Friday, April 29, 2011

Summer Internships at the Freer|Sackler - Smithsonian Institution Washington, DC

Three full-time paid summer internships will be offered at the Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery from 31 May through 5 August 2011. The internships will provide an opportunity for supervised hands-on experience in digital photography, digital data management, and the cataloguing of an important collection of over 2000 Japanese ehon (illustrated books) in the Freer Gallery of Art. Interns will be trained and supervised by experienced professionals including curators, conservators, registrars, digital assets managers, and collections managers. While full-time work on the production of digital images toward an online scholarly catalogue is the primary focus of the internships, schedules will be planned to allow interns to participate in occasional Smithsonian-wide events for interns and in museum research seminars.

The first week of the internship will consist of a one-week workshop for training in digital photography of museum collections, data processing, and handling of fragile works of art. Interns will then be assigned to work on full-time supervised assignments for photography, data management, and cataloguing or metadata development for Japanese illustrated books in the Freer Gallery of Art.

Applicants should be available for full-time work (40 hours per week) beginning on 31 May and ending 5 August. The only holiday during the five-day work week will be Monday, July 4. No other vacation may be taken during the internship. Interns will receive stipends of $600.00 per week, or $6000 for the ten weeks of the program. Interns must be prepared to secure their own housing and commuting. Daily parking is not available at the Smithsonian.

Essential selection criteria include:

Graduate coursework in art history, especially Japanese or East Asian studies, library science, museum studies, or archival studies

Japanese language proficiency

Some combination of the following is also desirable:

Proficiency in use of computer software, especially database programs

Relevant museum, rare books, or archival experience

Experience in photography and/or data processing or management of digital resources

Demonstrated evidence of punctuality, attention to detail, ability to work as a productive and collegial team member, and ability to meet requirements of assignments and deadlines.

Internship appointments will be contingent on:

Prompt completion of forms and documents required for Smithsonian security clearance, including required fingerprinting.

Successful completion of all required training sessions.

Application:

One-page statement explaining your qualifications and why this internship is of interest to you

Curriculum vitae or resume

Transcript (may be unofficial)

Two separately submitted confidential letters of recommendation, including one from a university faculty member familiar with your academic background. One may be from a work supervisor. (Letters may be submitted electronically.)

Application materials should be sent to Julie Sears (searsj@si.edu) and must be received byFriday, May 13th, 2011. Late applications cannot be accepted. Applicants will be notified by Wednesday, May 18th



EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY Japan Information and Culture Center, Embassy of Japan

The Japan Information and Culture Center (JICC), Embassy of Japan, is seeking a highly motivated, team-oriented individual for the position of Webmaster / Office Manager. Please see below for a more detailed list of responsibilities.

The Embassy offers group health insurance coverage, 15 days of paid vacation per year, 12 paid US holidays, 7 paid Japanese holidays, and sick leave. Working hours are 9am – 5pm, Monday through Friday with weeknight and/or weekend events several times a month (paid overtime).

Candidate must be able to work legally in the U.S.; A-2 Visa and Practical Training Visa will not be considered. Applications are now being accepted. Only successful candidates will be contacted.


POSITION:
Webmaster / Office Manager

Responsibilities:

§ Maintaining and updating the JICC website, including graphic design, copy/content editing, and video editing

§ Serving as the point of contact for facilities maintenance and logistical coordination

§ Drafting reports, letters and emails for diplomats regarding office management

§ Assisting with cultural events and computer-related issues

§ Disseminating Japan-related information to the public and responding to inquiries (in person, on the phone, and via email)


Required Qualifications:

§ English fluency

§ Bachelor’s degree in relevant field

§ Strong general computer/technology skills

§ Proficiency with Adobe Dreamweaver (or strong web coding background)

§ Proficiency with Adobe Photoshop and general design principles

§ Superior communication and interpersonal skills

§ Flexibility and resourcefulness; ability to multitask and both follow directions and take initiative


Preferred Qualifications:

§ Japanese language proficiency

§ Good understanding of Japanese culture, and experience living or working in Japan

§ Familiarity with web programming (HTML/CSS)

§ Experience with photography and photo/video editing


To Apply:

Please email (Word attachments only) or mail your cover letter, resume,technical question response (see right), and university transcript (unofficial is fine) to:

Ms. Ikuko Hamada

Japan Information and Culture Center, Embassy of Japan

1150 18th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036

jicchr@ws.mofa.go.jp

www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/JICC

jicchr@ws.mofa.go.jp

Technical Question:

Please answer one of the following

in a few sentences:

