Thursday, March 29, 2018

Asia Events Weekly Roundup: April 2 - April 6

Every week, Asia on E Street compiles a list of upcoming Asia-related events in Washigton D.C. These events are open to the public and free of charge.

Japan’s Strategic Power in International Relations
Monday, April 2, 10:00AM - 11:00AM
Wilson Center
https://www.wilsoncenter.org/event/japans-strategic-power-international-relations

Taiwan's New Southbound Policy: Challenges and Opportunities
Thursday, April 5, 12:00PM - 1:00PM
East West Center
https://www.eastwestcenter.org/events/taiwan%E2%80%99s-new-southbound-policy-challenges-and-opportunities

Taiwan Conference: How Does Taiwan's Defense and Security Status Stack Up?
Thursday, April 5, 3:00PM - 7:00PM
Sigur Center for Asian Studies
go.gwu.edu/TaiwanDefenseandSecurityStatus

Thursday, March 22, 2018

Asia Events Weekly Roundup: March 26 - March 30

Every week, Asia on E Street compiles a list of upcoming Asia-related events in Washigton D.C. These events are open to the public and free of charge.

China at War
Monday, March 26, 10:00AM - 11:15PM
Wilson Center
https://www.wilsoncenter.org/event/china-war

Mobilizing without the Masses: Control and Contention in China -- A Discussion with Dr. Diana Fu
Monday, March 26, 12:00PM - 2:00PM
Sigur Center for Asian Studies
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1CVz6SqbHmrGtAkvqaGNGbu-sEd8TNF_E9TCwq9W1Q2c/viewform?edit_requested=true

Film Screening and Discussion of Left for Dead: Myanmar's Muslim Minority
Tuesday, March 27, 2:00PM - 4:00PM
Sigur Center for Asian Studies & Gallery 102
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfk8m6oJ3SdrN4ppJpUXkVTV47DSbY-92MFVlRkIHUm3Ku_2A/viewform

The War to Rule: Ceasefire Capitalism and State-Making in Burma's Borderlands
Thursday, March 29, 12:00PM - 1:00PM
East-West Center
https://www.eastwestcenter.org/events/the-war-rule-ceasefire-capitalism-and-state-making-in-burma%E2%80%99s-borderlands

Friday, March 16, 2018

Washington D.C Asia Events Weekly Roundup: March 19 - March 23

Every week, Asia on E Street compiles a list of upcoming Asia-related events in Washigton D.C. These events are open to the public and free of charge.

China in the 21st Century: Why History Still Matters: A Discussion with Dr. Jeffrey Wasserstrom and Dr. Maura Cunningham
Tuesday, March 20, 2:00PM - 4:00PM
Sigur Center for Asian Studies
https://www2.gwu.edu/~sigur/news/events/events2018/2018_march20_Chinainthe21stCentury.cfm

Understanding the Belt Road Initiative
Tuesday. March 20, 2:00PM - 4:00PM
Organization of Asian Studies
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/understanding-the-belt-and-road-initiative-tickets-43858957322

Asian Studies, Advocacy, and the Academy: Legacies of 1968
Wednesday, March 21, 3:00PM - 5:00PM
Partnerships for International Strategies in Asia (PISA)
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdn6q8wbZipxblZkrFuoujErKrUXH3_9QL53BxPHaBDG9e2xQ/viewform

Innovation in Education in Contemporary Tibet: Engaging a Public Dialogue
Wednesday, March 21, 6:00PM - 7:30PM
Sigur Center for Asian Studies
http://bit.ly/2GulRKI

The Art of Chieftaincy in the Writings of Pashtun Tribal Rulers A Discussion with Dr. Mikhail Pelevin
Thursday, March 22, 1:00PM - 2:30PM
Sigur Center for Asian Studies
https://www2.gwu.edu/~sigur/news/events/events2018/2018_march22_ArtofChieftaincy.cfm

Traversing the Warrior Fantasy--Martial Culture and The Meiji Restoration
Friday, March 23, 2:00PM - 4:00PM
Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures
https://eall.columbian.gwu.edu/kim-renaud-east-asian-humanities-lecture-series


Tuesday, March 6, 2018

New Summer 2018 Opportunities

Announcing Summer Internship in Udaipur, India
Shikshantar Andolan <www.shikshantar.org> is inviting applications for SUMMER INTERNSHIP in Udaipur, India, from May-September 2018. The un/Learning Resource Center is an intergenerational community learning space
 for self-designed learners, homeschoolers, unschoolers, dropouts, walkouts, gap year students, families, etc. It supports experimentation in self-designed learning, unlearning, gift culture, traditional knowledge, sustainable living, social entrepreneurship as part of Udaipur as a Learning City.

