Through the Office of International and Intercultural Programs, students can study abroad at Kansai Gaidai University in Osaka, Japan.
Norfolk/Virginia Beach, Va. – Virginia Wesleyan College’s Office of International and Intercultural Programs (OIP) is now offering a new exchange program in Japan for students who wish to study abroad and immerse themselves in another culture.
“The Virginia Wesleyan and Kansai Gaidai University Exchange Program is a unique opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the Japanese language and culture,” said Director of the OIP Lena Johnson. “Students who love anime, manga, martial arts or just have a general interest in Japanese or Asian culture will love Kansai Gaidai University.”
Kansai Gaidai University is a private, fully-accredited, non-profit institution located in Hirakata City, Osaka. The university has a total enrollment of about 13,000 students, of which approximately 700 are international status. The University has four academic programs and offers a range of courses from business and economics to martial arts and Japanese brush painting (sumi-e).
The Kansai region of Japan is recognized as the cultural and historical heart of the country. Hirakata borders Osaka, which has developed a reputation for being the gourmet food capital of Japan, and Kyoto, which is recognized as the cultural and religious center of Japan. Nara, Japan’s first permanent capital and a city known for its interesting history and architecture, can also easily be reached by the Shinkansen, or the high-speed “bullet train.”
Study at Kansai Gaidai is open to students of all majors. Eligible students must maintain at least a 3.0 GPA and have at least junior status.
Scholarships are available from The Japan Student Organization (JASSO). Interested students should check with their advisor and the OIP Director to determine their eligibility.
For more information, contact Lena Johnson in the OIP at 757.455.3116 or ljohnson@vwu.edu.
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