1. How does one validate markup in Dreamweaver, and why is this useful?

2. How is CSS different from HTML and why is CSS useful?




Friday, April 22, 2011

North Korea Freedom Fest 2011

Caleb Dependahl, a GW junior interning at the The Committee for Human Rights in North Korea, would like to draw his fellow students' attention to North Korea Freedom Fest 2011. The North Korea Freedom Fest is a mini film festival focusing on North Korea human rights issues. This year's festival will take place on Monday, April 25 and Tuesday, April 26 at West End Cinema (2301 M Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20037). Three documentaries will be shown at this year's festival: Seoul Train (6 PM) and Kimjongilia (8 PM) on Monday, and ABDUCTION (7 PM) on Tuesday. A Q & A session with the directors and North Korean defectors will follow each film.

For more information on North Korea Freedom Fest 2011, inculding movie descriptions, trailers, and tickets, please visit http://www.westendcinema.com/

Monday, April 18, 2011

Former GW Student Creates Music Album to Help Victims in Japan

Robert Baum is a former Elliot School student (2006) who now works for a music company Topspin in Los Angeles. Inspired by the tragic events in Japan, Robert decided to use his connections with musicians around the world to create "Music 4 Japan," his first compilation that features beats, rhymes, and pieces. The compilation features 30 plus tracks, mixing Rock, Electronica, Beats, Hip-hop, UK Grime, and Country. It's available for purchase as a digital album only at http://music4japan.org/. All profits go to help American Red Cross relief efforts in Japan. His company, Topspin, is also giving away to one lucky donator one year of full access to the world's leading direct to fan marketing platform. For more information, visit http://www.topspinmedia.com/signup

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

ANU Asia Pacific WeekANU Asia Pacific Week

The Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra is offering
scholarships for 100 undergraduate, masters and doctoral students to attend
Asia Pacific Week from 10-14 July 2011.

This year’s ANU Asia Pacific Week will bring together leading regional
experts and 100 of the world's top students for a series of academic and
networking events focused on the Asia Pacific region. The week in Canberra
will incorporate the China Update, a Q&A style forum on the future of the
Asia Pacific, thematic and sub-regional panel discussions, and a flagship
session on the transformation of political and economic power in Asia. The
opening address on 11 July will be delivered by the Hon. Kevin Rudd MP,
Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs.

Applications for student participants are currently open and will close on
21 April 2011.

Scholarships will be awarded to selected students and substantial travel
bursaries may also be offered based on the strength of individual
applications. Accommodation and food will be provided for the duration of
the conference.

Further details on this exciting opportunity can be found at:
http://asiapacificweek.anu.edu.au/index.php

Nicholas Farrelly
College of Asia and the Pacific
The Australian National University
Canberra ACT 0200
AUSTRALIA
E: nicholas.farrelly@anu.edu.au

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Today: Bake Sale for Japan

The Japanese Program in the Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures is hosting a bake sale for Japan today from 11 AM-4 PM at the Language Center (Phillips Hall, Room 216). 100% of the proceeds will be donated directly to the prefectures that are suffering from the earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear plant crisis. Come out and help support Japan!

Monday, April 4, 2011

Video of the Sigur Center's Event "After the Earthquake & Tsunami: Japan's Nuclear, Economic, and Political Challenges" Available Online

As part of the Elliott School's Web Video Initiative, last Monday's event "After the Earthquake & Tsunami: Japan's Nuclear, Economic, and Political Challenges" is available for download on the Elliott School website. This timely event had an expert panel discuss the important challenges facing Japan after the earthquake and tsunami. Please click on the link below to view the video. http://media.elliott.gwu.edu/video/209

Friday, April 1, 2011

My trip to Sydney, Australia for the 5th annual Uyghur Leadership Training Seminar: The Uyghur Issue in the Context of China's Democratization Process

Before I begin, if you don't know what "Uyghur" means and you don't know who "Rebiya Kadeer" is, then you should Google both terms/people, then continue reading.

Through the generous sponsorship of the Elliott School of International Affairs Undergraduate Scholars program, the Sigur Center for Asian Studies, and the National Endowment for Democracy, I had the opportunity to travel to Sydney, Australia from March 20-23, 2011 to present my working paper, "Ethno-diplomacy and the Transnational Uyghur Political Movement: A comparative study on China-Turkey and China-Kazakhstan relations", at a research symposium for Uyghur leaders. My trip to Sydney was the most fulfilling event in my academic career thus far. Not only do I now finally understand the significance of my research, I also left Australia with a more in-depth understanding of the role that the Uyghur issue plays in international relations and Chinese domestic politics, as well as a passion to continue researching and studying the Uyghur people and other ethnic minorities in China.

