Study Abroad Opportunity in Cambodia

Students in the International Studies Program interested in gaining meaningful, hands-on experience abroad can spend a semester in Cambodia learning about post-conflict recovery, Cambodian culture and history, international health, global poverty and Khmer Buddhism with Global Service Corps.

Global Service Corps’ Study Abroad Program in Cambodia provides students with an insider look into the world of international development in Southeast Asia. One of the most diverse regions of the world, Southeast Asia is composed of eleven countries that vary greatly in language, religion, history and culture. While the region as a whole has experienced economic growth, some countries still face a number of development challenges. Students studying abroad with GSC will become part of a movement to restore health, prosperity and growth to a society in recovery from brutal civil war and genocide.

Global Service Corps’ semester service-learning programs in Cambodia supplement classroom education with hands-on field work at local community development organizations. In partnership with the University at Albany, State University of New York (SUNY) and Paññasastra University of Cambodia, GSC offers 15-credit Semester Programs and a 9-credit Summer Program focused on social, cultural, and community development in Cambodia.

The 15-credit, 15-week Fall or Spring Semester Program includes:  

·        3 weeks of academic training on Khmer language, social development in post-conflict societies, service-learning theory, Buddhism and meditation,  Emotional Intelligence (EQ), and Cambodian culture and history

·        9 weeks of field work in the areas of public health, orphanage care, assistance of slum populations, HIV/AIDS prevention and/or English language instruction

·        3 weeks of Capstone projects, allowing students to synthesize their studies and field experience

The 9-credit, 9-week Summer Program includes:

·        1 week of academic training on Khmer language, social development in post-conflict societies, service-learning theory, Buddhism and meditation,  Emotional Intelligence (EQ), and Cambodian culture and history

·        8 weeks of varied service-learning field work in any of the following programs: English Language Instruction, HIV/AIDS Prevention & Public Health Education, Buddhist Immersion, Orphanage Care, International Health, or an Integrated Program

Students participating in GSC’s Semester and Summer Service-Learning Programs are provided with the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to gain a greater perspective on the issues surrounding Cambodian development, while making make a lasting global impact.

Applications are still being accepted for the upcoming 2015 Spring Semester!

To Apply: (Please Note: Students will need to apply through both GSC and SUNY)

• To apply through GSC go to http://globalservicecorps.org/site/how-to-enroll/
• To apply through SUNY go to www.albany.edu/studyabroad/

Seoul Wanderings

 

A short video of my adventures in Seoul this summer. Enjoy!

         -Adena

 

 

Adena Peckler

B.A. Asian Studies, International Affairs 2015

Sigur Center 2014 Korean Language Fellow

Seoul National University, South Korea

 

For more posts from Korea:

Language Study at Seoul National University   

Update from Seoul

Language Study at Seoul National University

               In choosing a language program in Seoul this summer, I was faced with an overwhelming number of renowned university programs to consider. After having talked with students who had studied in South Korea, I was directed to Seoul National University’s Korean Language Education Center (KLEC) based on the evaluation that the curriculum offered would provide a well-rounded approach to reading, writing, and speaking. Without a doubt the program advanced my knowledge of the Korean language, but this achievement required an immense amount of time and energy.
                On the first day of the summer session, I was completely surprised by the pace of the class. From the textbooks, lectures, and even amongst the teachers, there was no English explanation to be found. At George Washington University the language classes are to a large extent taught in Korean, but there also exists a reliable English crutch for clarification. Yet even in KLEC’s Introductory Level 1, where students presumably have had no prior exposure to the language, classes are taught entirely in Korean! There are definite benefits to this strict “Korean Only” policy as it forces students train their ear and speech, but in the first few weeks I felt completely overwhelmed. 

I have been studying Korean for a few years now, but the vocabulary and grammar I understood did not coincide with the foundational material of KLEC. This became clear when I submitted the initial placement exam and, from a quick glance and a matter of seconds, it was declared that I was “halfway between levels”. From such a helpful deduction I chose to round-up and to proceed to the next level. This was perhaps the greatest challenge for me during my time in Korea- aside from reviewing the material learned in class, I also strove to play catch-up. In a mere ten weeks I learned more than could ever be imagined in the year equivalent, let alone a semester, at George Washington University.

