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Table of Contents
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Welcome to Osaka Gakuin University2024-2025 Application Procedure
2024-2025 Academic Calendar
What Can I Study?
Study Workload
Where Can I stay?
How Much Will it Cost?
What Can I Participate In?
What Support is There?
What Facilities Does OGU Offer?
What is it Like in Japan?
What is OGU Like?
Short-term Japanese Language and Culture Programs
Who are OGU’s Exchange Partners?
Where is OGU?

The International Center’s mission
for international students:
Providing international exchange students with alife-changing authentic experience of Japan.

EnglishGiving students a personalized experience that they
will be able to reflect on and build upon after leaving
OGU, where their lives and future will never be the
same.

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Konnichi wa!
Osaka Gakuin University invites you to participate in one of the top Japanesestudies program in Japan. Our location is second to none! The campus is located only thirty minutes from Kyoto, the cultural center of Japan; ten minutes fromthe downtown Osaka business and entertainment district; forty minutes from Kobe, one of the world's leading trading ports; sixty minutes from Nara, the oldest
historical region of Japan, and about two and a half hours by Shinkansen (Bullet
Train) from the nation's capital, Tokyo. Our Japanese studies program is the mostprogressive, practical and unique in all of Japan. In the morning, we offer intensive Japanese language classes. In the afternoon, we offer subject courses related to Japan and Asia which are instructed in English or Japanese by our highly
qualified teachers.
The International Center staff also offer extensive support and guidance for each
student. We pride ourselves on the individual attention given to each and every
international student. If you are interested in a life-changing, and unforgettable
study abroad experience; we await you at Osaka Gakuin University!
The International Center
Osaka Gakuin University

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2024-2025 Application Procedure

English4

2024-2025 Academic Calendar

Fall Semester
Sep 2 – Dec 20, 2024
Aug 26
Aug 28-30
Aug 31
Sep 2
Oct 19-20
Dec 20Dec 20Arrival in Osaka (Pickup from KIX)
Orientation
Welcome Party
Classes Begin
Kishibe Festival
Classes End
Closing Ceremony & Farewell Party

Spring Semester
Jan 10 – May 16, 2025
Jan 14
Jan 16-17
Jan 20
May 16
May 16

Arrival in Osaka (Pickup from KIX)
Orientation
Classes Begin
Classes End
Closing Ceremony ＆ Farewell Party

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What Can I Study?
The OGU International Exchange Program consists of compulsory comprehensive Japanese
Language classes in the morning, followed by a variety of elective classes in the afternoon suitable for every level of Japanese proficiency from beginner to confident Japanese speakers.

Japanese Language Course (AM)

Course Name

Fall

Spring

Hours
per
week

Content

JSL1 (Beginner)

●

●

14

Comprehensive Japanese, basic survival Japanese andassignment based study

JSL2 (PreIntermediate)

●

●

14

Comprehensive Japanese and assignment based study

JSL3(Intermediate)

●

●

14

Comprehensive Japanese, grammar, and content/
assignment based study

JSL4 (UpperIntermediate)

●

●

14

Grammar, content/assignment based study

JSL5 (Advanced)

●

●

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Grammar, content/assignment based study❖The above explanation is intended as a guide. Class levels and content offered may differ depending on the level ofthe students who participate in the program.

JSL1~3 (Comprehensive Japanese)
These Japanese classes cover the basic skills of listening, speaking, writing (including Kanji)reading to enable students to engage in natural conversation and become comfortable withlife in Japan. Students make an oral presentation in Japanese at the end of the fall semester,and a poster presentation in the Spring Semester.

EnglishJSL4~5 (Grammar, content/assignment based study)
In addition to consolidating their Japanese in the grammar lessons, students also have a specially designed, content-based lessons to offer a hands-on opportunity to study current Japanese cultural and societal issues and topics in the Japanese language. Students will become
engaged in cultural/social issues, thought and discussion, and express their opinions using“real life” Japanese reading and media materials, while incorporating all four skills of reading,speaking, writing, and listening. Students make an oral presentation in Japanese at the end of
the fall semester, and a poster presentation in the Spring Semester.
❖Students levels and classes will be decided based on placement tests and oralinterviews., conducted during the orientation period.
❖JSL classes offered may vary depending on the semester and student requirements.

