Program Information
Eligibility
You must be a sophomore, junior or senior in
good standing, with a G.P.A. of at least 3.0. You do NOT need
to be a Chinese and Japanese Studies major to participate, but
you do need to have studied Japanese previously. Two semesters
of college-level Japanese are required for the Kansai program,
and highly recommend for the Osaka International program. Almost
all Valpo students can study abroad in Japan without delaying
graduation IF they plan carefully with their academic advisor.
Valparaiso University has two exciting exchange
opportunities with sister universities in Japan.
Classes Offered
A semester or full year at Kansai Gaidai University,
located in the culturally rich area between Osaka and Kyoto.
This program offers Japanese language instruction and a number
of Asian Studies courses taught in English, including topics
in business, art, economics, and history, among others. Students
have the option of living with a Japanese host family or in
dormitories located on campus. Students pay all fees, including
tuition, room, and meal plan, to Valparaiso University.
The program at Osaka International University
(OIU) also offers language study, but has the added feature
of a 1-month internship with a Japanese company or organization.
Students engage in intensive language study for the first semester,
and then spend an interim period in an internship setting, before
returning to OIU campus and taking courses taught in English.
Students have the option of living with a host family or in
a dormitory. Tuition fees are paid to Valparaiso University;
all other fees, including room and board, are paid directly
to OIU. This program runs from September to July and is offered
for the whole Japanese academic year only. It is especially
suitable for business and engineering students.
Students are placed in Japanese language classes
according to proficiency tests given during orientation in Japan
for both programs. Internship placement at OIU depends on availability
and language proficiency. Students are required to study language,
but are free to choose among the courses offered as long as
full-time status is maintained.
Travel Opportunities
Both universities are located in the city of
Hirakata (population 392,000), midway between Osaka, Japan's
second largest city, and Kyoto, an ancient capital. This region
is the cultural heart of Japan, with many historical sites easily
accessible. The transportation system is so well developed in
Japan that virtually the whole country is within hours on the
express train.
Applying to the Program
You must apply for the program through the
International Studies Office. The ISO is located in Meier Hall
137, phone 464 - 5333. You should consult with your academic
advisor, Professor Fred Kavanagh, and the ISO as early as
possible. Freshman year is not too early to begin your inquiries
about study abroad. Careful planning will insure your classes
taken in Japan will be used for graduation requirements.
VU Charges
Students pay the same tuition and fees they
would pay in Valparaiso for both programs. All VU study abroad
programs are considered "in-residence," so all financial
aid (except work-study, music, and in-season athletic scholarships)
applies. Students pay VU's room and board charge for the Kansai
program, even if they are in home stay with a Japanese family.
Kansai Gaidai students receive a stipend for food expenses.
Osaka International University program students are responsible
for their own room and board costs while they are in Japan.
Air fare
Students can expect to spend $900-$1200 roundtrip
between Chicago and Osaka. Many of the discount flights described
in newspapers are not useful because of the conditions attached.
The ISO will help you find the most appropriate ticket for your
needs.
Spending Money
Japan can be a very expensive country in which
to live, depending on the exchange rate between the yen and
the dollar. Consult former students and the financial section
of your newspaper to estimate your relative costs.
Scholarships
AIEJ Scholarships (for full-year students only),
Freeman grants, and other
awards are available for qualified students; contact the International
Studies Office for details.
More Information
VU International Studies Office: studyabroad@valpo.edu
Kansai Gaidai University web page: http://www.kansai-gaidai-u.ac.jp/
Osaka International University web page: http://www.oiu.oiu.ac.jp/
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