Western Balkans Meet Japan: A Bridge into the Future 2026/2027 (Funded) – YOA

Deadline: August 31, 2026

Applications are open for the Western Balkans Meet Japan: A Bridge into the Future 2026/2027. Are you curious about studying about peacebuilding in Japan to assist construct a brighter future for the Western Balkans? This 7-day cultural and educational program is the good OPPORTUNITY for you!

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (MOFA) and the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO) are excited to collaborate for the seventh consecutive yr to convey you the extremely anticipated youth change program “Western Balkans meet Japan: A Bridge into the Future”. Taking place from 20-26 January 2027, this program welcomes 13 undergraduate or graduate college students aged 20 years outdated or older, coming from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia to apply for an awesome alternative of non-public {and professional} development.

Program Details

Western Balkans meet Japan: A Bridge into the Future is a youth change program, organized beneath the MIRAI Program since 2018, aiming to deepen individuals’ understanding of Japan and its coverage, promote mutual understanding and reconciliation by means of mental and cultural change, and construct a foundation for future friendship and cooperation between Japan and the Western Balkans.

During final yr’s change program, from 13–19 February 2026, 13 younger individuals from the Western Balkans joined the MIRAI Program in Japan, chosen by means of a aggressive course of amongst over 1000 candidates. Through visits to key establishments like JICA HQ, Sophia University, and the Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima, individuals explored Japan’s approaches to peacebuilding, reconciliation, and international cooperation. The program blended educational discussions, cultural change, and emotional reflection, providing a transformative expertise that deepened individuals’ understanding of intercultural dialogue and battle decision. This as soon as-in-a-lifetime journey created lasting connections and empowered individuals to turn into lively promoters of peace of their communities.

Costs

• Round journey worldwide air tickets to Japan by economic system class, abroad journey, accident insurance coverage, lodging and transportation in Japan, meals throughout the program, and admission charges for scheduled actions in Japan are coated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (Participants shall pay their private bills, together with passport, visa acquisition, vaccination, extra baggage cost, journey bills between their home and the designated airport, and buy of souvenirs/private items earlier than or throughout the program).

Eligibility

• Being presently enrolled scholar in an undergraduate, graduate or PhD program in the Western Balkans and aged 20+ years at the time of application.
• Living in one in all the Western Balkans societies and holding a passport issued by one in all the WB6 (Applicants who’ve Japanese nationality are NOT eligible).
• Having a superb command of English.
• Being motivated to disseminate info on Japan’s points of interest by means of varied communication instruments, good educational achievements and social activism.
• Neither having participated in change or comparable program(s) by the Government of Japan nor having lived in Japan.
• Respecting the spirit of reconciliation and cooperation in the Western Balkans.
• Having a legitimate passport.
• Applicants with demonstrated ties to Japan, whether or not by means of earlier research, cultural actions, or associated expertise, will probably be thought-about an asset.
• Desirable that candidates have a confirmed monitor file in the fields of coping with the previous, reconciliation, regional cooperation and/or intercultural studying.

Application

Deadline for purposes is August thirty first, 2026 at 23h59 CET Time. Shortlisted candidates will probably be invited for an interview in September. Only chosen individuals will probably be notified, anticipated by mid-October.

Click here to apply

For extra info, go to Western Balkans Meet Japan: A Bridge into the Future.