Osaka Gakuin University 大阪学院大学

International Exchange Program

国際交流プログラム

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Table of Contents

Welcome to Osaka Gakuin University! ----------------------------- 1

Overview of the OGU Japanese Studies Program--------- -------- 2

The Academic Calendar ----------------------------------------------- 3

Life at OGU ------------------------------------------------------------- 4

Financial information -------------------------------------------------- 7

Pre-departure information --------------------------------------------- 8

On-campus facilities --------------------------------------------------- 9

General Information -------------------------------------------------- 11

Map --------------------------------------------------------------------- 14

Welcome to Osaka Gakuin University! Message from the Director of the International Center:

Konnichi wa!

Osaka Gakuin University invites you to become a part of the most ideal Japanese studies program to study

Japanese language and culture in Japan. Our location is second to none! The campus is located only thirty

minutes from Kyoto, the cultural center of Japan; ten minutes from the downtown hub of the 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 most progressive, practical and unique in

all of Japan. In the morning, we offer ten hours of Japanese language a week and in the afternoon, six hours of

subject courses related to Japan and Asia which are instructed in English by our highly qualified teachers. Many

of our students live with home stay families and join cultural/sport club activities, which are often the highlight

of their study abroad experience. The International Center staff offers extensive support and guidance for each

student. They pride themselves 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!

Mike Matsuno

Director of the International Center

The International Center’s mission for international students:

A commitment to:

provide international exchange students with a "life-changing," authentic Japanese experience. A personalized

experience that they will be able to reflect on and build upon after leaving OGU, where their lives and their

future will never be the same.

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Overview of the OGU Japanese Studies Program Morning Courses: Japanese Language Basic/Elementary Levels

Hours of Instruction per week*2

Subjects Fall (15 weeks)

Spring (15 weeks)

Grammar/Reading/Listening 12 12 Afternoon special subject courses*1 6 6

Total 18 18 Intermediate/Advanced Levels

Hours of Instruction per week*2

Subjects Fall (15 weeks)

Spring (15 weeks)

Grammar training 6 6 Content-based Japanese Courses 4 4 Independent study 0.5 0.5 Afternoon special subject courses*1 6 6

Total 16.5 16.5 *1 Afternoon special subject courses include Japanese Studies Courses, J-

Bridge Courses, Japanese for Specific Purposes, and regular OGU courses.

*2 Hours of instruction per week may vary depending on the Japanese language level

Content-based Japanese Courses: Intermediate Level / Advanced Level

This is a unique, specially designed Japanese course to offer students the hands-on opportunity to learn and study about current Japanese cultural and societal issues and topics in the Japanese language. The objective of this course is to engage students in cultural/social issues, thought and discussion, using “real life” Japanese reading and media materials, while incorporating all four skills of reading, speaking, writing, and listening. Students do short presentations in class and a final presentation at the end of the year in Japanese.

Afternoon Courses: Special Subject Courses Japanese Studies Courses:

Subject-based courses related to Japan/Asia will be offered and instructed in English. The number of subject-based courses offered depends on the number of international students studying at OGU. Each of the subject-based courses will meet for three hours per week and equal three credits. Students may choose two of these subject-based courses (2 courses x 3 hrs = 6 credit hrs per

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wk).

Courses instructed in English are offered since the majority of students will not be able

to take regular university subject courses instructed only in Japanese. Even many of the

students who have taken up to 6-7 years of Japanese language training prior to coming to

OGU, may still not be able to take regular courses in Japanese. Thus, we offer English

courses on various aspects of Japan/Asia to give international students the opportunity to

learn about the cultural, social, and economical aspects of Japan/Asia.

“J-Bridge” Japanese-Instructed Classes:

OGU offers the innovative J-Bridge (Japanese-Bridge) subject-based

classes instructed in intermediate and advanced Japanese. The

J-Bridge classes are taught exclusively only at OGU. This type of

class allows students to challenge themselves and take lectures in

Japanese to see how much they can comprehend and do.

