Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Posters on the Hill Deadline has been extended due to Hurricane Sandy


Due to Hurricane SandyThe Deadline for Posters on the Hill
Has Been Extended!

In the Spring of 2013 the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) will host its 17th annual undergraduate poster session on Capitol Hill. This event will help members of Congress understand the importance of undergraduate research by talking directly with the students whom these programs impact.

New Deadline for Submission is November 8, 2012.
CUR is calling for students to submit an abstract of their research that represents any of CUR's disciplinary divisions (Arts and Humanities, Biology, Chemistry, Geosciences, Health Sciences, Mathematics/Computer Science, Physics/Astronomy, Psychology, and Social Sciences). In order to ensure proper review of applications, the above are the only disciplines that may apply. Should your research be inter-disciplinary, please select the division that most closely describes your research.

Abstract submissions will only be accepted by using CUR’s on-line submission form. Prior to submitting the form, students should gather the contact information for all co-authors, advisors and sponsors (if applicable), prepare a short vitae/resume, and poster abstract. Be sure to include your home Congressional district in your application.

A document listing the information required for submission can be found by visiting: http://www.cur.org/conferences_and_events/student_events/posters_on_the_hill_information_for_submission/ <http://cur.networkats.com/members_online/utilities/emailct.asp?A830B49DC9238158EEC90FB426B14F26316C487831C17283B05AD8A75B24607C>
  
For more information, and the link to submit an application, please visit: http://www.cur.org/conferences_and_events/student_events/posters_on_the_hill_call_for_abstracts/ <http://cur.networkats.com/members_online/utilities/emailct.asp?C9B50E616B245C00EBC4C91CEA4E1F1A1401BB6F3DF199D18069A0694309FF9E> .

You will note that CUR requires either the student’s home institution must have an institutional membership, or the faculty mentor or student must have an individual membership.  Please know that GW is indeed an institutional member of CUR. 
Please be sure that both portions (the electronic application and the electronic recommendation letter) are submitted by November 8, 2012.

For more information about the Posters on the Hill program, please visit http://www.cur.org/postersession.html<http://cur.networkats.com/members_online/utilities/emailct.asp?709038275EE3480D2057F7897D9BB075A57B826947083B9468FE58EAB07E674B> .

Further questions?  Contact research@gwu.edu
Fan the Center for Undergraduate Fellowships and Research on Facebook!http://www.facebook.com/pages/GWU-Center-for-Undergraduate-Fellowships-and-Research/141965255865409 

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Internship Opportunity from Liberty in North Korea Organization for Spring 2013


Internship Opportunity from Liberty in North Korea, or LiNK, a non-profit working on raising awareness about the human rights crisis in North Korea and providing rescue and resettlement assistance to North Korean refugees.

Internships are for Spring 2013. LiNK is currently accepting applications for the Spring 2013 term, and has a variety of different positions that can involve students from all majors.  These positions are for the HQ (Torrance, CA) and S. Korea locations.

They are an organization that values the work of our interns, and your students can expect to gain real work experience while completing meaningful projects. You can visit their website here for details about the 12 internship positions they are currently offering.
 The positions are as follows:

  1. ADMINISTRATIVE & EVENT PLANNING INTERN
  2. NOMAD (TRAVELING INTERNS)
  3. CAMPAIGN INTERN
  4. COMMUNICATIONS & SOCIAL MEDIA INTERN
  5. DONOR RELATIONS INTERN
  6. GRAPHIC DESIGN INTERN
  7. HR & RECRUITMENT INTERN
  8. OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR INTERN
  9. RESCUE TEAM INTERN
  10. RESEARCH & STRATEGY INTERN
  11. TOUR RELATIONS INTERN
  12. US RESETTLEMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM INTERN
To apply, students may send their resumes or any questions to jobs@libertyinnorthkorea.org.  

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Internship Opening for Market Access and Compliance Unit of the International Trade Administration, Office of China and Mongolia


Internship Opportunity: Market Access and Compliance Unit of the International Trade Administration, Office of China and Mongolia

The Market Access and Compliance (MAC) unit helps American companies overcome trade barriers overseas and ensures that trading partners fully meet their obligations under trade agreements signed with the United States. MAC employs about 100 international trade specialists covering all of the countries in the world as well as multilateral organizations. The MAC unit includes the 1) Office of Africa, the Middle East and South Asia; 2) Office of Asia (China, Japan, and Southeast Asia); 3) Office of Europe; 4) Office of the Western Hemisphere; and 5) Trade Agreements and Compliance Office, which includes the a) Office of Multilateral Affairs covering trade-related activities of multilateral organizations such as the World Trade Organization and OECD, b) Office of Intellectual Property Rights, and c) Trade Compliance Center, which works with large and small businesses to ensure they receive the benefits of over 270 trade agreements that open foreign markets to U.S. goods and services.

