The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and the Regional Youth Cooperation Office are implementing the youth exchange “Western Balkans meet Japan: A Bridge into the Future”, on 30 October to 7 November 2018, and invites 17 undergraduate or graduate students aged from 20 to 30 years old, coming from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia, to apply for a great opportunity of personal and professional growth.

Introduction

The program aims to deepen participants’ understanding of Japan and its policy, to increase knowledge and promote mutual understanding through intellectual and cultural exchange, and build a basis for future friendship and cooperation between Japan and the WB. It is foreseen that the program participants spend one week in Japan discussing current topics, sharing experiences with youngsters from Japan, developing intercultural skills, and visiting and exploring Japanese culture.

Eligible applicants:

• Undergraduate or graduate student aged from 20 to 30 years;
• Having citizenship of one of the WB6 participants;
• Good command of English;
• Neither having participated in exchange program(s) by the Government of Japan nor having lived in Japan;
• Respecting the spirit of reconciliation and cooperation in the Western Balkan;
• Having a valid passport.

In addition to the above criteria, it is desirable that applicants have interest in Japan or have been involved in study or activities related to Japan.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Participants from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo and Montenegro need to apply for a visa to participate in the program. The organisers will inform the selected participants of the application process once decided.

Costs

Round trip international air tickets to Japan by economy class, overseas travel accident insurance, accommodation and transportation in Japan, meals during the program, and admission fees for scheduled activities in Japan are covered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (Participants are expected to cover personal expenses such as excess baggage charge and travel expenses between their residences and departure/arrival airport designated by the program.).

Please click on the link bellow, to access the Application Form and have the chance to be part of the program.

Deadline for application is 16 September 2018. Only selected participants will be notified.

Contact points:

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*This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo Declaration of Independence