ERASMUS (Proposal Basis) Program application guidelines

Program outline

The Asian Studies Unit invites proposal-based applications from doctoral degree students for ERASMUS programs to be undertaken at universities and research institutes outside Japan. These programs are supported with the aim of cultivating global researchers and experts with practical capabilities developed through collaborative experience with research colleagues overseas. Successful applicants are expected to engage in research at their host institution in a field which forms part of the Asian Studies Unit’s research agenda, and which will help develop their networks as global researchers. This initiative also encourages individual students to gain research experience in both Asia and the West.

1. Eligibility for application
   To be eligible to apply, you must be:
   1. A regular degree student (enrolled in a Master’s, Doctoral, or five-year Doctoral program) engaged in research in one of the following graduate schools:
      Graduate School of Letters, Graduate School of Economics, Graduate School of Management, Graduate School of Asian and African Area Studies, Graduate School of Education, Graduate School of Agriculture
   2. Able to propose your own program with the consent of your proposed host researcher (or institution)
   3. Proficient in the language to be used in the program to the following standard:
      English: TOEFL^® iBT 79 or above (if another language is used, an equivalent proficiency level is required in that language)
   4. Both physically and mentally healthy
   5. Able to obtain the consent of a relative or other guarantor
2. Dates
   Proposals will be accepted for programs with a commencement (departure) date in or after October 2013, with a duration of at least 60 days and up to half a year (to be completed within the 2013 fiscal year). The exact dates will be determined following screening and administrative coordination.
3. Destinations
   1. ASEAN countries
   2. No specific destination on host institution, but your research should be related to Asia or Japan.
      Note: Priority will be given to proposals for projects hosted by partner universities and research institutes of the Asian Studies Unit.
4. Number of applicants selected
   A small number
5. Extent of subsidy
   Subsidies will be provided to cover a portion of selected applicants’ travel and/or living expenses. The value of the subsidy will be determined during the screening process.
   * If a subsidy is offered for travel and/or living expenses, flights, accommodation and other arrangements must be made through the university. No refunds will be provided for tickets and other costs already incurred by applicants.
6. Obligations
   1. To submit a report and also to respond promptly to any other request for reporting on the outcomes of participation (including publications) from the Asian Studies Unit.
   2. To respond actively to any request for cooperation with academic events, overseas program information sessions, and other activities of the Asian Studies Unit.
   3. To clearly acknowledge the support of the Asian Studies Unit when presenting the outcomes of participation.
7. Recommended programs
   Priority will be given to proposals which involve taking SEND and Overseas Training courses and implementing a SEND program (a program involving Japanese language teaching support and cultural exchange) in the destination.
8. Proposal period
   Proposals will be accepted from Monday June 10 to Friday June 28.
9. Selection and notification of outcomes
   A selection committee established within the Asian Studies Unit will screen applications and determine selections. You will be notified of the outcome of your application by e-mail to the address you provide on the application form. No inquiries can be accepted during the screening process.
10. Other matters
    The personal information and other details you provide on the application form may be shared with travel agents and other third parties where necessary for ticket bookings and other travel arrangements.
    Approved program dates and activity schedules must not be altered without the permission of the Asian Studies Unit. You (the applicant) are responsible for meeting all cancellation and administrative fees related to travel and other expenses.