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Elective Subjects (PM)Course typeContents and Language of Instruction

Examples of Classes offered

Hours
per
week

JSC

Japanese Studies Course: Classes taught inEnglish covering a variety of aspects regarding
Japan/Asia, including society, culture, religion,
traditional arts, economics, business, etc.

Japanese Business Culture and PracticeJapanese Labor Market and Employment
Japanese Pop Culture
Japanese Culture and Community
Labor, Gender and Society in JapanThe Japanese Economic System

3.5

E-Bridge

A lecture series taught by professors of various
backgrounds. Taught in both simple English
and simple Japanese.

Hospitality in Japan
International Relations and Japan

1.75

JSP

Japanese for Specific Purposes: Classes
taught in varied levels of Japanese (Beginner
to Advances) that aim to improve specific Japanese language skills and deepen understanding of culture and society.

Kansai Culture and Society
Osaka Dialect,
Reading and Composition
Contemporary Japanese Literature
Understanding Japanese in Movies
Japanese Culture in PracticeJapanese Communication Skills

1.75

Faculty Classes

Classes in departments such as International
Studies, Economics, Foreign Language Department taught in Japanese, taking with OGU
students. International students who wish totake faculty classes must have a high level ofJapanese ability.
NOTE: Faculty classes have different academic
calendar.

Introduction to International Studies
Culture and Art
Japanese Language in the World
Japanese Language Studies
International Marketing Theory
Mass Media Theory
Advertisement Design
Hospitality Management
Contemporary Law Studies

1.75 /
3.5*Classes offered may differ each semester*The list of elective classes can be viewed on the website. The list of faculty classes will be madeavailable during an information session once the International Exchange Program has begun.

Exchange Promotion & Cultural Events

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EnglishInformational and promotional events are held regularly as achance for international students to promote exchange with
their university and country or region to Japanese students.
All exchange students will be asked to participate in at least
one of these sessions, and are requested to bring items that
can introduce and promote their university or country, suchas traditional dress, university paraphernalia, etc.

Study Workload
Studying and living in Japan can often be challenging, so students are advised to be awareof their workload, and manage their time accordingly. Credits are determined by the student's home institution based on the academic transcript issued by OGU. An attendance
rate of below 80% in any one class will result in a failing grade “F” for that class.
Example of Weekly Course Workload
Time/ Day

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

9:00-10:00

JSL

JSL

JSL

JSL

JSL

10:10-11:10

JSL

JSL

JSL

JSL

JSL

11:20-12:20

JSL

JSL

JSL

JSL

13:30-15:15

JSC

JSC

15:30-17:15

JSC

Course type:

Hours/week:

JSL (14x 60min classes)
JSC (2x 105min classes) x 2
JSP (1x 105min class)

14
7
1.75
Total 22.75 hrs

JSP

JSC

Example of Weekly Course Workload With Faculty Classes
Time/ Day

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

9:00-10:00

JSL

JSL

JSL

JSL

JSL

10:10-11:10

JSL

JSL

JSL

JSL

JSL

11:20-12:20

JSL

JSL

JSL

JSL

13:30-15:15

Faculty Class

JSC

JSP

15:30-17:15
17:30-19:15

Faculty Class

Faculty Class

JSC

Faculty Class

EnglishCourse type:
JSL (14x 60min classes)
Faculty Class (2x 105 min classes) x 2
JSC (2x 105 min classes)
JSP (1x 105 min class)8

