Apply now for the SSRC-JF Next Generation Japan Studies Development Program (grants up to a maximum of US$32,500 awarded)

Closing Date: varying

Apply now for the SSRC-JF Next Generation Japan Studies Development Program (grants up to a maximum of US$32,500 awarded)

Overview

The program seeks to cultivate an interest in and familiarity with Japan among undergraduate students at liberal arts colleges and research universities by supporting:

Study Tour Grants for Undergraduate and Master’s Students

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.

Next Gen Japan Study Tour Grants provide institutional grants up to a maximum of $32,500 for faculty at US-based colleges and universities to bring undergraduate and master’s degree students to Japan for immersive learning experiences. Grants provide support for a study tour to Japan for five students (minimum) with a minimum of five days of curriculum-based activities.

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.

Short-Term Visiting Professorships in the U.S. for Japan-based Faculty

Next Gen Japan Visiting Professorship Grants provide Japan-based faculty with opportunities to share their research and teaching on Japan-related topics of interest with US-based students, faculty members, and local community members through a host institution or college consortium in the United States. These grants of up to $20,000 are available to US-based institutions and consortium to host a Japanese faculty member for up to six week, shorter stays will be prorated.

Background

At the core of the Next Gen Japan Program is the idea that scholarly engagement and collaboration by students and scholars across disciplines, the boundaries of the nation-state, and cultures are central to effectively addressing the pressing concerns facing societies today. 

The Next Gen Japan Visiting Professor Grants provides Japan-based faculty who research Japanese society an opportunity for intellectual engagement with US faculty, students, and local communities. It further provides the professor with professional development experience in presenting their work in English and conducting their own research in the US.

Hosting institutions, likewise, will gain access to international scholars and exposure to research from outside the United States.

Eligibility

Applications may be submitted by the host institution and the following eligibility criteria apply:

• US-based colleges, college consortia, or universities must have 501(c)3 status or qualifying tax-exempt status.
• Visiting Professors must be:
  • A full-time faculty member at an institution of higher education based in Japan
  • A PhD in the social sciences, humanities, or a related field who conducts research on topics directly related to Japan
  • Able to spend a continuous three- to six-week period in the United States at the host institution or consortium of institutions

Requirements

Hosting Institution’s Responsibilities:

• Administration and management of the grant fund
  • Payment of the award will be made when the hosting institution and the visiting professor confirm the final timeline with the SSRC.
  • Coordinating with visiting professors on travel and accommodations and paying for the same in such a way as to not burden the visiting professors.
  • All organized aspects of the Engagement Plan, including but not limited to:
    • Implementation of a public lecture series, guest lectures, seminars, networking meetings, research discussions, or other events
    • Promotion of events
  • Provision of office space and access to library resources for the duration of the six-week tenure
  • Securing other financial resources and insurance as needed
  • Submission of a final report to the SSRC on the grant one month following the end of the Next Gen Japan Visiting Professor grant. The report should include outputs required by the professor as outlined below.

Visiting Professor’s Responsibilities: 

• Coordinating with the host institution to determine a final timeline for the visit
• Adhering to the Engagement Plan agreed upon with the host institution and:
  • Sharing their expertise on Japan through such events as academic lecture series, public lectures, seminars, networking meetings, research discussions, or other events as deemed appropriate.
• Conducting their own research and writing on Japan-related issues
• Taking part, prior to departure from Japan, in a short series of meetings with SSRC staff in the US and Tokyo who will work with the faculty members on English-language presentation of their research. 
• Upon completion of the grant, providing a curricular module for teaching about Japan related to their research or relevant to an introductory course in their discipline to be included in the SSRC Curricular Repository. The module should cover one to two days’ worth of seminar coverage.

Click Here To Apply

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