The Bridging Scholarship

The program application deadline is March 15, 2024.

The Bridging Scholarship is a life-changing opportunity to study abroad in Japan in a credit-bearing semester or academic-year program. Each year approximately 70-100 academically outstanding, financially deserving U.S. undergraduate students are selected as Bridging Scholars. In addition to receiving a cash stipend, Bridging Scholars participate in cohort programming designed to assist students build a future as a global citizen with a lifelong connection to Japan.

Bridging Scholars come to the program from disparate academic backgrounds and interests, often from traditionally underrepresented communities. Each class of scholars represents students from large public universities, small liberal arts colleges, and community colleges across the U.S.  

The 2023 Bridging Scholars cohort includes 70 students from 32 states. Scholar majors range from biochemistry to fine arts but all students share a common interest in Japan, its society, and its language and culture. Their destinations also vary, from giant campuses in Tokyo to small colleges in rural Japan.

We are particularly proud of the diversity of the cohort this year. Seventy-seven percent of students identify as Black/African American, Native American/American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian/Pacific Islander, or Hispanic/Latino. Fifty-eight percent are from underrepresented communities in Japan study abroad (Black/African American, Native American/American Indian/Alaska Native, and Hispanic/Latino). Sixty-eight percent identify as female and fifty-eight percent received Federal Pell Grants, indicating exceptional financial need.

Eighty-two percent of past Bridging Scholars reported that their study abroad experience aided in their career and professional development; eighty percent of responding alumni report that they continue to communicate with their Japanese host family, friends, and professors, and fifty-seven percent are currently working in Japan or for a U.S.-Japan related organization.

Qualifications:
Undergraduate students majoring in any field of study are eligible to apply for Bridging Scholarships. Japanese language study is not a prerequisite. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and enrolled as undergraduates in a college or university in the United States before and during the time they are studying abroad. Students must study in a semester (at least 3 months) or an academic-year program in Japan and must earn credit that will transfer to their home campus in the U.S. Students who have already begun their study abroad in Japan are not eligible to apply. Scholarships must be used for travel or daily cost-of-living expenses.

Scholarship Amounts:
1. Semester scholarships are valued at $3,500 (a $2,500 cash stipend plus programming and mentor support valued at $1,000).
2. Academic-year awards are valued at $6,000 (a $4,500 cash stipend plus programming and mentor support valued at $1,500).

Bridging Scholars use the funds to bridge the gap between university-awarded financial aid and the high cost of Japan study abroad. Approximately $350,000 in scholarships are awarded each year.

Application Deadline:
For study abroad in the 2024–2025 Academic Year, there will be one application deadline: March 15, 2024. Students expecting to study abroad Fall 2024, Spring 2025, and academic-year 2024-2025 must apply by this date.

Application Process Administration:
The application process is administered by the American Association of Teachers of Japanese (AATJ). All inquires should be sent to AATJ staff.

How to Apply:
Visit the Bridging Scholar Application Portal hosted by the American Association of Teachers of Japanese.