Asian Studies is thrilled to welcome all of our new and returning students to campus for Fall 2023! Whether you're just starting here at UMBC or are approaching the completion of your studies, we're excited to see you and look forward to learning alongside you this semester. 

Look for this newsletter from us every week, with information about events, special programs, and other news that might be of interest for Asian Studies students. 

Welcome Week Sushi Lunch

Join us tomorrow for one of our favorite recent traditions, the Welcome Week Sushi Lunch! We'll be in the Fine Arts Amphitheatre (access through the Fine Arts Recital Hall Lobby) with sushi, snacks, and Asian Studies giveaways. Stop by to say hello to faculty and friends and catch up after the summer break!

InterACT Dialogues Program 2023

The Interact Dialogues Program is a 4-week experience designed for students to learn and practice skills to become inclusive leaders and engaged community members. Interact is a space where students can develop leadership skills and cultivate a deep sense of belonging to the UMBC campus and community. During the program, students will meet in small, peer-facilitated groups for about 90 minutes each week based on their schedules. 

Click here for more information about the program; if you're interested in joining the program, you can click here to complete the interest form. 

Library Resources & Workshops

UMBC's Albin O. Kuhn Library is a valuable resource for all of your research needs, with seven floors of material for you to browse and utilize. Aside from the collections, did you know that the library also offers workshops, equipment [laptops, etc] rentals, and study space? Find out more about everything it has to offer on the Library Website! 

Of particular note are the Writing Wednesday Workshops, which take place once a month throughout the semester: 

Research 101
Wednesday, 9/6 @ 4-5pm Link

Stepping up your research game: Searching strategically
Wednesday, 10/4 @ 4-5pm Link

How to Cite sources for your research and writing
Wednesday, 11/1 @ 4-5pm Link

Finding your flow: Navigating final papers
Wednesday, 12/6 @ 4-5pm Link 

ASCOM Seeking New Leadership

Have you been looking for a way to get involved on campus and with Asian Studies? ASCOM - the Asian Studies Council of Majors - is looking for student leaders! In the past, ASCOM has held meetings and events periodically throughout the academic year for fellow students, ranging from craft-making to movie nights and everything in between. 

If this sounds like something you'd like to be part of, let us know! 

As the days grow longer and warmer, the semester continues! Keep reading for more information about upcoming events and deadlines on campus for Asian Studies students! 

Humanities Majors Workshop - April 19

Humanities majors don’t generally think of government positions when they’re planning their careers, but UMBC is located in a unique area that provides an unusual number of government opportunities. The Career Center will host a workshop event on Wednesday, April 19, at noon to help humanities majors think “outside the box” when looking for jobs or thinking strategically about their careers. 

Learn more about available opportunities, and how to apply for them, at the virtual session; see the attached flyer for the event's QR code. 

Summer Class Highlight: HIST 381 From Samurai to 'Salariman': Japanese History Through Film and Literature

Have you been thinking about a summer class? Students need to take 15 credits each fall and spring in order to graduate within four years. The summer term offers a great chance for students to catch up or get ahead in their planning, and there are often unique and fascinating course offerings available, in formats that will still give you a chance to enjoy some rest and relaxation during your summer break! 

This summer, consider Dr. Vaporis's HIST 381: From Samurai to 'Salariman': Japanese History Through Film and Literature. This four-week online, asynchronous Session II course explores the relationship between history and drama, in particular how they can illuminate or conceal basic truths and values of the past. 

Upcoming Dates and Deadlines

• Today! URCAD XXVII - all day in the UC Ballroom
• April 19, noon - Humanities Majors Workshop (see above or attached flyer)

Spring continues apace here on campus. The cherry blossoms have come and gone from Tokyo already, very early, but northern Japan is still enjoying them for now. We hope your break was a relaxing and enjoyable one! Keep reading for news from Asian Studies. 

Fall 2023 Advising and Registration are Now Available!

Have you checked out the Asian Studies advising guide here on myUMBC yet? If not, now is a great time! Learn about the advising process and review the Fall 2023 schedule of classes before your registration appointment! 

Congratulations to Asian Studies Affiliate Faculty Award Winners!

We are very pleased to celebrate the announcements that two Asian Studies affiliate faculty members have been announced as Faculty Award recipients! 

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Kyung-Eun Yoon, recipient of the 2023-2026 Presidential Teaching Professor award, and Dr. Charissa Cheah, recipient of the 2023 University of Maryland System Board of Regents' Faculty Award for Excellence in Scholarship or Research! 

Celebrate Holi This Weekend with UMBC's Hindu Student Council! 

Join the UMBC HSC on Erickson Field this Saturday, April 8, from 1-5pm for a Holi festival! Enjoy games, food, and entertainment in this lively celebration of the festival of colors - see the attached flier for additional information. 

Upcoming Dates and Deadlines

Asian Studies Fall 2023 Advising Guide

Advising appointments and the class schedule are now available for Fall 2023! 

