen is surrounded by double bedrooms.

All students in the Seminar Houses are provided with a desk, closet, futon (bedding). Study rooms, student lounge and storage are also available for residents' use. Classrooms, grocery stores and restaurants, and train station are within a walking distance. Three daily meals are provided at the cafeteria on campus.

On-site Orientation Course

All study abroad students are required to attend the 3-day orientation program before classes begin. Students stay in on-campus dorms and meet the staff, learn about Japanese education and Japanese customs, etc.

Excursions
Several courses have outside field trips to explore dimensions of Japanese history, society and culture. Excursions have included archeological sites, cultural houses, traditional theatres, Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima and national shrines and temples.

Disclaimer
This site contains the most accurate information available at the time of revision date. Statements contained herein are not contractual obligations. Winthrop University and the International Center each reserves the right to cancel, suspend, or change, without specific notice, programs, offerings, procedures, qualifications, fees and other conditions.