Who should apply: US undergraduate and graduate university students 18 and older (summer graduates and fall rising freshmen are also eligible). US citizenship is not required.

In order to be eligible to participate in this program, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old by the program start date.
• Be a current student at a US university (including fall first-year students), or a recent (spring) graduate in the same calendar year as the program.
• Be eligible to receive travel authorization to enter and remain in Japan for the duration of the program.
• Be able to provide proof of vaccination and/or health status required for entry to Japan or re-entry to your home country that is in effect during your dates of travel. It is your responsibility to confirm which health-related regulations may apply to you.
• Be willing to undergo diagnostic tests if experiencing symptoms of a communicable illness considered serious by public health officials or if required for site visits by the host institution. A positive test or inability to meet requirements for a site visit may limit your ability to participate in program activities and/or may necessitate self-isolation during the program.
• Disclose any life-threatening or significant allergies, dietary restrictions, medical conditions or illnesses, and physical limitations as they relate to the program and listed activities.
• Maintain health insurance coverage for the duration of the program. Enrollment in an international travel medical insurance plan is included in the program fee. If you decline to enroll in insurance offered by VIA, you must submit proof of insurance valid for the program location and duration to VIA staff before your departure.
• Be committed to participating in all scheduled sessions and completing all activities, both before and during the program, including activities to be completed outside of group meeting times.

In the program application, we invite you to share your background, interests, and motivations for joining this program, so that we can support you in your personal and professional journey.

Confidentiality Statement

The information provided in the application form is confidential and will only be accessible to VIA staff to communicate with you regarding your application and to assess your eligibility and qualifications as a candidate.

Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) Usage Statement

VIA reserves the right to use AI tools to evaluate information submitted by applicants and participants, as well as tools that detect AI-generated content. VIA will take all reasonable precautions to secure confidential information from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, or exposure to AI tools that utilize user data to train models.

By submitting information to VIA, you acknowledge that you have carefully read this statement and understand that your information may be exposed to AI technology and assessed for AI-generated content. You also affirm that the information you are submitting to VIA is factually accurate to the best of your knowledge and authentically represents your identity, capabilities, and intentions.

Application Content

Before you get started:

The application form is hosted on Airtable and requires a login for security purposes. If you already have an Airtable account, you can use your existing account login information. If you haven’t used Airtable before, you will need to create an account (email and password or use your Google account or Apple ID). The online application is a two-step process:

Step 1: VIA Applicant Profile

You can create or update your VIA Applicant Profile at any time. You must be logged in with the same Airtable user account to access an existing profile. If you log in with another Airtable account, you will need to create a new profile. Your profile will be connected to any current or future VIA program applications, so you won’t need to provide this information each time you submit an application. After saving your profile, a copy will be sent to the email address(es) associated with your Airtable account.

• Personal Information
  • First Name
  • Last Name
  • Preferred Name
  • Full Name in Native Characters
  • Gender
  • Date of Birth
  • Citizenship
  • Current Place of Residence
• Contact Information
  • Email Address
  • [Optional] Alternate Email
  • [Optional] Phone Number
  • [Optional] Messaging App Contact
• Referral Information
  • How did you learn about VIA?
  • Personal recommendation from VIA Contact
• Professional Information
  • Current Status (working, studying, other)
  • Current or Most Recent Academic Institution or Company
  • Current or Most Recent Degree Program or Position
  • [Optional] LinkedIn or other online profile URL
  • [Optional] Resume / CV

Step 2: Program Application

You will receive a link to the Program Application form after creating or updating your VIA Applicant Profile. The application form is one page, so please be prepared to complete all questions to submit your application. Closing the application window before submitting may result in lost data.

• Self-Introduction and Goals
  • Please introduce yourself and share your motivations for joining the program. What are you hoping to learn?
• Sustainability and Community Development
  • This program focuses specifically on UN Sustainable Development Goal #11, “Sustainable Cities and Communities.” Read the brief descriptions of the sub-targets of SDG 11, and share which targets you feel a connection to or want to explore further, and why.
• Japan and Other Cross-Cultural Experience
  • Describe your experience and/or interest in learning more about Rikuzentakata, a rural Japanese community affected by the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami. What are some things that you are hoping to learn or practice by engaging with peers from different cultural backgrounds? Please also share any past experiences and perspectives on cultural exchange.
• [Optional] Program Fee Reduction: Applicants who wish to be considered for a limited number of program fee reductions are asked to complete the following additional questions:
  • How would you use this VIA program experience to contribute to a positive impact in your school, company, and/or community? (may be submitted as a written or video response)
  • If you are accepted to the program but do NOT receive a program fee reduction, would you still be able to participate?

Tip: Before submitting your application, we recommend printing a copy for your records. After filling out all the questions on the application form, click the [···] icon in the top-right corner to print.

Step 3: Recommendation Form

Fee Reduction Applicants Only

A recommendation letter must be submitted on your behalf from someone who knows you through academic, community, or professional contexts and can speak to your character and suitability for this program. Family members MAY NOT provide a recommendation letter. Recommendation letters must be submitted by the letter writer through the recommendation form by the application deadline.

NOTE: Please ensure your letter writer has your email address so that you can receive a confirmation when the letter is submitted.

Discovery Interview

Applicants who pass the initial screening round will be contacted after the application deadline to schedule an interview with VIA staff over Zoom.

If you are considering this program but are concerned about the cost, we encourage you to research funding for international programs available through your university, government scholarships, international scholarship and grant-making organizations, and personal fundraising.

Financial Need-based Discounts

VIA strives to make our programs accessible to participants regardless of financial circumstances. We may be able to offer financial need-based discounts on a case-by-case basis, depending on funding availability. If your application is selected for the interview round, please discuss your financial situation with the Program Director during your interview. Please know that we will not require any financial disclosure statements. We trust that you are reporting your financial circumstances honestly.