Kansai-Gaidai University Osaka, Japan

Located in the city of Hirakata, about halfway between between the ancient capital of Kyoto, with its temples and shrines, and the bustling business center of Osaka, Kansai-Gaidai University is close to the best of ancient and modern Japan. Hollins is affiliated with the university's Asian Studies Program, which offers a unique opportunity to gain firsthand experience with the language and culture of Japan through formal course work, guest lectures, field trips and interactions with Japanese students and families. Kansai Gaidai University has affiliations with universities on every continent and your classmates will be others from around the world who wish to learn more about Japanese language and culture.

Academics

Courses in the Asian Studies Program include Japanese language (required), anthropology, art history, business, communication studies, economics, film, history, literature, political science, religion, sociology and studio art. The courses take advantage of Kansai Gaidai's proximity to Osaka, Kyoto and Nara for field trips, research and case studies. Students in courses on Japanese art take trips to see ancient tombs in Asuka, mountain temples in Nara and museums in Kyoto, while business students may visit the world's leading trading companies, advertising agencies and manufacturing plants. All classes are conducted in English and are taken with other program participants. Faculty hail from Japan, the U.S. and other countries.

Students take a five-credit intensive Japanese course plus three or four additional courses. Most Asian Studies Program courses have already been approved by the Hollins faculty for credit.

Housing and Meals Hollins students enrolling at Kansai Gaidai University may choose to live with a Japanese family (recommended by the Asian Studies Program) or in one of three Asian Studies Program residence halls with other international students. Residence hall rooms are doubles either on halls or in suites. All meals are provided by the program. Students in homestays take breakfasts and dinners at home and receive an allowance for lunches. Students in the residence halls receive an allowance to cover all meals. Students are encouraged to apply for housing as soon as they've received their acceptance from Kansai Gaidai University as accommodations are assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Eligibility

Applicants are also evaluated on their academic and personal maturity, flexibility, and openness to new cultural experiences. Hollins recommends approved candidates to the Asian Studies Program. The program makes final admissions decisions.

Relevant External Scholarships

Bridging Scholarships for Study in Japan - The Bridging Project offers scholarships to American undergraduate students participating in study abroad programs in Japan. This program awards about 100 scholarships each year to assist students with the travel and living expenses they will incur while studying abroad in Japan for a semester or an academic year. Applications are accepted twice a year for Bridging Scholarships.

Freeman-ASIA scholarship
Freeman-ASIA awards, offered by the Institute for International Education, are designed for U.S. undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need to study in East or Southeast Asia for academic credit. Applications open early in the semester preceding the student's desired semester abroad, students must refer to the program website for the most up to date information and will want to begin the application process as early as possible. See website listed below.

Preference will be given to students who:

• Participate in language study that will enhance their ability to engage with the host culture.
• Enroll in a study abroad program with at least 20 hours per week of class time, incorporating the study of an East or Southeast Asian language, culture, and history.
• Participate in a study abroad programs taught by host country faculty members.
• Demonstrate sincere interest in incorporating East or Southeast Asian Studies into future academic and/or professional plans.

The three primary criteria used to evaluate Freeman-ASIA Award applications are:

• Financial need
• Commitment to and demonstrated interest in East or Southeast Asian Studies
• Quality of the service project proposal

Please refer to the program website for the application and the most up to date information: www.iie.org/freeman-ASIA


The Watanabe Study Abroad Scholarship
This scholarship provides financial assistance to undergraduates/graduate students for a semester or year-long Japanese study abroad program. This scholarship is unique in that it offers up to the full cost of attendance for a semester or year of study abroad. The scholarship program grants awards to recipients in amounts determined by individual financial need and other qualifications.

For more information: http://www.usjapancouncil.org/watanabe_scholarship