Open to Pitzer students only. Program options subject to change.
Program Title: Pitzer Exchange with Kwansei Gakuin University
Host Website
https://global.kwansei.ac.jp/index.html
Eligibility
Students must be in good academic standing at Pitzer College and have a 2.0 or higher GPA. Preference will be given to juniors and first semester seniors but sophomores are eligible if space is available.
Preparation
At least one area studies course on Japan or Asia in history, politics, literature, religious studies, or international relations is strongly recommended. Additional recommended preparation: Language, Culture and Society; Intercultural Communications; Introduction to International/ Intercultural Studies; Introduction to Sociocultural Anthropology.
Application
Students must first apply through Pitzer’s Office of Study Abroad and International Programs. If accepted by Pitzer, students will then be asked to complete the Kwansei Gakuin application.
Program Dates
This exchange is for the spring only.
Spring program: mid-March to late July
Required Courses
Students are required to take a Japanese language course as part of a full course load (unless they are taking courses taught in Japanese). In addition, students take the Pitzer course MLLC110 Intercultural Learning: Portfolio Writing via Sakai.
Intensive Language
Students may choose the intensive language track or take courses in Japanese.
Independent Study
Possible for full year students during the Winter Intensive Program
Course Options
Courses for international students are available in English covering Japanese and Korean culture. Regular university courses are available to students with sufficient Japanese language skills. The college offers some courses in the environmental studies department in English at the Sando campus (one hour commute) for interested students.
Through KGU’s Japan and East Asia Studies Program, students will study Japanese language following one of two “tracks’, which differ in terms of intensity. The Japanese Language Track is a Japanese language track provided for students whose main focus is the study of the Japanese language. The Modern Japan Track is less Japanese language intensive and provided for students who wish to focus on the culture and society of Japan, China, and Korea. Program brochure is available here: Program Brochure
Students with a high level of Japanese proficiency may be eligible for regular university courses taught in Japanese if they have passed level N1 of the Japanese Proficiency Test or the RCA (Regular Course Aptitude) test, which will be administered during KGU’s orientation week.
Credit Possible
Students must take a full course load of 15 to 16 KGU credits in order to earn four course credits at Pitzer. Credit amounts vary for each class so students may be enrolled in 4 to 8 classes. In addition, students will earn 0.5 Pitzer course credits for the writing course via Sakai. (See above under Required Courses.)
Housing and Board Options
Students will live in international dormitories provided by KGU located up to a 60 minute commute from campus. International dorms are self-catered. Homestays may be possible but are not guaranteed.
