Bridging Scholarship Grant

Bridging Scholarship Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: American Association of Teachers of Japanese
Amount: US $2,500 - US $4,500
Last Updated: January 27, 2026

Summary

The Bridging Scholarship offers U.S. undergraduate students a transformative opportunity to study abroad in Japan through credit-bearing semester programs. Annually, 70-100 students are selected based on academic merit and financial need, receiving stipends and participating in community-building activities. This program emphasizes diversity, welcoming students from various academic backgrounds, and fosters long-term connections with Japan. With significant positive impacts on career development, alumni maintain ongoing relationships with their Japanese hosts, enhancing cross-cultural exchange and understanding.

Overview

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 Bridging Scholars cohort includes students from across the United States, representing a diverse range of academic backgrounds and institutions. Each year, scholars embark on study abroad experiences in Japan, with most traveling in the fall and some in the spring. For example, in one recent cohort, 84 students from 29 states were awarded scholarships, with 67 scholars studying in Japan in the fall and 17 in the spring. Their majors span fields from biochemistry to fine arts, but all share a deep interest in Japan, its society, language, and culture. Their destinations vary as well, from major universities in Tokyo to small colleges in rural Japan. 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.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Applicants must be U.S. citizens enrolled as undergraduates in a college or university in the United States before and during the time they study abroad.Students majoring in any field of study are eligible to apply.Japanese language study is not a prerequisite.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.Scholarships must be used for tuition, travel, or daily cost-of-living expenses.

Ineligibility

Students who have already begun their study abroad in Japan are not eligible to apply.