Through the generosity of the Taiwan Ministry of Education and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Boston (TECO), the Department of Asian Studies at Williams College has been awarded a scholarship for Williams students to study Mandarin language in Taiwan during 2018-19. As explained in a letter received from TECO, “this scholarship is being awarded to your esteemed college in the hopes of fostering a strong friendship between Williams College and Taiwan and furthering our mutual academic goals of cross-cultural understanding and exchange.”
The scholarship allows Williams students to study Mandarin language in Taiwan at a university-affiliated language training center of the student’s choice for a period of three, six, nine months or one full year beginning from September 1, 2018, ending by August 31, 2019. The scholarship consists of NT 25,000 per month (approximately US $781 at the current exchange rate), out of which the student will pay tuition and living expenses. With careful budgeting, the scholarship amount should be sufficient to cover about ten hours a week of tuition as well as moderate housing and meal costs, but applicants should note that air fare and miscellaneous expenses are not included.
Basic eligibility requirements for students interested in applying for the scholarship are:
- Must NOT be a citizen of Taiwan
- Must be a United States Citizen
- Must currently be a student at Williams College at the time of application (any year, including graduating seniors)
While any student who meets the above basic requirements is eligible to apply, priority will be given to those seniors who are Chinese or Asian Studies majors or who have taken Chinese language through the 400 level. In the case of rising juniors who wish to go to Taiwan for junior year abroad, it is important to coordinate with the Dean’s office concerning accredited schools in Taiwan and the minimum number of class hours weekly that is required in order for Williams College credit to be granted.
To apply for the scholarship, please prepare a one-page statement in English and a copy of your current transcript, compile them into one PDF file and submit through the GLOW course “Asian Studies Funding Opportunities” (you may self enroll at the link). If you do not know how to compile a PDF file, please consult with the OIT help desk. (You should be able to use a scanner or a digital sender, located in the libraries, to easily generate PDF files). The deadline for submission is 11:59 p.m., Saturday, March 10, 2018.
In the statement, discuss your reasons for applying and how going to Taiwan to study Mandarin relates to your future study and career plans; also indicate how long you wish to study in Taiwan (3, 6, 9, or 12 months with starting and ending months). Provide the names of two faculty members who have already agreed to write recommendations for you if you are selected (Please ask the faculty members ahead of time. If you are selected, they will need to provide letters to you in a sealed envelope to be forwarded to TECO office within short notice).
The faculty members in the Chinese Program expect to identify a top candidate before March 15th. At that time, the candidate selected will fill out a formal application, which must be forwarded to TECO by the end of March. Students who have questions about the scholarship should contact Professor Man He via e-mail at [email protected].
In addition to the Huayu Enrichment Scholarship, Taiwan Ministry of Education also offers scholarships for students to seek degree programs in Taiwan. If you are interested, please contact Prof. He for details.
Megamenu Social