[SNU College × Institute for Japanese Studies Junior Fellow Program] Call for Undergraduate Fieldwork Teams

The Institute for Japanese Studies (IJS) at Seoul National University invites teams of SNU undergraduate students to apply for a fieldwork program in Japan. The program is organized by IJS Junior Fellow Program with support from SNU College's Self–Career Discovery Program.

Korea and Japan face many shared social challenges, including population decline, regional revitalization, and multicultural coexistence. IJS hopes to give undergraduate students an opportunity to form teams with friends, choose their own research topics and destinations, and conduct fieldwork in Japan. We hope this experience will help you explore your academic interests, strengthen your problem-solving skills, and make lasting memories with your teammates.

We look forward to your interest and participation.

1. Eligibility and program details

• Eligibility: Teams of at least three SNU undergraduate students. (Individual applications are not accepted; students on leave may apply, regardless of nationality; exchange students are not eligible.)
• Activities: Plan and carry out fieldwork in Japan lasting at least four days and three nights on a topic of interest to the team. Activities may include interviews, site visits, and literature research.
• Fieldwork period: December 7 (Mon), 2026 – January 24 (Sun), 2027
• Funding: Two teams will be selected. Each team will receive KRW 3 million for fieldwork expenses and travel costs.
• Fieldwork expenses include purchases of research materials and exhibition admission.
• Eligible travel costs are limited to airfare, accommodation, and meals.

2. How to apply

The team representative should complete both documents below in Korean (other languages are not acceptable) and email them to ijs@snu.ac.kr:

(1) Application form and fieldwork plan ([Form 1])
(2) Budget plan ([Form 2])

3. Selection schedule

• Application period: September 28 (Mon) – October 11 (Sun), 2026
• Review period: October 12 (Mon)–October 23 (Fri), 2026
• Applications will be reviewed based on the submitted documents. Interviews may be held if needed. Selection results will be emailed individually to team representatives after the review.

4. Requirements and notes

Selected teams must submit all three items below within 14 days of completing their fieldwork, and before January 27:
(1) A statement of travel expenses and supporting documents, such as receipts
(2) A fieldwork report of at least five A4 pages
(3) A two- to five-minute video showing the team’s fieldwork
(The fieldwork video may be used to introduce and promote IJS and its Junior Fellow Program. Selected teams will receive detailed instructions on submitting their materials.)

5. Inquiries: Institute for Japanese Studies, Seoul National University (02-880-8503 / ijs@snu.ac.kr)