The Reischauer Scholars Program (RSP) - Stanford Program on International and Cross-Cultural Education (SPICE)

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 fifteenth 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.

RSP students will interact with the Japanese high school students of the Stanford e-Japan Program, deepening their mutual cross-cultural understanding and broadening their global perspectives. 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 2018. Students should expect to allot 4–6 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.