Deadline: 15-Oct-2025
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (MOFA) and the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO) are excited to collaborate for the sixth consecutive year to bring you the highly anticipated youth exchange program “Western Balkans meet Japan: A Bridge into the Future”.
Taking place from 13-19 February 2026, this program welcomes 13 undergraduate or graduate students aged 20 years old or older, coming from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia to apply for a great opportunity of personal and professional growth.
Focus areas include deepening participants’ understanding of Japan and its policy, promoting mutual understanding and reconciliation through intellectual and cultural exchange, and building a basis for future friendship and cooperation between Japan and the Western Balkans.
The program blended academic discussions, cultural exchange, and emotional reflection, offering a transformative experience that deepened participants’ understanding of intercultural dialogue and conflict resolution. It provided a once-in-a-lifetime journey that created lasting connections and empowered participants to become active promoters of peace in their communities.
The costs covered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan include round-trip international air tickets by economy class, overseas travel and accident insurance, accommodation and transportation in Japan, meals during the program, and admission fees for scheduled activities. Participants are responsible for personal expenses such as passport, visa, vaccination, excess baggage, travel to the designated airport, and souvenirs or personal goods.
Eligible applicants must be currently enrolled undergraduate or graduate students aged 20 years or older on arrival in Japan, living in one of the Western Balkans societies, and holding a passport issued by one of the WB6 countries. Applicants must have a good command of English, be motivated to disseminate information on Japan’s attractions, demonstrate good academic achievements and social activism, and respect the spirit of reconciliation and cooperation in the Western Balkans.
Previous participants in Japanese government exchange programs or those who have lived in Japan are not eligible. Applicants with demonstrated ties to Japan or a proven track record in reconciliation, regional cooperation, or intercultural learning are considered an asset. Participants from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, and Montenegro are required to apply for a visa, and the organizers will provide guidance to selected participants.
The deadline for applications is 15 October 2025 at 23:59 CET, with selected participants expected to be notified by mid-November.
For more information, visit RYCO.