Building the TOMODACHI Generation: Morgan Stanley Ambassadors Program
Empowering Japanese students to address social challenges and strengthen civil society through teamwork and skills development.
Building the TOMODACHI Generation: Morgan Stanley Ambassadors Program is an intensive, two-week program designed for Japanese students with an interest in leadership training, cross-cultural exchange, and entrepreneurial approaches to addressing social challenges.
The program is a partnership between The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars (TWC) in Washington, D.C. and the U.S.-Japan Council and is administered by TWC. The program is funded solely by Morgan Stanley through the U.S.-Japan Council’s TOMODACHI Initiative.
Eligibility
To be eligible for this seminar, you must meet the following criteria:
- Applicants must be full-time undergraduate students.
- Students from all majors may apply.
- Applicants must be enrolled in a university during the program. Applicants who are studying abroad during the dates of the program are not eligible.
- Applicants must have Japanese citizenship.
- Applicants must have a current passport.
Program Components
During this two-week seminar, you will take part in lectures, workshops, panel discussions and site visits. You'll engage with experts on civil society, build cross-sector partnerships and explore how to address social challenges. You'll work closely with other team members from Japan and the U.S. to identify an on-going social challenge in Japan. Leveraging what you have learned, you will develop a project to address that challenge and present it at the end of the seminar.
You will also develop key global skills like cross-cultural understanding, leadership, teamwork, critical thinking, communication and networking.
Program Cost
This is a fully-funded seminar sponsored by Morgan Stanley through the U.S.-Japan Council’s TOMODACHI Initiative. Sponsorship covers the cost of the seminar, housing, transportation, most meals and basic health insurance. You will need spending money for incidental items or snacks (estimated $50 per week).
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Housing and Living
While in Washington, D.C., participants stay at TWC’s Residential and Academic Facility (RAF), a community and learning environment for everyone in the TWC community. The RAF is located in the NoMa neighborhood near many cafes, restaurants, and grocery stores, and it’s just a short walk to the U.S. Capitol.
Housing
Participants will stay in a two-bedroom, two bathroom apartment with three other program participants. You will share a bedroom and a bathroom with one other participant, along with your kitchen, living and dining area with your two other roommates. Apartments are fully furnished with a bed and dresser for each student, living room and dining room furnishings, washer/dryer and dishwasher in-unit, and even pots, pans and cutlery already stocked in the kitchen cabinets.
What to Pack
Please bring the following:
- personal toiletries
- government-issued ID card
- business professional attire for seminar sessions and site visits
- small folding umbrella
- casual attire for evenings and weekends
- athletic attire and shoes for team-building retreat
- notebook and pens
Housing Services
TWC staff will be available to make sure you have the support you need, any time day or night. Our disability services staff ensures that every participant has the tools they need to live comfortably, complete assignments and succeed in their work.
Academic Credit
There is no academic credit available for this seminar.
Dates and Deadlines
- Program Dates: August 4, 2024 – August, 20, 2024
- Application Window Opens: March 1, 2024
- Application Deadline: April 7, 2024
- Finalist Interviews: April 10, 2024 – April 14, 2024
- Notification of Selection: May 1, 2024
How to Apply
The 2024 program application is now open! Review the Application Documents section below to see what you'll need to submit with your application.
When you're ready to get started, create an account (or log in to your existing account) in the Application Portal. Select Building the TOMODACHI Generation: Morgan Stanley Ambassadors Program from the list of available programs in the portal.
This application will close on April 7, 2024. If you have any questions about the 2024 Building the TOMODACHI Generation: Morgan Stanley Ambassadors Program, please reach us via email at TOMODACHI@twc.edu.
Application Documents
The application requires you to submit two documents: a personal statement and a resume.
- Personal Statement: The personal statement must be at least 500 words and no longer than 1,000 words. Please describe how participating in the program aligns with your academic, personal and professional interests. If applicable, please describe any experience you have working in a community to solve a social challenge.
- Resume: Please provide a one-page, American-style resume outlining your educational and professional history. Please include your TOEIC/TOEFL score. You are also encouraged to include any leadership and volunteer experience you may have.
Program Partners
About the TOMODACHI Initiative
The TOMODACHI Initiative is a public-private partnership between the U.S.-Japan Council and the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, with support from the Government of Japan. Born out of support for Japan’s recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake, TOMODACHI invests in the next generation of Japanese and American leaders through educational and cultural exchanges as well as leadership programs. The initiative seeks to foster a “TOMODACHI Generation” of young American and Japanese leaders who are committed to and engaged in strengthening U.S.-Japan relations, appreciate each other’s countries and cultures, and possess the global skills and mindsets needed to contribute to and thrive in a more cooperative, prosperous, and secure world. Visit the TOMODACHI Initiative for more information.
About Morgan Stanley
Morgan Stanley is a leading global financial services firm providing investment banking, securities, wealth management and investment management services. With offices in more than 41 countries, the Firm’s employees serve clients worldwide including corporations, governments, institutions and individuals. Visit Morgan Stanley for more information.
FAQs
Are permanent residents of Japan (without citizenship) eligible for this program?
No. Unfortunately, participant slots for students from Japan are only open to Japanese citizens.
Is there a minimum TOEIC or TOEFL score required to be eligible for this program?
No. There is no minimum TOEIC or TOEFL score required for eligibility, but we do ask you to include it in your resume that you must submit with your application.
Are TOEIC and TOEFL the only English tests accepted for this program?
No. While we prefer TOEIC and TOEFL scores for standardization purposes, you may include other standardized English test scores in your resume.
Are only first- and second-year students eligible for this program?
No. While there is a preference for for first- and second-year students, it does not mean that third- and fourth-year students are not eligible, and we still encourage you to apply.
Do I need to be fluent in English to participate in the program?
While we do not require participants to be fluent in English, all phases of the program take place in English, so an intermediate level of English proficiency is necessary.
Are students with dual citizenship eligible to participate in the program?
Yes. As long as you have Japanese citizenship, it does not matter if you have citizenship of another country, even the United States.
Is it possible to start the program late or leave the program early if I have other commitments during the program schedule?
No. We require a commitment to full participation in the program among all selected participants.
Policies
You can view TWC's Internship Policies here, which includes information on student conduct, billing, grades, and much more. All students will be expected to follow these policies so we encourage you to review them.