Overview
Tenri University
Tenri University is located in the city of Tenri. With a population of 70,000, Tenri City is famous both for Tenrikyo faith and its cultural heritage. The city is surrounded by historic areas such as the Yamato Aogaki Quasi- National Park in the west, and Nara City, Japan’s capital in the 8th century, in the north. Moreover, the University buildings command a fine view of the Yamato Sanzan Mountains to the south. Tenri is located in South-Central Japan, only an hour train ride from both Osaka and Kyoto. Whether your focus is on traditional culture or modern business, there are countless opportunities for you to gain firsthand knowledge about Japan while studying at Tenri University.
Kansai Gaidai Univeristy
Kansai Gaidai University is located in the city of Hirakata. With a population of 405,000, Hirakata has been a major center of commerce since the 18th century. Kansai Gaidai offers students an excellent blend of modern Japan, as showcased in a beautiful, newly built campus located within the cultural heart of Japan. Located midway between Osaka and Kyoto there are countless opportunities for students to gain firsthand knowledge about Japan whether your focus is on traditional culture or modern business. An hour train-ride from both Kyoto and Osaka, students can visit these beautiful cities with ease. Osaka is a major center of commerce and a center for pop culture. Kyoto, on the other hand, is an ancient city, founded in the late 8th century. It offers prestigious museums, beautiful temples and shrines, and abundant historical sites.
Students are encouraged to join some of the many athletic and cultural clubs on campus, including martial arts. The Speaking Partner Program allows MSU students to pair with native Japanese students to further their language skills. To take this one step further, Kansai Gaidai offers the Experience Japan Program, which pairs MSU students with Japanese students who will introduce them to Japanese culture through activities such as cooking and sight-seeing.
Dates
Tenri University
Spring semester - April- July
Full academic year - September- July
Fall semester programs are not available at Tenri University.
Kansai Gaidai Univeristy
Spring semester - January 24 - May 23, 2009
Fall semester - August 29 - December 18, 2009
Full academic year - August 29, 2009 - May 22, 2010
Deadline for both universities
Spring program final deadline - October 10
Fall or Year program early application deadline - November 7 ($50 discount for early applications)
Fall or Year program final deadline - February 6
All program dates are tentative and subject to change.
Accommodations
Tenri University
Students studying at Tenri University will be housed in a university dormitory setting with a private, fully furnished room, including a private bath and kitchen. There are 2 dormitory options, both within walking distance from campus and only minutes from the train station. Students have the option to choose a Japanese- style room (with tatami- mat flooring) or a Western- style room. The private kitchen allows students to cook for themselves or eat out at local restaurants.
Kansai Gaidai Univeristy
Students have the option of choosing to stay in university housing or homestays with a Japanese family. If you choose to live at the university housing, you can take part in the Home Visit Program, which enables a weekend visit to a Japanese home, thus enhancing the cultural experience. Students who live on campus can eat meals at university cafeterias, cook in the shared kitchen of their residence hall, or eat out in local restaurants. Students on homestay programs will eat some meals with their family and will work out the arrangements regarding meals after arrival.
Costs
Tenri University
$6246 per semester
The program fee includes:
- MSU tuition* (in-state undergraduate)
- Housing
- Meals (estimate)
- Travel insurance
- University student and admissions fees
- Visa fees
The program fee does NOT include:
- Airfare
- Passport fees
- Personal spending money
- Non-refundable application fee
- Books
- On-site travel
- Japanese health insurance
* Fall 2009 and Spring 2010 tuition may increase based on the MSU rate.
Kansai Gaidai Univeristy
$6246 per semester
The program fee includes:
- MSU tuition* (in-state undergraduate)
- Housing
- Insurance
- Meals
- Visa fees
The program fee does NOT include:
- Airfare
- Passport fees
- Personal spending money
- Non-refundable application fee
- Books
- Rail pass
- Required medical exam
* Fall 2008 and Spring 2009 tuition may increase based on the MSU rate.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Federal financial aid applies to the cost of study abroad programs. Contact the MSU Financial Aid Office to determine elegibility. Scholarships are available specifically for study abroad with MSU. See the Scholarship section of this website for details.
Travel
Students will arrange their travel to Japan and can arrange to be met by a representative of the university, who will take students directly to their accommodations. Students may travel alone or with other MSU students who are participating in the program. There will be opportunities for independent travel either on breaks or weekends. The rail system is extensive and is the primary form of transportation between large cities. Intercity rail passes can be purchased after arrival for short periods. City buses and subways are also easily accessible and rather inexpensive. Students are encouraged to investigate the purchasing options for subway, train and bus passes after arrival.
Academic program
Tenri University
Students will take a full load of Japanese language courses while at Tenri University that will enhance knowledge of both the Japanese language and the Japanese culture. Options for martial arts may be available depending on the language course schedule as well. Special emphasis is given to the development of language competency and a sufficient understanding of the cultural and social life of Japan. A placement test will be administered after arrival to ensure proper level placement in the language program.
Kansai Gaidai Univeristy
Students take a full course load at Kansai Gaidai University. Lecture courses are taught in English in the following fields: Anthropology, Art, Economics and Finance, English and Philosophy, Government, Law and International Affairs, History, International Business, Japanese language, Journalism and Mass Communications, Management, Marketing and Business Administration, and Religious Studies. Students are required to take part in Japanese language courses, both the Spoken Japanese and Reading and Writing courses. A placement test will be administered after arrival to ensure proper level placement.