To learn more about MAC, please visit their web site: http://trade.gov/mac/index.asp

General Internship Duties: Responsibilities for MAC interns will vary by office but may include: researching and analyzing trade and investment issues in particular countries on particular issue areas (e.g., government procurement, technical barriers to trade, import licensing, customs and trade facilitation for WTO Committee work or WTO/FTA negotiations); accompanying international trade specialists to meetings with other Commerce Department offices, American companies, other U.S. Government agencies, foreign governments, and/or other organizations and providing logistical support for and drafting reports on those meetings; helping prepare briefing papers and speeches; assisting international trade specialists with responding to requests from the business community for information on ways to expand its market access, remove market barriers, and benefit from trade agreements; and working with international trade specialists to develop strategies to address U.S. companies' market access and compliance concerns. 

General Qualifications: Qualifications include strong writing and verbal communication skills and an ability to work well with people. Applicants with foreign language ability are encouraged to apply as well as experience studying and/or traveling to or living in foreign countries.

Specific Qualifications Required:
  • Ability to read and speak Chinese
  • Knowledge of China and factors underlying trade and commerce
  • Ability to gather and perform basic research
  • Communication skills sufficient to assemble, organize, and report trade-related information
Please send resume and cover letter to the 
Deputy Director of the Office of China and Mongolia

Elliott School Freeman Foundation Fellowship for Internships in Asia


Elliott School Freeman Foundation Fellowship for internships in Asia

Graduate Student Career Development (GSCD) recently received a grant to help defray the costs for students pursuing internships in Asia.  Please consider adding a work experience in Asia to compliment your academic studies at the Elliott School.

Not sure if an internship or work experience will make a difference to employers?
Employers surveyed by GSCD for the Employment Qualifications and Skills Report rated the following qualifications as very important when making hiring decisions:

1)  International experience and contacts
2)  Foreign language skills
3)  Cross cultural competencies and communication skills

Where have previous Elliott School students interned in Asia?  A few examples of the countries/organizations past Elliott School students have interned in Asia:

* The Clinton Foundation-China
* US Department of State - Japan, Vietnam, and China
* UNICEF East Asia and the Pacific Regional Office-Thailand
* US Commerce Department Foreign Commercial Services-Singapore
* Development Alternatives, Inc.-Cambodia

Graduate Student Career Development is pleased to offer Freeman Foundation competitive grants for up to $4,000 that are available immediately to students that intern in Asia. 

Please log into Elliott School Career Connection (ESCC) and check the Document Library for more information including the application for the Freeman Foundation Fellowship Grant for Internships in Asia.

If you have any questions, please email Angella Griffin, Director, GSCD at agriffin@gwu.edu

Monday, October 22, 2012


Mahbub-ul-Haq Award 2013 Research Grants for Collaborative Research between Young South Asians

Purpose
The Regional Centre for Strategic Studies (RCSS) invites applications for research grants under its Mahbub-ul-Haq Awards programme. There are two awards available for this year. This award is intended for a collaborative study between two researchers, one each from a different South Asian country.

This award was originally introduced by RCSS in 2001 as part of the Non-Traditional Security Project in Asia. Named after a distinguished South Asian whose vision made the UN Human Development Report a landmark of the international developmental discussion, the award encourages exploration of security issues outside the realm of traditional security. The idea behind the award is to get two young South Asian scholars of two different nationalities to work together on the same project, bringing their diverse interests and background to bear on the study. The collaborative effort has also helped younger scholars to strengthen the networking which only RCSS has been able to develop in the region.

Types of Grants:

Awards will be made on the following themes:
  • Organized Crime and Criminal Networks
  • Energy Security: Risks & Resilience
  • Cross-border movement of people
  • Comparative Perspectives on Conflict Management
  • Security Sector Governance in South Asia
  • Nuclear Learning in South Asia


The duration of the award is for nine months, commencing from 1st January 2013. The grantees will be expected to conduct the research in a collaborative process and will be under obligation to produce and submit to the RCSS an original research monograph in English with a 20,000 word count.

