{"id":10282,"date":"2023-09-26T14:33:52","date_gmt":"2023-09-26T04:33:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.qut.edu.au\/gone-global\/?p=10282"},"modified":"2023-09-26T14:33:52","modified_gmt":"2023-09-26T04:33:52","slug":"kansai-gaidai-university-a-helpful-guide-for-japan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.qut.edu.au\/gone-global\/2023\/09\/26\/kansai-gaidai-university-a-helpful-guide-for-japan\/","title":{"rendered":"Kansai Gaidai University: A Helpful Guide for Japan"},"content":{"rendered":"

Mira \u2013 Kansai Gaidai University – Japan<\/h3>\n

Semester 2, 2022 –\u00a0 Semester 1, 2023<\/h4>\n

Bachelor of Business \u2013 International<\/h4>\n

 <\/p>\n

On the 19th<\/sup> of August 2022, I finally embarked on my year-long exchange journey to Japan. Having explored the country and developed new skills, I have compiled numerous lifelong friendships and memories along the way.<\/p>\n

Location<\/h4>\n

Kansai Gaidai University is in Hirakata, Osaka. Unlike Tokyo and most of the universities that you can choose in Japan, what makes this special is that it is not located in one of those busy city environments. Instead, you\u2019re located by a suburban units and houses which allows you to properly take in your surroundings at your own pace.<\/p>\n

Campus<\/h4>\n

Kansai Gaidai University has two campuses, Gotenyama & Nakamiya Campus, which are located closely to each other \u2013 10-minute walk.<\/p>\n

Both campuses offer cafeterias which have very cheap meals (Less than $5!) or otherwise the 7-elevens too. In addition, the Nakamiya campus also had a Starbucks and McDonalds during my time.<\/p>\n

Classes\/Study<\/h4>\n

Typically, you will find most of your English studies to be placed in the Nakamiya Campus while some Japanese studies will be placed in the Gotenyama Campus. Because of this nature, you will find a lot of the local Japanese students having their classes on the Gotenyama Campus. However, no matter which campus you are at, you will undoubtably find local students so do not worry!!<\/p>\n

While studying at Kansai Gaidai University, you will be placed in the Asian Studies Program. Unlike other Japanese universities, if you\u2019re trying to reach the minimum requirement with QUT and Kansai Gaidai, your study load will need to consist of one compulsory Japanese unit where your level is decided by a placement test, and 3 other electives. With an amazing plethora of subjects offered at Kansai Gaidai, you will be able to find subjects that are both engaging and informative.<\/p>\n

Unlike Australia, many classes record attendance, so beware if you\u2019re trying to skip some classes to enjoy your travels in Japan. These results are translated into a 4.0 GPA system. If you are aiming to stay for a second semester, like me, within the first semester you must achieve a GPA of 2.0 overall while passing all subjects.<\/p>\n

You will find that classes are conducted on a much smaller scale and in regular classrooms. Very rarely will you find yourself in a lecture hall. This makes it easier for you to connect with your classmates and lecturers. You\u2019ll find that in some of your classes, local Japanese students will also be undertaking some subject with you so that is also another good opportunity to make new friends.<\/p>\n

If you do have any questions, the Kansai Gaidai\u2019s Center for International Education (CIE) Team is incredibly attentive and responsive via phone or email. Otherwise, check out Kansai Gaidai University\u2019s Asian Studies Program website for more information.<\/p>\n

Email: kgu-in03@kansaigaidai.ac.jp<\/a><\/p>\n

Website: https:\/\/www.kansaigaidai.ac.jp\/asp\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Accommodation<\/h4>\n

Usually offering a wide range of options for accommodation, due to COVID-19, during my first semester, Kansai Gaidai only offered on-campus accommodation.<\/p>\n

This building is called Global Commons YUI, located in Gotenyama campus. Here, both international and local students reside together. With 5 floors, split between girls and boys, each floor consists of multiple units of 20-25 students. There, you have a shared kitchen and living space to interact with other students. If you are an introvert like me or value your private time, you\u2019ll find it relieving that you are provided with your own room with magnetic doors (that you can customise and decorate!).<\/p>\n

Other accommodation choices are now provided.<\/p>\n

Transport<\/h4>\n

In Japan, public transport, walking, and biking were prevalent modes of commuting, which encouraged me to learn a new skill\u2014riding a bike (embarrassing, I know)\u2014in situations where I would typically walk.<\/p>\n

The campus is a 20-30-minute walk from Hirakata Station, Keihan Line, one of main trainlines within the Kansai region. The other closest station with a 10\u201315-minute walk, is the Gotenyama Station, Keihan Line. The only difference between the two stations is that Hirakata Station is a main station so all trains on the Keihan Line will stop there.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re familiar with the SUICA card (equivalent of our Translink Go Cards in QLD), in the Kansai area, you can purchase an ICOCA card which can be used on almost all public transport provided in Japan. While travelling on public transport, look out for the \u201cIC Card\u201d label which indicates that you may use your transport card there.<\/p>\n

Money<\/h4>\n

I won\u2019t go heavily in detail here but just some general money tips.<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Japan is a very cash-based society, so it is important to always carry around cash.<\/li>\n
  2. 7-Eleven\u2019s will carry ATMs that allow free international withdrawals for most cards \u2013 so keep an eye out for 7-Eleven ATMs.<\/li>\n
  3. There are now a lot of places which do offer up card payments, but tap-and-go is difficult to encounter so carry around your physical card.<\/li>\n
  4. When shopping and using your card, the cashier will ask if you would like to pay in one increment or multiple in which I reply \u201cIkkai onegaishimasu\u201d means \u201cone time please\u201d.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Tips<\/h4>\n