Kansai University
University of Missouri-St. Louis Exchange Program in Japan
| Kansai University
Kansai University, located in Osaka, is a great program combining Japanese language studies with courses taught in English. |
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What is it like there?
Kansai University is one of the oldest and most respected private universities located in Osaka, Japan. It was founded as Kansai Law School in 1886. Today it comprises 10 colleges with more than 30,000 students.
For complete details on all aspects of this program, please read Kansai University Exchange Student Guide.
Osaka is the second largest city in Japan with approximately 3 million people. Kansai University is located within one hour of downtown Osaka and two hours from Kansai International Airport. Osaka is a lively and historically rich city. It was once the political center of Japan and is known for its excellent cuisine. Learn more about the vibrant city of Osaka here.
What will I study?
UM-St. Louis students will take six hours of Japanese language classes and six hours of electives (Japanese Studies) per week for a total of 12 semester credits. Japanese language classes are offered from beginning to advanced levels.
Elective classes are taught in English. If a student has sufficient Japanese proficiency, s/he can take regular university courses taught in Japanese. The courses taught in English vary each semester, but in general include: Japanese philosophy, history, literature, culture, politics, science/technology, art, law, economy, industries, popular culture, etc.
During orientation, exchange students participate in a two-day field trip to explore Japanese culture and heritage. Additional field trips are built into the classes and arranged by student clubs. Click here for recent class syllabi.
What is the language of instruction?
English and Japanese.
Where will I live?
Participants in the Kansai University exchange live in campus dormitories. There are two dormitories: one for males (Shurei-ryo), and one for females (Dormitory Tsukigaoka). You will share a room with a Japanese student. The dorms have a spacious dining room, lounge, library, and Japanese-style rooms. Breakfast and dinner are available in the dormitory each day for a low rate (200 yen - about $2 - for breakfast, 400 yen - about $4 - for dinner).
The room fees, including maintenance, linens, and utilities, are about 55,000 yen per month (approximately $525, depending on exchange rate).
There are opportunities for many social activities organized by the dorm and by the International Affairs Office at Kansai University.
When can I go?
Students may go to Kansai University for the spring semester only
or academic year.
The academic year at Kansai consists of two fifteen-week semesters. Students arrive for spring semester in late-March and depart in late July. Fall Semester begins in mid-September and concludes in late January. There is a two-month summer vacation between the two semesters, a three-week winter vacation in late December through early January, and a three-month spring vacation after the conclusion of Fall Semester in January.
What are the eligibility requirements?
Students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75, be a sophomore, junior,
or senior. Students should have completed at least one semester of Japanese before going on this program; one year or more is preferable.
How can I learn more?
Visit Kansai University's website, exchange student guide,
or stop by the Study Abroad Office in 261 MSC to browse their catalogs.
You can also make an appointment to discuss this program with a study
abroad advisor; call 516-5229.
How much does it cost?
Below are the 2008-2009 estimated costs for one semester (4 months) at Kansai University
compared to a semester at UM-St. Louis. When you participate in a UM-St. Louis exchange program, like KU, you continue to pay UMSL tuition and may use your financial aid. In addition to CIS scholarships, there are many outside scholarships
available for study in Japan; see the scholarships
page for more information.
Kansai University |
UM-St. Louis | |
| Educational Fees1 | $2,947.20 | $2,947.20 |
| Information Technology Fee | $146.40 | $146.40 |
| Student Facility, Activity, & Health Fee | $0.00 | $418.68 |
| Housing2 | $2,500.00 | $2,805.00 |
| Meals3 | $1,800.00 | $1,698.00 |
| Airfare | $1,350.00 | |
| Books | $350.00 | $400.00 |
| Miscellaneous4 | $1,200.00 | |
| Total Estimated Cost5 | $10,293.60 | $8,415.28 |
1 Educational fees are based on 12 credit hours. Non-resident fees may apply.
2 Housing cost based on single room at UMSL, shared room at Kansai University.
3 UMSL cost based on Option 3 Plus Meal Plan.
4 Includes transportation and mandatory insurance.
5 Please note that expenses are ESTIMATES. Costs vary depending on the exchange rate, the inflation rate, individual spending habits, and amount of extra travel. The cost estimate above does not include personal expenses or independent travel, which vary widely from student to student.
Last modified June 6, 2008