JASA Travel Award
Applications for the Fall 2026 Travel Award are now open! Download your application here.
Deadline to submit application: June 30, 2026 by 5 PM CST.
About the award
JASA considers studying abroad an important milestone in a student’s academic and personal development. Thus, the purpose of the JASA Travel Award is to support study abroad in Japan, thereby helping students expand their global perspective, strengthen their understanding of U.S.–Japan relations, and develop their intercultural communication skills. A student participating in an approved study abroad program at a JASA member institution should strive to positively promote both the higher education institution and the mission of JASA: to “strengthen the cooperation and understanding between the cultures of Japan and Alabama by providing exceptional and value-based experiences in business, culture, education, and governmental affairs.”
The JASA Travel Award is eligible for any approved higher education study abroad program in Japan with the intention of deepening academic studies while engaging directly with Japanese culture, language, and society. Recipients will receive a maximum of $1500 to support the purchase of a round-trip flight to Japan and/or other expenses associated with their study abroad program.
Application requirements
Applicants must:
- be a student participating in a study abroad program in Japan which has been approved by their higher education institution.
- be currently enrolled at a JASA member institution.
- submit an essay (one page, 12 pt font, Times New Roman) with this application explaining why the applicant is studying abroad in Japan, how the applicant’s study abroad program relates to their academic program or future plans, what the applicant hopes to accomplish in the program, and why the applicant should receive the JASA travel award.
- if selected as an awardee, submit an essay (one page, 12 pt font, Times New Roman) within 30 days of the return from study abroad summarizing the applicant’s experience, what was learned academically and culturally, and the impact of the JASA Travel Award.
- participate, if requested, in a virtual interview as part of the selection process, which may be recorded and shared internally with the JASA Education Committee and other members.
- submit the application with the required signatures by the specified deadlines.
Ai usage clause
Applicants must agree not to use AI to generate any of the application requirements. This includes
complete generation of materials and editing using AI or any LLM. The selection committee will use
GPTZero and Grammarly to check all essays. If an essay is marked as being 80% or more AI generated, the
application will be disqualified.