 

 

 

On the left are the textbooks used during ten weeks at KLEC.
The book to the right spans almost a year's worth of study in the United States.

          
               As I began to acclimate to my new life in Seoul, the students in my class were the kindest people who came to truly define my experience in this city. Despite our diverse backgrounds and ages, the fact that we were all studying in South Korea reflected a shared passion amongst us for the country and its culture. Applying one’s knowledge of Korean outside of the classroom extends only so far, especially given the lack of both time and patience for strangers to aid you. Yet in the comfort of a class group, we could support each other whilst stumbling through the language. Although most of the students had studied together since Level 1, my entire class was extremely welcoming and became my greatest aid through the informal review sessions we created for those new to the program.

The class celebrating having successfully ordered, over the phone, pizza to be delivered!

 

This has been my first experience participating in an intensive language study, but it will hopefully not be my last. Ten weeks, four hours each day in the classroom, and all the studying which proceeded it, was no simple task. In retrospect, I would recommend Seoul National University’s Korean language study only to those whom have had a much longer exposure to Korean, perhaps at Level 4 or 5. It required quite a bit of work, but such an opportunity allowed me to study alongside equally motivated individuals, exposure to multiple cultures, as well as the ability to actively apply the grammar points after each lesson. I will now be leaving Korea with greater insight into its culture and language, quite a fair share of strange stories, long-lasting friendships, and a burning desire to return!

 

 

Seoul National University's Kyujanggak Institute for Korean Studies

 

Adena Peckler

B.A. Asian Studies, International Affairs 2015

Sigur Center 2014 Korean Language Fellow

Seoul National University, South Korea

 

For more posts from Korea:

Seoul Wanderings

Update from Seoul

Update from Seoul

               My name is Adena Peckler and I am an undergraduate Korean Language Fellow enrolled in an intensive summer study at one of South Korea’s prominent “SKY” institutions, Seoul National University. Prior to arriving in South Korea, I was aware of the value this experience would hold regarding contemporary Korean culture, as well as my grasp of the Korean language. I was not prepared for the valuable insight I would also gain into the various opinions regarding South Korea’s future potential.

While in Seoul, I have come to realize that in order to understand the importance of South Korea’s influence in Asia, one can simply look at the composition of students enrolled in the language schools. The number of participants in Seoul National University’s summer language program is in fact quite small, with a typical class size of fourteen students. Despite the small size, there are key trends to note. The first is that many of the students in the program are either gap year students, or college graduates, who hope to work or study in South Korea. The overwhelming majority of these students are from China, Southeast Asia, and Australia. For some classmates, their motivation for Korean language study was a lack of academic and professional opportunity due to immense competition, while others are seeking a degree which they believe will be of a higher value given its origination from Korea (also consider that the program is held at one of the premier institutions in Asia). Thus, for the students from China and Southeast Asia, the vast majority began studying Korean at level 1 and plan to proceed to level 7 in order to take the government-sponsored TOPIK and KLPT proficiency exams.

 

 

Similarly, there is a large contingent of Australian students participating in the program as well. Many are here on language grants provided by the Australian Government, as well as a vast array of scholarships originating from city and district offices, versus national grants. Such opportunities also exist in the United States, but it does not seem comparable to the sheer scale of the Australian government’s promotion of language study (presumably to increase trade as well as influence within the region). For example, to study in Indonesia, Korea, Thailand, Malaysia Vietnam, etc. many large grants are available.

 

Myself and classmates enjoying the best fried chicken the side-streets of Seoul has to offer!

 

On the surface, it seems that there is either a conscious or latent push from China and Australia, as well as a distinct pull from Korea, to invest in the Korean marketplace. In fact, during my summer at SNU, President Xi Jinping of China came to give a talk at the university. This singular visit was, and continues to be, coveted with much fanfare in Korea as signaling a key alliance between the two nations. As for the Australian students, many have observed that there is a need for their country to capitalize on both the skills and connections such programs can provide

What I have come to realize is that South Korea is viewed within the region as a land of opportunity. In the United States, interest in Korea is often limited to Korean pop-culture and the tacit peace with North Korea. This narrow focus is furthered by the lack of a developed Korean Studies program in many US universities offering a degree in Asian Studies. Yet in Asia, Korea’s value is seen as untapped, and interests in the country span much farther beyond the pop-culture of the Korean Wave.

