Western Balkans Meet Japan 2027Complete Guide for Youth Leaders
Are you a student from the Western Balkans interested in peacebuilding, reconciliation, regional cooperation and cultural exchange?
- Age limit
- 20 years or older
- Degree
- Undergraduate Students & Graduate Students
- Start date
- January 20–26, 2027
- Language
- Excellent English proficiency
Can you apply?
Applicants must:
- Be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate programme
- Be 20 years or older
- Hold a passport/citizenship from one of the six Western Balkans countries
- Have excellent English skills
- Be motivated to learn about Japan and share knowledge about Japan with their communities
- Have good academic performance and demonstrate social/community engagement
Previous experience in dealing with the past, reconciliation, regional cooperation or intercultural learning is an advantage.
What you get
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan covers the core programme costs, including:
- Round-trip international economy airfare
- Accommodation in Japan
- Meals during the program
- Transportation within Japan
- Overseas travel and accident insurance
- Admission fees for scheduled activities
However, participants are responsible for personal expenses, such as passport costs, visa-related expenses where applicable, travel to the designated departure airport and personal purchases.
Applying
Common questions
Is this fully funded youth exchange… funded?
International airfare, accommodation, insurance, transportation in Japan, meals & scheduled activities covered
Who can apply?
Nationality: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia & Serbia
Education: Undergraduate Students & Graduate Students
Age: 20 years or older
Is there an application fee?
$0
When is the deadline?
August 31, 2026 at 23:59 CET
How do I apply?
Apply directly on the official website: rycowb.org. Potenue does not collect applications.
Full description
Are you a student from the Western Balkans interested in peacebuilding, reconciliation, regional cooperation and cultural exchange? The Western Balkans Meet Japan: A Bridge into the Future programme, organised under the MIRAI Programme by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (MOFA) in collaboration with RYCO, offers a fully supported seven-day cultural and academic exchange in Japan.
Programme Highlights
During the seven-day exchange, participants will explore Japan’s approaches to peacebuilding, reconciliation and international cooperation, while experiencing Japanese culture and building connections with other young people from the Western Balkans.
Important
This opportunity is NOT open to Indian or other international students outside the Western Balkans.
Useful Links
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All quick facts
- Opportunity Type
- Fully Funded Youth Exchange Programme
- Education Level
- Undergraduate Students & Graduate Students
- Eligible Nationalities
- Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia & Serbia
- Age Limit
- 20 years or older
- Language
- Excellent English proficiency
- Focus Areas
- Peacebuilding, reconciliation, regional cooperation & intercultural learning
- Funding
- International airfare, accommodation, insurance, transportation in Japan, meals & scheduled activities covered
- Application Fee
- $0
- Location
- Japan
- Programme Dates
- January 20–26, 2027
- Deadline
- August 31, 2026 at 23:59 CET
- Application Method
- Online application through RYCO
