Kansai Gaidai University

You can save a bit if you don't blow all you money on eating out. Shopping at the supermarket and eating at okonomiyaki ya san, or takoyaki ya san when hanging out with friends might save a bit too. When you travel, there is a lot of cheap accommodation around. A good thing to do is to pick a 'Lonely Planet' Guide and get your accommodation tips from there.

I loved my exchange experience. It's a very differenct culture from the Western world, I have to say that it's worth to know/learn more.

The language instruction is good, though lacking some depth, and the classes offered are interesting, though there is a lack of variety. As far as leisure time goes, there's plenty to do, but not necessarily in Hirakata. While the housing situation leaves some things to be desired, the accomodations are quite nice, spacious, and well-maintained. The administration doesn't know what they're doing half the time, but that shouldn't really be a problem as you don't really need to interact with them that much. All in all a good time.

kansai gaidai will help you to open a bankaccount at the Sumotomobank and I would recommend to withdrawel money only from the Sumitomo banks! other banks is possibel, but they will charge you 1 us$!!!

Be mindful of the exchange rate. When I was there, the value of the yen shot up and the US Dollar lost like 20% of its value. So try to budget your money and make sure you have enough in case something like that happens to you.

Finance is an issue for most people here. Make sure you have enough money.