I have had an interesting time in Korea thus far, and there are still plenty more experiences to be had during my time here! Keep a look out for another post which will expand on my life here. Until then, I hope you are having a good summer . . . wherever you are!

-Adena

 

Nighttime shot outside of my apartment in Seoul.

 

Adena Peckler

B.A. Asian Studies, International Affairs 2015

Sigur Center 2014 Korean Language Fellow

Seoul National University, South Korea

For more posts from Korea:
Seoul Wanderings

Language Study at Seoul National University   

Young Professional International Career Dinner Series

The United Nations Association of the National Capital Area (UNA-NCA) invites you to YP International Career Dinner Series. The International Career Dinner Series is a signature, annual event inviting young professionals to engage with Washington's top professionals in their chosen field.

The event begins with a networking reception at the UN Foundation, followed by topical dinners held in private homes throughout the DC Metro Area. Each dinner features distinguished speakers who will share their stories, answer your questions, and offer advice based on their experiences in the industry.

Dinner topics include careers in:

-       The State Department

-       Women in International Affairs

-       International Law

-       International Advocacy

-       International Disaster Relief

-       International Organizations

-       International Development

-       International Communications

When

Networking reception: 5 - 6:30 pm
Individual dinners: 7:30pm

Saturday April 12, 2014

Cost
Member = $50

Non-Member = $60

Please find more information on the event below.

http://www.unanca.org/news-events/upcoming/209-yp-international-career-dinner-series-registration-open

Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs: Trans-Pacific Student Contest

Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs announces its second Trans-Pacific Student Contest, a pioneering exercise in U.S.-Asia collaboration. The contest is part of Ethics for a Connected World, a three-year global education project to mark the Council's 2014 Centennial. Winners will receive a trip to New York City.

The contest will be conducted via Carnegie Council's online Global Ethics Network, a social media platform for people across the world who are committed to exploring the role of ethics in international affairs through joint projects, ongoing dialogues, and the creation of collaborative multimedia resources.

Essay or video topic: What are shared or different values between your and your contest partner’s home country? Please illustrate these values using current or historical developments from each country.

Contest requirements

Each entry must be a collaboration between a student who is a citizen of the United States and a student who is a citizen of one of the following: Brunei, Cambodia, China (including Hong Kong and Macau), East Timor, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, North Korea, Philippines, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, or Vietnam. If you need help finding a student partner for the contest, post an inquiry on the Trans-Pacific Contest Matchmaker page, or answer one of the existing requests.

The contest is open to undergraduate and postgraduate students only, and entries must be in English. The entry can be either an essay or a video. Essays should be written in op-ed style (not academic, footnoted papers) with a length of 2,000-3,000 words. Videos should not exceed 10 minutes.

Contest winners will receive a free trip to New York City in October 2014, to participate in Carnegie Council's 100th Anniversary Celebration and Fourth Global Ethics Network Annual Meeting.

How to enter

1. Join the free Global Ethics Network (GEN) website: www.globalethicsnetwork.org.

2. Post your essay in the blog section and tag it with #Connected2014; or

3. Upload your video here in one of the supported formats and tag it with #Connected2014

4. Please include the full name, school affiliation, and nationality of both collaborators—at the end of the blog post or in the video description—in the following format:

[Author 1 Full Name]

[School Affiliation]

Nationality: [Country Name]

[Author 2 Full Name]

[School Affiliation]

Nationality: [Country Name]

Deadline is April 30, 2014.

Any questions should be directed to Evan O'Neil at eoneil@cceia.org

Student Organization: US-China Dialogue

US-China Dialogue, an emerging GWU student initiative for US-China relations, is hosting an info session this Friday. The U.S.-China Dialogue will serve as a model student simulation of bilateral negotiations (such as Strategic and Economic Dialogue), and is open to students from all disciplines.

Please come to the information session today! 

When: Friday February 28, 2014— 4:30 p.m.                                              Where: Marvin Center

IMUSE Summer Conference in China

IMUSE (Initiating Mutual Understanding through Student Exchange), founded in 2008, is a collaboration between Harvard University, Peking University, and Tsinghua University. The project’s aims are to foster mutual curiosity, respect, and understanding between people in China, Europe, and the United States. The summer conference provides top college and graduate students with an intimate forum for discussion and personal reflection about key issues affecting China, and the world today. What makes IMUSE different from other conferences is its small size of 30 participants selected through a rigorous application process in which the brightest university students are chosen from the US, China, and around the world.

