As a Japanese Language Track student, you will be taking mandatory Japanese Language Courses. Those courses were designed for students who want to learn Japanese in an intensive environment, over a short duration, and who aim to improve their Japanese language skills drastically. Depending on the result of the placement test, you will be placed into eight levels from beginner level to advanced level. By learning at the level that suits your abilities, you can practically improve the four skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking in an evenly balanced and steady process. Depending on the subject, Learning Assistants and student volunteers also participate in Japanese language classes, providing opportunities to interact with Japanese students in various situations.

NOTE: Students must be able to fluently read, write, understand and pronounce the Japanese Hiragana and Katakana phonetic scripts by the time they arrive in Japan. There are 5 classes per week taught in Japanese for the required Japanese language course for this track.

As a Modern Japan Track student, you will be taking the mandatory Modern Japan Seminar. In this course, students will gain an understanding of contemporary Japan’s culture and society through engaging in discussions and activities on various topics related to contemporary Japan. Topics include issues such as food culture, religion, the employment and education system, international relations and natural disasters. The seminar also includes field trips where students can experience Japanese culture and society first hand and encompasses interactive classes and activities with Japanese students. Upon conclusion of the program, students will have a strong base to pursue further studies in their individual fields.

NOTE: All of these courses will be taught in English and you will not be required to take a Japanese language course. Only the Modern Japan Seminar course is required in this track which occurs once a week and is taught in English. Students will choose from a wide variety of history, politics, linguistics, business, and art and culture courses for their electives.

Students are allowed to study for one semester or an entire year with start times in the Fall and Spring.

Application deadlines:

For Fall 2024: April 2024

For Spring 2025: November 2024

Fall Semester:

Arrival: early to mid-September

First day of classes: late September

Winter Break: late December to early January

Last day of classes: mid to late January

Final exam period: late January

Winter Intensive Period (only for those who apply at KGU for two semesters beginning in the Fall):

First day of classes: Early February

Last day of classes: Mid-March

Spring Semester:

Arrival: Mid-March

First day of classes: Early April

Last day of classes: Mid to late-July

Final exam period: Late July-early August

Exchange students can apply for a scholarship through KGU along with their application to KGU. Applicants will be informed if they will receive the scholarship roughly a week before arriving in Japan. However, there are circumstances in which students may not be informed until after their arrival in Japan.

Students will have the option to choose either homestays or dormitory living.

Homestays include 2 meals a day on weekdays, 3 meals a day on weekends and holidays, and utilities. Dorms excludes meals and utilities. Read more about the dormitories available to students.

Your Visa is your permission to enter Japan and to obtain a Residence Status.
As soon as you receive your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) through KGU, you should go to the nearest embassy or consulate of Japan to apply for a “Student Visa”. Please contact the Japanese embassy/consulate directly to find out what other documents may be needed. You will receive more details about how to fill out the visa application form along with your COE so make sure to read the cover letter carefully.

Once you arrive in Japan with your Student Visa and pass through immigration, you will be given a Student Residence Status. This is your permission to stay in Japan as a student. At this point, your Student Visa is no longer important- regardless of whether it is a single- or multiple-entry visa. The Residence Status is all that matters. At the airport, you will receive a Landing Permission Seal in your passport that shows how long you may stay in Japan. We strongly suggest you enter via the Osaka or Tokyo airports, as you will receive your Residence Card upon arrival. If you land via any other airport, you will receive your Residence Card later, which may cause a problem during orientation.

KGU has a vibrant student life and a beautiful picturesque campus. Students will have a lot of free time to explore the surrounding area and meet other international students and local Japanese students. Day or weekend trips to Osaka, Kobe, Kyoto, Nara, Hiroshima, and Tokyo are all very accessible and encouraged (as long as you're not missing any classes). 

Please see the attached "Exchange Student Handbook" for even more information about KGU.