US$ 1,000 will be paid to each of the awardees (US$ 2,000 per grant).

Requirements

  • Nationals of South Asian countries – Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka – are eligible to apply for these research awards.
  • Candidates should have a Master's degree in International Relations, Strategic Studies, Political Science, Economics, History, Anthropology, Journalism, International law, or other related subjects and be below the age of 35.
  • Women candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.

Application

  • Full curriculum vitae of both researchers including details of academic records and evidence of research competence
  • A joint research proposal within 1500 words describing the theme, importance, objectives, and methodology of the study, and justification for field work.
  • Two copies of two publications, if available.
  • Two confidential letters of academic reference should be sent directly to the RCSS

Deadline
The closing date for applications for the awards is 30th November 2012. Early submission is encouraged; there is no prescribed application form.

Contact
Further inquiries may be addressed to:

Thiranjala Weerasinghe
The Programme Officer
Regional Centre for Strategic Studies
68, Sarasavi Lane, Colombo 8, Sri Lanka.
Tel: (94-11) 2690913-4; Fax: 2690769
(94-11) 773159823
E-mail: programmes@rcss.org
Website: www.rcss.org

Kodikara Award 2013 Research Grants for South Asian Strategic Studies

Purpose
The Regional Centre for Strategic Studies (RCSS) invites applications for research grants under its Mahbub-ul-Haq Awards programme. There are two awards available for this year. This award is intended for a collaborative study between two researchers, one each from a different South Asian country.
This award was originally introduced by RCSS in 2001 as part of the Non-Traditional Security Project in Asia. Named after a distinguished South Asian whose vision made the UN Human Development Report a landmark of the international developmental discussion, the award encourages exploration of security issues outside the realm of traditional security. The idea behind the award is to get two young South Asian scholars of two different nationalities to work together on the same project, bringing their diverse interests and background to bear on the study. The collaborative effort has also helped younger scholars to strengthen the networking which only RCSS has been able to develop in the region.
Types of Grants
  • Awards will be made on the following themes:
  • Organized Crime and Criminal Networks
  • Energy Security: Risks & Resilience
  • Cross-border movement of people
  • Comparative Perspectives on Conflict Management
  • Security Sector Governance in South Asia
  • Nuclear Learning in South Asia
The duration of the award is for nine months, commencing from 1st January 2013. The grantees will be expected to conduct the research in a collaborative process and will be under obligation to produce and submit to the RCSS an original research monograph in English with a 20,000 word count. US$ 1,000 will be paid to each of the awardees (US$ 2,000 per grant).
Requirements
  • Nationals of South Asian countries – Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka – are eligible to
    apply for these research awards.
  • Candidates should have a Master's degree in International Relations, Political Science, Economics, History, Anthropology, Journalism, International law, or other related subjects and be below the age of 35.
  • Women candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.
Application
  • Full curriculum vitae of both researchers including details of academic records and evidence of research competence;
  • A joint research proposal within 1500 words describing the theme, importance, objectives, and methodology of the study, and
    justification for field work, if any; and copies of two publications, if available.
  • Two confidential letters of academic reference should be sent directly to the RCSS. The closing date for applications for the awards is 30th
    November 2012. Early submission is encouraged; there is no prescribed application form
Deadline
The closing date for applications for the awards is 30th November 2012. Early submission is encouraged; there is no prescribed application form.
Contact
Further inquiries may be addressed to:
Thiranjala Weerasinghe
The Programme Officer
Regional Centre for Strategic Studies
68, Sarasavi Lane, Colombo 8, Sri Lanka.
Tel: (94-11) 2690913-4; Fax: 2690769
(94-11) 773159823

E-mail: programmes@rcss.org
Website: www.rcss.org

Friday, October 19, 2012

Info Session on National Security Education Program's Boren Scholarships for Study Abroad


Are you interested in scholarships for studying abroad in a non-traditional location?

Interested in government service?

Learn about the National Security Education Program's Boren Scholarships and Fellowships for study abroad!

Representatives from the NSEP Boren Scholarship program will be on campus to discuss the program.