The symposium that I attended is one part of the annual Uyghur Leadership Training Seminar that took place from March 20-29, 2011 in Sydney, Canberra, Adelaide and Melbourne. Prominent Uyghur leader and president of the World Uyghur Congress, Ms. Rebiya Kadeer, thrice nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, attended and spoke throughout the seminar. The general aim of the seminar is to provide the Uyghur community with the knowledge and experience necessary not only to raise awareness of the Uyghur issue in the Western world, but also to build its own capacity in the field of human rights and democratization efforts. As one part of the 10-day workshop, the World Uyghur Congress hosted activists, academics, and experts for a research symposium in Sydney. I presented my working paper during this symposium at the New South Wales parliament house on March 22, 2011.

When I arrived in Sydney, the president of the Australian Uyghur Association, Mamtimin Ala, picked me up at the airport and took me to the home of a Uyghur family. We ate breakfast together, along with the other presenters and participants in the conference, and I soon realized that I was among an extremely hospitable and friendly group. I was able to communicate in either Chinese or English with most the Uyghurs present.

Presenting at the New South Wales parliament house was a thrilling and rewarding experience. The day before my presentation, people raised their eyebrows and looked surprised when I told them that I was presenting my paper at the symposium. “You look young,” they said. "Are you a master's or a PhD student?" they asked, squinting at me. A couple of people even laughed and shook their heads in disapproval when I replied that I was an undergraduate. One of the other presenters on my panel looked at me as if I was unworthy of his time. Just for the record, all of the condescending comments were from American or Australian academics, not from the Uyghur leaders. Right before my presentation, I said to myself: “You have to prove to them that you deserve to be here presenting your paper, just like everyone else. You’ve worked too hard on this paper to be nervous right now.”

After my presentation the moderator interpreted my presentation into Uyghur, and I watched as many of the faces in the audience lit up and smiled. Several people looked at me and nodded in approval. After the interpretation, the moderator turned to me and said, “Thank you for your refreshing, optimistic, and new perspective on this important issue.” Afterward, several people told me that I raised pertinent and thought-provoking questions, offered interesting arguments and a fresh perspective on an old issue. Although everyone did not agree with my conclusions, my arguments spurred a lively discussion throughout the rest of the day. I also received helpful criticism and my interviews with Uyghur political leaders helped me reach new conclusions in my paper. The Vice President of the World Uyghur Congress even asked me to send him a 2-3 page summary of my arguments. He's going to translate it into Uyghur and publish it in a newsletter distributed in Turkey.

Although presenting at the conference was exciting, the highlight of my trip was making friends with the academics and activists from around the world, Uyghur leaders and Uyghur youth from Australia, and learning about Uyghur culture. Throughout the conference, I also had the opportunity to interview Uyghur leaders in the World Uyghur Congress, including the general secretary of the World Uyghur Congress, and network with Uyghur professionals and researchers. I also ate Uyghur food, learned Uyghur phrases, learned about Uyghur identity, culture and language, and gained a deeper understanding of the Uyghur perspective on the issue. I heard countless stories from Uyghur refugees and youth in Australia about their lives and stories from Xinjiang/East Turkestan.

As we headed back to the hotel on my last night, I thought about my return to the United States, and I knew I had a responsibility to pass along all of the stories I heard. I have been inspired to continue working on the dynamic geopolitics of Xinjiang/East Turkestan and China-Eurasian relations, as well as the human rights abuses ongoing in the region. Next week, I’m hosting two events with the Organization of Asian Studies to promote awareness of the Uyghur issue. On Monday, April 11th at 6:30 pm I will be screening the documentary of Ms. Rebiya Kadeer’s life in the Sigur Center (RSVP to http://tinyurl.com/10conditionsoflove) and on Wednesday, April 13th I will be holding a Conversations with Scholars event for GW students ONLY at 12:30 pm in the Sigur Center with Professor Sean Roberts, Alim Seytoff, and Nury Turkel (RSVP to http://tinyurl.com/uygurhomeland). Please visit http://www.gwu.edu/~sigur/news/index.cfm or email oas1@gwu.edu for more information. 

-Sarah Tynen
George Washington University Class of 2011
International Affairs and Asian Studies



Me presenting at the NSW parliament house, trying to look as old/mature as possible in my suit




Traditional Uyghur dress and dance, at a celebration on the first night for Uyghurs and Turks in Australia.




Most of the members of the World Uyghur Conference at the research symposium