The SSRC-JF Next Generation Japan Studies Development Program invites faculty at US colleges and universities to apply for funding of up to $32,500 maximum for institutional study tour grants. These grants are designed to provide travel funds to bring undergraduate and master’s degree students to Japan for immersive learning experiences. This program is supported by the Japan Foundation.

Background

At the core of the Next Gen Japan programming is the idea that international experience, research engagement, and collaboration are central to effectively addressing the pressing concerns facing societies today. Japan Study Tour Grants offer students the opportunity to gain a nuanced and balanced understanding of Japan while sparking an enduring interest in the country and a broader, international perspective.

Eligibility

  • US-based universities and colleges with 501(c)3 status or qualifying tax-exempt status 

Requirements

  • The applying institutions are ultimately responsible for all organized aspects of the Next Gen Japan Study Tour, including but not limited to:
    • Selection of undergraduate and/or master’s student participants
    • Preparing appropriate course-related itinerary 
    • Making reservations
    • Managing appointments
    • Conducting the tour
    • Securing other financial resources and insurance as needed.
  • The faculty member teaching the course is required to serve as the “project director” and is responsible for all practical, academic, and logistical aspects of the application. Project directors will preferably have a PhD or terminal degree in their field; teach Japan-related courses; and must accompany their students on the trip. There is no nationality requirement for the project director.
  • Study tours must be for a minimum of five (5) students and led by the applying faculty member as the “project director” and the Japan Stay must include a minimum of five (5) days of course-related activities.
  • Faculty members who do not have previous experience with Japan may apply but must demonstrate consultation with an educator teaching Japan-related content courses. All faculty are expected to integrate a module about Japan as a case study or comparative example in one of their future courses.
  • Costs incurred due to accidents, theft, etc. are the responsibility of the project director and the applying organizations, not SSRC nor the Japan Foundation.
  • The applying institution, in conjunction with the project director, is responsible for selecting appropriate students to participate in the program. Funding support provided by this grant may only be used for travel and accommodations of those with U.S. citizenship or U.S. permanent residency. Students outside of these categories may participate but must be funded through other means.
  • Study tours must include the following educational components:
    • The study-tour itinerary must be structured around the course in which the students are currently enrolled. A minimum of two (2) academic-oriented lectures related to the study tour curriculum and suitable for students. Lectures can be provided by institutions of higher learning in Japan and/or other organizations with relevance to the study tour curriculum.
    • Visits to historical sites, museums, and other institutions and locales that enhance the understanding of Japanese culture.
  • Upon completion of the study tour:
    • Students are required to submit a short essay, minimum of 1,000 words, at the conclusion of the study tour reflecting on their experience.
    • The applying institutions will be required to submit:
      • a full listing of student participants, final itinerary, and finalized study tour syllabus including a listing of all educational activities
      • student  essays noted above must be included in the final report to the SSRC 
      • an educational module based on the study tour curriculum for inclusion in an SSRC open-access curricular repository. 
  • Final reporting to SSRC is due one month after the end of the Japan Study Tour.

Priorities

Priority will be given to the following applications:

  • Applications from the liberal arts colleges, research universities, and community colleges located in the US South and Midwest.
  • Applications with travel itineraries appropriately planned to enhance the course syllabus. 
  • Applications with travel itineraries highlighting close collaboration with Japanese counterparts.
  • Applications that demonstrate the study tour would be open to students from a variety of disciplines ranging from the humanities and social sciences to the natural sciences.

Grant Coverage

The program can provide up to a maximum of $32,500 per study tour as below:

  • $5,000 for activities that support the study tour curriculum for the following items only:
    • Honoraria for lecturers
    • Hiring an interpreter
    • Hiring a mini-bus for local transportation
  • A maximum of $2,500* per study tour participant (5 minimum)/ project director (1). A maximum total of $27,500 will be provided for study tour participants/project director in this category. This allocation may cover:
    • Round trip international flight between the US and Japan (economy class) 
    • Accommodations in Japan
    • Domestic transportation within Japan
    • Overseas travel insurance
  • Other expenditures, such as meals, entrance tickets to historical sites or museums, etc., cannot be covered by funding from this grant program.

Application Deadlines & Notification of Results

  • Applications are due June 1, 2026, for study tours starting between July 15, 2026 and January 15, 2027. Notification of results will be provided 1 month after the application deadline.
  • The next round of applications will be due November 1, 2026, for study tours starting between January 16, 2027 and July 30, 2027. Notification of results will be provided 1 month after the application deadline.

Application Instructions

All applications are to be submitted online through the SSRC’s application portal. Next Gen Japan Study Tour Grant applications consist of:

  • Cover sheet
  • Curriculum statement: This statement should engage deeply with a facet of Japanese society or culture that the study tour will explore from a disciplinary perspective and explain how the content of the study tour is or will be incorporated into faculty member’s standard undergraduate and/or master’s course curriculum.
  • Educational itinerary: The itinerary must show support for the study tour curriculum and further demonstrate understanding of the logistics involved in leading a study tour. Itineraries must include a minimum of two academically oriented lectures related to the theme of the tour and suitable for undergraduate and master’s students; and visits to relevant historical sites, museums, or other institutions and locales that provide thematic context.
  • Faculty member’s CV
  • Estimated budget (see Study Tour Terms above for guidance on acceptable costs)
  • Confirmation of institutional support
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