Regular Japanese University Courses:

Those international students who have an advanced ability in Japanese and have received

approval of the International Center’s Japanese language teachers, will have the option of

enrolling in regular Japanese university courses.

The Academic Calendar (2010-2011)

Application deadline March 31 (Wed), 2010, (Japan time)

Arrival September 2 (Thu) – September 4 (Sat), 2010

(at KIX Airport)

Orientation September 6 (Mon) – September 8 (Wed), 2010

Fall Semester September 9 (Thu),– December 22 (Wed), 2010

Welcome Party September 18 (Sat), 2010

Kishibe-Sai (School Festival) October 22 (Fri) – October 24 (Sun), 2010

No Class on October 22 (Fri)

Winter Break December 23 (Thu), 2009 – January 21 (Fri), 2011

Spring Semester January 24 (Mon) – May 20 (Fri), 2011

Spring Break March 7 (Mon) – March 11 (Fri), 2011

Field Trips TBA

Program Completion Ceremony May 21 (Sat), 2011 * The schedule and dates are subject to change. Arrival and Pick-up at KIX Airport (Kansai International Airport)

Please arrive in Osaka on September 2, 3, or 4, in order to participate in the International Center arrival orientation with the entire group of international students. Inform the International Center of your arrival information (arrival date and flight information) in order for a staff member to meet you upon your arrival. A volunteer Japanese student (ISST) will take you to meet your host family or check you in at the dormitory. Prepare enough cash for the transportation fee from the airport to your dormitory or host family (approx. 1,500 to 4,000 yen).

* Please note your family member or friend cannot stay in the dormitory or with the home stay family. If you wish to come to Japan with someone, make a hotel reservation for him/her.

*Welcome and Arrival Orientation The welcome orientation for international students is scheduled for September 6 - 8, 2010. Details covered will include important and practical information regarding life in Japan, the home stay program, campus life, student ID cards, procedures for Alien Registration, re-entry permits, class registration, library information, and a campus tour. You will also receive the

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"Handbook for International Students" which contains useful information for a successful stay in Japan.

Life at OGU

ISST (International Student Support Team):

The ISST is a volunteer group of OGU students who

support the international students in their daily lives. This

group’s role is to promote the exchange of language and

culture between OGU students and international students.

OGU will introduce you to a Japanese “buddy” who will

help with your initial settling in. Many of these buddies are

ISST members.

Airport pick up on arrival

The ISST welcomes students at the airport and escorts each

student to his/her host family’s house or dormitory.

International students must cover necessary transportation

fees. Off-Campus support

The ISST may assist international students in: obtaining their Alien Registration card, purchasing Japanese national health insurance, purchasing of cell phones, opening bank accounts, and other related matters.

Arrival Orientation

The ISST helps the International Center with the arrival

orientation, campus tours, and answering questions that the

international students may have.

Event planning and management

The ISST helps plan and host events such as the welcome party.

INSURANCE: Japanese National Health Insurance

All international students are required to purchase Japanese National Health Insurance while living in Japan. Applications are submitted at the city hall nearest the student’s living residence. The average costs are about ¥2,000 per month. The Japanese national health insurance plan pays 70% and students pay the remaining 30% of any health care expenses.

Liability Insurance All international students are required to purchase liability insurance upon their arrival at OGU. Depending on your length of study, you will purchase either a one semester or one-year policy. Costs are about ¥1,000 per month, the liability insurance total costs for your entire stay will be collected after you arrive at OGU. Liability insurance is to protect you from damage and injury expenses when an international student accidentally causes damage or injury to someone else and/or their property. The liability insurance does not cover your own personal injury and/or damage to your personal items. Therefore, driving motor vehicles is prohibited.

* Whether you have your home country health/liability insurance or not, it will be

mandatory for all international students to purchase the Japanese National Health Insurance

Plan in Japan (city hall) and liability insurance (OGU) after arrival into Japan. Failure to do

so may result in the student being sent back home.

HOUSING: Both dormitory and home stay availability are limited and it is necessary to

indicate both your 1st and 2nd choices when completing the home stay form. Due to a recent

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increase in the number of incoming international students, there is no guarantee that your 1st

preference will be given.