The IMUSE Beijing-Hong Kong Summer Conference Program will bring the outstanding students from Chinese, American, and European colleges and graduate schools together in late August to share their opinions, experience Chinese culture, and learn from one another. During the fellowship, Chinese and American delegates will participate alongside one another in a variety of activities designed to be both academically and personally enriching. Delegates will participate in panel discussion events with a student audience where they will discuss the pertinent issues facing Chinese-American relations today.

For more information, please visit: http://www.projectimuse.org/

Chinese Embassy Visit--This Thursday

When: Thursday 2/27 2:30pm-4:00pm

This Thursday, February 27th, 2:30pm-4:00pm, Professor Dawn Murphy has arranged an opportunity for GW students to visit the Chinese Embassy in DC. The visit will last about 90 minutes (30 minute tour of the Embassy, followed by a 60 minute presentation and Q&A focused on China-US relations delivered by the Political section of the Embassy). The Embassy is very close to the Van Ness metro station.

If you are interested in participating, please sign-up online ASAP.

Link to register:

http://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-george-washington-university-student-tour-to-chinese-embassy-tickets-10608469217

Password: DawnMurphyclass

Sign-up for tickets labeled as “Reserved Ticket for Prof. Dawn Murphy's Class.”

There are only 8 tickets left! 

Registration must be completed by midnight, Monday 2/24.

Job Opening: Undergraduate Research Assistant, Memory & Reconciliation in Asia Pacific

Position Description:

Memory & Reconciliation in Asia Pacific (www.gwu.edu/~memory) is a research and policy project located at the Sigur Center for Asian Studies in the Elliott School. Created in 2003, it aims at studying both lingering historical issues and efforts at reconciliation in the Asia Pacific region. The project has sponsored numerous lectures and conferenecs and maintained a online database. We are looking for highly motivated undergraduates to assist faculty members in updating the online database and carrying out relevant research.

Approximate Hours Per Week:  up to 20 hours

Hourly Wage: $ 15 /hour

Qualifications:

• Interest in/knowledge of East Asian history and politics
• Web development and social media experience
• Minimum 3.25 GPA
• Knowledge fo an East Asian language would be helpful but is not required
• Must be a current GW undergraduate student

Application Procedures:

• Apply via GWork to position number   792886
• Required documents: Resume, cover letter, transcript
• Specify the number of hours you are available to work in your cover letter
• Due to the high volume of expected applications only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. No calls, please.

Scholarships for Summer Intensive Chinese and Japanese Study

Scholarships available to study intensive Chinese or Japanese at Washington University in St. Louis this summer with the ALLEX Foundation.

The WUSTL-ALLEX Intensive Chinese and Japanese Institutes will offer intensive beginning level classes in Japanese and Mandarin Chinese, at Washington University in St. Louis, for seven weeks this Summer 2014.

Each class meets for 2 hours per day, 5 days a week, for 7 weeks.

The course is intensive and requires 3-5 hours of mandatory, self-managed, study per day.

This program is designed to train students to speak and listen to Chinese or Japanese, and to introduce students to reading and writing the language. At the end of the course students will be expected to perform in all four skills—speaking, listening, reading and writing—at a basic level of proficiency. Students will not only learn to speak the language; they will also develop an understanding of Chinese or Japanese interpersonal behavior. The ultimate goal is to teach students not just to speak Chinese or Japanese, but to function successfully in Chinese or Japanese culture—to present yourself as an intelligent person in the culture using the language. Students will learn to speak and perform correctly in a variety of social situations.

A limited number of scholarships are available to qualified students.

For more information please visit:
http://www.allex.org/summer-chinese-or-japanese/ or call 607.218.2130.

Asia Society Intern Opportunity

The Asia Society’s Washington, D.C. office is seeking an exceptional intern with a demonstrated interest in the social, political, and economic challenges facing the United States and countries in Asia. The selected intern will support the Asia Society’s policy research, outreach and administrative work in Washington. They are currently seeking an intern with strong research/writing skills and interest in the following areas:

1. The dynamics in energy relationships among Asia-Pacific countries and potential changes in next 20 years.

2. International development assistance in Asia.

3. Deepening economic engagement between the United States and countries in Asia.

4. The dynamics in the relationships among the United States, China and India, and the effects of the changes in those relationships on other Asia-Pacific countries.

