Studying Abroad in Hirakata, Japan

Excursions and Social Activities

Several courses in the Program are effectively supplemented by outside field trips. Recognizing the importance of on-site visits, financial subsidies are provided to cover part of the costs for organized field trips.

Experience Japan Program

In an effort to provide international and Japanese students with more opportunities to interact, the "Experience Japan Program" was initialized in the fall of 2001. In this program, Japanese students present international students with various hands-on activities that introduce Japanese culture and unique aspects of Japan through day trips, sports, cooking, or Japanese distinctive cultural activities such as tea ceremony and calligraphy.

Speaking Partner Program

The most popular friendship program among international students at Kansai Gaidai is the Speaking Partner Program. The primary function of speaking partners is to assist international students in further developing their Japanese language proficiency. In return, you will Japanese students learn your own language and culture. In this program, activities are not limited to exchange of language lessons. Students may find themselves enjoying various university events, visiting historical sites in Kyoto and Nara, and people-watching in downtown Osaka. All in all, a speaking partner will be a good resource for you while you are making the necessary adjustments to a new campus.

Clubs and Circles

Kansai Gadai's clubs welcome the participation of international students. Clubs in Japan play a very unique role in college life, and are taken very seriously. Practice sessions or meetings may be held as often as six times a wekk, and attendence is required, so it is not advisable to join more than one club. Kansai Gaidai also has other less hierarchical student groups called circles which are more focused on having fun together in a relaxed setting. Athletically inclined students may join soccer, basketball, or tennis clubs as well as the traditional Japanese martial arts clubs. Traditional Japanese culture is also represented by the tea ceremony, flower arranging, and koto (Japanese harp) clubs.