Home Stay

In contrast to many other Japanese study abroad and exchange programs, living with a

Japanese host family in a long-term home stay living arrangement is considered to be one of

the most valuable opportunities while studying at OGU. The long-term home stay

experience offers the unique opportunity for international students to gain invaluable

experience and insight while observing, living, and understanding Japanese daily life and

customs.

・Monthly charge: ¥50,000

・Private room/includes a desk or table to study and bed or futon.

・Two meals per day

・Shared bath/toilet

“My Home Stay Experience”

My name is Bryan Duran, an exchange student from California State University/Long Beach, California,

United States. I major in Studio Art and Japanese in the States, and at OGU I studied Japanese, Japanese

Culture, Japanese Performing Arts, Food, Cross-cultural Communication, and Comparative Education Systems.

Although I had traveled to Osaka once before, I was definitely not used to the Japanese way of life like

commuting as well as taking a bath. I am indebted to my first host family who eased me into adapting well in to

my new lifestyle. My host parents were retired elementary school teachers which was a plus for me in learning

Japanese. They treated me like a son and they taught me about true Japanese customs and I was able to teach

them about my culture, too. Some of the best memories I have were when they took me to their summer home

in a small Japanese village called Atashika in Mie Prefecture. They also were considerate in serving me cookies

and western type food so I occasionally could have a taste of home.

My second host family was completely different in the sense that my host parents were a young couple in their

30s with 3 young children. The best way I can describe this family was “賑やか / nigiyaka” or lively. There

was never a dull or quiet moment in the house which took some getting used to given that I am an only child,

although I relished the experience of being the “older brother” in the house and the challenges it brought. I did

gain yet another unique experience and I learned a lot.

Memories of my Home Stay

Moi! My name is Sakari Hakkarainen. I am an exchange student from Laurea -

University of applied Sciences located in Finland. I am studying Japanese language

and culture at Osaka Gakuin University and I'm currently living with a host family.

My decision to live with a host family during my stay in Japan has proven to be a

good way for adjusting to the different culture. Living with a Japanese family has

given me a view of Japanese family culture from the front seat. It is also nice to see how the language barrier is

slowly breaking down between my host family and myself as I learn more Japanese all the time. The many

conversations and trips taken with them are truly the times I will remember,

This picture was taken at a welcome party my family hosted for me after my first month of living in Japan. My

host mom, and my host sister are in the rear and middle. In the front row second from right is my host father,

and behind him my host brother. I am in the front row fourth from the right. Having spent this past four months

living in their home makes me wish I could live with them for even longer!

Private Off-Campus Dormitory

Some off-campus non co-ed dormitory options are also available. Also please keep in mind

that some aspects of dormitory living in Japan, which may not be familiar to other cultures,

are the concept of established dormitory curfews and less interactions among the residents.

After coming to Japan, students may find an apartment and move out of the dormitory.

However, the minimum length of stay is one month after the arrival in September.

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Male Dorm: Park Residence

・Monthly charge: ¥49,000 with shared bathroom (not including electricity)

・Meals: 2 per day (Except December 26-January 5)

・Curfew: 11:00 pm

・Student must purchase own bedding/futon (Approx:10,000yen)

・About 30 minutes from the university by train & walking

・Only available from September to February. Extension to July is possible only if there

is sufficient number of available rooms.

・The dormitory is mainly for OGU athletes who do not spend much time at the dorm.

Therefore, the interaction with the Japanese students is limited.

Female Dorm: Hill Court

・Monthly charge: ¥40,000 with private bath/toilet unit

(not including electricity and water)

・Meals: cooking on your own

・Curfew: 11:00 pm

・Student must purchase own bedding/futon (Approx:10,000yen)

・About 20 minutes from the university by train & walking

Guesthouses

Occasionally, students have rented guesthouses or furnished living

quarters, which are usually occupied by foreigners traveling or

living in Japan. These types of housing situations are advertised

throughout the internet; for example, Osaka Guest House

http://guesthouseosaka.com/en/index.html. Students who choose

to use this type of housing are independently responsible for their

own living arrangements and OGU is exempt from any housing

responsibility thereof.

