Kwansei Gakuin University – Nishinomiya, Japan
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Kwansei Gakuin University (KGU) is an independent institution for higher education, offering Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD degrees in over 35 different disciplines to a student body of approximately 24,700. Founded in 1889, the university maintains academic standards that rank among the highest of all Japanese universities and colleges. KGU places a large emphasis on producing ‘global citizens’, and in 2014 was selected by the Japanese government as one of 37 out of a total of 800 universities nationwide to receive funding under the Top Global University Project.
More information about KGU exchange programmes can be found here.
Programmes of study
KGU offers ‘The Contemporary Japan Program’ which is specially designed for incoming exchange students to Kwansei Gakuin University. Exchange students are offered a choice between two study tracks that will define the main focus of their time at KGU, the “Japanese Language Track” and the “Modern Japan Track”. Exchange students are also able to select elective courses to learn more about “Contemporary Japan” from a variety of aspects such as language, culture, society, economy, and politics. Please note that eligible DMU students from all Faculties can choose to study at KGU (subject to Programme Leader approval).
Exchange students will be required to follow a full programme of study for the academic year based at Kwansei Gakuin University.
Learn more about campus activities and events
At KGU, A mandatory orientation of approximately one week will be held at the beginning of each semester, introducing new students to life in Japan and information on KGU. In addition, Acting as language partners for the JLT exchange student’s first semester, KGU student volunteers will assist exchange students in practicing Japanese conversation. Exchange students who are enrolled in the Japanese Language Track will have a Nihongo Partner.
On-campus there is also the GS Network is an official student group endorsed by CIEC, supporting exchange students during their stay in Japan. They also plan cultural exchange activities for both exchange students and KGU students over the course of the year.
More broadly a range of extra-curricular opportunities are offered and Exchange students are encouraged to join KGU student groups to enrich their study experience in Japan. There are over 150 cultural and sports clubs and “circles” on campus. A circle is a group of students who share a common interest in an activity and gather periodically to explore this interest together. Clubs tend to require more commitment than circles do, and are often the equivalent to university level team sports. Exchange students should be aware that they may not be able to join certain clubs/circles due to the length of their exchange.