SSRC-JF Next Generation Japan Study Tour Grant Program (US)

The Social Science Research Council (SSRC), with support from the Japan Foundation, invites US colleges and universities to apply for SSRC-JF Next Gen Japan Study Tour Grants. The institutional grants provide travel and related support to bring undergraduate and master’s students to Japan for immersive, course-linked study tours. The application deadline is November 1, 2026, for study tours starting between January 16, 2027 and September 30, 2027. Opportunity at a Glance

- Funding organization: Social Science Research Council (SSRC) — SSRC-JF Next Generation Japan Studies Development Program

- Program support: Japan Foundation

- Opportunity name: SSRC-JF Next Gen Japan Study Tour Grants

- Applicant type: US colleges and universities

- Grant type: Institutional grant

- Maximum award amount: Up to $32,500 maximum per study tour

- Primary purpose: Travel funds and limited curriculum-linked costs to run Japan study tours for undergraduate and master’s students

- Eligible locations (institution): United States (US-based universities and colleges)

- Application deadline: November 1, 2026

- Study tour start window: January 16, 2027 to September 30, 2027

- Notification of results: 1 month after the application deadline

- Key reporting deadline: Final reporting due one month after the end of the Japan Study Tour

- Contact (questions): [contact details removed]

About the Opportunity

The SSRC-JF Next Generation Japan Studies Development Program is built around the idea that international experience, research engagement, and collaboration support the capacity to address pressing societal concerns. Within this program, the Next Gen Japan Study Tour Grants aim to help students gain a nuanced and balanced understanding of Japan through immersive learning experiences tied to academic coursework. The grants are designed to support faculty-led study tours to Japan that connect structured educational activities with on-site cultural and historical learning. Funding and Benefits The program can provide up to a maximum of $32,500 per study tour and includes the following coverage: - $5,000 for activities that support the study tour curriculum, limited to: - Honoraria for lecturers - Hiring an interpreter - Hiring a mini-bus for local transportation - Up to $2,500 per participant (minimum 5 students) and $2,500 for the 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

- Not covered (explicit exclusions):

- Meals and entrance tickets to historical sites or museums (cannot be covered by this grant program) - Indirect costs or institutional administrative costs Important funding constraint: Even if the number of participating students exceeds 11, the grant cannot cover additional costs beyond the stated participant/project director cap. Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants are:

- US-based universities and colleges with 501(c)(3) status or qualifying tax-exempt status. Key eligibility and participant constraints include: - The faculty member teaching the course must serve as the “project director.” - The study tour must be led by the project director and must: - Include a minimum of five (5) students - Include at least five (5) days of course-related activities in Japan - No nationality requirement is stated for the project director. Additional requirements for the project director and course design: - 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. - Faculty without previous Japan experience 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 applying organizations, not SSRC or the Japan Foundation.

Student funding limitations:

- Grant funding may only be used for travel and accommodations for students with U.S. citizenship or U.S. permanent residency. - Students outside these categories may participate, but must be funded through other means. Eligible Activities or Priority Areas Study tour educational components (required) Study tours must include the following educational elements:

- Course-aligned academic structure:

- The itinerary must be structured around the course in which students are currently enrolled. - At least two (2) academic-oriented lectures related to the study tour curriculum and suitable for undergraduate and master’s students. - Lectures may be provided by higher education institutions in Japan and/or other relevant organizations. - Cultural and institutional visits, including: - Visits to historical sites, museums, and other institutions/locations that enhance understanding of Japanese culture.

- Post-tour student learning deliverable:

- Students must submit a short essay (minimum 1,000 words) after the study tour, reflecting on their experience. Priority areas (competitive considerations) The SSRC states that priority will be given to applications that include: - Applications from liberal arts colleges, research universities, and community colleges located in the US South and Midwest - Itineraries planned to enhance the course syllabus - Itineraries that highlight close collaboration with Japanese counterparts - Proposals demonstrating the study tour would be open to students across a variety of disciplines, from humanities and social sciences to natural sciences Why This Opportunity Matters This grant supports US institutions in offering Japan-based, course-linked learning experiences that combine structured academic sessions with on-site cultur