*All recipients of the OGU student exchange

scholarship are required to live in home stays (Trier, St.

Thomas, and Orleans scholarship students). The

scholarship covers only the number of exchange

students specified in the respective exchange

agreement. Any additional students attending from

these universities will be responsible for their own

home stay/housing fee.

PART-TIME JOBS:

Students who desire to engage in part-time work may do so from

December 1, 2010, but must not allow their jobs to interfere with their

studies at OGU. Students should not rely on part-time work as their only

source of financial support. Prior to partaking in part-time work,

students must apply for a work permit issued by the Regional

Immigration Bureau. Applications must be obtained and submitted

through the International Center at OGU. Work permits allow students

to work for the same number of hours per week as enrolled academic

class hours during academic semesters. For example, if the enrolled academic class hours is 10 hours per week,

you are allowed to work up to 10 hours per week, provided the job is not illegal or prohibited. However, it is

allowed to work up to twenty-eight hours per week during the winter and spring vacations.

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Financial information

OGU International Exchange Program Expenses

Semester:

Tuition*1

-Tuition waived for exchange students

¥350,000 / semester

(¥1,048,000 / year regular tuition)

Books approx. ¥5,000-10,000/semester

Field Trips approx. ¥5,000-10,000/semester

*1 Regular Japanese student tuition: ¥1,048,000 / year

Special Direct enrollment tuition: (Only for International Center Japanese Studies Program)

¥350,000 / semester , ¥700,000 / year

Monthly estimated monthly costs at OGU:

Housing*2

¥40,000-50,000/month

Transportation fee*3

approx. ¥3,000-10,000/month

Lunch approx. ¥20,000/month

National health insurance ¥2,000-2,200/month

Liability insurance*4

¥1,000/month

Personal expenses approx. ¥20,000-30,000/month

Total approx. ¥90,000-110,000/month

*2 The price varies depending on the type of accommodation. Please refer to the table below for details.

*3 For exchange students, when the transportation fee exceeds ¥5,000 per month, the balance will be

reimbursed by OGU. JASSO/JENESYS scholarship recipients and direct enrollment students are

responsible for their entire commuting costs. Transportation Fee (OGU�home stay/dorm� OGU)

Commuting

Public transportation such as buses and trains are commonly used to commute to and from OGU. An

average commuting time is approximately an hour. Students are not allowed to drive motor vehicles.

*4 The liability insurance fee varies depending on the length of stay.

Housing

Monthly rent Meals

Home stay ¥50,000 Two meals

Male ¥49,000 (plus electricity) Two meals Dormitory

Female ¥40,000 (plus electricity and water) No meals

*If students do not wish to stay either at a home stay or at a dormitory, they are responsible for arranging their

housing on their own.

Example of average apartment costs in Japan:

* Monthly rent: ¥60,000

* Key money: ¥250,000 (one time fee)

* Non-furnished: (renter must purchase all furniture, appliances, electric lights, phone, and bedding)

* Meals: Cook on your own

* Monthly utilities: ¥7,500 (approximately: electricity ¥4,000, water ¥1,500, gas ¥2,000)

*Transportation costs

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Pre-departure information

Important General Information:

Visa Application Process

Once all of the applications materials are received by the International

Center, OGU will apply for the certificate of eligibility on your behalf at

the immigration office. Once it is approved and issued here in Japan, we will send it to you via post. When you

receive your certificate of eligibility, you must visit the nearest Japanese embassy or consulate in your country

where you will submit your certificate of eligibility and passport to apply for your student visa for Japan.

Sometimes if there is ample time, you can send your passport and certificate of eligibility by mail or courier to

your closest Japanese consulate or embassy for processing, but be sure to call and check first with their office.

Once you have your student visa and passport, you are ready to come to Japan during the designated time.

Information of your host family/mailing address

Details regarding your host family’s address will be provided prior to your departure. The International Center

address can be used as an additional mailing address.