Come and work with us on the following: 
* engaging in creative activities with children and youth;
* hacking the education system;
* documenting, researching, filmmaking, editing and writing for different publications, campaigns and workshops;
* facilitating and coordinating short workshops and events;
* supporting different localization initiatives and partners in Udaipur as a Learning City;
* exploring and sharing your own passions, gifts and skills.


To apply, 
1) Send us 300 words about yourself and your learning/unlearning journey; 
2) Tell us why you are excited about working with Shikshantar and what kinds of things you would like to explore while you are in Udaipur.

For more information and to apply, write to mail@shikshantar.org



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Warm greetings from the Taiwan-America Student Conference!


I am reaching out to inform you about an incredible and unique opportunity for university students this summer in Taiwan: the 2018 Taiwan-America Student Conference (TASC)! This student-led conference encourages students to network with peers from both Taiwan and the United States, and meanwhile gain leadership experience in an international context. This program would serve as a great benefit to any student with an interest in building leadership skills, and therefore it would be greatly appreciated if you helped broadcast this exciting opportunity by forwarding the following email to students of all fields and backgrounds. Please feel free to contact our team at executivecommittee@taiwan-america.org if you have any questions or concerns.

Taiwan America Student Conference (TASC) is a 3-week intensive leadership conference that brings together 30 outstanding university students of all fields from across Taiwan and the United States. TASC is nonprofit and entirely student-run, and will be held from July 14 to August 4, 2018. Our purpose is to develop strong, global connections among delegates by evaluating mutual concern and understanding across cultural and national boundaries.
During this program, delegates will travel around Taiwan while engaging in various activities with the following objectives in mind:

  • Excursions to important cultural, political and historical locations and organizations.
  • Lectures and networking opportunities with prominent figures from a variety of fields, ie.) professors, entrepreneurs, doctors, etc.
  • Exchange of viewpoints and perspectives on pressing issues among societies of both the U.S. and Taiwan.
  • Roundtable groups, composed of 8 students (4 U.S., 4 Taiwan), with a final forum aimed to facilitate dialogue and increase students’ mutual understandings of a particular topic of interest.

These activities, among others, will encourage students to gain a greater insight on their respective countries, acquire international and practical leadership experience, and join a lasting community of professional connections. Not to mention, participants are sure to develop lifelong friendships over the course of the program. Students will grow professionally, academically, and personally, and together make TASC an exceptionally unique, fun, and life-changing experience.

The application form attached can also be found on our website. The deadline for applications is March 21 at 11:59PM EST. Undergraduate, graduate students, and recent graduates of any major are welcome to apply. Be sure to check our website and social media listed below for more information, and feel free to contact me at any point if you have any questions.

We hope that you will consider applying to this incredible program and join us this summer for the 2018 Taiwan America Student Conference!

Thursday, March 1, 2018

Scholarship Opportunity: Global Taiwan Institute

The Global Taiwan Institute (GTI) is dedicated to enhancing the relationship between Taiwan and the international community, especially the United States. GTI serves as an incubator for policy research and analysis that approaches Taiwan for its unique political, economic, historical and cultural context. To this end, the Taiwan Scholarship will fund American researchers to conduct short-term field research in Taiwan. Through this scholarship, GTI hopes to encourage a new generation of scholars and policy practitioners to pursue research about Taiwan that is informed by their experience with the island’s democracy.

Scholarship recipients will be granted $10,000 to conduct field research in Taiwan for a term of up to one year. Upon awardees’ completion of the field research, they will submit a written report of their findings. Additionally, awardees will be enrolled as non-resident fellows at GTI so that they may continue building upon their experience to advance greater public understanding about Taiwan and its people.

