Nishinomiya - Kwansei Gakuin University

Q. What does this program offer?
A. MU participates in an exchange program with Kwansei Gakuin University in Nishinomiya, Japan. KGU, a private co-educational institution, has almost 18,000 students in areas of study such as humanities, sociology, law, economics, business administration, theology, science, and policy studies. KGU maintains academic standards that rank among the highest of all Japanese universities and colleges. It is located in Nishinomiya, a residential city of 470,000 between Osaka and Kobe. Students take courses in Japanese language as well as Asian Studies courses conducted in English. Spaces are limited for MU students.

Q. What is it like there?
A. Upon arrival, students take part in a 3-5 day orientation to prepare for living and studying in Japan. Students will be paired with a Japanese student mentor to help students adjust to a new university environment. They also take a Japanese Language Placement test at this time. MU students will have access to all facilities at the University, including the library, student union, sports facilities, Internet and computer facilities, and extracurricular activities. It is recommended that students join university clubs which allow close interaction with Japanese students in activities of common interest. The moderate climate and the natural beauty of the coast and mountains encourages outdoor recreation.

Q. What will I study?
A. KGU's Japanese Studies Program combines courses conducted in English with a program of intensive Japanese language instruction. The Japanese Studies Program faculty are able to provide non-Japanese students with up-to-date knowledge of the culture, society, and economy of Japan. In the fall semester, students are required to take one Japanese language class and a minimum of three other electives. During the spring semester, students are required to take a minimum of three International Programs courses and one regular course.

Q. When can I go?
A. You can participate in this program for any of the following terms:
 Spring Semester
 Academic Year

Q. Where will I live?
A. Most students live with Japanese families who provide insights into Japanese customs. Families provide breakfast and dinner Mon - Fri and three meals on weekends. They provide students a room with bedding, desk, chair, heater, and dresser. A very limited number of students may be able to stay in single-sex dorms. Nishinomiya's extensive public transportation system allows students to get around independently. Students can arrange easy one-day trips to Kyoto, Nara, and the castle city of Himeji.

Q. Will I get academic credit?
A. For each semester of academic work completed abroad, you may earn up to 16 credit hours. Course credit transfers to MU, but your grades will not appear on your MU transcript and are not figured into your GPA. Although you will receive credit for successfully completed courses, you must work with your academic advisors to determine how courses might fulfill specific degree requirements. As part of your pre-departure preparation, you will find what courses are available on the program and meet with your academic advisor to get pre-approval for courses you wish to take.

Q. Can I afford to go?
A. MU attempts to make the costs of studying abroad affordable for you. In Japan, housing costs vary greatly. Because this is a reciprocal exchange program, you will pay MU educational fees, non-resident tuition (for non-Missouri residents), student activities fees, information technology fees, recreation facility fees, and the student health center fee for 13 credit hours per semester. You will also pay a $500 study abroad fee to cover MU administrative costs. Additional expenses for this program include health insurance, int'l airfare, on-site housing costs, and other misc. expenses. Estimated costs for this program are listed below.

Q. Can I get financial aid?
A. Most financial aid that you normally receive for your classes at MU should apply to the cost of the program. If you are not a Missouri resident, you will be billed for MU non-resident fees and so remain eligible for any non-resident scholarships you receive from MU. Additional grants, loans or scholarships may be available to offset the extra costs incurred on this program. Please see the advisor for study abroad financing at the MU Financial Aid Office for more complete information. The International Center offers study abroad scholarships as well. Scholarship applications are included in the MU Study Abroad Application.

Q. Am I eligible?
A. If you are a sophomore, junior, or senior, with a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or above, you are eligible to apply. Applicants who have taken one year of college-level Japanese are preferred.

Q. How do I apply?
A. See the Study Abroad Application Instructions on this web-site for more information.

Q. Where can I find out more?
A. In the Study Abroad Resource Room at the International Center, you will find additional information on this and other overseas opportunities. Peer Advisors will be on hand to answer any questions you may have, and Study Abroad Advisors are available by appointment. You can also visit the Kwansei Gakuin University website for more information about the program.