Passport, Money and Credit Card

Please remember to bring your passport and enough money to cover living expenses for the first semester. We

strongly recommend you to bring a credit card (Visa or Master) if you plan to obtain a mobile phone and/or

internet account. It makes your application and payment fast and easy. Traveler's checks are the safest way to

carry money. There are also ATM machines located around Osaka. However, not all bank cash card machines

accept international ATM cards. Those that do accept your ATM card may sometimes have strict limits on the

amount that can be withdrawn per day. It is possible to obtain cash using a credit card, however banks often

charge handling fees, interest, and have limits on cash amount. F

What to Bring

Japan has a large selection of various consumer goods and most things can be purchased after your arrival.

However, items will probably be more expensive and it may take some time for you to settle in and find

preferred stores that will meet your needs. We suggest that as much as possible, you bring your immediate

essentials and prescribed medications with you. However, in regards to prescribed and sometimes even over

the counter medication, Japanese custom laws are different and your medication may be confiscated upon entry.

Please check with your local Japanese consulate or embassy for approved medications that you can bring with

you to Japan.

Clothing

Some international students feel that Japanese college students, especially female students, pay more attention

to what they wear to campus. You may spend some money on obtaining new Japanese style clothing in the first

couple of months. Although you can purchase a variety of clothing in Japan, they are usually expensive and

range in smaller sizes. Some people find that standard Japanese sizes do not fit them. Shoes and pants are likely

to be the most difficult. Men who wear shoes larger than 27 cm and women who wear shoes larger than 24.5

are encouraged to bring footwear from home. Wearing comfortable shoes in Japan are a must due to the amount

of daily walking. All homes and some offices and restaurants have a “remove your shoes” rule (street shoes are

removed at the entrance). You may also want to bring your own house slippers and warm socks for winter.

Bring the necessary warm gear for winter (hats, gloves, boots), as it can get quite cold in the wintertime. Japanese

homes are not well insulated, as they are not centrally heated, so the inside of homes can be quite chilly at times.

In the summer, it can get quite humid where 100% cotton t-shirts and light cotton pants are all you need. There is a

rainy season during June and a light raincoat may be useful. Umbrellas are cheap and can be found everywhere.

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Medications

Although some western medicines are available in Osaka at a higher price, we strongly suggest that you bring

your prescribed and over the counter medications with you, so please check with your local consulate or

embassy for approved medications. The Japanese government is strict about various medications that may be

legal in your country.Although many similar over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and prescription medications are

available in Japan, the cost may be as much as ten times the cost in your home country. Often, the dosages are

also weaker compared to Western products. OTC medications often come in a package and the ingredients and

directions are written in Japanese. As a result, they may be difficult to read and understand the ingredients and

directions. If you wear glasses, you may want to bring a backup pair in case of loss or damage. You may also

want to bring a year’s supply of contact lenses and necessary solution (although many kinds of solutions are

available in Japan at a higher price). Vitamins - Japanese brands tend to be expensive and might not be as

effective as those found in your country. It may also be a good idea to bring your own brand of cosmetics and

hair care products, as the same brands may be very expensive in Japan.

Presents or Gifts (Omiyage)

Gift giving is a very popular custom in Japan. Anything you bring as gifts for your home stay family and future

friends will be greatly appreciated. The most common gifts are special or unique items from your home country

or city: for example, a picture book of your country, scenic calendars, sweets or specialty candies.

Sharing your home culture

Please bring photographs, traditional clothing, traditional music recordings, picture books or brochures from

your country. These items can be useful during times when you are sharing interesting information about your

home, family, culture, and country with your new friends and your host family.

Household Items

Japan uses a 50-cycle, 100-volt alternating current. US electric appliances will work, yet at a slightly reduced

efficiency. If you are bringing an appliance from a European country which operates on 200-240 volt currents,

you will need a step-up transformer to use with Japan's 100-volt current.

On-campus facilities

I-Chat Lounge The I-Chat lounge is the ideal place for students who are interested in

communicating with others in foreign languages (mainly English). Here you

can read English newspapers and magazines, watch the news, and enjoy

movies in English. The I-Chat lounge is also a great place where you can

make many Japanese friends!

