Young people in the Western Balkans often lack opportunities to engage with Japan, limiting their understanding of its culture and approaches to peacebuilding.
This exchange program exists to solve that problem.
In this guide:
- About the opportunity
- Who can apply
- What you get
- Application deadline
- How to apply
- Before you hit submit
- Frequently asked questions
- Final thoughts
About Western Balkans Meet Japan
The Western Balkans Meet Japan program is part of the MIRAI initiative, which has been running since 2018 to create meaningful connections between young people from the Western Balkans and Japan.
The program involves academic discussions, institutional visits, cultural activities, and interaction with Japanese society, focusing on peacebuilding, reconciliation, international cooperation, and social development.
For young leaders, this program is a chance to develop knowledge and skills that can contribute to peace and cooperation in their region.
Who Can Apply
To be eligible for the Western Balkans Meet Japan program, you must meet certain requirements.
- Age: You must be 20 years or older to apply.
- Nationality: You must be from one of the six eligible Western Balkan societies: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, or Serbia.
- Education: You must be an undergraduate or graduate student.
- Language: You must be able to communicate in English.
- Experience: You must have a strong interest in peacebuilding and international cooperation.
- Availability: You must be available to travel to Japan from 20-26 January 2027.
What You Get
As a participant in the Western Balkans Meet Japan program, you will receive several benefits.
- Full funding: The program is fully funded, covering all expenses related to travel and accommodation.
- Cultural immersion: You will have the opportunity to experience Japanese culture firsthand.
- Networking: You will be able to connect with other young leaders from the Western Balkans and Japan.
- Knowledge gain: You will learn about Japan’s approaches to peacebuilding, reconciliation, and international cooperation.
- Skill development: You will develop skills that can contribute to peace and cooperation in your region.
Application Deadline
The deadline is January 26, 2027. The deadline for applications is January 26, 2027, so you should start preparing your application well in advance.
How to Apply for Western Balkans Meet Japan
To apply for the Western Balkans Meet Japan program, you will need to follow a series of steps.
- You will need to review the eligibility criteria to ensure you meet the requirements.
- You will need to gather all necessary documents, including your passport and academic transcripts.
- You will need to fill out the application form, which will be available on the official website.
- You will need to submit your application by the deadline, January 26, 2027.
- You will need to wait for the selection committee to review your application and notify you of the outcome.
The button opens the official application on forms.cloud.microsoft.
Before You Hit Submit
- Make sure you tailor your application to the specific requirements of the program.
- Use specific examples to demonstrate your interest in peacebuilding and international cooperation.
- Practice your English language skills to ensure you can communicate effectively.
- Be prepared to be flexible and adapt to new situations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the MIRAI initiative?
The MIRAI initiative is a program that aims to create meaningful connections between young people from the Western Balkans and Japan.
How long does the program last?
The program takes place in Japan from 20-26 January 2027.
What kind of activities will I be doing?
You will be participating in academic discussions, institutional visits, cultural activities, and interacting with Japanese society.
Do I need to speak Japanese?
No, you do not need to speak Japanese, but you must be able to communicate in English.
How competitive is the program?
The program is competitive, with only 13 participants selected from the Western Balkans.
Final Thoughts
The Western Balkans Meet Japan program is a unique opportunity for young leaders to engage with Japan and develop knowledge and skills that can contribute to peace and cooperation in their region, through a Western Balkans Meet Japan exchange.
Looking for more like this? Browse every current scholarships listing on The Opportunity Here.
We summarise opportunity details as published by the organiser. Requirements and deadlines can change without notice, so always confirm on the official application page before you apply. The Opportunity Here is not affiliated with the organisers and never charges a fee to apply.
