Deadline: January 2, 2018
Applications are now accepted for the Asia Studies Fellowship at the East-West Center 2018 in Washington, D.C. The East-West Center (EWC) accepts applications from scholars and analysts who wish to undertake research and writing on topics of relevance to contemporary US-Asia policy. To facilitate this research and allow participants to engage with the resources and experts of the U.S. policy community, the Asia Studies Visiting Fellowship (ASVF) finances residencies for a period of three (3) months at the East-West Center in Washington in Washington, D.C. Exceptional proposals that justify up to six (6) months will be considered in rare circumstances if funds and space allow.
While in residence, the fellows will complete an article or monograph to be considered for an EWC publication, and must also give a public seminar on their topic. Alternative formats for the publication or public presentation may be considered on an individual basis, subject to approval by the director of the EWC in Washington.
Although fellowship research projects are independent in nature, to maximize time and successfully complete these requirements, fellows must complete and submit a project timetable to the fellowship coordinator, who will follow-up periodically on project progress. Fellows are also expected to participate in regular visiting fellow meetings, and/or participate in other programs organized by the Center.
Benefits
The fellowship includes a monthly stipend of US$2,500 to $5,000 (dependent upon experience) while in residence at the EWC in Washington; office space and accompanying resources; and round trip economy airfare to Washington, D.C.
Residency may begin as early as March 2018 and extend through September 2018. All fellowships must conclude by September 30. Fellows are responsible for securing their own housing and medical insurance coverage during their term of residency.
Eligibility
- Open to scholars and analysts who wish to undertake research and writing on topics of relevance to contemporary US-Asia policy.
- Individuals who are citizens or permanent residents of the United States or a country listed below may apply for the East-West Center in Washington, DC, Asia Studies Fellowship:
- Southeast Asia: Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, East Timor, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand Vietnam
- East Asia: China (Hong Kong, Macau, Mainland, Taiwan), Japan, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Republic of Korea, Mongolia, Russia.
- South Asia: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Iran, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka
- Pacific Region: American Samoa, Australia, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Guam, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, Northern Marianas, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Wallis & Futuna Islands.
- Applicants with or without a Ph.D. will be considered; those without a Ph.D. will be considered based on their relevant professional experience.
Selection Criteria
The strength of the proposal is the most significant factor for selection; particularly the relevancy of the topic to issues of contemporary US-Asia or intra-Asia policy, and demonstrated ability to undertake independent research.
While applications from candidates of all backgrounds and career levels will be considered, emphasis will be given to:
- Next generation applicants who would benefit in their academic or professional careers from such an opportunity
- Those who have not yet had the opportunity to operate in Washington D.C. and engage with the local academic and policy making communities
- Projects which would greatly benefit from the resources afforded by a residency in Washington D.C.
Application
Applicants with or without a Ph.D. will be considered; those without a Ph.D. will be considered based on their relevant professional experience. Applicants must be nationals of a country from the Asia-Pacific or the United States (see above for a list of eligible countries) and eligible to receive a fellowship stipend.
Successful applications will include:
- A completed online application form
- A full CV Two letters of reference
- A 5-page (double spaced) policy-relevant research proposal of five pages
The proposal must:
- Discuss the policy problem or issue to be examined and a tentative hypothesis and arguments
- Make the case that the proposed project can be completed in three months, and
- Explain how a fellowship in Washington, D.C. would further this research (For example: by interviewing government officials/policy experts, access to archives at local institutions etc.)
Optional elements:
- Brief description any plans for field research or conference attendance in the U.S. outside of DC, and how it would enhance the project
- A brief bibliography of the relevant literature
They are particularly interested in proposals regarding key challenges in U.S.-Asia relations and possible responses and approaches to addressing those challenges. Specific topics of interest include but are not limited to: competing economic initiatives in Asia; changes in relationships between Asian countries and their impact on the U.S.; and sustaining U.S. alliances and partnerships.
For additional questions, please email: [email protected]
For more information, visit Asia Studies Fellowship.
