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Kansai Gaidai University Semester exchange programs allow students the opportunity earn USF college credit from a diverse set of subject abroad, while still paying an equivalent to USF cost. Students are enrolled abroad and take class, live, and socialize with local British and other international students, gaining a truly enriching experience and in-depth cultural immersion for 1 - 2 semesters.
Exchange programs are the most competitive and students are encouraged to begin the application process early to better focus on their personal statement and gather the needed recommendations. Located in Hirakata, halfway between Osaka and Kyoto, KGU puts the heart of traditional Japan and it's cutting edge right at a student's fingertips. Offering students the an ideal place to explore Japan, Hirakata is considered a university city with many scenic spots as well as a rich student life. Students looking for the bright lights of Tokyo or only 3 hours away by bullet train.
City's English Website: https://www.city.hirakata.osaka.jp/freepage/gyousei/hpcontent/eng/ Founded in 1945, Kansai Gaidai University is first and formost a university stressing the importance of language aquisition as part of its regular curriculum. Both foreign and Japanese students focus on their chosen language while engaging in an international atmosphere. USF students add courses from KGU's Asian Studies program to round our their experience.
KGU Website: http://www.kansaigaidai.ac.jp/asp/no_intro_index.html Academic Program and Course Information Focusing primarily on language, KGU requires that all incoming exchange students take 8 credit hours of Japanese language, level determined by a placement test upon their arrival (3 hours of reading and writing, 5 hours of listening and oral).
In addition, student may choose 2 additional courses from KGU Asian Studies program with topics ranging from Business and Psychology to Anthropology and Theatre.
Course descriptions are available on their website in PDF form: http://www.kansaigaidai.ac.jp/asp/03_academics/06.html With a combination of Japanese and foreign faculty, KGU highlights a diverse and international perspective of its curriculum. The exchange program is a flat fee in the amount of $1935
This fee includes:
Not included:
Students are encouraged to arrange their housing through Kansai Gaidai. Student may choose either from dormitory style housing in the KGU seminar houses or be placed with a local host family. Dormitory plans do not include meals while Host families include two meals a day. More information is available on their housing website:
http://www.kansaigaidai.ac.jp/asp/04_campus_life/03.html Students must be at least of sophomore standing when they attend, but may apply as freshman.
Students much have at least two semesters of college level Japanese credit to be eligble for consideration.
Graduating seniors may not participate in their last semester as program dates and processing time would delay their intended graduation.
All majors are welcomed.
A 3.0 GPA minimum is required for consideration. Deadlines:
For fall semester: Feb. 15 the academic year prior.
For spring semester: Sept. 15 of the same academic year.
Please see the fall and spring semester application instructions on our website for more details: http://global.usf.edu/educationabroad/out-howtoapply.php If selected, students will receive an acceptance letter from the USF Education Abroad Office along with an invitation to complete the host school's application materials.
A $500 deposit is due with two-weeks to hold this offer. $300 is non-refundable unless the program is canceled or the student is not accepted by the host school.
The remaining balance is due at the beginning of the semester. Students are asked to not purchase an tickets until they receive an acceptance letter from the host school overseas. This letter will have details on orientation dates and arrival airports.
Students are responcible for arranging their own flights and transportation to the host school. Medical Insurance and Travel Documentation USF provides program participants with sickness/accident and emergency medical evacuation insurance valid for the dates of the program. Those who will travel independently, either in advance of the program or after the program ends, must ensure that they have insurance coverage valid outside the U.S. The USF Card Center sells the International Student ID (ISIC) card which has a health insurance benefit in addition to providing student discounts overseas. For information, call the Card Center at (813) 974-2357 or visit the office located in the Marshall Center on the USF Tampa campus.
Students will be prompted by the host school to apply for their student visas. More information can be found:
http://www.kansaigaidai.ac.jp/asp/05_admission_and_visa/02.html Financial Aid and Scholarship Funding Students who are eligible for loans and grants to take classes at USF may be able to use their assistance to study abroad. USF students should contact the University of South Florida Office of Financial Aid (813) 974-4700 or visit http://usfweb2.usf.edu/finaid/other/alternative_enrollment_guide.htm
USF degree-seeking students may apply for partial scholarship assistance through the Education Abroad Office. Application deadlines apply. Visit the Education Abroad office to obtain a Compass Study Abroad Scholarship brochure and application form, or access: http://global.usf.edu/educationabroad
Guide to Semester Paperwork: Click here to download
Wondering what a Verification of Enrollment should look like?
Having issues? Click here for Troubleshooting 101 Participants’ safety and wellbeing are paramount to USF. Because of the added stresses associated with operating in a foreign culture and language, even the safest foreign locations are likely to carry more risk to your safety and health. For this reason it is vital that you learn as much about the places you will be traveling to; the more you are familiar with the host country’s geography, culture and language, the safer you will be. All participants will be required to attend a general study abroad orientation as well as program-specific orientations. In addition to these sessions, you should consult the USF Safety Website as well as the websites listed below that provide useful information regarding your host country, and preparation for your international travel.
Personal Safety:
Additional information will be provided to registered participants, but we encourage you to consult the following websites as soon as possible.
USF Education Abroad Safety Website: http://global.usf.edu/educationabroad/out-safety.php
Country Information Sheets:
Preparing for your trip: http://studentsabroad.state.gov/html-site/StudentAbroadHome.html
To gain a different perspective on safety, you may want to visit other countries Foreign Travel Websites. As a point of comparison, we encourage you to see what these sites say about safety in U.S. cities:
Australian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: http://www.dfat.gov.au/geo/
Health and Fitness Requirements
Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC's Internet site at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the World Health Organization (WHO) web site at http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith.
Travel & Health Links: Cancellation and Refund Policy Once deposit has been paid, $300 is non-refundable. The $200 remainder of deposit is only refundable if the funds can be recovered from the program host institution. After balance of payment due date, no money may be refunded. Once the program has started, no refund will be given for unused features or services due to early withdrawal from the program. Trip cancellation insurance is recommended. If USF must cancel the program, all program fees paid will be refunded. Students should review carefully the Education Abroad Participant Contract, included in the Education Abroad application packet. It describes students’ responsibilities with regard to participation, and includes information on insurance, and cancellation and refund policies. Students will be asked to sign this document. Access: http://global.usf.edu/educationabroad to view it. Questions regarding study abroad, program enrollment, registration and payment of fees |
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