The Reischauer Scholars Program (RSP) is an online course for high school students sponsored by the Stanford Program on International and Cross-Cultural Education and the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies (FSI). Named in honor of former Ambassador to Japan Edwin O. Reischauer, the RSP annually selects 25–30 exceptional high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors from throughout the United States to engage in an intensive study of Japan. Selected students participate in the online course on Japan from February to June of each year.

Currently entering its thirteenth year, the RSP provides students with a broad overview of Japanese history, literature, religion, art, politics, economics, and contemporary society, with a special focus on the U.S.–Japan relationship. Ambassadors, top scholars, and experts throughout the United States and Japan provide online lectures and engage students in live discussion sessions. Students also complete readings and weekly assignments, with the coursework culminating in an independent research project. Final research projects are printed in journal format, and students are also required to lead two presentations on Japan at their schools or in their local communities. Students who successfully complete the course will earn Stanford Continuing Studies Program (CSP) credit and a Certificate of Completion from SPICE, Stanford University.

Selected students will participate in 10 "virtual classes" via the Internet between February and June 2016. Students should expect to allot 3–6 hours per week to complete the lectures, discussions, readings, and assignments. Since this is a distance-learning course, however, students can structure most of the work around their individual schedules. Although intensive, the RSP will equip participants with a rare degree of expertise about Japan that may have a significant impact on their choice of study and future career. Students do not need to know the Japanese language to participate in this course, and there are no student fees.

For more information, please see the Frequently Asked Questions or e-mail Naomi Funahashi, Reischauer Scholars Program Manager and Instructor, at nfunahashi@stanford.edu.
 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

RSP in the News

• "Japan Day 2015: Honoring Reischauer Scholars"
• "Honoring the Next Generation of U.S.-Japan Scholars"
• “The Reischauer Scholars Program and BEYOND Tomorrow: Cultivating Future Leaders on Both Sides of the Pacific” 
• “Japan Day 2013: Honoring Reischauer Scholars” 
• “2012 Reischauer Scholars Honored at Stanford University”
• “Teens Log on to Learn about U.S.–Japan Relations” 
  Nichi Bei Times Weekly. August 28–September 3, 2008. Page 3. (PDF)
• “Stanford Program Wins $25,000 Goldman Sachs Foundation Prize”
  March 19, 2008l
• “SPICE Program Honors Reischauer Scholars”
  Nichi Bei Times Weekly. October 4–10, 2007: Page 3. (PDF)