The School

Kansai Gaidai University or 関西外国語大学, (Kansai Gaikokugo Daigaku) but commonly referred to as simply Kansai Gaidai is a private university that focuses mainly on foreign language studies. Located in Hirakata City, Osaka, Kansai Gaidai is accessible, within a one-hour train ride, to Kyoto and Nara, the ancient capitals, and Osaka, the second largest business hub in Japan. Kansai Gaidai has two campuses in Hirakata: the Nakamiya campus and the Hotani campus. The Center for International Education, the centerpiece for the Asian Studies Program is located at the Nakamiya campus. Kansai Gaidai is known for this Asian Studies Program which brings in about 700 international students annually. 

For those interested in study abroad at Kansai Gaidai you will be a member of the Asian Studies Program. This program runs on the standard United States Academic calendar (September-December and February-June). All classes are taught in English with the exception of one or two classes for those students with Advance Japanese language skills. Students in the program have the option of living with a Japanese host family or living in one of four dormitories located about a 20 minute walk from campus. Kansai Gaidai is a partner with many overseas institutions making it possible to become a full exchange student (meaning tuition is the same as your home institution...minus plane tickets and other expenses). For more information please visit the Kansai Gaidai Asian Studies Program website at http://www.kansaigaidai.ac.jp/asp/. 
To find out if your University/Perspective University is affiliated with the Kansai Gaidai Asian Studies Progam visit http://www.kansaigaidai.ac.jp/asp/02_international_programs/02.html.

*most of this information came from or can be found on the KGU website. I was just rambling what I know in my head that I've read there many times in the preparations process :P