Funding your Conference

ISC programs are life-changing — and thanks to generous donors and partners, they’re significantly subsidized. Still, we know the participation fee can feel like a barrier. That’s why we’ve created this page to help you navigate scholarships, university funding, and other creative ways to cover your costs.

Whether you’re attending JASC, KASC, or ChASC, this page is your starting point for financing your experience.

Conference Costs Overview

JASC

(American Delegates)

$4,250 (Japan year)

$3,500 (US year)

What's Included: Housing, meals, cultural activities, international and domestic flights, ground transportation, certificate, and travel health insurance

KASC

$4,250 International delegates

$2,500 Domestic delegates

What's Included: Housing, meals, cultural activities, international and domestic flights, ground transportation, certificate, and travel health insurance

ChASC

$4,250 per delegate

What's Included: Housing, meals, cultural activities, international and domestic flights, ground transportation, certificate, and travel health insurance

Payment Plans card noting that ISC delegates can arrange flexible payment options with their Executive Committee.

What You Pay For: Domestic transportation to and from the conference start and end points; personal expenses; international SIMs or pocket Wi-Fi; visas/ESTA/ETA (if needed).

ISC Scholarships

Each year, ISC offers a limited number of need-based scholarships to ensure that financial barriers do not prevent student participation.

Plant a Diplomatic Tree Scholarship

Each conference awards one full scholarship annually, made possible by donations from ISC alumni and friends. Depending on funding, additional partial scholarships may also be awarded.

Glen S. and Sakie T. Fukushima JASC Alumni Fellowship Fund

This fund provides:

  • One full scholarship for a U.S. JASC delegate

  • One full scholarship for a Japanese JASC delegate

  • Partial support for JASC Executive Committee members

Additional scholarships will be awarded based on level of need, amount of funding available, and number of applicants.

Your Funding Toolkit

Most delegates fund their ISC conference through a mix of sources. Here are the most common and effective pathways:

University Funding card explaining that many schools offer study abroad or Asian studies scholarships for ISC delegates.
External Scholarships card highlighting AAS and Freeman-ASIA awards for students in Asian studies and cultural exchange.
Corporate Sponsorship card encouraging delegates to seek support from companies, banks, and local businesses.
Creative Solutions card showing fundraising ideas like GoFundMe, family sponsorships, and grants for ISC delegates.

Download Your Complete Funding Toolkit

Most delegates find their funding through a mix of university, scholarship, and community support. Our Funding Guide walks you step-by-step through the process—download it today to get started.
⬇ Download

Funding Your Conference Experience

This session explores practical ways students can secure funding for their trips, including scholarships at their University and fundraising strategies.

It will highlight where to search for opportunities and how to effectively communicate the value of their conference experience. Students will also gain tips on crafting compelling applications and pitches to increase their chances of receiving support.