Kansai & Fukuoka, Japan

Students in the SUA study abroad program in Kansai and Fukuoka study at Kansai Gaidai and Genki Fukuoka. This program is less intensive than others.

Two students in front of traditional Japanese architecture

Location

Kansai Gaidai is located in Hirakata City in northeastern Osaka, about 20 minutes by train to Kyoto and Osaka. Fukuoka sits on the northern shore of Kyushu. 

Image of three students wearing kimonos

Culture

Fukuoka is famous for its beaches, temples, and castles, while Kansai has a vibrant city-life.

Student stands in front of life-size Cup of Noodles statue

Food

Kansai and Fukuoka are both renowned “foodie” destinations with specialties such as ramen, Japanese street food, and seafood.

There were a million little challenges, but the wonderment of the experience has painted my memory so vibrantly that I don’t even want to dwell on them.

Program Characteristics

Students who study abroad fall semester spend August in Fukuoka and September to November in Kansai. Students who study abroad spring semester spend late January to late May in Kansai and June in Fukuoka. 

3.3 GPA

Kansai Gaidai requires you to take classes in both English and Japanese. At Genki Fukuoka, students further their oral skills and can choose from a pop culture or history seminar. 

Kansai Gaidai is a 20-minute train ride to Kyoto or Osaka, encouraging you to explore a variety of Japanese communities. Fukuoka has renowned beaches and shopping malls to spend time away from academics.

In Kansai, you can choose to stay in a single-room or double-room dormitory or do a homestay with a Japanese family. In Fukuoka, you can choose between a single-room apartment or a homestay.

Explore More

Japanese Language Study Abroad
Japanese Language Courses
Study Abroad Programs