Find Money for Language Study Abroad in Japan
Sources of Scholarships and Grants for Japanese Study Programs
Sep 27, 2009
The best way to become fluent in a foreign language is through immersion in the country in which that language is spoken. Studying overseas also enriches a students’ experience with world cultures and international relations. There are many opportunities for study in Japan, but that is an expensive proposition.
The following are organizations that offer funding for study in Japan.
National Security Education Program
The National Security Education Program (NSEP) provides funding for U.S. students to study the language and culture of regions around the world critical to U.S. interests. The program includes the Boren Scholarship for undergraduate students, the Boren Fellowship for graduate students, and the National Flagship Language Program.
The NSEP provides varying sized grants of up to $10,000 for a semester or $20,000 for a full year to cover tuition, travel expenses, living expenses, housing, and health insurance. The application deadline is mid-February, and notification is made in late April. Information can be found at the Borenawards.org website.
The Bridging Scholarship (US-Japan Bridging Foundation)
The Association of Teachers of Japanese awards as many as 100 scholarships annually to American undergraduate students participating in study-abroad programs in Japan. These funds are intended to assist students with travel and living expenses while studying in Japan. The money comes from contributions from a variety of U.S. and Japanese businesses and organizations. Students can receive up to $4,000 for an academic year.
There are two deadlines each year for the Bridging scholarships. A small (500 word) essay is required as part of the application process. Information can be found via the Alliance of Associations of Teachers of Japanese (aatj.org/atj) website.
Japanese Language Scholarship Foundation
The Japanese Language Scholarship Foundation (JLSF) offers assistance to U.S. Japanese language teachers or graduate students who wish to experience life in Japan, further their understanding of the Japanese language, and improve their teaching skills.
The current JLSF scholarship is $3,000 plus round trip airfare to Japan. There is also an additional Grant Challenge specifically for California residents. Annual application deadlines are in January. Information can be found at the JLSF-aurora.org website.
Atsumi International Scholarship
The Atsumi International Scholarship Foundation (AISF) offers scholarships to international Ph.D students who wish to enroll in universities located in the Kanto area in Japan. Established at the behest of the late Takeo Atsumi, former President and Chairman of Kajima Corporation, AISF provides financial assistance to international students with superior academic skills to further their studies at the doctoral level in Japan.
The AISF scholarship provides a 200,000 yen (about $2,000) monthly stipend for one year to the recipient. Follow-up travel grants for post-AISF students are also available to enable the student to revisit Japan and attend a conference. Applications for the AISF scholarship are accepted during the month of September. Information can be found at the AISF.or.jp website.
The Rotary Foundation’s Ambassadorial Scholarship Program
The Rotary Foundation has long been a sponsor of international academic exchange programs. However, due to the recession, this organization has had to make the difficult decision to cut back on some of their undergraduate and graduate overseas study funding programs. Check the Rotary Foundation’s website to see which programs they are currently funding and for future funding changes and decisions.
Blakemore Freeman Fellowships for Advanced Asian Language Study
According to the Blakemore Foundation website, foundersThomas and Frances Blakemore spent more than 50 years living and working in Japan. The couple wanted to encourage Americans to develop greater fluency in Asian languages.
The highly competitive Blakemore Freeman Fellowships and Blakemore Refresher grants fund provide money for post-college study for U.S. citizens pursuing an academic, professional, or business career that involves the regular use of a modern East or Southeast Asian language, including Japanese. The application deadline is December 30. Information can be found at the BlakeMoreFoundation.org website.
A variety of scholarships, grants, and fellowship awards are available for students intent on continuing or advancing their language study in Japan. The above foundations are only a sampling of funding sources. Another excellent resource for finding money to study abroad is the IIEPassport.org website.
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