Hours/week:
14
7
3.5
1.75
Total 26.25 hrs

Where Can I Stay?
As Osaka Gakuin University does not have any dormitory facilities available for international students, applicants are required to choose from the following options:
1) OGU Contracted Apartment
2) OGU Contracted Sharehouse (male students only)
3) Finding own accommodation (Contracting an apartment or sharehouse)
1) OGU Contracted Apartments
Searching for an apartment in Japan can be very difficult for International Students due to the Japanese system requiring reikin (gift money for the landlord), shikikin (deposit) and hoshonin (a Japanese Guarantor). For that reason, OGU has arranged a selection of apartments for its International Students that do not require any deposit, gift money or guarantor (a portion of these apartments
require a ¥15,000 deposit). Students who wish to live in this apartment should select ‘OGU Student Apartments’ in their housing application. These apartments are contracted to OGU, and students cannot move out during the contact period. In the event they have to vacate the apartment ,they will be charged for the month they move out in addition to another months rent,. Moreover, it
is possible for them to be charged for the full amount of the whole contracted period. Also, for thelast month, one month rent must be paid in full no matter when you check out during that month.
The OGU student apartments will vary depending on their location, and have the following facilities:- Monthly rent: ¥42,000 - ¥60,000 (Electricity and gas not included)- Meals not included- No curfew- A kitchen, mini-bathroom, bed, microwave, fridge, desk and chair.
- Plates, pots, kitchen utensils are not included◇ Students who live in these apartments must purchase a futon bedding set (¥7,000～8,000).
◇ Female student apartments are female-only, and in principle men are forbidden to enter.
2) OGU Contracted Sharehouse (Male only)This male only sharehouse is run by a former OGU student. At this moment, 1 room is available toour students. Those who wish to live in this sharehouse should select ‘OGU Student Sharehouse’in their housing application. This sharehouse is contracted to Osaka Gakuin University and students cannot move out during the contact period. In the event they have to vacate the apartment ,they will be charged for the month they move out in addition to another months rent,. Moreover, it
is possible for them to be charged for the full amount of the whole contracted period. Also, for thelast month, one month rent must be paid in full no matter when you check out during that month.
- Monthly fee: ¥55,000 (Gas and electricity paid separately; split between housemates)- Other fees (no refundable) : ¥ 6,000 (Moving-in fee)
- Meals not included- No curfew- Share kitchen, restroom, living room, etc. shared with housemates

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English3) Finding Own Accommodation (Contracting an apartment or sharehouse)
Students who do not wish to stay in an OGU contracted apartment or sharehouse are responsible
for finding their own housing.
NOTE: Osaka Gakuin University, also the International center staff can not act as guarantor for individual housing contracts.
≪A Sharehouse in Osaka City≫- Administration fee (Not returned): ¥10,000- Monthly rent: ¥57,000 (With utilities fee and futon bedding
set fee included )- Meals not included- Shared kitchen, toilet & bathroom

How Much Will It Cost?
Course costs:
Tuition*1¥380,000 / semester

Text Books¥3,000-¥5,000/semester

Field Trips¥2,000-¥5,000/semester*1 Tuition is waived for exchange students. Regular, non-exchange enrolments are re-quired to pay tuition of ¥380,000 per semester, or ¥760,000 for the year.

Monthly estimated living costs:
Housing*2¥60,000-¥80,000/month

Transportation fee¥5,000-¥10,000/monthLunchapprox. ¥20,000/month

National health insurance¥2,200/month

Liability insurance

1 semester: ¥4,000
2 semesters: ¥5,000

Personal expenses¥40,000-¥50,000/monthTotal

approx. ¥130,000-180,000/month*2 The price varies depending on the type of accommodation. Please refer to the tablebelow for details.

Housing costs:
Type

Monthly rent

Meals

OGU Contracted
Student Apartment¥42,000 - ¥60,000(excl. electricity and gas*3)No

OGU Contracted
Sharehouse¥55,000(excl. electricity and gas, split withhousemates)

No

Finding Own
Apartment¥40,000- ¥80,000(excl. electricity, water, gas*3; furniture
not included, Landlord gift money ordeposit of ¥100,000 to ¥200,000)

No

English*3 Monthly utilities: ¥10,000 (Approximately: electricity ¥5,500, water ¥1,500, gas ¥3,000)

10What Can I Participate In?
I-Chat EventsThe I-Chat Lounge on campus offers a variety of events to celebrate festivals around theworld, such as Chinese New Year, Cherry Blossom viewing, and more. All students arewelcome.
Kishibe Festival
The university festival known as the Kishibe Festival is held over two days at the end of
October. There are various presentations, food stalls and events run by clubs, circles andvarious other student bodies. During this time students, faculty, staff and people from thelocal community come together to enjoy the festival together.