When: Tuesday, October 25, 2012
Where: ESIA 1957 E Street, NW Room 505

Info about the Boren (Graduate) Fellowships begins at 3:30pm
Info about the Boren (Undergraduate) Scholarships begins at 5:00pm

NOTE: The GW campus deadline for applying for NSEP Boren Undergraduate Scholarship is January 15, 2013. 
Please RSVP to fellcent@gwu.edu 


NATIONAL SECURITY EDUCATION PROGRAM - Boren Undergraduate Scholarships
http://www.borenawards.org/boren_scholarship
GW CAMPUS DEADLINE: January 15, 2013
ELIGIBILITY: US Citizenship; Recommended minimum GPA 3.2

How to Apply: http://www.borenawards.org/boren_scholarship/how_apply.html
NOTE: If you are planning to apply for an NSEP/Boren Scholarship, please register on-line as early as possible. There is no commitment involved in registering, but it permits us to offer you the highest level of application support.

The National Security Education Program (NSEP) David L. Boren Undergraduate Scholarships offer a unique opportunity for U.S. undergraduates to study in regions critical to U.S. interests - including Africa, Asia, Central & Eastern Europe, Eurasia, Latin America & the Caribbean, and the Middle East. (The countries of Western Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand are excluded.) NSEP focuses on geographic areas and languages deemed critical to U.S. national security and currently underrepresented in study abroad. For a complete list of preferred countries, languages and fields of study please visit this page: http://www.borenawards.org/boren_scholarship/preferences.html

NSEP draws on a broad definition of national security applied by the President in his annual National Security Strategy, recognizing that the scope of national security has expanded to include not only the traditional concerns of protecting and promoting American well-being, but also the challenges of global society, including: sustainable development, environmental degradation, global disease and hunger, population growth and migration, and economic competitiveness. NSEP emphasizes the importance of language study as a major component of your study-abroad program. Study of a foreign language appropriate to the identified country must be an integral part of each proposal. In addition, you must meet any language requirements of the study-abroad experience you propose.

Length of Study Abroad: NSEP goals will be promoted most effectively if students experience cultural and linguistic immersion in the overseas program for an academic year. For this reason, we strongly encourage undergraduate study abroad proposals based on two consecutive semesters of study. Preference will be given to undergraduate applicants proposing more than a semester of study. NSEP scholarships cover study abroad during summer 2013, fall 2013, and/or spring 2014. All eligible programs for 2013-2014 must begin on or after May 15, 2013.

Special information on Summer Study Abroad: Summer-only programs are limited to applied science and engineering majors, regardless of class standing. Applications for summer-only programs will only be considered if the program is eight (8) weeks or longer and is designed as a "language immersion" program.

NSEP Service Requirement: The NSEP prefers applicants who desire to work in the Departments of State, Homeland Security, Defense, or the Intelligence Community; however, Boren scholars currently work in offices and agencies throughout the federal government.  Preference will be given to applicants who demonstrate a commitment to a career in government service. There is also an expectation that NSEP Scholars and Fellows will use the language or regional expertise acquired as a result of the award in their work for the U.S. government. The duration of the service requirement is equal to the duration of assistance provided under the program, but in no case less than one year. NSEP Boren Scholars must begin to fulfill the service requirement no later than three years after the date of graduation from or termination of the program of study for which the scholarship was awarded.  NSEP Boren program also assists scholars with appropriate job placement.

Award: NSEP Boren Scholarships are merit-based. Award amounts are based on the study abroad costs and financial aid information provided by the applicant. The maximum award is $10,000 for a semester, or $20,000 for a full academic year. Students must inform IIE/NSEP of any additional outside funding they receive for their study-abroad program.

Fan the Center for Undergraduate Fellowships and Research on Facebook!http://www.facebook.com/pages/GWU-Center-for-Undergraduate-Fellowships-and-Research/141965255865409 

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Graduate Student Grants Available from Freeman Foundation



Graduate Student Career Development (GSCD) recently received a grant to help defray the costs for students pursuing internships in Asia.  Please consider adding a work experience in Asia to compliment your academic studies at the Elliott School.

 A Freeman Foundation Grant can support an internship in Asia. The funding can be combined with study abroad, so long as your study abroad experience is supplemented with an internship opportunity. Please contact Angela Griffin in Graduate Student Career Development for further details. 

