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

APPLY HERE

Georgetown University's Government Department will host its second annual one-week Political Science Predoctoral Summer Institute (PS-PSI) from June 12 to 16, 2023.  Our goals are to increase the diversity of applicants to politicalscience PhD programs, boost the acceptance rate of under-represented students, enhance the diversity of students in those programs, and augment inclusion and equity in the discipline. You can read more and find application materials here.

Rising juniors and seniors majoring in political science or related fields at colleges and universities in DC, DE, MD, VA, and WV are welcome to apply to the PS-PSI. PS-PSI is designed for students interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in political science.

The PS-PSI pays for your travel expenses and for your lodging at Georgetown, and provides you with a $1,000 stipend. We offer you relevant materials in advance of the PS-PSI to help you prepare; provide the materials you will use at the Institute; and connect you with excellent resources to help you continue your path forward after the Institute.

See attached flyer

APPLY HERE 

The National Bureau of Asian Research (NBR) Undergraduate Diversity Fellowship aims to extend paid educational, professional, and mentorship opportunities to historically underrepresented groups, such as Black and brown community college and undergraduate students who are interested in pursuing a career in the field of international affairs or Asia policy.

NBR acknowledges the historical exclusion and underrepresentation of minorities and Black and brown professionals within U.S. foreign policy at all levels and is committed to opening the door to minority voices and perspectives in policy. Through the Undergraduate Diversity Fellowship Program, NBR hopes to begin closing the accessibility gap in the field of International Affairs and to continue to shape the next generation of bright, diverse leaders.

Starting in May, fellows will work 5-10 hours a week remotely prior to their 10-12-week summer internship in NBR's D.C. office. Fellows will become acquainted with NBR, get to know their supervisors and other employees, set goals, and attend NBR events. This training period will allow for supervisors to provide a well-rounded mentoring experience for their fellows before their internship and afterwards. Fellows will learn about NBR and the think tank industry, be introduced to the different teams at NBR, and become familiar with NBR projects.