Cost

Scholarships

Kyoto University – John Mung Scholarship:
If you are applying from Kyoto University, you have an opportunity to receive a scholarship to join VIA’s programs through the John Mung Program. After you pass the selection process by Kyoto University, please submit your VIA application.

Enlight Fellowship:
Successful applicants for this fellowship will receive a $500-1,500 award towards the program tuition. In order to apply for the fellowship, you must submit a video essay (instead of typed essays) in your application. To learn more about the Enlight Fellowship requirements, please click here.

Refer a Friend Award:
We’d love to know if you have friends or siblings/relatives who you think would be a great match for the DSI program. If you and someone you recommend is accepted to the program, you will receive a $100 award that will be applied to your program fee.

Note: Awards cannot be combined – successful applicants will receive either a scholarship, a fellowship or an award, but cannot receive more than one.

“It was such a great experience being able to meet energetic and interesting people from Japan and stanford! I felt from this program will keep me motivated for sure! EVERYDAY was so enriched that we couldn’t have a reflection day everyday, but I will do it soon! These days were definitely worth it! Thank you!” DSI 2016 participant

“Since the program was a concentrated week of using English, I was happy to develop my English skills formally and informally. I would like to continue practicing more design thinking to be more even confident in using it.” DSI 2015 participant

“Unlike the Japanese format of holding workshops and events, I like how this program was more flexible, casual and liberal. Everything was very inspiring! It’s been a life changing experience ;)” DSI 2016 participant

General Application Timeline

• Application Period
  • July: Applications open
  • November: Information sessions in Japan
  • December 2: Round 1 deadline
  • January 14: Round 2 deadline
• Application Review
  • Mid December: Round 1 interviews
  • Late December: Successful applicants notified of acceptance
  • Mid January: Round 2 interviews
  • Late-January: Successful applicants notified of acceptance

Program Preparations*

• Late January: Participants begin pre-travel checklist (payment, agreement form deadline; start visa application process, if applicable)
• February: Complete pre-departure assignments and activities

*Preparation activities and deadlines may be added/modified any time before the program

Program Schedule

This is a sample program schedule from 2016.

In the application, you can share about yourself [in English] in 3 sections:

1. Background & Contact Information: Tell us some basics and how to reach you.
2. Deeper Questions: Share your story & show your personality through short essays OR video*
   If you’re applying for the Enlight scholarship, you MUST make a video [<5min]. Click here for video tips.
   1. Please briefly describe your experience with design thinking, and tell us why you want to participate in a program focusing on design thinking.
   2. During this program, you will work directly with Stanford students on design thinking projects. Through this cross-cultural exchange experience, what do you hope to contribute, and what do you hope to gain from collaborating with Stanford students?
   3. Please tell us a little about your hobbies or passions, your character, and your plans for the future.
3. Interview Time Preference: The next step will be a 10-15 minute phone/skype interview with the Program Director a few days after the program deadline.