Not sure if an internship or work experience will make a difference to employers?
Employers surveyed by GSCD for the Employment Qualifications and Skills Report rated the following qualifications as very important when making hiring decisions:
1)  International experience and contacts
2)  Foreign language skills
3)  Cross cultural competencies and communication skills

Where have previous Elliott School students interned in Asia?  A few examples of the countries/organizations past Elliott School students have interned in Asia:
• The Clinton Foundation-China
• US Department of State – Japan, Vietnam, and China
• UNICEF East Asia and the Pacific Regional Office-Thailand
• US Commerce Department Foreign Commercial Services-Singapore
• Development Alternatives, Inc.-Cambodia

Graduate Student Career Development is pleased to offer Freeman Foundation competitive grants for up to $4,000 that are available immediately to students that intern in Asia. 

Please log into Elliott School Career Connection (ESCC) and check the Document Library for more information including the application for the Freeman Foundation Fellowship Grant for Internships in Asia.

If you have any questions, please email Angella Griffin, Director, GSCD at agriffin@gwu.edu 

Opportunity to Present Undergraduate Research on Capitol Hill


Present your Undergraduate Research on Capitol Hill!

In the Spring of 2013 the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) will host its 17th annual undergraduate poster session on Capitol Hill. This event will help members of Congress understand the importance of undergraduate research by talking directly with the students whom these programs impact.

Deadline for Submission is November 1, 2012.
CUR is calling for students to submit an abstract of their research that represents any of CUR's disciplinary divisions (Arts and Humanities, Biology, Chemistry, Geosciences, Health Sciences, Mathematics/Computer Science, Physics/Astronomy, Psychology, and Social Sciences). In order to ensure proper review of applications, the above are the only disciplines that may apply. Should your research be inter-disciplinary, please select the division that most closely describes your research.

Abstract submissions will only be accepted by using CUR’s on-line submission form. Prior to submitting the form, students should gather the contact information for all co-authors, advisors and sponsors (if applicable), prepare a short vitae/resume, and poster abstract. A document listing the information required for submission can be found by visiting: http://www.cur.org/conferences_and_events/student_events/posters_on_the_hill_information_for_submission/ <http://cur.networkats.com/members_online/utilities/emailct.asp?A830B49DC9238158EEC90FB426B14F26316C487831C17283B05AD8A75B24607C>
  
For more information, and the link to submit an application, please visit: http://www.cur.org/conferences_and_events/student_events/posters_on_the_hill_call_for_abstracts/ <http://cur.networkats.com/members_online/utilities/emailct.asp?C9B50E616B245C00EBC4C91CEA4E1F1A1401BB6F3DF199D18069A0694309FF9E> .  You will note that CUR requires either the student’s home institution must have an institutional membership, or the faculty mentor or student must have an individual membership.  Please know that GW is indeed an institutional member of CUR. 
Please be sure that both portions (the electronic application and the electronic recommendation letter) are submitted by November 1, 2012.

For more information about the Posters on the Hill program, please visit http://www.cur.org/postersession.html<http://cur.networkats.com/members_online/utilities/emailct.asp?709038275EE3480D2057F7897D9BB075A57B826947083B9468FE58EAB07E674B> .

Further questions?  Contact research@gwu.edu

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Global Resources Center - Wikipedia Editathon


Date: Saturday, October 20, 2012
Location: George Washington University,  Gelman Library, 7th Floor
                  2130 H Street NW,  Washington DC 20052
Time: 9:30 am to 4:00 p.m.
Who:  Everyone
Lunch:  Provided  
                                                 
SCHEDULE:

