In-Person Program Costs (estimated)

COVID-Related Expenses

Participants will be responsible for any medical testing, care, or additional travel costs associated with COVID infection and treatment, including, but not limited to, the cost of modifying, extending, or cancelling any lodging or transportation arrangements before, during, or after the program.

Program Participation Fee Payment & Cancellation Policies

Invoice & Payment Deadline

If accepted to the program, you will receive an invoice from VIA’s finance department with instructions to complete the payment within approximately one week of confirming your participation. Full payment is due 30 days from the invoice issue date. If your invoice is issued 30 days or less before the program start date, full payment is due when you receive the invoice.

Participant Cancellation

VIA will return 50% of the program fee if your cancellation is confirmed at least 30 days before the program start date. If you cancel less than 30 days before the program, we are unable to refund your program fee. Partial refunds will be considered in extenuating circumstances.

Program Modification or Cancellation

VIA may convert the program to a virtual format at any time prior to the program start dates if travel and in-person activities are not possible due to natural disasters, including pandemics. If the program is converted to a virtual format, VIA will return the amount of the in-person program fee paid that exceeds the virtual program fee of $900. The exact amount returned will reflect any program fee reductions to the participant’s fee (if applicable).

If you choose to not participate in the virtual program, the participant cancellation policy will apply to the virtual program fee amount. If the program is cancelled entirely and a virtual participation option is not offered, you will receive a full refund.

Application Timeline

There are multiple application deadlines for university students and professionals from all regions. Some universities also have a separate timeline, which will be listed below. The different application deadlines are intended to accommodate differences in everyone’s schedules and allow our staff time to review applications.

Who should apply by the Round 1 Deadline?

• Meiji University students
• Applicants who will require a visitor visa (B-1/B-2) to enter the US are HIGHLY ENCOURAGED to apply by this deadline.

Summer Program Applications

Applicants interested in the spring OR summer program can apply during the spring application cycle. You will have the option to select which program(s) you are interested in at the beginning of the application. Deadlines for the summer program application cycle will be announced in early 2024.

Sample Program Schedule

Although the schedule has not been finalized, we expect to have visits and/or guest speakers from many of the same organizations from past years, including YouTube, Google, Hasso Plattner Institute of Design at Stanford (d.school), Children’s Fairyland, Glide Memorial, Delancey Street Foundation, BAYCAT, The Primary School, and others.

Minimum Participation Requirements

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

• Be at least 18 years of age at the beginning of the program.
• Be eligible to receive travel authorization to enter and remain in the United States for the duration of the program.
• Be able to provide proof of vaccination and/or health status required for entry to the US 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.
• Obtain overseas travel medical insurance and provide proof of insurance coverage to VIA prior to arriving in the United States.
• Be committed to attending all activities, both before and during the program, and participating fully.

Application Details

To see if this program is a good match, we want to get to know you, your interests, experiences, and motivation for joining the program. The application includes 3 sections, to be completed in English:

1. Personal & Contact Information – Share some basic information about yourself and your preferred contact details
2. Academic & Professional Information – Share about your academic and professional experience
3. Deeper Questions – Share your story & show your personality through short essays OR video by answering the following questions:
   • Why do you want to participate in a program focusing on social innovation?
   • What do you hope to gain or improve by participating in this program?
   • We would like to get to know you better. Please tell us a little about your hobbies or passions, your character, and your plans for the future.
4. Discovery Interview: The final step will be a 30-45 minute Zoom interview with the Program Director to clarify program goals and expectations. If your application passes the initial screening, you will receive an invitation to sign up for an interview time after the application deadline.