International Programs / Study Abroad

Osaka, Japan

Studies at Kansai Gaidai University

The DePaul Study Abroad Program offers the opportunity to study at Kansai Gaidai University in Japan for the academic year. This is part of an exchange program that also brings students from Kansai Gaidai to attend classes at DePaul. The combination of a Japanese language program along with lecture courses in the humanities, social sciences and business makes it possible for participants to study a variety of subjects while in Japan ranging from business management to literature to studio art.

 

All courses, with the exception of the language courses, are taught in English. Therefore, students with limited Japanese language training can still pursue their areas of interest. Course offerings range from topics on traditional culture to current economic developments, which affords students the opportunity to develop a broad understanding of Japan.

 

Kansai Gaidai is located in Hirakata City, which is midway between Osaka, Japan’s second largest industrial metropolis, and Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan. Being at the cultural heart of the country, this geographical advantage provides students with an excellent starting point to begin their experience in a truly fascinating land.

 

Kansai Gaidai University was originally established in 1945 by Dr. Takako Tanimoto as a language school with an enrollment of eight students. It was her goal to provide an international perspective and opportunities for her students. Kansai Gaidai has been sponsoring exchange programs since 1972. They currently host over 500 students from around the world each year.

 

COURSES    

 DePaul students register for a minimum of 45 quarter hours of credit distributed throughout the academic year, 15 credits each quarter.

Students take 4 courses each semester at Kensai Gaidai, 2 of which are Japanese language courses at the appropriate level. Spoken Japanese language classes consist of five 50-minute recitation periods each week, along with lab and homework assignments. The 4 language courses taken at Kansai Gaidai will count as 5 DePaul language courses of 5 credits each. All other courses are conducted in two 80-minute recitations per week, supplemented by extra contact hours in the form of field trips and special assignments. Students take a total of 4 elective courses worth 5 credits each. Courses are offered in the following departments:

 

Art

Communications

History

International Studies

Japanese Language

Literature

Management

Marketing

Political Science

Religious Studies

Sociology 

Students participating in this program during the Spring of their senior year should be aware that overseas grades may not receive their degree conferral until August. While the Study Abroad office will do everything they can to expedite the process, we usually do not receive the overseas transcripts early enough for a June graduation conferral.

Circumstances, such as an unexpected event abroad or a curriculum change at a host institution, may require DePaul University to make changes to the program. DePaul University reserves the right to cancel or alter programs and courses without notice.

 

LIVING ARRANGEMENTS   

 

Students live with Japanese host families during their stay. This will provide students with an environment to not only improve their Japanese language skills, but to also better understand the daily life, values and customs of the Japanese people. Breakfasts and dinners are provided by the host families.

 

EXPENSES   

 

In addition to DePaul tuition for 45 credits, costs include a specific program fee. For updated information on speficic program expenses, click here:

For this program, the fee covers study abroad health insurance, housing, two meals per day and selected excursions.

 

Students must plan their budgets to cover airfare, passport and visa fees, local transportation, supplies, text books and personal expenses.

 

Program fees are based on actual costs of the prior year and projections for the current year. Inflation and fluctuating exchange rates make it impossible to state a fixed cost. DePaul University reserves the right to adjust program fees without notice.

 

 

APPLICATION   

 

Students must have at least a 3.0 GPA and completed at least Japanese 103 or demonstrated an equivalent language proficiency level to participate in this program. To apply to this program, students must submit the following to the Study Abroad Program office:

 

    • A complete DePaul Study Abroad Program application

    • Two (2) academic recommendation forms from faculty familiar with your academic work

    • An official copy of your transcripts. At DePaul, these may be requested on Campus Connect in the Students section under Records and Registration.

 

DePaul University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex or handicap in admissions, employment or the provision of services. Inquiries regarding this policy should be addressed to the Director of Human Resources, 1 E. Jackson Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60604.

  

APPLICATION DEADLINE: February 15