The National Bureau of Asian Research (NBR) has launched the Chinese Language Fellowship Program (CLFP) for the 2024/25 academic year. The program is designed to support American graduate students who are interested in Chinese language and culture by providing fellowships of up to $50,000. The program is intended to strengthen the next generation of American scholars focused on China and to promote cross-cultural exchange between the United States and China.
The CLFP will provide American graduate students with the opportunity to devote one year to intensive Chinese language training at an institution of their choice, generally in China or Taiwan. The fellowship is open to PhD and current or recent MA students, and it is intended to cover all tuition and other expenses related to language study. The fellowship is designed to help students develop a deep understanding of the Chinese language and culture and to prepare them for careers in academia, business, government, and other fields where knowledge of China is essential.
Overview of NBR CLFP
The National Bureau of Asian Research (NBR) Chinese Language Fellowship Program (CLFP) is a prestigious program that provides American graduate students with the opportunity to devote one year to intensive Chinese language training at an institution of their choice, typically in China or Taiwan. The program offers fellowships of up to $50,000 to PhD and current or recent MA students, with the aim of strengthening the next generation of American experts on China.
Program Objectives
The primary objective of the NBR CLFP is to address the growing need for American experts in China who are proficient in the Chinese language. The program seeks to achieve this objective by providing graduate students with the opportunity to immerse themselves in the Chinese language and culture and to develop the language skills necessary to conduct research on China in their respective fields of study.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the NBR CLFP, applicants must be American citizens or permanent residents and must be enrolled in or have completed a PhD or MA program in a field related to China studies. Applicants must also have advanced proficiency in Chinese, as demonstrated by a minimum score of 3 on the ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) or equivalent.
Fellowship Duration
The NBR CLFP fellowship is intended to support one year of intensive Chinese language training at an institution of the fellow’s choice, typically in China or Taiwan. Fellows are expected to devote themselves full-time to language study during the first nine months of the fellowship and to engage in research and other academic activities during the final three months.
In conclusion, the NBR CLFP is a highly competitive and prestigious program that provides American graduate students with the opportunity to develop advanced proficiency in the Chinese language and culture and to conduct research on China in their respective fields of study. By supporting the next generation of American experts on China, the program plays an important role in strengthening the US-China relationship and promoting greater understanding between the two countries.
Application Process
The application process for the NBR Chinese Language Fellowship Program (CLFP) in the USA for the 2024/25 academic year is straightforward and requires a few documents. Here are the details of the application process:
Required Documents
Applicants must submit the following documents through NBR’s application website:
- Completed application form
- Personal statement (maximum 2 pages)
- Two letters of recommendation
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
- Language proficiency test scores (if available)
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Application Timeline
The application for the 2024/25 academic year is now open and will remain open until February 19, 2024. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible to ensure adequate time for their application to be reviewed.
Selection Procedure
The Chinese Language Fellowship Program team will review all applications and make recommendations to an independent selection committee that will meet and make decisions. The selection committee will consider the following criteria:
- Academic excellence and potential for success in the program
- Relevance of the proposed language study to the applicant’s academic and career goals
- Language proficiency and potential for improvement
- Quality of the personal statement and letters of recommendation
Applicants will be notified of their selection status by April 30, 2024. Successful applicants will be required to accept or decline the fellowship by May 15, 2024.
Overall, the application process for the NBR Chinese Language Fellowship Program is competitive but straightforward. Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the eligibility requirements and application instructions before submitting their application.
Contact Information
For any questions or inquiries regarding the NBR Chinese Language Fellowship Program (CLFP), interested parties can contact the program team via email at clfp@nbr.org. The program team is available to answer questions about the application process, eligibility requirements, and other program details.
In addition, the CLFP website provides a wealth of information about the program, including fellowship eligibility, application requirements, and frequently asked questions. The website also features a list of past CLFP fellows and their research projects, as well as a list of partner institutions in China and Taiwan where fellows can pursue their language training.
For those interested in learning more about the program, the NBR Chinese Language Fellowship Program team hosts information sessions throughout the year. These sessions provide an opportunity for prospective applicants to ask questions and learn more about the program from program staff and past fellows. To RSVP for an upcoming information session, interested parties can email clfp@nbr.org.
Overall, the NBR Chinese Language Fellowship Program is a valuable opportunity for American graduate students to gain intensive language training in China or Taiwan. With a generous fellowship of up to $50,000, the program provides a unique opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of the Chinese language and culture while pursuing their academic and professional goals.