Kansai University
Experience the cultural wonders of Japan in Osaka, the nation’s second-largest city. With the prime location of Kansai University, you can access historic Kyoto, the ancient imperial capital of Japan, in less than an hour by train.
Kansai University is one of Japan’s leading universities. This education abroad program offers you the opportunity to study a multitude of subjects with students from around the world. The international community on campus provides many cultural events where you will learn more about Japan.
Application Deadline
Program Start
Program End
Program Details
Academic Program
At Kansai University, you will follow the “KUGF (Kansai University Global Frontier) Curriculum”. If your Japanese language proficiency is sufficiently high, you can also enroll in specialist subjects offered by other faculties (departments).
Kansai University’s Academic Calendar:
- Fall Semester*
Mid-September – Late January
- Academic Year
Mid-September – Late July
- Spring Semester
Early April – Late July
*UAlbany does not offer a Fall semester option, as it ends a few days prior to the start of UAlbany’s Spring semester. If you would still like to apply for the Fall semester, please contact the UAlbany Education Abroad Program Coordinator.
KUGF curriculum
The purposes of the KUGF curriculum are to improve Japanese language proficiency and communication skills, develop a high level of cross-cultural understanding, and foster global leadership skills. The curriculum can be broken into two categories:
- Global Frontier and Skill Up for Studying Abroad
- These courses are taught entirely in English and are open to both Japanese and international students. Global Frontier courses consist of Modules. The purpose of the “Skill Up for Studying Abroad” courses is to acquire English language skills.
- Japanese as a Second Language
- These courses are to support international students with Japanese language studies. Kansai University provides various levels of classes, from basic to advanced. You will be taking an appropriate level of Japanese classes after a language placement test done by a Japanese teaching specialist. Kansai University not only offers Japanese language courses, but also courses that provide basic knowledge of Japan, introduce cultures of Japanese companies, business Japanese and courses that place you in a real company or organization.
Specialist subjects (courses offered by other faculties)
If your Japanese language ability is sufficiently high, as proven by the Japanese language placement tests taken after your arrival in Japan, you can enroll in classes offered by other faculties (departments).
You can learn a wide variety of subjects in the 13 faculties at Kansai University. These courses are taught in Japanese, and you can expect an improvement in your level of Japanese proficiency as well as learning at a higher level.
*The following is used as a guideline for the level of Japanese proficiency required to enroll in specialist subjects.
| Test Name | Reference Score |
| JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) | N2 or higher |
| J.TEST (Test of Practical Japanese) | Level C or higher |
| CEFR | B2 or higher |
Course Descriptions and Syllabi
Review Kansai University’s website and Kansai University Global Frontier Course Guide for more information regarding course offerings. You are allowed to take courses in more than one Module. You are required to register for at least 7 classes per week at Kansai University. Classes are typically worth 2 credits each. You will need to share the course descriptions in the Kansai University Global Frontier Course Guide with your UAlbany academic advisor/department in order to determine the UAlbany course equivalencies.
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
All courses taken abroad count 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.
Housing
Kansai University has three student dormitories for exchange students. All of the dorms house both Japanese and international students, which provides a perfect environment for rich cross-cultural experiences. You also have the option of living off campus in an apartment, or with a host family.
Meals
There is no meal plan for this program. Depending on your accommodation, you will either have a shared kitchen or cafeteria in your dorm. There are also nearby restaurants. If you are placed with a host family, breakfast and dinner will be included. If you live off campus, you will be responsible for providing your own meals.
Estimate of Costs
For reference review the Academic Year 2019-20 Estimate of Costs
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
- This program is only for UAlbany students.
- Sophomores, juniors, and seniors in all majors with at least a 3.0 GPA are eligible to apply.
- Japanese language ability is not required (as long as you meet the English language requirement).
- Japanese nationals are eligible to apply.
Experiential Learning
Some trips and activities will be arranged by Kansai University for exchange students.
Student Clubs and Organizations
Exchange students can join any club/organization offered at Kansai University. However, requirements for joining the clubs and activities in the club vary.
Funding Opportunities
Most financial aid and academic awards will apply to semester programs.
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.
About the City
Osaka, located slightly west of the geographic center of the Japanese archipelago, is part of the Kansai region which covers a broad area including the neighboring cities of Kobe; an international port city, Kyoto; a city of academic pursuits and traditional culture, and Nara; a city of historical heritage.
Osaka prefecture, the second smallest in the country, has an area of 1,904.99km (2014), accounting for only 0.5% of the nation’s total. Surrounded by mountains to the north, east and south, the prefecture faces Osaka Bay to the west. Expansive alluvial plains extend around the Yodo River estuary running into Osaka Bay.
Travel Documents
A valid passport is required to participate in this program. If you are a U.S. citizen, you are required to obtain a visa to enter Japan.
For all other nationalities, please check with your government and the Consulate General of Japan’s website to determine whether you are required to obtain a visa for this program. More information regarding the visa application process is available upon acceptance to the program.
Application Availability
Applications become available online one semester before the program start date, based on the following timeline:
- Spring/Winter/Spring Break programs: July
- Fall/Year/Summer programs: December
Program Dates*
Academic Year 2020-2021
Forthcoming
Spring 2021
Forthcoming
*Dates are tentative, and subject to change.
About the Program
The University at Albany’s exchange affiliation with Kansai University enables you to study at one of the leading comprehensive universities in Japan. The goal of this exchange program is for you to develop an understanding of different cultures while cultivating a sense of achievement and confidence in a foreign environment.
Program Orientations
Upon acceptance to the program, you will be required to attend a mandatory pre-departure orientation. During this time, you will have the opportunity to meet other program participants, discuss in-depth the details of your program, and prepare of the overall education abroad experience. The fall semester pre-departure orientation will be conducted the Saturday before the end of Spring UAlbany classes and in late November/early December for the spring term abroad.
Upon arrival at Kansai University, you will attend a mandatory program orientation. This is an important and informative set of sessions organized by International Office of your host university.
Support Services
UAlbany’s Office of Education Abroad staff assists you during the application process, in your preparation to travel abroad, and on-site if necessary.
Kansai University’s International Office staff serve as an experienced resource for resolving issues that you may encounter in while abroad.