International Exchange Events
A variety of International exchange events are held regularly throughout the year providing
a way for International Exchange students to Japanese students on campus.
Home Visit Program
The Home Visit Program is for international students living in apartments to give them theopportunity to visit a Japanese family and experience life in a Japanese home. Students
are allocated a family, and visit during the weekend for a day or overnight so they can geta chance to see and learn Japanese lifestyle habits and customs first hand.
Local Community Events
Exchange students are invited to take part in events together with Suita City residents, promoting exchange at a local level.

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What Kinds of Support Do I Have?
OGU students and staff provide a support network to help students when they come to Japan,
and offer individual help when necessary.
Airport pick up on arrival
OGU staff and students welcome students at the airport and escort each student to the station
nearest to their apartment. International students must cover necessary transportation fees.
Off-Campus support
Assistance with residence registration, Japanese national health insurance, opening bank accounts, and other related matters.
Arrival Orientation
OGU provides a three day arrival orientation in fall, and a two day orientation in spring covering
academic affairs, housing, placement testing, insurance procedures, life in Japan, and otherrelated information.
Buddy Program
All applicants will be matched with a Japanese student buddy to support them in getting used
to daily life in Japan. Applicants are expected to communicate and share their culture with
their buddy.
Japanese National Health Insurance
All international students are required to enroll in and pay Japanese National Health Insurance
while living in Japan. Registration is done at the city hall or ward office in the area you live in.
The average cost is about ¥2,200 per month. The Japanese national health insurance plan covers 70% and students pay the remaining 30% of any health care expenses.
* It is mandatory for all international students to enroll in the Japanese National Health Insurance scheme after arrival in Japan, regardless of whether they have health or liability insurance coverage by a provider in their home country or not. Failure to do so will result in the student being sent back home.

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What Facilities Does OGU Offer?
International Center (Building 1)
Both the International Center administration office and lounge arelocated on the first floor of Building #1. The International Center faculty and the Japanese language teachers’ offices are located on thethird and fourth floors.
Open Mon-Sat, 9:00– 17:00.

I-Chat Lounge (Building 13)
The International Chat Lounge (I-Chat) is a welcoming place wherestudents can strengthen their communication skills in international
languages. At I-Chat, students can meet Japanese students andteachers from around the world. I-Chat hosts fun holiday and cultural parties throughout the year. Visit I-Chat to check out the TOEIC
Center, make new friends in the “Living English” area, enjoy a refreshing drink or free Wi-Fi. Open Mon-Fri, 10:00-17:00,

Library
The Shirai Memorial Library was built in April 1977. The Library provides a quiet, academic area for study and research. The building
has three levels above and two below grounds, with approximately
1,100 seats. At present, the library holds approximately 1,180,000
books. Open Mon-Sat, 09:00~20:00 (Hours may change during vacation periods.)

Computer Rooms (Building 2, 12, 16)
Various computer rooms are located on campus for student use. In
order to enter the rooms you will need to swipe your student ID, andlog on to the PC with your OGUNET ID. Printing is available in mostrooms, however, you must provide your own A4 paper. A timetableis published each week and displayed outside the computer rooms
showing the rooms available for student use.

There are two cafeterias, a bakery and convenience store on campus, in Building 12. A small café is located in front of the I-Chat
Lounge in Building 13. Vending machines are also available at thecafeterias and in K.M.36 BANCHI, under the gymnasium.

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EnglishCafeterias, Bakery & Convenience Store (Building 12)

Sports Facilities
OGU features a state-of-the-art fitness/training center in Building 20.
OGU’s gym is available for international students and will be introduced during the orientation. Students are required to take theirstudent card, change of clothes and indoor shoes, and sign a waiver during orientation.