Responsibilities:

Tracking and researching current developments in Asia, and on Capitol Hill, related to the issue areas above; assisting with administrative and logistical duties; writing, editing, and proofreading reports, event/meeting summaries, and content for Asia Society's website; providing conference/event coordinating support; and attending and reporting on meetings at embassies, Capitol Hill, and various NGOs in Washington, DC.

Education and Prior Experience Most Suited for this internship:

Previous internship or work experience preferred; familiarity with Capitol Hill, global issues, and/or Asia through academic study and/or work experience; initiative and drive to work independently on research projects; strong research, writing, and editing skills; excellent attention to detail; reliable and able to work under tight deadlines; proficiency with Microsoft Office, and knowledge of MailChimp; and flexibility with handling diverse tasks.

Schedule:

Internships are unpaid positions. Please note that we do not provide visa support. Candidates are required to commit to a minimum of 12 weeks, and at least three days per week, or the equivalent of 24 hours per week. Full-time and longer commitments are generally preferred. Evening availability once or twice a month for events may be requested.

How to apply:

E-mail:  

1) a cover letter, indicating your interest in the position and the days and hours you are available to work 

2) a resume

3) a writing sample (2-3 double-spaced pages) in Word or PDF format with the subject line "Global Policy Programs Internship, DC, Winter 2014"

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Due to the large volume of applications, they are only able to contact those candidates selected for an interview. Please regard your resume as having been received unless your email is bounced back. No phone calls, please. Position is open until filled.

Asia Society Washington Office E-mail: washingtonjobs@asiasociety.org

Location: Washington, D.C.

Department: Global Policy Programs

Date Posted: January 2014

International Studies Graduate Programs: Master of Arts in International Studies

Master of Arts in International Studies

You're a college graduate compelled by the idea of life and work overseas. China's ingenuity, opportunities, and progress in business and education appeals to you, and you're seeking a Master’s Degree to help you realize your professional aspirations. But your time is limited. You can't afford to be stuck in a classroom in the United States for two years. When you choose an international studies graduate program, it not only needs to be academically rigorous, but it needs to be accelerated and grounded in real world experiences.

You may be the perfect candidate for Concordia University's Master of Arts in International Studies (MAIS) graduate program.

Founded in 2005, the MAIS program is an extraordinary program that cultivates academic, cultural research and language skills alongside a practical work experience in China. The program encourages students to engage in, and experience, life and work in China. After a summer of intensive courses at the Irvine campus, you head overseas and immediately start living, working, and studying in China, perhaps in some of the ways you've always imagined.

Each year, about sixty-five qualified students are sent to teach in K-12 and university partners.

The deadline to apply for the June, 2014 cohort ends on March 1 (application completion extension will be considered if applications are started before March 1).

Open to students interested in teaching in China with a salary, while living, studying and conducting empirical research for their Master’s degree with a fully accredited US institution.

You can learn more about the program at: www.cui.edu/MAIS

Application instructions and other details can also be located on our website.

You may also contact Dr. Schuler via email at: yi.schuler@cui.edu or call us at: 949-214-3376.

Announcing Sigur Center 2014 Summer Language and Research Grants!

The Sigur Center for Asian Studies is pleased to announce grants for language study and field research for Summer 2014. Previous grant recipients have received funding for travel to China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.

There are five grant types: Chinese Language Study in Taiwan, Korean Language Study in Korea, Asian Language Study in Asia, Estelle Sigur Grant for Japanese Language Study in Japan,  and Asian Field Research.  Students with an interest in furthering their Asian language skills or conducting field research in Asia are highly encouraged to apply. All GW BA, MA and PhD students are eligible for Language Grants. Asian Field Research Grants are open to MA and PhD students. Students may apply regardless of nationality.

All grant applications are due by February 14, 2014.

Learn more about Sigur Center grants at:  go.gwu.edu/sigurgrants.

Please direct all inquiries regarding Sigur Center Language and Research Grants to Andrew Parker, Asian Studies Program Assistant at asia@gwu.edu.