Eligibility

American researchers and postgraduates with a demonstrated interest in scholarly research related but not limited to Taiwan’s democratic development, politics, security, international relations, economy and social changes are welcome to apply. Preference will be given but not limited to researchers who have never traveled to Taiwan. Doctoral students conducting dissertation field studies are also encouraged to apply.

Please note that applicants must secure a partner institution in Taiwan prior to departure for Taiwan. Applicants should seek supplementary funding if the Taiwan Scholarship is insufficient.

Application

Please submit the following materials via one email to GTI at scholarships@globaltaiwan.org.
  1. Project Proposal: The proposal should briefly describe the purpose of the project, identify the local institution(s) and location(s) where the project will be conducted, background and scope of the project, methodology, research questions to be answered, expected outcomes and significance of the project.
  2. Project Timeline: State the starting date, benchmarks for progress and estimated completion of the project.
  3. Budget: Include a narrative explanation of how the scholarship funds will be utilized.
  4. Curriculum Vitae or Resume (no more than 3 pages)
  5. Statement of Interest (one page)
  6. Two Letters of Recommendation
* Incomplete applications will not be processed.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria: (1) proposal’s clarity, appropriateness of methodology, investigator’s degree of familiarity with the research issues, and the potential for professional development; (2) proposal’s contribution to the understanding of contemporary Taiwan affairs and to the field of Taiwan study; (3) proposal’s alignment with GTI’s mission and goals, and its status as a non-profit organization; (4) proposal’s feasibility; and (5) two letters of recommendation.

Deadline

Scholarship applications must be received by 5 pm (ET) on May 15, 2018. Decisions will be announced by September 1, 2018. For inquiries, please contact scholarships@globaltaiwan.org.

Internship Opportunity: The Grameen Bank & Trust

The Grameen Bank has two internship opportunities open!

The Grameen Bank & Trust NGO Student Internship Porgram in Bangladesh:

The Grameen Bank and Trust NGO Student Internship Program is an opportunity for
students to gain valuable hands-on experience in microfinance, poverty reduction, and international development, all while living and experiencing local life and culture in Bangladesh. Past interns have adapted the microfinance model to address the most marginalized sectors of society, assessed how financial crises affect microfinancing opportunities, and restructured lending operations to improve cash flow for struggling enterprises.

This program is made possible through a partnership between the Grameen Bank & Trust and the George Washington University, Elliott School of International Affairs. Both undergraduate and graduate students are encouraged to apply. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis for the summer, fall, winter, and spring periods.

The Global Business & Microfinance Internship Program in Nepal:

The Global Business & Microfinance Internship Program is an opportunity for students to work with top tier institutions associated with The Grameen Bank. Students live and work in Nepal, giving them the chance to gain global and real world experience. Past interns have actively engaged in the local community while conducting research on various policy ideas to promote entrepreneurship and microfinance opportunities in Nepal. This program is made possible through a partnership between the Grameen Bank & Trust and the George Washington University, Elliott School of International Affairs. Both undergraduate and graduate students are encouraged to apply. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis for the summer, fall, winter, and spring periods

Apply at https://blogs.gwu.edu/gw-grameen 

Contact Information:
For questions and more information, contact:

Dr. Jane Ives Director, Grameen Bank & Trust NGO Student Internship Program
Email: jives@gwu.edu
Phone: 617-953-9430


Asia Events Weekly Roundup: March 12 - March 16

Every week, Asia on E Street compiles a list of upcoming Asia-related events in Washigton D.C. These events are open to the public and free of charge.
Our Asia Events Weekly Roundup for March 12 - March 16:

Discussion of Taiwan-U.S.-Japan Relations
Monday, March 12, 4:00PM - 5:15PM
Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)
https://www.csis.org/events/discussion-taiwan-us-japan-relations

Thinking the unthinkable: War on the Korean Peninsula
Tuesday. March 13, 9:00AM - 12:00PM
Brookings Institution
https://www.brookings.edu/events/thinking-the-unthinkable-war-on-the-korean-peninsula/