Library The Shirai Memorial Library was built in April 1977. The Library provides a

quiet, academic area for study and research. At present, the library holds

approximately 1,000,000 volume of books.

Cafeteria There are four cafeterias on campus. Vending machines are also available at

the cafeterias.

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Kinokuniya Book Center/Student Shop Students can purchase a variety of goods such as textbooks, reference books,

dictionaries, school supplies, OGU T-shirts and the famed OGU Aloha shirts!

They can even use their 10% student discount to purchase books and

magazines.

Computers Campus computers feature PC (Windows) as the primary operating system.

Computer rooms are open to students in different parts of campus at various

times throughout the day.

Sports facilities OGU features a state-of-the-art fitness/training center.

Japanese Bank Cash Card and ATM Machines Bank or post office issued cash withdrawal cards can be used to

withdraw/deposit money at campus bank card and cash card machines. (Not

all international ATM cards can be used with these machines).

Health Center The health center takes care of minor injuries and referrals to doctors/hospitals

for more serious medical conditions.

Extra-curricular Club Activities More than one hundred clubs, groups, and organizations are offered on

campus. International exchange students are welcome to join some of these

clubs.

International Center Both the International Center administration office and the international

exchange student lounge are located on the first floor of Building #1.

The International Center faculty and the Japanese language teachers’ offices

are located on the fourth floor.

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General Information

Alien Registration and Re-entry Permit

Students are required to apply for an Alien Registration

Certificate at the city hall nearest to their living residence

within 90 days of their arrival in Japan. You are required by

law to carry this card as your personal identification at all times.

It is also necessary to obtain a re-entry permit from the

immigration office BEFORE leaving Japan for a vacation or

short trip. This is required for re-entering Japan to continue your studies. Without this permit, you will lose

your student visa status and will face difficulties re-entering Japan. Procedures for applying for this re-entry

permit will be explained at the arrival orientation.

Opening Bank Accounts

Students may open an account at any bank using their alien registration card and personal Japanese stamp (ハンコ). Some banks allow signature instead of stamp. Upon opening an account, students receive a 4-digit pin

number to use with their bank cash card at various cash withdraw machines located in banks, train stations,

department stores, and convenience store locations. You can send money domestically at banks or through

specific cash card machines. You can send money internationally to your home country from larger banks. If

you are planning to receive money wired from your home country, the International Center advises you to open

an account at a certain bank branch that deals with international money. Bank fees are commonly incurred at

both the sending/receiving banks.

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). The check writing system does not exist in

Japan as purchases are commonly made using cash. Japan is basically a cash-

based society. Most internationally recognized credit cards are accepted in Japan,

however, only at larger hotels, department stores, and large businesses. Foreign

currency or traveler's checks may be exchanged at most major nation-wide banks.

Consumption Tax

A 5% tax is attached to all merchandise purchased and services utilized by

consumers. Marked prices often already include such tax.

Tipping

Tipping is not customary in Japan. However, hotels and restaurant bills often

include service charges within the bill.

Climate

Japan is situated in the middle of the temperate zone and has four distinct seasons.

Average Temperature & Precipitation in Tokyo and Osaka

Winter (Jan)

T(F) T(C) P

Spring (Apr)

T(F) T(C) P

Summer (Jul)

T(F) T(C) P

Autumn (Oct)

T(F) T(C) P

Tokyo 42.4 5.8 48.6

57.9 14.4 130.3

77.7 25.4 161.5

64.8 18.2 163.1

Osaka 42.4 5.8 43.7

58.6 14.8 121.1

81.0 27.2 155.4

65.7 18.7 109.3

"T" stands for temperature in (F) Fahrenheit and (C) Celsius

(Japan uses Celsius), "P" stands for precipitation in mm.

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Winter (December - February)

The temperature rarely drops below 0°C in the plains along the Pacific Coast during the wintertime. It is also

quite dry and often sunny. Central Japan and Northern Japan are highly noted regions for winter sports.

