Japanese Language Program
Japanese language courses for exchange students are individually arranged based on the level of each incoming student. Through the initial placement test, experienced teaching staff will carefully assess students´ language proficiency and structure curriculum to best accommodate their specific needs.
All classes are conducted in a small group, creating an intimate interaction with teachers. The following is a brief description of the courses currently offered.
Elementary
Designed for students who wish to study Japanese as part of a cultural experience. Primary focus is placed on communicative skills in daily conversation. Students will be given ample opportunities to be exposed to diverse facets of Japanese culture outside the classroom and gain a basic understanding of Japan.
Basic
Designed to elevate language proficiency acquired at home institutions. Every effort is made to create a syllabus based on the curriculum and teaching materials used in home institutions. Consultation is made regularly to review the students´ progress.
Intermediate
Designed to prepare intermediate students for more advanced-level communication, reading and writing courses. Students are expected to acquire language skills to discuss and voice their opinions in a variety of social settings with considerable fluency.
Advanced
Designed to attain advanced command of the four language skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing. Greater emphasis is placed on advanced reading and listening comprehension with socio-cultural competence. Upon the completion of the course, students are expected to have developed enough language proficiency to pass the Japanese Language Proficiency Test.
In addition to these regular lessons, Japanese students voluntarily hold tutorial sessions to help exchange students enhance their Japanese skills. Interested students can contact the Center for International Studies. The tutorial program provides an opportunity to develop friendships with Japanese students on campus.
Special Classes offered in English
There are several subjects taught in English, specifically designed for exchange students. At present, the Center for International Studies offers the following classes each semester.
- 10 classes on "Japanese Affairs", which explore cultural aspects of Japan, both traditional and contemporary
- 10 classes on International Finance, Japanese Economy and Business
Courses in Asian Studies
The Department of Asian Studies is well-known for offering a wide selection of lecture courses intended to foster a broad understanding of the region.
The Asian region is characterized by a striking diversity of various cultures and histories that encompasses an extensive area including China, India, Southeast Asia, Southwest Asia and Japan.
The Department boasts a comprehensive roster of specialists in the field of Asian Studies. Exchange students with advanced Japanese proficiency may attend lectures, depending on their interests, in order to learn about Japan and the rest of Asia in a
broader context.
Accommodations
Exchange students can easily find "a home away from home" while in Japan. Our home-stay program has proven to be the best way to grasp a practical understanding of the Japanese culture and language.
Over 60 host families have been registered on our list, enabling us to cater to the specific needs of each incoming exchange student.
The immersion experience with Japanese families can be the highlight´of ones stay as it gives exchange students maximum exposure to the local customs in real-life settings.
Many of the exchange students in the past still cherish long-lasting friendships with their host families.
For those who prefer freedom and independence, CIS will render assistance in finding off-campus housing.
There are many types of accommodations available in the vicinity, including fully-furnished monthly apartments.
Cultural Activities
A wide array of cultural and recreational activities is available both on and off campus. The campus houses a traditional Japanese teahouse, "Shorai-an", where students can nurture an association with Japan´s rich time-honored cultural heritage through authentic tea ceremony, calligraphy and flower arrangement.
Because the University is located midway between Osaka and Kyoto, students can readily enjoy outings to metropolitan Osaka for shopping or historical Kyoto for visits to ancient shrines and temples.
The School Visit Program plays an important role in enhancing grass-roots international exchanges in the community. Exchange students are encouraged to participate in the program.
Every year, students of different nationalities form a small group and visit local kindergartens, elementary schools and junior high schools to mingle with Japanese youngsters.
The program allows exchange students to acquaint themselves with the Japanese educational system while Japanese children have a chance to be exposed to customs of other countries.
Every year, Otemon Gakuin University accepts many international exchange students from our partner institutions around the world. The Center for International Studies offers many programs to make their experience at OGU enriching and fulfilling.