We had a glimpse of spring earlier this week, but winter is back this morning. In Japan, plum blossoms are out in full force! These bright pink flowers - an earlier cousin of the more famous sakura - are a tantalizing hint that the warmer weather is on the way. Closer to home, take a look at some of the springtime deadlines and opportunities for Asian Studies students:

URCAD Deadline - Friday, March 1

Have you been working on a big research project? Do you want to share your discoveries and insights with a wide audience? Apply to present at URCAD, UMBC's Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievements Day! 

You can apply here; if you worked with a particular faculty member for your research, let them know that you're applying! 

URCAD will take place on Wednesday, April 10, this year. 

Summer 2024 Registration Begins Friday, March 1

Are you thinking about a summer class this year? Registration for Summer 2024 begins tomorrow, Friday, March 1! Review information about the session at the Summer Session website - or browse the available courses here! 

Of particular interest for Asian Studies students, the following courses are available this summer: 

- ASIA 100 (six weeks, Session I)
- HIST 103 East-Asian Civilization (four weeks, Session II)
- HIST 381 From Samurai to Salariman: Japanese History Through Film and Literature (four weeks, Session I)
- JPNS 102 Elementary Japanese II (six weeks, Session II)

Upcoming Dates and Deadlines

March 1 - URCAD application deadline
March 1 - Summer 2024 Registration Begins
March 16-24 - Spring Break; no classes

[thumbnail image: vibrant pink plum blossoms on a tree on the grounds of Nara's Himuro Shrine in February 2020]

The WInter Session is wrapping up and Spring 2024 is just around the corner. We hope that you've had a productive, relaxing January, and are looking forward to welcoming you to campus next week, whether you're returning or just joining us for your first semester! 

Winter Welcome Week 2024

Check out some of the special events taking place around campus next week as part of Winter Welcome Week 2024! From breakfast socials and opportunities to visit and chat with organizations and offices around campus to basketball games and the returning favorite Big Breakfast with Bingo, there's something for everyone on the schedule! Learn more on the Winter Welcome Week website. 

Gilman Study Abroad Scholarships - Application Open

Have you thought about study abroad, but wonder about how to pay for it? If you receive Pell grants as part of your financial aid, or are the child of an active duty service member in the military, the Benjamin Gilman Scholarship program may be just the thing for you! 

The Gilman scholarships award up to $8000 to support study abroad for students with demonstrated financial need. UMBC's Education Abroad Office will host several information sessions about the program in February - be sure to attend! The Gilman scholarship application deadline is March 7! 

Other Study Abroad Opportunities - Start Planning Now!

If the Gilman program isn't a good fit, but you still want to consider study abroad this summer, or for some or all of the 2024-25 academic year, start planning now! The Education Abroad office has created a useful road map of the steps you'll need to take to plan the perfect study abroad experience - check out their myUMBC post today, and contact them for more information!

Internships Available - Maryland Public Service Scholars

Do you have any plans this summer? Consider applying for one of the Maryland Public Service Scholars Program's summer internships!  These paid opportunities give students a chance to explore careers in government agencies and nonprofit organizations and make a difference in the lives of Marylanders. 

Applications for this competitive program are due March 1 - and more information is available at one of the Program's information sessions. 

Upcoming Important Dates and Deadlines

It's a short week here on campus, but the semester is continuing its march towards finals in a few weeks. If you are celebrating this week, we hope that you will have a safe and happy holiday, and will look forward to seeing you again after the long weekend! 

Please note that UMBC's campus and offices will be closed on Thursday and Friday, Nov 23-24, in observance of the holiday. 

Conference Applications Now Open

The organization International Student Conferences facilitates three academic and cultural exchange programs organized by university students in the U.S., Japan, Korea, and China. The conferences distinguish themselves from other programs in that they are entirely student-led: students manage the logistics and implementation of each annual gathering. At the end of each Conference, delegates elect an Elective Committee tasked with planning and executing the next conference. 

The programs are premised on the belief that students are not passive observers of international diplomacy but rather are concerned citizens charged with the responsibility of guiding the direction of the world as leaders in U.S.-Asia relations.

Who Can Apply for These Conferences?

The Japan-America Student Conference

The Japan-America Student Conference (JASC) is a student-led exchange program initiated in 1934 by university students concerned about the breakdown of bilateral relations before the Second World War. Today, an equal number of students from the U.S. and Japan are competitively selected each year to spend one summer month together, studying and analyzing Japan-U.S. relations while visiting three diverse regions in the host country. 

The 76th Japan-America Student Conference will occur from August 3rd to August 24th, 2024, in Los Angeles, New Orleans, and Washington, DC. JASC 76 will convene with the theme: “Visions: Perspectives reflected from the past - together understanding, contributing for the future.” Applications are OPEN until December 24, 2023. Apply here!

