1. WHAT IS OUSSEP?

Introduction to Osaka University Short-term Student Exchange Program

The Osaka University Short-term Student Exchange Program (OUSSEP) is designed to give students from overseas who do not speak Japanese well, or who have not studied Japanese at all, an opportunity to study at Osaka University for one year. It offers a special academic program of courses taught in English. Although a growing number of overseas students would like to study in Japan, the language has always been a barrier. OUSSEP was launched in 1996-97 academic year as a way to overcome this barrier and will begin its fifth academic year in 2000-2001. Around twenty-five students are admitted every year.

Students who come to OUSSEP study in a unique international atmosphere. The students come from many countries of the world. During the fourth academic year OUSSEP admitted twenty-eight students from nineteen universities in fifteen countries. Asia-Oceania, North America and Europe are equally represented among the students. Students come with different cultural backgrounds and various academic majors. At Osaka University they attend the same classes, spend a year together as classmates, and develop very close friendships. Of course, they also make friends with the Japanese student population. Students are expected to broaden their perspectives by studying subjects outside the topics studied at their home institutions.

The University grants credits to the students who attend OUSSEP, for the courses they take at Osaka University, and presents a certificate of completion to the student who successfully completes the requirements of OUSSEP. The credits may be transferred to the student's home university according to the provisions included in the pertinent inter-institutional exchange agreement.

Regular Short-term Exchange Program There are two types of short-term student exchange programs at Osaka University. The OUSSEP program is in addition to the regular short-term exchange program, in which students from overseas enroll as auditors in regular courses taught in Japanese in one of the faculties, or enroll as research students in one of the graduate schools, of the University. The regular program admits about 20 students in each year. Students who are interested in the regular short-term exchange program should contact, through the international exchange offices of their home institutions, the individual faculty or graduate school of Osaka University in which the students would like to be enrolled. Their mailing addresses may be found at the following web site: http://www.osaka-u.ac.jp/eng/index.html

Profile of Osaka University

Coordination and Administration

The student who attends OUSSEP is enrolled in one of the faculties of Osaka University as a Special Auditor. The International Student Committee, represented by all the faculties of the University, is responsible for the management of OUSSEP. The International Student Center is in charge of coordinating the program and takes care of the students in collaboration with the faculties. Two faculty members, who belong to the ISC, are appointed as the OUSSEP coordinators. They are responsible for the actual day-to-day operation of the program. The International Student Division of the Administration Bureau of the University takes care of the clerical matters pertaining to the program.

Academic Calendar

The academic year for regular educational programs in most Japanese universities, including Osaka University, begins in April and ends in March. However, the OUSSEP year, which is divided into two 15-week semesters, runs from late September until early August of the following year.

We may consider accepting a limited number of students in April as well. Some students from Australian universities join OUSSEP in April and remain in the program till next February. Please contact us for details.