Cultural Immersion Experiences

Becoming a global citizen.

In partnership with the government of Japan, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. (CBCF) selected students to participate in the Kakehashi Project, a study aboard program in Japan for emerging leaders. Through this initiative, the CBCF, the Embassy of Japan, and the Japanese International Cultural Center aspire to increase African American students’ interest in and exposure to global opportunities and the culture of Japan.

Gaining cultural perspective.

The project takes place in and around Tokyo, Japan and includes tours of cultural and historical landmarks, lectures on U.S.-Japan relations, as well as visits to leading technology companies.

How to Apply?

Participants should live, work or attend a school in a Congressional Black Caucus member district and be a current undergraduate or senior, graduate school student, or recent college graduate.

Individuals who have visited Japan through any invitation program organized by the government of Japan are NOT eligible to apply.

Preference will be given to participants who have completed relevant coursework in international affairs/relations, political science, foreign relations, international trade/business, urban planning, Japanese language, or Asian Studies.

Application requirements

A color copy of a current passport that is valid for the dates of the program
College and/or graduate transcript(s)
Two letters of recommendation
A professional resume
Headshot/photo
An essay

Students are only responsible for roundtrip transportation from their home to Washington, D.C. and any personal expenses they incur.

Please note: Immediate relatives (defined as one’s parents, step-parents, siblings, spouse, children, step-children, foster children, in-laws, sibling in-laws, grandparents, great grandparents, step-great grandparents, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews) of a CBC Member, a CBC Spouse, a staff person of a CBC Member or Spouse, CBCF staff, a member of the CBCF Board of Directors, Member of CBCF, Corporate Advisory Council Member of CBCF, or any CBCF-sponsoring entity are not eligible for CBCF study abroad programs.