Southern Japan is comparatively mild and pleasant in winter. Clothing: overcoats, sweaters.

Spring (March - May)

The plumb 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: light jackets and sweaters.

Summer (June - August)

Summer begins in June with a three to four week rainy season. This is an

important time when farmers plant rice. It becomes extremely hot and humid from July through mid-

September and many Japanese enjoy swimming at the beach and relaxing at cool mountain resort areas during

this time. 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. The forests are lit up in magnificent autumn colors. Chrysanthemums form beautiful displays and

enchant visitors to parks and gardens. Autumn is also the season for many exhibitions, music concerts, and

sports tournaments in Japan. Clothing: light jackets and sweaters.

JAPAN

Capital City: Tokyo

Language: Japanese

Official Currency: Yen

Religion: Buddhist, Shinto, etc

Population: 127,708,000

Land Mass: 376,520 sq km (145,374 sq miles)

OSAKA

Covers an area of approximately 1,890 square kilometers or 0.5% of the nation's entire land area. Osaka is the

second smallest prefecture. However, it has a population of 8.8 million, or 7% of the entire population, making

it the second most populous prefecture after Tokyo. Approximately 210,000 foreigners, or 15.6% of all

foreigners registered in Japan reside in Osaka.

Useful web site links about Japan:

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan http://www.mofa.go.jp

Japan Student Service Origination http://www.jasso.go.jp/study_j/sgtj_e.html

Japan National Tourist Organization http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/

Japan Travel and Living Guide http://www.japan-guide.com/

World Atlas (Japan Map and information) http://worldatlas.com/webimage/countrys/asia/jp.htm

Please look on the OGU English web page for several website links on various subjects, issues and news on

Japan: http://www.osaka-gu.ac.jp/english/international/index.html

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Student Exchange Partner Universities

Australia

University of the Sunshine Coast

Korea

Baekseok University

Paichai University

Soonchunhyang University

Austria

Fachhoschule Kufstein Tirol University

of Applied Sciences

Lithuania

Vilnius University

Barbados

The University of the West Indies,

Cave Hill Campus

Mexico

Cetys Universidad

Canada

Medicine Hat College

University of the Fraser Valley

Netherlands

Fontys University of Applied Sciences

HZ University of Applied Sciences

China

Dalian Polytechnic University

Southwest University of Political

Science and Law

Philippines

University of San Carlos

Finland

HAAGA-HELIA University of Applied

Sciences

Laurea University of Applied Sciences

Satakunta University of Applied

Sciences

South Africa

Nelson Mandela Metropolitan

University

France

Universite D' Orleans

ISCID

Sweden

University of Gavle

Vaxjo University

Germany

Fachhoschule Mainz-University of

Applied Sciences

Universitat Bayreuth

Universitat Trier

Taiwan

Providence University

Southern Taiwan University

Tatung University

Wenzao Ursuline College of Languages

Iceland

The University of Iceland

Thailand

Bangkok University

Italy

University of Brescia

U.S.A.

California State University/Long Beach,

California

Dowling College

Hawaii Pacific University, Hawaii

Kapiolani Community College, Hawaii

Marywood University, Pennsylvania

The University of Mississippi,

Mississippi

University of St. Thomas, Minnesota

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Osaka Train Guide to OGU

By JR train (Kishibe Station)

Tokaido Line Osaka---(local)---Kishibe (approx.12 minutes)

Tokaido Line Shin Osaka---(local)---Kishibe (approx.7 minutes)

Tokaido Line Kyoto---(rapid)---Takatsuki---(local)---Kishibe (approx.26 minutes)

Tokaido Line Kansai 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)

Kyoto line Kawaramachi(Kyoto)---(express)---Ibaraki-shi---(local)--- ---Shojaku (approx.34 minutes)

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Japanese Language Instructors

Director, Assistant Director, and staff

of the International Center

International Center Instructors

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

URL http://www.osaka-gu.ac.jp/english/international/index.html

The best Japanese studies program in Japan!

OGU is waiting for you!

February 3 (Wednesday), 2010