ATM Machines (Building 13)
Japanese Bank ATM machines (Seven Bank and JP Bank) are located on the 2nd floor of Building 13, and can be used to withdraw,
deposit, and transfer money. These machines can accept most International Cash Cards that display the PLUS or CIRRUS symbols.

Health Center (Building 12)
Located on the 3rd floor of Building 12. The health center takes careof minor injuries and referrals to doctors/ hospitals for more serious
medical conditions.

Book Center– Kinokuniya (Building 13)
Students can purchase a variety of goods such as textbooks, reference books, dictionaries, school supplies, OGU T-shirts and thefamed OGU Aloha shirts! You can use the 10% student discount topurchase

books

and

magazines. OpenMon-Fri

8:45~17:00,(Hours may change during vacation periods.)

Communication
Free Wi-fi is available on campus in Building 1 and the I-Chat
Lounge for International Students’ use. Instagram, Skype, LINE,
WeChat and other Social Networks are often used to communicate with family and friends back home.

EnglishExtra-curricular Club Activities
Several clubs, groups, and organizations are active on campus,
and although the number is fairly limited, international can observe and join some of these clubs. If you are interested in joining
them, please ask at the International Center.

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What is it Like in Japan?
Japanese Currency

Japan uses 4 types of banknotes (¥1,000, ¥2,000, ¥5,000, ¥10,000) and 6 types of coins (¥1, ¥5,¥10, ¥50, ¥100, ¥500). Japan is still primarily a cash based society, however credit cards are accepted in most stores and restaurants.

Consumption Tax

An 8 - 10% consumption tax is attached to all merchandise purchased and services utilized byconsumers. Marked prices often already include such tax, but students should be aware that thisis not always the case.

Tipping

Tipping is not customary in Japan. However, hotels andrestaurant bills often include service charges within the
bill.

Osaka

Osaka covers an area of approximately 1,890 square kilometers or 0.5% of the nation's entire
land area. Although Osaka is the second smallest prefecture it has a population of 8.8 million, or
7% of the entire population, making it the third most populous prefecture after Tokyo and Kanagawa.

What is the climate in Osaka?

Winter (December - February)
The temperature rarely drops below 0°C during the wintertime. It isalso quite dry and often sunny. Clothing: overcoats, sweaters.

Spring (March - May)
The plum blossom is a good sign that the cold winter will soon end
and spring is just around the corner. This is followed by the cherry
blossoms which appear between the end of March and the beginning of April. Clothing: lightjackets and sweaters.
Summer (June - August)Summer begins in June with a three to four week rainy season. It becomes extremely hot andhumid from July through mid-September. Summer is host to many interesting festivals. Various
events are held throughout the country. Clothing: light, 100% cotton clothes.
Autumn (September - November)
Autumn always brings renewed freshness with a light breeze and cool temperatures after the
hot and humid summer. Autumn is also the season for many exhibitions, music concerts, andsports tournaments in Japan. Clothing: light jackets and sweaters.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan

http://www.mofa.go.jp

Japan Student Service Origination

http://www.jasso.go.jp/en/study_j/index.html

Japan National Tourism Organization

http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/

Japan Travel and Living Guide

http://www.japan-guide.com/

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EnglishUseful web site links about Japan:

What is OGU Like?
Q1 Why did you choose Japan?
I started studying Japanese when I was 15 and have wanted
to come Japan ever since, because I want to completely learn
the language, experience the culture and meet new people.

Barbora (MUP, Czech)

Q2. What’s the best memorable about Japanese Classes?
Definitely there were many things, even though we had a lotof homework, we could learn a lot about Japan and our own
countries, which was probably the most interesting thing. Andof course we learned a lot of new Japanese words. This wasan unforgettable experience.

Q1 How was Osaka Gakuin University?
OGU’s campus was beautiful, the courses were very interesting,and the staff here were very friendly and they helped me a lot.
Q2. Please tell us your most memorable experience.
We learned many things at OGU. The most interesting was visiting some famous places in Kyoto, participating in “kuwai” traditional plant harvest, and making lots of Japanese friends.

