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! 

Asian Studies Fall 2023 Advising Guide

Advising appointments and the class schedule are now available for Fall 2023! 

Current students are able to register in advance for fall classes and to make an appointment to plan their semester's schedule, and discuss any other plans they might have for the Fall 2023 session. 

Three Easy Steps to Prepare for Advising!

1. Look at your Degree Plan in your myUMBC profile to learn what classes or requirements you still need to complete for your degree program.
   The complete Schedule of Classes for Fall 2023 is available here; Asian Studies will also soon have a list on our website of classes that specifically count towards Asian Studies degrees - stay tuned!
2. Look at your Student Account in your myUMBC profile – do you have an account hold? Holds can be placed for several reasons, but most of them will prevent you from being able to register for classes. Contact Student Business Services for more information about resolving an account hold.
3. Sign up for an advising appointment with your advisor. Dr. Oyen advises Asian Studies students - see below! 

Advising Appointments

ASIA majors who need an advising appointment should fill out this Google Form first. Students who have a straightforward plan and do not need assistance will receive clearance once they complete the Google Form. 

Students who’d like to speak with an advisor can make an appointment with Dr. Oyen - see the available times via her Calendly page. 

Other Advising and Registration Questions

If you have a question about advising, registration, or Fall 2023 that is not answered above, please email us at asianstudies at umbc dot edu, and we'll be happy to assist you.