Consolidating Xi’s Position and China’s Direction: A Readout of China’s Annual Legislative Session
Thursday, March 15, 9:00AM - 10:15AM
Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)
https://www.csis.org/events/consolidating-xis-position-and-chinas-direction-readout-chinas-annual-legislative-session

The My Lai Massacre: History, Lessons, and Legacy
Thursday, March 15, 1:30PM - 3:30PM
Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)
https://www.csis.org/events/my-lai-massacre-history-lessons-and-legacy

Tuesday, February 27, 2018

Changing East Asian Security Dynamics and Okinawa: Re-examining the U.S. Force Posture in Japan

Sigur Center's Dr. Mike Mochizuki will be moderating "Changing East Asian Security Dynamics and Okinawa: Re-examining the U.S. Force Posture in Japan". This is a symposium on the security environment in Asia and Okinawa’s role in the Japan-U.S. alliance. Below are important details of the event:

The symposium will feature keynote speeches by Governor Takeshi Onaga of Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, and former Secretary of Defense Bill Perry, as well as a panel discussion by distinguished American and Japanese policy experts to discuss the Japan-U.S. alliance and security dynamics in the Asia-Pacific region.

Date & Time: Tuesday, March 13, 2018, 10:30 – 3:00pm (registration opens at 10:00am)
Venue: Capital Hilton Hotel, 1001 16th Street, NW Washington DC 20036, Rooms Federal A & B (2nd floor) *A light lunch will be served.

Keynote Speakers:
- The Honorable Takeshi Onaga (Governor, Okinawa Prefecture)
- The Honorable William J. Perry (19th U.S. Secretary of Defense)

Panelists:
- Dr. Morton Halperin (Senior Advisor, Open Society Foundations)
- Dr. Eric Heginbotham (Principal Research Scientist, MIT Center for International Studies)
- Dr. Fumiaki Nozoe (Associate Professor, Okinawa International University)
- (Additional speakers to be announced soon)

Moderator: Dr. Mike Mochizuki (Japan-U.S. Relations Chair, George Washington University)

RSVP online at: www.okinawa-conference.com
*Seating is limited.

For more information, please contact info@okinawa-conference.com

Thursday, February 22, 2018

Asia Events Weekly Roundup: February 26 - March 2

Every week, Asia on E Street compiles a list of upcoming Asia-related events in Washigton D.C. These events are open to the public and free of charge.
Our Asia Events Weekly Roundup for February 26 - March 2:

Exporting Censorship in the Digital Age: Lessons in Chinese Sharp Power: A Discussion with Dr. Glenn Tiffert
Wednesday, February 28, 1:00PM - 2:30PM
Sigur Center for Asian Studies

US-China-Japan: Trilateral Competition or Cooperation?
Wednesday, February 28, 10:30AM - 12:00PM
Inted
Washington Hilton, International Ballroom, 1919 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington DC

Europe, Eurasia, and the Middle East: Waiting for Good News
Wednesday, February 28, 2:00PM - 3:30PM
Inted
Washington Hilton, International Ballroom, 1919 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington DC

Trumps Trade Policy in Asia: A One Year Review
Wednesday, February 28, 10:00AM - 11:30PM
Brookings Institution

Japanese Views on China and Taiwan: Implications for the U.S.-Japan Alliance
Thursday, March 1, 8:45AM - 12:00PM
Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)

Thursday, February 15, 2018

Asia Events Weekly Roundup: February 19 - February 23

Every week, Asia on E Street compiles a list of upcoming Asia-related events in Washigton D.C. These events are open to the public and free of charge.
Our Asia Events Weekly Roundup for February 19 - February 23:


The Objectives Resolution of Pakistan: Islam, Minorities, and the Making of A Democracy--A Discussion with Dr. Neeti Nair
Tuesday, February 20, 12PM - 2PM
Sigur Center for Asian Studies

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfBH35ziRvQjJsr8qIx89SHJ5i3dDzQQaRsGe0Y185Xb95bPQ/viewform