Current students are able to register in advance for fall classes and to make an appointment to plan their semester's schedule, and discuss any other plans they might have for the Fall 2023 session. 

Three Easy Steps to Prepare for Advising!

1. Look at your Degree Plan in your myUMBC profile to learn what classes or requirements you still need to complete for your degree program.
   The complete Schedule of Classes for Fall 2023 is available here; Asian Studies will also soon have a list on our website of classes that specifically count towards Asian Studies degrees - stay tuned!
2. Look at your Student Account in your myUMBC profile – do you have an account hold? Holds can be placed for several reasons, but most of them will prevent you from being able to register for classes. Contact Student Business Services for more information about resolving an account hold.
3. Sign up for an advising appointment with your advisor. Dr. Oyen advises Asian Studies students - see below! 

Advising Appointments

ASIA majors who need an advising appointment should fill out this Google Form first. Students who have a straightforward plan and do not need assistance will receive clearance once they complete the Google Form. 

Students who’d like to speak with an advisor can make an appointment with Dr. Oyen - see the available times via her Calendly page. 

Other Advising and Registration Questions

If you have a question about advising, registration, or Fall 2023 that is not answered above, please email us at asianstudies at umbc dot edu, and we'll be happy to assist you. 

The semester is in full swing and we hope your classes and work are going well. A lot is happening on campus these days - take a look! 

NBR Fellowships

The National Bureau for Asian Research (NBR), a think tank in DC, has fellowships available for undergraduate students interested in international affairs and Asian policy. Two programs are currently accepting applications; here is the information from NBR: 

Applications to NBR's Undergraduate Diversity Fellowship are due by March 12, 2023. For Black and brown community college and undergraduate students interested in a career in international affairs or Asia policy, NBR offers paid four-month summer fellowships for students to expand their networks and develop skills in research, event planning, publications, and general office and project management through direct professional experience. Learn more and apply at www.nbr.org/udfp 

Additionally, NBR’s Ellings-Korduba Research Fellowship Program is accepting applications until March 26, 2023. For current graduate or advanced undergraduate students whose degrees focus on issues of strategic importance to the United States in Asia, NBR offers students the opportunity to spend a summer as junior fellows in residence at NBR’s Seattle office, participate in a seminar series featuring high-level speakers from NBR’s network of experts, participate in professional development workshops, and receive guidance from NBR editors. Learn more and apply at www.nbr.org/ekfp.

Dance Performance - This Weekend

The Dance Department at Towson University presents "Kinetic Crossings" this weekend at the Baltimore Theater Project. Intersecting creative pathways, Nicole A. Martinell (Artistic Director of Deep Vision Dance Company) and Saiko Kino (Japanese dancer and choreographer) share an illuminating evening of contemporary dance works. Martinell remakes "In Faith,” a vivid, spiritual journey of friction, connection, and gratitude through the eyes of a Muslim man and a Christian woman. Kino's mesmerizing "Shizuka" revives Shizuka Gozen, a 12th-century mixed-gender dancer known for her extraordinary psychic powers and political influence. 

Performances will take place Friday, March 10 and Saturday, March 11, at 8pm, at the Baltimore Theater Project (45 W. Preston Street, Baltimore, MD 21201). For tickets and more information, visit https://theatreproject.ticketspice.com/kinetic-crossings

Retrievercon 2023 - This Weekend

UMBC's Anime Society hosts its annual Retrievercon this weekend in the Commons! From cosplay contests and gaming to trivia events and vendors, the convention takes place all day Saturday, March 11. Check out their announcement on myUMBC for more information!

Freeman-Asia Scholarships - Apply by March 28!

For students with demonstrated financial need who have an interest in study abroad in east or southeast Asia, the Freeman-Asia program from IIE offers an incredible opportunity. Award amounts range from $3000 to support summer study abroad, up to $7000 to support a full academic year. Learn more about the program at its website - if you have questions about applying or would like more information, UMBC's Dr. Brian Souders is a great resource - he can be reached by email here. 

ASCOM Returns! 

The Asian Studies Council of Majors (ASCOM) is resuming their regular meetings this week, starting tomorrow (Wednesday, March 8)! 

ASCOM is a student organization for students with an interest in Asia-related topics, culture, and events to meet and chat. Meetings take place in the Fine Arts building, Room 558, and in Spring 2023 they will be happening at 10am on Wednesdays. 

For more information about ASCOM, stop by tomorrow's session, or contact its current president, Milan R., by email. 

Upcoming Dates and Deadlines

• March 8 (tomorrow!), 10am - ASCOM meeting, FA 558
• March 11 - Retrievercon (see above)
• March 12 - app deadline, NBR Diversity Fellowship (see above)
• March 19-26 - Spring Break; no classes
• March 27 - Fall 2023 schedule available

Gilman Study Abroad Scholarship - App Deadline March 9

Are you interested in study abroad? Do you receive Pell grants as part of your financial aid? If you answered 'yes' to both of these, you should consider applying for a Benjamin Gilman Study Abroad scholarship! The program offers up to $8,000 to support students' study abroad opportunities, and typically one in four applicants receives an award. 