The Korea-America Student Conference

The Korea-America Student Conference (KASC) is a student-led academic conference that was established in 2008 with the goal of supporting the deep bilateral relationship between the U.S. and South Korea. This conference brings together up to 30 students studying in the United States and the Republic of Korea for an academically rigorous, three-week-long summer program, during which students live, travel, and conduct original, peer-reviewed research together. KASC is unique among ISC conferences in its two-country model, in which students travel to both the U.S. and South Korea each year. 

The 17th Korea-America Student Conference will travel to New York City, Washington, DC, and Seoul, South Korea, from June 23rd to July 11th, 2024! The KASC 17 Executive Committee chose the theme: “Embracing Complexity: Navigating the Intersections in Global Diplomacy for a Shared Tomorrow.” Applications are OPEN! Apply by December 23, 2023 at this link!

The China-America Student Conference

The China-America Student Conference (ChASC) is a 2-week academic and cultural interchange program that brings together an equal number of students representing the United States of America and China for off-the-record discussions on the future of the bilateral relationship. ChASC was established in 2020, making it the newest of the ISC conferences. 

The 4th China-America Student Conference will convene from June 3rd to June 15th in Chicago and Washington, DC! ChASC 4 will focus on the theme, “From Reflection to Connection: Lessons from the Past, Visions For the Future” and welcomes American students, Chinese students, and Chinese students studying in the United States! Please apply by December 31, 2023, at this link! 

Fall foliage is on full display on campus and around town, and the semester continues! Here's the latest from Asian Studies.

Guest Lecture - Dr. Yunwoo Song, "Why Be Moral?" 

Asian Studies is pleased to welcome American University's Dr. Yunwoo Song to the Albin O. Kuhn Library Gallery for a special lecture about Confucian influences and thoughts on morality. 

Please join us on Wednesday at 1pm for this exciting event - refreshments will follow the presentation! For more information, visit the myUMBC events page. 

Spring 2024 Advising and Registration are Here!

The Spring 2024 schedule is available online, and advising is happening now! Undergraduate students can begin registering for classes as early as tomorrow (Tuesday, Oct 31). 

Have you had your advising appointment yet? Check out our Advising Guide for Asian Studies students to make sure you're ready to register as soon as possible - signing up for classes early is the best way to make sure you have a seat in popular offerings, or to get a spot in that one class you might still need before you graduate! 

Winter Session 2024 registration is ongoing, too - visit https://winter.umbc.edu/ for more information! 

Upcoming Dates, Deadlines, and Events

• Spring 2024 Advising and Registration - ongoing; see above
• This week: The Major Event 
• Dr. Yunwoo Song Lecture "Why Be Moral?" - Weds, Nov 1, 1pm
• Deadline to withdraw from individual courses with a "W" - Weds, Nov 8
• Thanksgiving and American Indian Heritage Day - Nov 23 and Nov 24 - campus closed, no classes

It's that time again - Spring 2024 Registration starts next week, Oct 31! Are you ready to sign up for your classes? Here's a checklist of things you can do to prepare! 

Online Schedule Available Now

Students who are logged into their myUMBC accounts can review the entire Spring 2024 schedule online by visiting https://umbc.edu/go/schedule 

Additionally, a list of classes that count towards an Asian Studies major, minor, and certificate is available on our website. 

New Courses - ASIA 333 and ASIA 353

Looking for something different this spring? Check out Dr. Kim's two new course offerings! 

ASIA 333 - International Relations in East Asia - In Person, Thursdays, 4:30-7
The course aims for a comprehensive exploration of pressing issues in Asia, facilitating an understanding of the political, social, and economic dimensions of the region in the contemporary era. It places particular emphasis on regional and international relations. Throughout the course, students will acquire valuable insights into the political structures, ideologies, and movements shaping Asian nations. Additionally, the course will delve into the intricate dynamics of societal transformations, economic realities, and pressing issues, encompassing domestic challenges and regional conflicts, along with an added emphasis on U.S. engagement with Asian nations. 

ASIA 353 - Contemporary Society in Two Koreas - In Person, Tues/Thurs 10-11:15
This course is designed to help students develop a comprehensive background of contemporary history, politics, society, economy and security of two Koreas and their impact on the broader context of Asia. The course explores key historical processes that have shaped the contemporary societies of two Koreas through multidisciplinary lenses. The course will help students understand the origins of, and influences stemming from, the stark political, economic, and social differences between the two Koreas, amidst their underlying core cultural similarities. Themes to be covered in this course include modernization, colonialism, nationalism, authoritarianism, democratization, industrialization, reunification, and gender relations.

Advising Information - Sign Up Early!

You must have registration clearance from their advisor before you can add classes to their schedule. Asian Studies students work with Dr. Oyen for advising. 

To receive registration clearance, complete this Google form for Dr. Oyen to review. If you would like an appointment to go over any questions or concerns about your Spring 2024 schedule or other details about your Asian Studies plans, you can schedule a meeting with Dr. Oyen via her Calendly. 