China’s Rapid Drive into New-Generation Cars: Trends, Opportunities and Risks
Wednesday, February 21, 10AM - 11:30AM
Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)
https://www.csis.org/events/chinas-rapid-drive-new-generation-cars-trends-opportunities-and-risks

The U.S.-Japan alliance and the problem of deterrence
Thursday, February 22, 9AM - 11AM
Brookings Institution
https://www.brookings.edu/events/the-u-s-japan-alliance-and-the-problem-of-deterrence/

Friday, February 9, 2018

Invitation for Graduate Students to Contribute to Academic Journal

The U.S.-China Policy Foundation is working on a new edition of our Washington Journal of Modern China (WJMC) focusing on the effects of a rising China on American society. With an endorsement from the Library of Congress, WJMC was founded in 1992 by Dr. Chi Wang, then head of the Chinese Section at the Library of Congress. At that time there were no publications based in Washington D.C. focused on presenting academic articles by local China scholars. Since 1992, WJMC's scope has expanded to include work from scholars all over the United States. 
 
The U.S.-China Policy Foundation also provides graduate students with an opportunity to publish by inviting them to contribute to our book review section. We would like to invite graduate students to submit short reviews of books related to China and the U.S.-China relationship. The general requirements are:

·         Reviewed material must have been published in either 2017 or 2018
·         750 - 1,250 words
·         Provide citations in the format of this example
·         Submit to uscpf@uscpf.org by March 31, 2018
 
 If you have any questions about this project, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

 
Emily Bulkeley
Washington Journal of Modern China
U.S.-China Policy Foundation
Connect with us on: Facebook Twitter YouTube 

 

Thursday, February 8, 2018

Asia Events Weekly Roundup: February 12 - February 16

Every week, Asia on E Street compiles a list of upcoming Asia-related events in Washigton D.C. These events are open to the public and free of charge.
Our Asia Events Weekly Roundup for February 12 - February 16:

The new generation of Afghan women leaders
Monday, February 12, 10:30AM - 12:00PM
Brookings Institution
https://www.brookings.edu/events/the-new-generation-of-afghan-women-leaders/

Changing Patterns of Extremism and Terrorism in Pakistan
Monday, February 12, 2:30PM - 4:30PM
Wilson Center
https://www.wilsoncenter.org/event/changing-patterns-extremism-and-terrorism-pakistan

Winning the Frontier: U.S.-Japan Cooperation on Global Standards for Emerging Technologies, from AI to 5G
Tuesday, February 13, 9:00AM - 10:30AM
Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)
https://www.csis.org/events/winning-frontier-us-japan-cooperation-global-standards-emerging-technologies-ai-5g

U.S. National Security and the Korean Peninsula: Perspectives from a Defector, a Russian, and an Analyst
Wednesday, February 14, 1:00PM - 3:30PM
Wilson Center
https://www.wilsoncenter.org/event/us-national-security-and-the-korean-peninsula-perspectives-defector-russian-and-analyst

Organization of Asian Studies' Lunar New Year Celebration
Thursday, February 15, 12:45PM - 9:00PM
Sigur Center for Asian Studies
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfLhbZnbYvGfyLPKWstyfgLFTxSHZWFtZKvRHUCaN9yTG0UDQ/viewform

Thursday, February 1, 2018

Summer 2018 Study Abroad Opportunities

The deadline for applications to these two summer study abroad programs in Taiwan provided by the American Councils for International Education is quickly coming up. Students of all academic backgrounds and language levels will be participating in an 8-week intensive language program in Tainan and a new 4-week area studies program in Taipei. Scholarship funding and U.S. academic credit is available to participants on both programs:

Host: National Cheng Kung University – Tainan, Taiwan
Dates: June 21 – August 18, 2018
Eligibility: Students 18 and over with 1-3 years of university-level Chinese by summer 2018
Program Features:
·         20 hours per week of small-group and individualized one-on-one Chinese instruction
·         Local student conversation partners
·         Hands-on culture classes introducing students to topics such as calligraphy, Taiwanese cooking, and traditional medicine
·         Day trips and overnight excursions providing participants a deeper understanding of Taiwanese history and culture
·         Community service opportunities and a weekend homestay with a local host family allowing participants to apply their language skills in a variety of authentic contexts
·         Two semesters’ worth of Chinese language credit offered through Bryn Mawr College
Host: National Chengchi University – Taipei, Taiwan
Dates: July 14 – August 11, 2018
Eligibility: All students 18 and over (no Chinese language background required)
Program Features:
  • Coursework in Taiwanese culture, society, history, and politics taught in English by expert faculty
  • Daily Chinese language instruction (taught at the beginner and intermediate levels)
  • Hands-on culture classes introducing students to topics such as tai chi, calligraphy, and traditional handicrafts
  • Regular field trips allowing participants further meaningful engagement with course content 
  • Academic credit in sociology and political science offered through Bryn Mawr College

Financial Aid
Through the generous support of the Taiwan Ministry of Education, all U.S. students applying for AC Study Abroad scholarship funding for either program in Taiwan will automatically also be considered for additional scholarships of up to $2500, awarded based on financial need and academic merit.

Past program participants have successfully applied additional outside sources of financial aid, including Fund for Education Abroad ScholarshipsFreeman Awards for Study in Asia , and Gilman Scholarships  to further reduce their out-of-pocket costs.  

The deadline to apply for both programs is February 15, 2018

Asia Events Weekly Roundup: February 5 - February 9

Every week, Asia on E Street compiles a list of upcoming Asia-related events in Washigton D.C. These events are open to the public and free of charge.
Our Asia Events Weekly Roundup for February 5 - February 9:

The Broken Multilateral Trade Dispute System
Wednesday, February 7, 8:15 AM - 10:00AM
Asia Society Policy Institute
https://asiasociety.org/washington-dc/events/broken-multilateral-trade-dispute-system

Ocha & Wagashi: The Culture of Japanese Tea and Sweets
Wednesday, February 7, 6:30pm
Japan Information and Culture Center
http://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/jicc/events/wagashi2018-opening.html

Taking Stock of Cross Strait Relations: Chinese Postures and Taiwan's Prospects
Wednesday, February 7, 12:30pm-2:00pm
Sigur Center for Asian Studies
https://www2.gwu.edu/~sigur/news/events/events2018/2018_feb7_TaiwanRoundtable.cfm

K-Cinema Screening & Social: Master
Thursday, February 8, 6:30pm
Korean Culture Center
http://www.koreaculturedc.org/En/Explore/Content.asp?Idx=842&Part=FL

Thursday, January 25, 2018

Asia Events Weekly Roundup: January 29 - February 2

Every week, Asia on E Street compiles a list of upcoming Asia-related events in Washigton D.C. These events are open to the public and free of charge.

Our Asia Events Weekly Roundup for January 29 - February 2:

Games and Gamesmanship: Unity and Stability at Pyeongchang
Monday, January 29, 1:00pm-2:30pm
Wilson Center
https://www.wilsoncenter.org/event/games-and-gamesmanship-unity-and-stability-pyeongchang

Media and Ideology in Xi's China
Monday, January 29, 1:30pm-3:00pm
Council for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)
https://www.csis.org/events/media-and-ideology-xis-china

Modernizing trade rules: The TPP and Beyond
Monday, January 29, 10:00am-11:00am
Brookings Institute
https://www.brookings.edu/events/modernizing-trade-rules-the-tpp-and-beyond/

The Tet Offensive: Lessons from the Campaign After 50 Years
Wednesday, January 31, 2:00pm-4:00pm
Council for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)
https://www.csis.org/events/tet-offensive-lessons-campaign-after-50-years



Wednesday, January 17, 2018

FELLOWSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT


 Congressional-Executive Commission on

China (CECC)


LIU XIAOBO FELLOWSHIP:

The Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC) is offering paid Fellowships to graduates of accredited Bachelor’s, Master’s, J.D. Programs, or current graduate-level students. CECC Fellowship positions are filled twice a year. The Summer term (Full-Time, 32-40 hours per week) begins approximately in mid-May and ends in August/September. The Fall-Spring term (Part-Time, 15-20 hours a week) begins approximately in early November and ends in late April. The precise start and end dates are determined based on the Commission’s schedule and the end dates can be negotiated based on Fellows’ needs. 

