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

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! 

There are dozens of study abroad programs for students interested in extended, in-depth opportunities in Asian countries. Some of these programs, including the Luce Scholarship, the Boren Scholarship, and the Fulbright program, are especially prestigious and competitive. 

It can be difficult and overwhelming to try to understand these programs on your own - but never fear! Join Asian Studies and UMBC's very own Dr. Brian Souders, Fulbright Program Advisor extraordinaire, on Wednesday, September 7 (next week!) for a session that will illuminate the specific pros and cons of several of these programs, and outline some of the basics of their application processes. If you're thinking about studying abroad, either during or after your time at UMBC, this will be a great overview session - and we'll have snacks, too! Don't miss it! 

It's Welcome Week! 

New students and returning students can all find something interesting on the Welcome Week calendar! From departmental open houses and information tables to UMBC Athletics gameday festivities and neighborhood tours, Welcome Week is a lively celebration of all of the opportunities and events taking place on campus at the start of the semester. Be sure to check it out! 

UMBC Review Submission Deadline: Sept 16!

Have you completed a big research project or creative work during your time at UMBC? Consider submitting your work for publication in the UMBC Review! Learn more about this peer-reviewed journal - and how to submit your work - at https://ur.umbc.edu/umbc-review/submission-guidelines/. Note that the deadline for submissions is coming up in a few weeks - September 16! 

Upcoming Dates and Deadlines

• Aug 31: First day of classes! Asian Studies welcome luncheon!
• Sept 7: Study Abroad Programs Info Session with Dr. Souders
• Sept 14: Deadline to drop a class without a "W," last day to add a class
  
• Sept 15: Deadline to apply for Fall 2022 Commencement