YOU APPLIED!!...now what?

So once you're done applying, what comes next..?

Ohohohohoho, the fun (and fees) don't end with the initial application. (unless you're rejected. >_<; sorry!)

Once You've Finished Applying to Kansai Gaidai..

1. Do not compulsively check K-GENESYS every hour possible.  Once accepted, you will receive an e-mail notifying you of your acceptance.  Congratulations!  If rejected...I assume you will also receive an e-mail letting you know about that. :(
   If you are financially dependent on someone else (i.e., parents), you will also receive an e-mail with a Financial Guarantee form attached.  If you refer to Step 4 in my application guide, notice that I said to pay particular attention to item 4 in the Form G instructions--now is when that item matters.  KG will want a bank statement, a copy of a loan application, or a copy of your scholarship application/approval--something that proves you will be sufficiently supported during your time abroad.
   
   
2. Go to K-GENESYS, admire how it says you're admitted, and once you're sure you want to attend, fill out the "Address Form" (it's online).  This is super easy, and a way of letting them know you intend to attend.  Make sure you fill it out right--the Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) needs to get to you.  Without it, you cannot apply for a student visa to Japan.  If you already bought plane tickets, fill out the "Arrival Information Form" (also online).  If not, fill that out soon as you confirm travel plans.
   
   
3. Rejoice; you get to send more stuff out through expensive international postage. :|  This time, with another international postal money order (IPMO), pay US$250 to KG ($50 admission fee, $200 "enrollment confirmation" deposit).  The $200 will be counted as part of your tuition, so when you get to KG, you will pay $200 less than whatever the website says the tuition is. 8D
   This post-admittance batch of mail should be: Financial Guarantee form + IPMO (+ photocopy of passport if you didn't submit it when applying)
   
   
4. K-GENESYS will have an update under "notes" once KG receives your money, so you can then stop stressing and imagining horrible scenarios where the envelope's been lost and now you'll never get to go to Japan and...
   ahem.
    
5. During the months following admission (May through July), KG will start e-mailing with MORE EXCITING INFORMATION!  Stuff like: Housing Application (online, K-GENESYS; basically stuff to help them place you in homestay or dorms, hopefully with someone who won't drive you crazy); a link to the Admitted Student website (lots of important info there, especially relating to financial and insurance stuff); link to Cultural Interaction Programs website (how to apply for the home visit program, speaking partner program, etc.).  Even as you're ridiculously excited, remember to apply for stuff you want to participate in and submit all your forms on time. :)
   
   When everything you can do has been done, GOOD JOB.  Just be a good kid now and wait for your CoE~ (They'll e-mail you with a DHL shipment tracker once it's dispatched.)

Applying to Kansai Gaidai

As I considered, then applied, to Kansai Gaidai, the resources that were the most informative and helpful (besides some of the official info) were blogs--those written by current and former KG Asian Studies students. It was wonderfully reassuring to hear (real!) people describe their application, social, academic, etc. experiences. Hopefully, this blog, too, will be of use to other prospective KG students. :)

Most of the student blogs are written by direct-exchange students--those who apply through their schools (which have an exchange agreement with KG). However, because my school is not affiliated with KG, I had to apply as an independent student. Though it was at first a really intimidating idea, now that I've gone through the process, I've realized it's not quite as daunting as it first may seem. In fact, certain aspects are simplified and far more efficient. But there are certain drawbacks, mostly relating to the payment of fees.  You'll see..

Okay, enough intro-talk, here's a basic sort-of detailed outline of the process!