Apply
Students who want to participate on an MTSU Exchange program must first request online pre-approval (as stated in Step 4 of the Getting Started section of our website) and then submit the Preliminary Application for Exchanges by deadline listed on the form.
**Please note that the KGU exchange program requires a 3.0 GPA at the time of application.
About
Kansai Gaidai University (KGU) is a private, nonprofit institution with an enrollment of 10,000. Its undergraduate programs include offering B.A. degrees in English, Spanish and International Communication. MTSU students participate in the the Asian Studies Program. The ASP, with an annual enrollment of 700, has one-year or one-semester programs to accommodate international students wishing to pursue Japanese language and Japanese/Asian studies.
Housing/Location
Located in Hirakata City, Osaka, Kansai Gaidai is accessible, within a one-hour train ride, to Kyoto and Nara, the ancient capitals, and Osaka, the second largest business hub in Japan. Kansai Gaidai has two campuses in Hirakata: the Nakamiya campus and the Hotani campus. The Center for International Education, the centerpiece for the Asian Studies Program is located at the Nakamiya campus.
KGU offers three types of housing arrangements: homestay, dormitory, and off-campus housing. Homestay participation is strongly encouraged, for it is an excellent opportunity to acquire and enhance knowledge about the Japanese language and culture. Experience in living with a Japanese family can be the highlight of your stay in Japan. Dormitories are called International Seminar Houses and offer an international living environment. With the increasing number of nationalities, living in the dormitory will make it possible to acquire various cultural perspectives from your fellow students. All four Seminar Houses are located within a 20-minute walk of Kansai Gaidai Nakamiya Campus, 10-minute walk from a supermarket, and a 20-minute walk from the nearest train station.
Academics
The Curriculum of the Asian Studies Program is twofold; the rigorous Japanese language studies and courses in the Social Sciences, Humanities, and Business/Economics pertinent to Japan and Asia make it possible for participants to approach a wide array of study areas during their stay in Japan. Since all courses in the Asian Studies Program, aside from those focusing on the Japanese language, are conducted in English, it is possible for students with no previous Japanese training to pursue an in-depth study of Japan and Asia.
Four courses, including Spoken Japanese, are the minimum required semester load (14 semester credits) for recognition as a full-time student. A student may register for a maximum of five courses (17 semester credits). All students must register for Spoken Japanese. The required Spoken Japanese language classes consist of five 50-minute periods each week, supplemented by laboratory and homework assignments. Japanese Reading and Writing classes meet three times each week, 50-minute per session. All other courses (with the exception of the Studio Art courses) are conducted in two 80-minute per week, supplemented by extra contact hours in the form of field trips, research assignments, etc.
Expenses
Students will pay MTSU tuition fees. Students will also pay room and board (meals) fees to MTSU, while receiving the equivalent abroad. The housing fee is the standard shared dorm room at the current rate, and one standard meal plan at the current rate (tax Included).
