Japan: Kansai Gaidai University, Experience Japan in Summer VIRTUAL Program
Application Deadline
Program Start
Program End
Program Details
Academic Program
The online Asian Studies Program at Kansai Gaidai University focuses on providing you with a means of exploring Japan and Asian studies through online instruction and virtual interaction with Japanese people. You will NOT travel to Japan; this is an online, virtual program only.
Course Descriptions and Syllabi
Kansai Gaidai’s 5-credit online summer program allows you to take either Japanese Language 1 or Japanese Language 2. You will have the unique opportunity to participate in virtual field trips and interact virtually with Japanese students.
- Japanese Language 1 is for beginners who have no formal training in the language. This course aims mainly at the development of speaking and listening skills, but also writing in hiragana, katakana, and basic kanji. Approximately 300 vocabulary words will be introduced. At the end of the course, successful students will be able to function in Japanese in everyday situations such as making requests, stating reasons, describing things, etc. Also, approximately 40 kanji will be introduced. This course will cover Lessons 1 through 6 of Genki I second edition.
- Japanese Language 2 is the second level of elementary Japanese. At the end of the course, students are expected to be able to adequately handle everyday conversation to meet basic communication needs in Japanese, including expressing opinions, and talking about experiences and giving advice. Also, approximately 70 kanji will be introduced. This course will cover lessons 6 through 12 of Genki I second edition.
Special features of the program
·Mostly synchronous online lessons using ZOOM
·Two time zones available, one for the Americas and another for Europe/Asia
Review Kansai Gaidai University’s website for more information regarding these language courses.
General Education Information for UAlbany Students
Credits earned on this program will automatically satisfy the International Perspectives requirement. Three credits of foreign language study will satisfy the Foreign Language requirement. No additional approval is required for you to earn these general elective credits.
Major/Minor Information for UAlbany Students
Courses may also satisfy major and minor requirements, upon approval by the department.
Transcript
This online course counts towards UAlbany General Elective credits. Credits and grades will appear on your UAlbany transcript. You may file a request to have additional courses approved for equivalency as necessary.
You will NOT travel to Japan; this is an online, virtual program only.
Estimate of Costs
Summer 2022 cost estimates can be found here.
More Information
Click for more information on Program Costs and Financial Aid.
Remember to speak with the Office of Financial Aid at your home campus to determine how your aid package could apply towards your program abroad.
Academic Requirements
Juniors, seniors, and exceptional sophomores in all majors with at least a 3.0 GPA are eligible to apply. If you have a lower GPA, you should consult with the study abroad program coordinator.
Must be at least 18 years old, currently enrolled as degree-seeking student in a college or university, and have an interest in Japan.
Experiential Learning
Some virtual field trips are included as part of this program.
Funding Opportunities
External scholarships, listed on our website, are a good way to partially fund your study abroad experience. In addition, the Center for International Education and Global Strategy offers two scholarship programs for UAlbany students studying abroad on UAlbany or 4-year SUNY programs.
More information on applying to these scholarships is located on the Scholarships web page.
You will NOT travel to Japan; this is an online, virtual program only.
Application Availability
Applications become available online one semester before the program start date, based on the following timeline:
- Summer programs: December
Program Dates
Summer 2022
Forthcoming
About the Program
You will NOT travel to Japan; this is an online, virtual program only. Kansai Gaidai University’s online courses are taught by their well-experienced faculty members. The summer program will include unique opportunities to participate in virtual field trips in Osaka, Kyoto and Nara as well as virtual interactions with local students.
Support Services
UAlbany’s Office of Education Abroad staff assists you during the application process.
Kansai Gaidai University’s International Office staff serve as an experienced resource for resolving issues that you may encounter while enrolled in this online program.