Account Holds - Check with Student Business Services

Account holds can prevent you from registering or graduating. Holds can be placed for several reasons, from overdue library books to parking fines to everything in between. Check with Student Business Services for help with resolving any account holds early, so that you can register on time! 

Winter Session Registration Ongoing

Thinking about the Winter session to stay busy during January? Consider signing up for one of these Asian Studies classes today - Winter registration is available now through the start of the session! Learn more about Winter 2024 at the session's website

ASIA 300 - Modern East Asia - Prof. Kim - Online, asynchronous
HIST 381 - From Samurai to Salariman - Prof. Vaporis - Online, asynchronous
MUSC 230 - Musics of the World - Prof. Beck - Online, T/W/TH 9-12:10

Advising Questions or Concerns? Let us know! 

Send us an email any time, or stop by Mon-Thurs 8:30-1:30 in person, with any questions you might have about Spring 2024 advising. 

The semester is hurrying along, and October is in full swing this week. So much is happening on campus and elsewhere - here are some highlights. 

Homecoming This Week! 

UMBC celebrates Homecoming 2023 all week this week, from Oct 8-14. You can find a listing of all the exciting events taking place as part of the festivities - from this weekend's Carnival to a Lego competition - on the Homecoming website. 

Spring 2024 Registration is Coming! 

The Spring 2024 schedule of classes will be available online on October 23, and registration begins on October 31. Visit our website's Advising Info page for more details, and stay tuned for additional information regarding advising appointments and a list of Spring 2024 classes that will count towards your Asian Studies major, minor, or certificate goals. 

Remember that only students who have clearance from their advisor will be able to add classes to their schedule during the registration period. 

Consider the Critical Language Scholarship Program 

Have you been thinking about study abroad for Summer 2024? Consider the Critical Language Scholarship Program! This prestigious program provides students with an opportunity for immersive, intensive language study abroad. Several virtual sessions this month will give students information about the various options the program offers, including an info session for the Chinese language program taking place today at 1pm. 

For more information, including links to the virtual sessions, visit our myUMBC post.

Save the Date - Guest Speaker Event - Dr. Yunwoo Song, Wednesday, Nov 1

Asian Studies is pleased to welcome American University's Dr. Yunwoo Song to campus for a special lecture event. Dr. Song will give a talk titled "Why Be Moral? Confucian Perspectives on the Origin of Morality," which will explore the significance of Confucian discourse on human nature and consider some philosophical problems that arise from these views. 

The talk will take place in the Library Gallery on November 1, at 1pm, and will be followed by a reception with light refreshments. We hope to see you there! 

Upcoming Dates and Deadlines

• All week - Homecoming [see above] 
• Ongoing/various: CLS program info sessions [see above]
• Oct 23 - Spring 2024 Schedule available online
• Oct 31 - Spring 2024 registration appointments begin

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

Gilman Study Abroad Scholarship - App Deadline March 9

Are you interested in study abroad? Do you receive Pell grants as part of your financial aid? If you answered 'yes' to both of these, you should consider applying for a Benjamin Gilman Study Abroad scholarship! The program offers up to $8,000 to support students' study abroad opportunities, and typically one in four applicants receives an award. 

Don't wait - the application is due March 9th! For more information about the program, email the Education Abroad office! 

URCAD is Coming! Apply by Feb 13

URCAD 2023 will take place on April 12. URCAD is a great opportunity for students to present their research to the UMBC community. Participants gain experience giving a presentation, preparing for a conference, and more! 

If you have been working on a major project this year, consider applying to present your work at URCAD. The deadline to apply is February 13 - more information is available on URCAD's website, or you can email Dr. April Householder if you have a specific question. 

Korean Language Research Presentations This Week

From Tuesday, February 7 through Tuesday, February 14, MLLI & ASIA are hosting a series of presentations on recent research in Korean language study. These events will be hybrid format - attendees can join in-person or online. These sessions will be engaging for anyone with an interest in studying or perhaps teaching Korean language. If you have questions about the sessions or WebEx connection, please contact Carolyn Good in the MLLI department.

• February 7 (today!) - 4pm, Fine Arts 526 or on WebEx: Dr. Jiwon Hwang, "Engaging Korean Language Learners Intercultural Through Authentic, Social and Critical Interactions" 
• February 9 (Thursday) - 4pm, Fine Arts 011 or on WebEx: Dr. Kyung-Eun Yoon, “Analyzing Discourse: From Interactional Linguistics to Sociocultural Analysis”
• February 14 (next Tuesday) - 4pm, Fine Arts 526 or on WebEx: Dr. Sorin Huh, "Learning, Teaching, and Assessing the Korean Language" 

Upcoming Dates and Deadlines

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! 

UMBC Closed Dec 23-Jan 2

In observance of the end of the year holidays, UMBC is closed from Friday, Dec 23 through Monday, January 2. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to responding to any messages or inquiries which arrive during this time upon our return to campus in the new year!