  9:30 - 10:00 Arrival and wireless account set up; photo ID required to gain entrance to the library
10:00 - 12:00 New editor instruction and tutorials; experienced editors can dive right  in!
12:00 - 1:00  Lunch (provided) GRC specialists will provide orientations to the collections upon request
  1:00 - 4:00  Editathon led by TBD
EVENT DESCRIPTION: Gelman Library’s Global Resources Center invites you to participate in a Wikipedia Editathon All Things International on Saturday, October 20, 2012.  Almost everybody uses Wikipedia, but how does that information get there, and who decides what stays and what goes?  Wikipedia master editors will provide a two hour training session for new editors and content creators, and then assist as needed as you work on the Wiki articles you have pre-selected. Help will also be available for anyone with an interest in contributing new articles. 
SIGN-UP: Click on the following link to sign up for the editathon  -- just scroll down to the heading "Attending Oct. 20" and add your name:   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Meetup/DC/WLL/2012/2  
THE GLOBAL RESOURCES CENTER: The collections will be available to use as reference sources. GRC coverage spans the globe with concentrations of specialized English and non-English databases, books,  maps, statistics, primary documents, and a wealth of other resources focusing on 20th century China, Russia, Japan, Korea, as well as Asia, Central and Eastern Europe, and the Middle East and North Africa more generally.  To learn more about GRC collections please visit the GRC website: http://library.gwu.edu/collections/GRC.
WHY PARTICIPATE: This is a unique opportunity to see behind the Wikipedia curtain,  learn more about their operations, how to strengthen or revise existing content, add much needed references, or even contribute new articles -- all to make it a better resource for the community of web users. Location: Gelman Library, 7th Floor.  Time: 9:30 – 4:00.  Please don’t forget to bring your laptop.  Lunch will be provided.   
WIKIPEDIA AND GW:  Wikipedia began these annual events last October. Gelman Library and the Global Resources Center plan to continue hosting editathons as long as the opportunity exists and GW faculty and students show interest. GW already has a record of contribution to Wikipedia articles. See this Chronicle of Higher Education article to learn how Donna Infeld, Director, PhD Program in Public Policy and Administration, contributed to a larger effort, and made it work for her:http://chronicle.com/blogs/wiredcampus/professors-shore-up-wikipedia-entries-on-public-policy/28015
WHAT ELSE:  Planning for next year’s editathon will begin in the Spring.  If there are faculty who would like to explore developing a writing or editing session as a classroom assignment, we would love to talk to you.   And of course, it’s not too late for the October 20 session should you be interested.


Everyone is welcome: students, staff, faculty or folks outside GW. Any article in Wikipedia is available for editing. Here is a link to the Global Resources Center website where the event is advertised: http://library.gwu.edu/collections/GRC    All specifics about the event are available from the "information" or "sign-up" links.  Signing up in advance is not required but will help us a lot in planning the number of lunches to have on hand. 

Monday, October 15, 2012

Internship Opening for the Stimson Center in South Asian Studies and Space Security


The South Asia program at Stimson offers fall, summer, and spring internships to highly motivated and talented individuals prepared to apply their skills to a broad range of topics. The programs work under the direction of Michael Krepon, co-founder of Stimson, and a leading expert in South Asian regional issues, nuclear nonproliferation, and space security.
This internship provides an excellent opportunity for individuals with a demonstrated interest in these topics to enhance their understanding of the issues and build on their experiences. This internship is suitable for those with some background in South Asian regional studies or nonproliferation but little work experience. The intern will have the unique opportunity to work on a variety of topics during the term. The intern will be primarily associated with the South Asia program, but may have limited duties with the Space Security program.
The South Asia program works on strengthening the nuclear nonproliferation regime in general while advancing confidence building and nuclear risk-reduction measures between India and Pakistan. The program also addresses some non-nuclear South Asian security issues.
The Space Security Program works to develop a code of conduct for responsible space-faring nations, increase awareness of the dangers of deploying space weapons, and offer alternatives to space weapons. The program also provides policy-makers with the information needed to make wise choices on space security.
The vast majority of the intern's time would be spent working on issues related to India-Pakistan strategic stability and crisis management, as well as on projects related to the integrety of the global nonproliferation system.
In addition to working on these issues, the intern will engage in life at Stimson. The intern will gain from interacting with other staff, meeting fellow interns, and participating in Stimson's events. Located in the heart of Washington, the intern will have the opportunity to attend events that feature some of the best experts on South Asia and nonproliferation issues.
Responsibilities for an intern may include:
  • Reading and analyzing research documents
  • Conducting substantive research projects
  • Assisting the project director and research staff in research and writing
  • Organizing and taking notes in meetings
  • Representing project staff at meetings and events at think tanks, NGOs, and Capitol Hill
  • Keeping pace with developments in the field
  • Minimal administrative support
Generally, strong candidates for this position will have the following qualifications:
  • Strong interest in South Asia or non-proliferation
  • Excellent analytical, research, and writing skills
  • A record of academic excellence
  • Precise editing skills
  • The ability to work independently
  • Full-time interns are preferred
  • Undergraduate students are encouraged to apply
Applicants must be able to commit to a minimum of 20 hours per week. Preference may be given to those available 30+ hours per week.

