DEADLINE: Graduate Phillips Ambassador Scholarship

The Phillips Ambassadors Program offers one Phillips Ambassadors Scholarship at the graduate level. The intent is to further enrich the overall educational experience of undergraduate Phillips Ambassadors by involving one outstanding graduate student who is engaged in research related to some aspect of Asian society, culture or history in the program each year; to further integrate the program into the life of the University by creating a strong link to the community of graduate students with interests in Asia; and, in general, support the study of Asia at UNC at all levels.

The Graduate Ambassador will be a student in a PhD program at Carolina who is committed to conducting thesis research on some aspect of Asia.

Stipend and Duties

• The Graduate Ambassador will receive a stipend of $6,500 to support summer travel and research in Asia.
• The Graduate Ambassador is expected to assist the program academic director in leading the weekend retreats for the undergraduate Ambassadors (two to three days in the spring prior to departure to Asia, and two to three days in the fall upon return).
• The Graduate Ambassador is expected to participate actively in the online discussion forum, engaging with and responding to the comments posted by the undergraduate Ambassadors.
• During the summer, the Graduate Ambassador is expected to meet and stay in contact with, as much as practical, undergraduate Ambassadors in the country or sub-region where s/he is conducting summer research. (Doing so helps to create a direct human link to the program in addition to the connection provided by the online discussion forum.)

Selection Process:

For summer 2016 research, applications are due February 19, 2016 in hard copy to the Phillips Ambassadors office at the Carolina Asia Center. All materials should be submitted together in one packet, attn: Janet Walters, Phillips Ambassadors Program Manager (with the official transcripts and faculty letter in sealed envelopes).

Applicants will be asked to submit the following:

1. A cover letter (one to two pages) explaining why s/he will be able to make a positive contribution to the educational experience of the undergraduate Phillips Ambassadors.
2. A brief (two page) research proposal, outlining the applicant’s plans for summer research as related to his or her thesis work.
3. Transcripts (undergraduate and graduate)
4. Letter of recommendation from thesis adviser.

For more information or answers to any questions, please contact: Janet Walters, Phillips Ambassadors Program Manager, Carolina Asia Center, (919) 801-8283.