The CECC’s Liu Xiaobo Fellowship was created in honor of renowned Chinese Nobel Prize laureate and prominent political prisoner Liu Xiaobo, who died in state custody in July 2017, just weeks after officials reported that he was battling late-stage liver cancer. A writer, former literature professor, and human rights advocate, Liu Xiaobo was among the chief authors of Charter 08, an open statement calling for political reform and greater protection of human rights in China, which was released on December 10, 2008, to coincide with the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Human Rights Day. Liu was detained on December 8, 2008 and later arrested on the charge of “inciting subversion of state power” in connection with his work on Charter 08 and several political essays he wrote. At the time of his death, he had served nearly 8 years of an 11-year prison sentence. 

The Liu Xiaobo Fellowship provides significant educational and professional experience for individuals with a background in Chinese politics, law, and society, in addition to strong Chinese language skills. Fellows work closely with the Commission and its staff on the full array of issues concerning human rights, the rule of law, and governance in China (including criminal justice, institutions of democratic governance, environmental issues, religious freedom, freedom of expression, ethnic minority rights, women’s rights, etc.).

Fellows perform important research support tasks (often in Chinese), attend China-related events, meet human rights advocates and other professionals whose work is focused on China, and assist staff in the drafting of Commission analyses, in addition to other tasks. Click here for CECC analysis of recent developments in the rule of law and human rights in China. Interns may also perform research for the Commission’s Political Prisoner Database, which has been accessible to the public since its launch in November 2004 (click here to begin a search).

CECC Fellows will be paid $12/hour. Fellows are not eligible for any additional federal benefits. Further details are available on the Commission’s website at http://www.cecc.gov/about/employment-opportunities.  


REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Fellows must be U.S. citizens.  
  • Fellows must be a graduate of an accredited Bachelor’s, Master’s, or J.D. program, or a current graduate-level student.
  • Fellows should have completed at least some China-related coursework. It is also desirable that they have some background in one or more of the specific human rights and rule of law issues in the CECC legislative mandate.
  • Chinese language skills: fellows should be able to read Chinese well enough to assist with research in newspapers, journals, and on websites. More advanced Chinese language capability would be a plus. A successful candidate for a fellowship will often have lived or studied in mainland China, Hong Kong, or Taiwan.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Interested applicants should send a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and the names and contact information of two references to the CECC via e-mail to Judy Wright, Director of Administration, at judy.wright@mail.house.gov. NO phone calls, please.

Application Deadlines:

  • Summer Term: Applications must be received by our office no later than 11:59 P.M. (EST) on February 15.
  • Fall-Spring Term: Applications must be received by our office no later than 11:59 P.M. (EST) on August 15.
Cover Letter:
  • Please discuss in your cover letter how your professional goals, interests, and background relate to the Commission’s legislative mandate regarding human rights and the rule of law in China.
  • Brief statement addressing how your research skills, knowledge, and experience make you a suitable candidate for the CECC Liu Xiaobo Fellowship.
  • Please indicate in your cover letter whether you are able to read Mandarin Chinese for research purposes. If yes, please indicate your level of fluency, i.e. beginner, intermediate, advanced, or native fluency. If you have taken a Chinese language proficiency exam, such as the HSK or ILR, please indicate the highest score you have obtained.
  • Please indicate how you heard about this fellowship position.
Resume:
  • Please include relevant work history, coursework, education achievements, honors/awards received, and anything else that you feel will help our evaluation.
Writing sample:
  • Please provide a writing sample of no more than two pages and no more than 500 words (double spaced). Your submission must be your own work, and can be an excerpt of a longer piece.
References:
  • Please include their names, titles, phone numbers, and email addresses. 

ABOUT THE COMMISSION:

The Congressional-Executive Commission on China was created by Congress in October 2000 with the legislative mandate to monitor human rights and the development of the rule of law in China, and to submit an annual report to the President and the Congress. The Commission consists of nine Senators, nine Members of the House of Representatives, and five senior Administration officials appointed by the President.