Applications are currently being accepted for the Mansfield Fellowship Programme 2027. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
About Mansfield Fellowship Programme
The Mansfield Fellowship Program—named after Mike Mansfield, former U.S. ambassador to Japan, U.S. Senate majority leader, and U.S. congressman from Montana—is a first-of-its-kind professional development program for federal employees.
Mansfield Fellows provide direct, measurable benefits to America’s national security, economic growth, and strategic interests by building the skills necessary to achieve maximum cooperation from Japan on issues of mutual interest.
The program gives Fellows unparalleled access to the Japanese government, and allows them to become true experts on the country. Through intensive language studies and professional placements within Japanese government ministries, participants in the program gain an insider's view of this close friend and ally of the United States.
Benefits of Mansfield Fellowship Programme
The Mansfield Fellowship offers several professional and personal development benefits.
- Specialised knowledge: Fellows develop a deeper understanding of Japanese government institutions, policy priorities, and administrative processes.
- Japanese language skills: Intensive language training supports more effective professional communication and cultural understanding.
- Government exposure: Professional placements provide opportunities to observe and understand Japan’s policymaking environment directly.
- International networking: Participants establish relationships with Japanese government officials and professionals across multiple sectors.
- Career development: The experience can strengthen participants’ ability to contribute to federal responsibilities involving Japan and broader bilateral cooperation.
- Cultural immersion: The homestay and year-long experience help Fellows develop a practical understanding of Japanese society and professional culture.
These benefits are intended to strengthen the expertise and international engagement capabilities of participating federal employees.
Mansfield Fellowship Programme Requirements
- Applicants must be U.S. citizens.
- Applicants must be federal government employees with at least two consecutive years of service by and immediately preceding the start of the pre-departure training in order to apply.
- After completing the program, Fellows are required to serve at least two years in the federal government, where it is anticipated they will continue to work on projects and issues concerning Japan and U.S.-Japan relations.
- Prospective Fellows must have written approval to apply from their home agency.
Selection Criteria
Ideal Fellows will be accomplished federal professionals who are hard working, self-reliant and self-disciplined, flexible and sociable. They must be fully dedicated to the program and be able to cope with the challenges of working and living in a different culture.
Fellows will need to:
- understand that the year in Japan is a full-time program;
- recognize that the program is not an independent project, but rather the objective of the Mansfield Fellowship Program is to observe and experience the Japanese decision-making process;
- know what they want to accomplish in the program, but at the same time be open to new possibilities;
- have an interest in broadening their knowledge about Japan;
- have a clear idea about how they will use the knowledge gained during the Fellowship when they return to their home agencies, and patience to work toward the long-term goal;
- be willing to share their contacts and what they have learned in Japan with their colleagues in the federal government as well as with individuals and organizations in the public and private sectors;
- be willing to participate in group activities and support the program’s larger goals and objectives; and
- work collaboratively with the Mansfield Foundation offices in Washington, D.C., Missoula, MT and Tokyo, Japan and other Fellows.
Application Date and Process
- Click on the link to the application website to apply.
Opportunity Application
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