Sydni's Story: Studying Abroad in Seoul, Korea


(From Top, Left to Right) 
1. A panoramic view of Seoul from Sydni's window
2. Sydni Porter - GWU Junior
3. A Sea of Crimson - Korea University
4. An opposing sea of blue - Yonsei University


Name: Sydni Porter
Grade: Junior, Class of 2014
Major: Asian Studies / Minor: Korean Language and Culture
Hometown: Hinesville, Georgia
Location of Study Abroad: Korea University (Seoul, Korea)

What was your level of Korean before going abroad, and what courses are you taking now at Korea University?
I had finished intermediate II at GWU, and at Korea University, I am enrolled in 1) intermediate Korean I; 2) Beginners Korean Speaking II; 3) Morphology; 4) Environmental Meteorology; and 4) Mass Media and Popular Culture in Korea. 

What is it like to attend Korea University?
There is a lot of school spirit at KU and at Yonsei. The two schools are rivals, and every year there are the GoYon games between the two where they compete in several sports (see picture above). 

Have you experienced any cultural/language barrier issues?
I haven’t experienced too many cultural issues. I've been wanting to go to Korea since the 10th grade, so I've done a lot of research on my own and have learned a lot from my GW classes, so I felt pretty prepared. One thing I wish I had known - well I had heard of it before but completely forgot - was about the squat toilets. Most public toilets are squat toilets, which are essentially holes in the floor that you have to squat over and pee into (but like a western toilet, they are also made of ceramic and have handles to flush). It came as a bit of a shock the first time I asked to use the restroom. 

What are some fun things you have done thus far?

1. Visited the War Memorial
2. Toured traditional Korean village
3. Attended the Korea vs Yonsei (GoYon) games
4. Traveled Hongdae and Gangnam
5. Checked out the US Military Base, Yongsan
6. Learning about issues like 
homosexuality in the Korean film industry in my Mass Media and Popular Culture in Korea class.

Please share a memorable moment from your study abroad experience:
My most memorable moment was definitely the GoYon games. There was a sea of red against a sea of blue, all yelling out cheers as they “watched” the soccer game. The cheers are each coordinated to a corresponding song and led by cheering officials. GWU pales in comparison to the school spirit here. The vibe is tremendous, and even though the two sides are rivals, it’s not uncommon to hop over to the sea of blue (Yonsei) and learn their cheers too. Even after the games, the two schools take to the streets of KU or Yonsei and cheer all night long. 

Any advice for those studying Korean right now and considering studying abroad in Korea?
The biggest thing I have noticed from observing other study abroad students is making sure that you can respect Korean culture and appreciate the distinct flavors of Korean cuisine. Yes there are Western eateries, but usually these options don't even taste like real Western food, are too expensive, and more difficult to find. Besides, Korean food is very good for you (minus the salt content). As for respecting the culture, Korean people hold a deep sense of respect for the elderly and those above you in status. I have found the people of Korea to be well behaved no matter what situation, and there is a lot of modesty and stylishness in how they dress (much more so for women). Most of all, make sure you visit as many places as you can; make a plan for each weekend. Keep in mind that businesses in Korea are stacked on top of each other, so it is easy to miss out on some interesting restaurants and bars if you don't pay attention.

Would you say that Korea is still a developing country?
Before I came to Korea, I had to call my bank for some technical things and mentioned to the banker that I was going to Korea to study abroad. As we continued our dialogue, the banker said to me, “Maybe you can get a job while you are there, pulling one of those carts that people sit on. I heard they call those taxis there.” Needless to say, his words made me 38 hot! Obviously, he has never been to Korea or cared to learn about this thriving country. (For the record, all the taxis I have ridden in have been very nice. You can even pay with your subway card, which is more high-tech than the United States.)

It confuses me that South Korea is considered a lesser developed country, often mistakenly paired along with Africa and most other southern hemisphere countries. There are many things in Seoul that surpass anything in the United States: the subway system, while a bit complicated, stretches farther than the DC Metro, and the platforms are considerably brighter and better-maintained than the DC metro and NY subway. Seoul is a leader in technology, and in terms of cell phone variety and capabilities, Korea beats the U.S. by a long run. Koreans also receive free healthcare, and the city is steeped in mix of tradition and westernization. Right by my dorm is a large Buddhist temple, and I have seen the monks using the subway and texting on their cells. I can foresee South Korea playing an even larger role in worldwide politics, especially in retaliation to the ever looming “threat” of a North Korean attack. This fast-paced city is full of national pride and a palpable drive for success. The mood is quite contagious, and I cannot help but look forward to my own future with similar anticipation and excitement. 

