Kansai University Program
Quick Information
The Kansai University program (2010 - present) is a 9-month program for foreign language students at Kansai University in Osaka, Japan. While at KU, participants integrate into the KU and Lawrence community, study English, participate in KU courses, and gain work experience.
"I had a very good experience in AEC classes and activities. I had some international friends and
totally improved my English skill. Thank you so much."
Program Details
ISP designs and facilitates the Work Experience workshop course for Kansai University program participants. In addition, ISP manages a required monthly journal project to encourage reflection about the participants' experiences. Each journal is provided with feedback for improving the next entry.
Participants are placed in existing Applied English Center courses with other AEC students. Based on placement, Kansai participants are allowed to take a predetermined number of existing non-AEC courses during the Fall term. This puts them in classes with traditional KU students across various academic units and is a culmination of the work they do during the spring and summer terms. Enrollment is monitored and arranged by ISP staff in effort to ensure that each participant enrolls in courses that meet the program's goals as well as their own personal academic goals.
Popular courses include:
Besides the selection of events listed below, Kansai participants are encouraged to join one of the 500+ student organizations at the University of Kansas to personalize their experience to their interests and aspirations, as U.S. higher education is meant to do.
- 3-day trip to Branson, Missouri
- Various experiences working at events in the community, including:
ISP arranges for Kansai students to live in on-campus housing and have a dining plan with full access to all campus cafeterias and food markets. As of Fall 2024, most Kansai students live with other Kansai students but are on different floors to provide chances for integration with traditional KU students and comfort in living spaces.
As ISP participants enrolled at KU for their 9-month program, Kansai University Program participants have access to the following non-exhaustive list of resources:
- 24/7 Emergency Support from ISP
- Access to all student KU Libraries services
- Access to Ambler Student Rec Center
- Applied English Center academic supports
- KU Online ID (E-Mail & KU Software)
- KU academic supports
- Orientation & access to Rock Chalk Central
- Watkins Health Center
ISP arranges transportation for all required program components, including but not limited to:
- Buses to and from the airport for program arrival & departure
- Vans and drivers for the 4-day trip to Branson, MO
- Lawrence Transit system orientation during orientation week
- Cars and drivers to work experiences