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Social Science Research Council (SSRC) is currently accepting applications for its JF Next Gen Japan Study Tour Grants 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
The SSRC-JF Next Generation Japan Studies Development Program is an educational initiative that funds faculty-led study tours to Japan for US college and university students. It is designed to enhance academic learning through immersive international experiences that combine classroom instruction with direct cultural and institutional engagement in Japan. The program strengthens Japan studies by linking coursework with structured overseas learning.
The program can provide up to a maximum of $32,500 per study tour and provides:
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.