Don't wait - the application is due March 9th! For more information about the program, email the Education Abroad office! 

URCAD is Coming! Apply by Feb 13

URCAD 2023 will take place on April 12. URCAD is a great opportunity for students to present their research to the UMBC community. Participants gain experience giving a presentation, preparing for a conference, and more! 

If you have been working on a major project this year, consider applying to present your work at URCAD. The deadline to apply is February 13 - more information is available on URCAD's website, or you can email Dr. April Householder if you have a specific question. 

Korean Language Research Presentations This Week

From Tuesday, February 7 through Tuesday, February 14, MLLI & ASIA are hosting a series of presentations on recent research in Korean language study. These events will be hybrid format - attendees can join in-person or online. These sessions will be engaging for anyone with an interest in studying or perhaps teaching Korean language. If you have questions about the sessions or WebEx connection, please contact Carolyn Good in the MLLI department.

• February 7 (today!) - 4pm, Fine Arts 526 or on WebEx: Dr. Jiwon Hwang, "Engaging Korean Language Learners Intercultural Through Authentic, Social and Critical Interactions" 
• February 9 (Thursday) - 4pm, Fine Arts 011 or on WebEx: Dr. Kyung-Eun Yoon, “Analyzing Discourse: From Interactional Linguistics to Sociocultural Analysis”
• February 14 (next Tuesday) - 4pm, Fine Arts 526 or on WebEx: Dr. Sorin Huh, "Learning, Teaching, and Assessing the Korean Language" 

Waste Management and Climate Change Survey

Upcoming Dates and Deadlines

It's cold and rainy on campus today, but our thoughts are looking ahead towards sunny and warm summer. If you're not sure yet how you'd like to spend your summer break, there are tons of options available - keep reading for more information! 

Summer Study Abroad in Japan with Dr. Oakes

Dr. Oakes is leading a study abroad program this summer in which UMBC students can spend three weeks exploring the history and visual culture of Japan. The itinerary will take participants to Hiroshima, Nara, Kyoto, and Tokyo, including visits to temples, museums, and other important places. 

Information sessions will be held on campus in the coming weeks. Click here for more details about the program and the information sessions! 

Summer Internship with the Baltimore Museum of Art

The Baltimore Museum of Art is reinstalling its historic Asian art collection, and is hiring an intern to assist with this exciting process! If you have an interest in Chinese art and art history, curatorial work and research, or working in museums, this is a fabulous opportunity to gain meaningful experience! 

Learn more about the position and the BMA at the posting on their website. 

The deadline to submit an application for this position is January 29! 

Language Intensive Programs with Indiana University

Indiana University's popular and excellent Summer Language Workshop will take place again this summer! 

Earn a year of language-study credits in two months of intensive online learning, and take advantage of in-state tuition rates! A wide variety of languages are available, including less-common options such as Vietnamese, Mongolian, Pashto, and Kyrgyz! 

You can find more information about this opportunity, including program dates, costs, and options, at the workshop's website. 

The deadline to submit an application for priority consideration is Feb 3!

Lunar New Year Event on Campus

The Center for Global Engagement and the International Student & Scholar Services team have put together an event to celebrate the lunar new year. 

On January 30, red envelopes will be left around campus for students to find. One lucky participant will find the golden ticket and win a great prize! 

Check out the attached flier for more information about participating! 

Happy New Year! 

Wishing you the best for Winter Session 2023, and for the year ahead! 

Interact Program Spring 2023

i3b (Initiatives for Identity, Inclusion, and Belonging) is re-introducing their Interact Dialogues Program, and invites interested students to apply for the Spring 2023 session! 

The Interact Dialogues Program is a 5-week experience designed for students to learn and practice skills to become inclusive leaders and engaged community members. Interact is a space where students can develop leadership skills, and cultivate a deep sense of belonging to the UMBC campus and community. 

You can register for the program here. If you have questions about the program or would like more information, a flier is attached to this message, or you can email interact@umbc.edu. 

Lunar New Year Event

The Center for Global Engagement's International Students and Scholars team is planning an event across campus to celebrate Lunar New Year! More information about this activity will be available in the coming weeks - keep an eye out for it at the start of the Spring 2023 semester!

Spring 2023 Advising

If you still need advising and registration clearance for Spring 2023, it's not too late! Fill out this Google form to get started. 

Upcoming Dates and Deadlines

• Friday, Jan 13: Last day to withdraw from individual Winter 2023 courses
• Monday, Jan 16: UMBC Closed (Martin Luther King, Jr., Day)
• Thursday, Jan 26: Last day for full Winter 2023 withdrawal
• Monday, Jan 30: Spring 2023 first day of classes

[thumbnail image description: a photograph overlooking the Nanzen-ji Sanmon Gate in Kyoto. Its roof and upper level are visible, framed by trees and other foliage, near sunset on a clear winter day. Hazy mountains can be seen along the horizon in the distance.]