Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The Asian Studies Program at Kansai Gaidai is great program for those who are interested in visiting Japan for the first time. The teaching/grading system is by a letter system and is basically modeled after the western teaching system. I found the Japanese Language courses to be the most rewarding component of the program - the faculty in the language courses are flawless and I was able to use a lot of the grammar I learned from class to everyday use.

On-site administration of your program

The Office staff were helpful and worked in timely manner to answer any of our questions or concerns.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Japan is one of the safest countries in the world and though they constantly reminded of us peculiar local males who would flash young internal girls who'd lived in the seminar houses, no flashing or debauchery occurred this semester.

Wide selection, and quite affordable lunches. The school has three cafetaries open for international students due to the overflow of regular Gaidai students in the main cafeteria. Along with lunch boxes available to purchase from noon, there is also a Seattle's Best Cafe and a McDonalds. You also have to option to go to local restaurants near the school. I think it's be difficult to find vegetarian option but the cafeteria is your best bet. Japanese cafeteria food is so much better if you ask me.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

They student body really tried their best to integrate the exchange students to their lifestyle and to their daily school life. They sometimes organized events where international students would bond with japanese students or organize field trips to visit local temples in Kyoto.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

though Hirakata may be considered a rural town, it certainly is safe one. The local police is conveniently situated right between campus and the Hirakata city train station.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

I could converse with teachers anytime I wanted. When I felt I was struggling there was also a chance to go the language table, a place where the TA's would help you out with anything from reading and writing to speaking in natural speed. Unfortunately for me too many of the staff in the office and the Japanese students spoke better english compared to my Japanese. In order to really improve and put the classroom work to use, I forced myself to only speak Japanese to all my new Japanese friends at School. I also found the locals in Hirakata city to be very warm and patient which gave me more opportunities to practice my Japanese. In the end, being in the country is an integral element to learning a language but essentially it depended on each individual's self-determination.

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• Dorm

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• International Students