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Job Opening: Research and Program Assistant for The Nuclear Debates in Asia Project


Research and Program Assistant
The Nuclear Debates in Asia project

Sigur Center for Asian Studies
George Washington University


Position Summary

The Research and Program Assistant (RPA) will provide research, administrative, logistical, program, and budget support to the Sigur Center for Asian Studies. The incumbent will work primarily on the Rising Powers Initiative and will be the primary point of contact for all research, programmatic, and financial needs for a team of more than 20 researchers in the United States and Asia. This position will be research-intensive and those duties will occupy approximately 50 percent of the incumbent’s attention. The RPA will compose substantive, high-level briefing memos and background papers on nuclear issues in key countries in East, Southeast, and South Asia for the project team by synthesizing and analyzing large amounts of qualitative and quantitative data. The balance of the RPA’s effort will be devoted to programmatic and administrative responsibilities.

The Rising Powers Initiative (RPI) is comprised of a set of interrelated research projects that explore various dynamics within the following major and aspiring powers in Asia and Eurasia: ASEAN, China, India, Japan, Korea, and Russia. The discrete projects included within the RPI are: Worldviews of Rising Powers: Exploring Domestic Foreign Policy Debates; Worldviews of Aspiring Powers: Implications for the United States and Global Leadership; Major Powers, Rising Powers, and Identity Shifts in Asia: Implications for Regional and Global Security Cooperation; The Nuclear Debates in Asia: Balancing Risks and Rewards; and Asian Powers and Economic Challenges. While the incumbent will support all projects, s/he will be especially involved in the Nuclear Debates in Asia: Balancing Risks and Rewardsproject led by Professors Deepa Ollapally and Mike Mochizuki. This is an excellent opportunity for a young professional with background in Asia, nuclear issues, and international relations to play a major role in a cutting-edge, rapidly-growing research initiative.

Salary: $31,000 - $35,000 depending on experience

To apply: Apply directly online at  https://www.gwu.jobs/postings/11758

Job Duties

·         Acts as primary point of contact for a team of 20 experts researching nuclear proliferation issues in Asia. Provides desktop research on Asian countries’ voting records in nuclear issues in international fora. Researches range of domestic debates on nuclear energy and nuclear security in key Asian countries. Composes substantive briefing memos and background papers on nuclear issues in select countries in East, Southeast, and South Asia for the project team by synthesizing and analyzing large amounts of qualitative and quantitative data.

·         Manages program budgets, grants, and all financial transactions. Processes reimbursements, honoraria, and all other project payments.

·         Organizes and executes all project-related public events, private conferences, and meetings. This includes coordinating all travel arrangements, catering, and all other logistical needs.

·         Maintains, updates, and manages project website. Maintains and manages project listservs and announcements. Writes, edits, designs, and produces a variety of publications and prepares background materials for project participants.

·         In conjunction with project directors, manages all internal and external reporting associated with these projects.

·         Serves as primary administrative support staff for associated projects.

·         Performs other related duties as assigned. The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties that are logically related to the position.

Desired Qualifications

·         BA preferably in Asian Studies, International Relations, Political Science, or Public Policy
·         Substantial knowledge of nuclear issues in Asia
·         Knowledge of a modern Asian language
·         Demonstrated experience and interest in Asia and international affairs
·         Excellent writing and editing skills
·         Professional experience using social media tools (Twitter, Facebook, and blogs)
·         Graphic design experience using InDesign, Adobe Acrobat, or similar programs
·         Prior professional experience with project or program management
·         Experience with website design and management
·         Cross-cultural experience and/or working in an international environment
·         Excellent communication, customer service, and organizational skills
·         Grants management and proposal writing experience
·         Familiarity with accounting systems and other financial management tools
·         Event/conference planning experience
·         Excellent organizational skills and ability to juggle multiple tasks while meeting multiple deadlines
·         Familiarity with word processing, database management, Excel, and PowerPoint
·         Ability to work with little supervision, but also teamwork skills

Application Procedure

To apply: Apply directly online at: https://www.gwu.jobs/postings/11758. No calls, please.