Hirakata, Osaka, Japan • Fall oR Spring
What is an Individualized Study Abroad Program?
This external program type allows you to study abroad and transfer credit to ArtCenter to fulfill major and/or H&S requirements with approval. You may also use state/federal aid if you are eligible through FAFSA.
What is Kansai Gaidai?
Kansai Gaidai University’s Asian Studies Program offers a semester study abroad program in Japan, between Osaka and Kyoto. Students take Japanese language at their level plus 60+ English-taught courses on Japan and Asia, including H&S and studio art.
How to Apply
Step 1 — Submit application to ArtCenter Global Programs portal
Step 2 — Once approved by Global Programs, apply directly to the Kansai Gaidai program
Step 3 — Forward your study abroad program acceptance notification to Global Programs
For a detailed breakdown of the full process, visit this page.
Application Timelines
Submit ArtCenter Global Programs application by:
February 1 — Summer or Fall term abroad
September 1 — Spring term abroad
Study abroad program deadlines vary but are typically due one term prior to your term abroad. Check your program for exact deadlines.
Academics
Majors
Students of all majors are eligible to apply.
Credit
Transfer up to 15 credits to ArtCenter
Students seeking transfer credit must complete the course approval process with their department/H&S and ArtCenter’s Global Programs.
Schedule
The start and end dates vary by program. Please refer to your program for exact dates.
Fall Term: Late August – mid-December
Spring Term: Late January – Late May
ELIGIBILITY
• Have completed at least one term at ArtCenter.
• Have at least one term remaining at ArtCenter after returning (to allow time for your credits to transfer).
• Must not have previously participated in an individualized program.
• Not be on academic or disciplinary probation at the time of application or participation.
• Kansai Gaidai requires a minimum 3.0 GPA. Keep in mind admission is competitive.
• No Japanese language experience required.
If you are not sure if you meet all the minimum eligibility requirements, you are still welcome to apply.
COST
Administrative fee
Pay a $250 fee to ArtCenter’s Global Programs to confirm your participation.
Tuition
Participants in the Kansai Gaidai Asian Studies Program pay tuition, housing, and program fees directly to Kansai Gaidai University. Fees are charged in Japanese yen, so the cost in U.S. dollars depends on the exchange rate. For more information, visit Kansai Gaidai’s Asian Studies Program page.
No ArtCenter tuition will be due for this program. Students take a leave of absence for the term.
Additional estimated expenses to consider
• Round-trip international airfare: up to $1,500 (approx)
• Passport: $135
• Visa (if required)
• Housing (per semester, paid to Kansai Gaidai):
– Residence hall (single room, kitchen access): ¥270,000 (approx. $2,000)
– Homestay (2 meals/day included): ¥320,000 (approx. $2,360)
• Mandatory Kansai Gaidai fees (per semester): about ¥14,600 (approx. $110) for the international student fee and insurance, plus refundable deposits
• Daily living expenses (meals, cellphone charges, toiletries, etc.): $50–$60 per day, varies by location and personal budget
Financial Aid
• ArtCenter institutional scholarships and grants are not available for this program.
• State and federal financial aid may be used if you are eligible through FAFSA and take a minimum of 12 credits towards your degree requirements.
• Kansai Gaidai offers a Merit Scholarship of US$6,000 per semester (starting Fall 2027):
– Requires a 3.0 GPA at ArtCenter for the two terms before you apply
– Requires a 3.0 GPA during your semester at Kansai Gaidai
– Paid as a tuition rebate at the end of the semester, so you’ll need to pay full tuition upfront
– Full-year students can earn a second rebate by keeping a 3.0 GPA both semesters
• Other scholarship options include the U.S.–Japan Bridging Foundation and the U.S.–Japan Council Watanabe Scholarship.
• Additional scholarships may be available from outside sources: artcenterstudyaway.com/pay-for-study-away
About The Program
Kansai Gaidai University, founded in 1945, has welcomed international students through its Asian Studies Program since 1972. Today, the program hosts about 1,000 students each year from around 35 countries. Students take Japanese language every semester, placed at their level from Level 1 (no experience) to Level 8, with a separate kanji and reading track. The rest of the schedule comes from 60+ English-taught courses in business, social sciences, humanities, and studio art.
Outside class, students can join Nihongo Friends to meet local Japanese students, and the Home Visit program for weekends with local families. Osaka and Kyoto are each about 30 minutes away by train, and courses often use the region for field trips and research.
Spring semester students may have an internship option with Japanese companies, local schools, or government offices. Please discuss your interest with ArtCenter’s Global Programs.
Learn More
Kansai Gaidai Asian Studies Program website - Information about the program, admissions, and student life.
Browse course offerings - See English-taught courses and Japanese language levels by semester.
Check the academic calendar - Semester dates, orientation, and exam schedules.
Review tuition, fees, and scholarships - Costs, the Merit Scholarship, and other funding options.
Explore housing - Details on the Global Commons YUI residence hall.
Learn about the internship program - Spring semester internships with Japanese companies and schools.
Read the FAQ page - Common questions about arriving, living, and studying in Japan.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
Use our online calendar to schedule an appointment!