Shi (SWUFE, China)

Q1 Please tell us your most memorable experience with the
Buddies.
I remember that after we arrived in September I went to Yodobashi
Camera with the buddy students. After looking at all the Japaneseelectronic gadgets we went to eat Japanese barbequed meatcalled ‘yakiniku’.

EnglishQ2. What is your message to students thinking of applying to
OGU?
OGU’s campus and facilities look amazing, and there are many
great teachers. I hope you have a great study abroad life like I had.
Janghoon（HUFS, South Korea)

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Short-term Japanese Language andCulture Programs
At Osaka Gakuin University we offer a range of short term programs in Winter andSummer 4 weeks each (2 weeks online and 2 weeks onsite) . You can experience allthat Japan has to offer! Our programs are designed to meet the needs of students
from various countries, and have a great combination of Japanese language, culturalactivities, sightseeing and events to give you the experience of a lifetime.

Japanese Language & Culture Program(Summer School)
June 24-July 5(Online) & July 17 to July 31(Onsite)

Japanese Language & Culture Program(Winter School)
From the End of January to late February, 2025●

Please refer to our website for more information.
https://www.osaka-gu.ac.jp/english/int_exchange/st_programs/

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Who are OGU's Exchange Partners?
Lithuania

Austria
FH Kufstein Tirol University of Applied

Vilnius University

Sciences

Malaysia

Barbados

Berjaya University College

The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill
Campus

MexicoBelgium
L’École Pratique des Hautes Études Commer-

Cetys Universidad

cialesThe Netherlands

CanadaFontys University of Applied Sciences

Medicine Hat College
University of the Fraser Valley
College of the Rockies

The Philippines

China

Enderun Colleges

Dalian Polytechnic University,
Guangdong Ocean University
Southwest University of Political Science and Law

Romania

Peking University, Law School

West University of TimișoaraSouthwestern University of Finance and Economics
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Faculty of
Humanities

South Africa

Czechia

Nelson Mandela University

Metropolitan University Prague

Spain

Finland

San Jorge University

HAAGA-HELIA University of Applied Sciences
Laurea University of Applied Sciences
Satakunta University of Applied Sciences

SwedenFranceUniversity of Gavle

Universite D' Orleans, ISCID, ESCE

Linnaeus University

Ecole de Management de Normandie
Universite Toulouse 1 Capitole

TaiwanGermany

Providence University

Mainz University of Applied Sciences
Universitaet Bayreuth
Universitaet Trier

Shih Chien University
Southern Taiwan University
Tatung University
Wenzao Ursuline University of Languages

Iceland
The University of IcelandThailand
Bangkok University

Indonesia

Khon Kaen University

BINUS University

English

USA

Italy

University of Alaska Fairbanks
Marywood University
The University of Mississippi
University of St. Thomas
Coastal Carolina University
California State University, Monterey Bay
Centenary University

University of Brescia

Korea
Ajou University, Baekseok University
Paichai University, Inha University
Sookmyung Women’s University
Soonchunhyang University

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Where Is OGU?

By JR train (Kishibe Station)
Osaka---(local)---Kishibe (approx.12 minutes)

JR-WestShin Osaka---(local)---Kishibe (approx.7 minutes)
Kyoto---(special rapid)---Takatsuki---(local)---Kishibe (approx.26 minutes)

JR-WestKansai International Airport---(super express Haruka)-----Shin Osaka ---(local)---Kishibe (approx.78 minutes)

By Hankyu train (Shojaku Station)
Kyoto line

Umeda (Osaka)---(local)---Shojaku (approx.20 minutes)
Kawaramachi (Kyoto)---(limited express)---Ibaraki-shi---(local)-----Shojaku (approx.34 minutes)

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Osaka Gakuin University
International Center

2-36-1 Kishibe-Minami, Suita-shi, Osaka 564-8511, Japan
Phone:+81-6-6381-8434
Fax:+81-6-6381-8499
E-mail: inoffice@ogu.ac.jp
https://www.ogu.ac.jp/english/int_exchange/index.html

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