Application Instructions for Overseas Students

1. Itinerary

The program runs from Monday, August 20 to Sunday, August 26, 2012.


August 20 (Mon): Arrival at Tokyo. Program starts (Tokyo)
August 21 (Tue): Tour of the quake-hit areas and reconstruction efforts (Miyagi)
August 22 (Wed): Tour continues (Miyagi)
August 23 (Thu): Tour continues (Miyagi)
August 24 (Fri): Review and preparation for debriefing session (Miyagi)
August 25 (Sat): Preparation/debriefing session (Tokyo)
August 26 (Sun): Program ends (Tokyo) Departure from Tokyo.

2. Destinations of the Learning Journey

During the Learning Journey, we will visit coastal areas in the Tohoku region that suffered the greatest damage from the tsunami that followed the earthquake, focusing on sites in Miyagi Prefecture. We will meet with local people who experienced the disaster, and talk about their reconstruction efforts and the challenges they face. (Note that we will not be traveling in or close to any restricted areas, to avoid any risk of radiation.)

3. Requirements

Applicants must fulfill all of the following requirements:

1. Age

Applications must currently be undergraduate/graduate students enrolled at a college, university or school of an equivalent level, and be 18 to 24 years of age.

2. Contribution to Society
Applicants should intend to positively participate in the program. Afterwards, they will be expected to engage in activities that contribute to the creation of a sustainable society using their experiences from the program.
3. Physical and Mental Condition
Applicants should be in good physical and mental health as well as have a cooperative attitude. They should also be able to work in a group in a disciplined manner while following the project program.
4. Experience in Social Activities
Applicants will ideally have at least two years of experience in activities relating to the creation of a sustainable society. (Please provide descriptions on the application form.)
5. Communication and Writing Skills
Applicants are expected to be experienced in gathering information, able to deepen their understanding with other participants, and are required to write about their learning experience and hopes for the future. If you have published anything on the web, please include the title(s) and URL(s) on your application form.
6. Interest in and Understanding of Japan
Applicants should have an interest in and basic understanding of Japan.
7. English Proficiency
Applicants must be able to have a normal everyday conversation in English, engage in discussions, and write reports in English. For non-native English speakers, please provide your TOFEL score or an equivalent qualification to demonstrate your English language proficiency.
8. Participation in the Program
Participants must be able to participate in the entire scheduled program.
9. Japanese Visa
Please check with the relevant authorities to see if a short-term visa is required for your stay in Japan (JFS will not arrange this). If a visa is required, please start the visa application process soon after you receive the results of the application to participate in the program.
10. Scope of Responsibility in Case of Sickness, Accident, or Injury
Participants are responsible for arranging their own insurance to cover any sickness, accident, or injury, etc., while in Japan and traveling to and from Japan. During the program itself (from the start of group activity to the end) group insurance will be provided by Japan for Sustainability.
11. Expenses and Services Provided by Japan for Sustainability
• Meals for any group activity during the program period
• Accommodation during the program period
• Transportation for group activities during the program
• Round-trip airline ticket (discount economy class) to and from the international airport nearest participant's home residence.

Note: Participants are responsible for any personal expenses outside the project group activity (e.g., food/drink, telephone charges, cleaning, excess baggage charge, travel expense to the nearest international airport).

12. Behavior and Safe Conduct
During the program, participants are expected to carefully follow the instructions of group leaders. Participants are also expected to follow instructions, be safety-conscious, and be aware of the potential for more earthquake aftershocks in the affected region.
4. Application Deadline

Application closed.

5. Number of Student Participants

Six (6) persons

6. Application Instructions
1. Documents to Be Submitted
1. Application form (1 copy)
Please download the file here.
2. Essay
1. Title: What I want to learn, think about, and communicate during the Learning Journey program
2. Length: 500-600 words in English
3. Format: Essay title and applicant's name must be clearly written. Document must be in .doc or .rtf file format.


3. Letter of recommendation from an academic/professional supervisor at your college/university or high school (no longer than 500 words, 1 copy).
Recommendations should include:
• Brief description in the context of their interaction with the applicant.
• Applicant's performance compared to other individuals in their class.
• Description of the most important piece of constructive feedback given the applicant, including the circumstances, and the applicant's response.
• Statements about the applicant's performance, potential, or personal qualities that would be helpful to the program.
2. Applications should be submitted to Japan for Sustainability (tohokuproject[at]japanfs.org) via e-mail (with application form and the other required documents attached.)


7. Screening and Results

Japan for Sustainability will screen the applications. Applicants will be notified of the results via e-mail by May 31, 2012.

Note that any personal information provided to JFS by applicants will not be shared with any third party without prior consent from the person concerned.

Download :
Application Instructions for Overseas Students （PDF 46KB）
Application Form (WORD 31KB)