Asian Studies is thrilled to welcome all of our new and returning students to campus for Fall 2023! Whether you're just starting here at UMBC or are approaching the completion of your studies, we're excited to see you and look forward to learning alongside you this semester.
Look for this newsletter from us every week, with information about events, special programs, and other news that might be of interest for Asian Studies students.
Join us tomorrow for one of our favorite recent traditions, the Welcome Week Sushi Lunch! We'll be in the Fine Arts Amphitheatre (access through the Fine Arts Recital Hall Lobby) with sushi, snacks, and Asian Studies giveaways. Stop by to say hello to faculty and friends and catch up after the summer break!
The Interact Dialogues Program is a 4-week experience designed for students to learn and practice skills to become inclusive leaders and engaged community members. Interact is a space where students can develop leadership skills and cultivate a deep sense of belonging to the UMBC campus and community. During the program, students will meet in small, peer-facilitated groups for about 90 minutes each week based on their schedules.
Click here for more information about the program; if you're interested in joining the program, you can click here to complete the interest form.
UMBC's Albin O. Kuhn Library is a valuable resource for all of your research needs, with seven floors of material for you to browse and utilize. Aside from the collections, did you know that the library also offers workshops, equipment [laptops, etc] rentals, and study space? Find out more about everything it has to offer on the Library Website!
Of particular note are the Writing Wednesday Workshops, which take place once a month throughout the semester:
Research 101
Wednesday, 9/6 @ 4-5pm Link
Stepping up your research game: Searching strategically
Wednesday, 10/4 @ 4-5pm Link
How to Cite sources for your research and writing
Wednesday, 11/1 @ 4-5pm Link
Finding your flow: Navigating final papers
Wednesday, 12/6 @ 4-5pm Link
Have you been looking for a way to get involved on campus and with Asian Studies? ASCOM - the Asian Studies Council of Majors - is looking for student leaders! In the past, ASCOM has held meetings and events periodically throughout the academic year for fellow students, ranging from craft-making to movie nights and everything in between.
If this sounds like something you'd like to be part of, let us know!
]]>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!
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.
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
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!
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.
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.