Off-campus study in Asia is required for the joint major and highly recommended (but not required) for the concentration. Numerous opportunities are available to Kenyon students to study in Asia for one semester or a year. A full list of approved programs is available through the Center for Global Engagement.
The Association for Asian Studies has an excellent website with listings of and links to academic programs categorized by country, as well as links to programs for summer language training. Please note that if you pick a study abroad program that is NOT approved by Kenyon's Center for Global Engagement, however, you risk problems in getting full credit for the work you do in that program. The following list includes only summer programs.
Wittenberg in China: On the Silk Road summer program offers students an opportunity to explore China's past and present through a study of the historic and contemporary Silk Road through experiential learning activities, class discussions, and site visits. The program is flexibly designed so students can pursue their specific interests in business, medicine, education, art, religion, etc. Students study as they travel along the Silk Road from Xi'an, Jiayuguan, Dunhuang, Turfan, Urumqi and Khotan; the program ends in Beijing. Download the program brochure.
Japan-America Student Conference (JASC), which started in 1934, is the oldest student-run exchange between the U.S. and Japan. Students from both countries have met every summer to gain a deeper understanding of Japan-US relations as well as its role in the globalizing society. In 2008 the Korea-America Student Conference (KASC) was initiated. JASC and KASC present unique opportunities for students to actively expand their perspective and knowledge beyond the classroom setting. For one month students live together, participate in thought-provoking discussions and listen to enlightening lectures by prominent speakers in business, politics and academia.
The ACMS Research Fellowship Program will annually support up to three fellows to conduct up to 12-months of doctoral dissertation or post-doctoral research in Mongolia on topics in the Social Sciences or Humanities. Natural Science research is not eligible, unless there are clear areas in which the research furthers social, cultural, political, or policy knowledge relevant to Mongolia or the region. All applicants must be citizens of the US or Canada, and must be attending or recently graduated from a university in the US or Canada. More information and application materials available at: www.mongoliacenter.org/acmsrfp.
The ACMS US-Mongolia Field Research Fellowship Program was initiated in 2006 to foster a new generation of Mongolian Studies scholars by creating an opportunity for field studies early in the careers of both US and Mongolian students. The participants in the program range from advanced undergraduates to pre-doctoral candidacy students. The goal of the program is to provide an introductory research experience for students with an interest in Mongolia.
The Faculty Research Fellowship supports faculty members from US colleges and universities to conduct short-term field research in Mongolia. Applicants must be US citizens or permanent residents currently teaching at a college or university in the United States.
The purpose of this summer language program is to provide Intermediate-level students of the Mongolian language with an opportunity to enhance their communicative competence through systematic improvement of reading, writing, listening and speaking skills, in an authentic environment.
The South Asia Summer Language Institute (SASLI) is a formal educational collaboration of the US Department of Education-designated Title VI National Resource Centers for South Asia in partnership with the South Asia Language Resource Center (SALRC). SASLI is dedicated to training students, faculty, and professionals in the languages of South Asia.
The Fulbright Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, is the largest U.S. international exchange program offering opportunities for students, scholars, and professionals to undertake international graduate study, advanced research, university teaching, and teaching in elementary and secondary schools worldwide.
The Freeman Foundation offers awards of $3,000 (summer) to $7,000 (full year) to students receiving Financial Aid for study abroad in Asia, on programs approved by their home institution.
SIT awards merit scholarships for their programs in China (Yunnan), Vietnam, and Mongolia.
Kathryn Davis Fellowships provide full scholarships for Intensive Language Study at Middlebury Language Schools in Arabic, Chinese, Japanese and Russian.
The American Association for Teacher's of Japanese (AATJ) offers "bridging scholarships" for American undergraduate students participating in study-abroad programs in Japan.
The Alliance for Global Education will administer two of the U.S. Department of State's Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) programs. Students who are awarded full scholarship will study intensive Chinese with the Alliance in Beijing or Shanghai for 8 weeks. Classes will be offered at the intermediate or advanced level. All program fees, round trip air travel, meals, activities and excursions will be covered by the scholarship. Students of diverse disciplines and majors are encouraged to apply.
The American Center for Mongolian Studies provides several funding and study opportunities for students and scholars. Questions and comments can be directed to the center through the following address or email:
Center for East Asian Studies
333 Ingraham Hall
1155 Observatory Drive
Madison, WI 53706-1397
Email: info@mongoliacenter.org
VIA provides innovative experiential learning programs in Asia and the United States that promote cross-cultural understanding, build partnerships, and offer transformative experiences for our participants and the communities they serve. VIA's Asia Programs provide U.S. Citizens and U.S. Residents (between the ages of 18 and 75) with volunteer, educational and fellowship opportunities in Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam. Volunteers teach English, learn about the local culture and provide support to local non-profit organizations.
The 'Personal stories' section is comprised entirely by stories and pictures generated from Kenyon students returning from study abroad in Asia. The section is intended to give Kenyon students considering study abroad in Asia a feel for these returning students' experiences. If you are a Kenyon student returning from a year or semester studying abroad in an Asian nation, please contact the Director of Asian Studies to include a story of your experiences in this section.
Lizzie Tribone '15, CIEE Hyderabad (India), Fall 2013
Kara Pellegrino '10, SIT Mongolia, Fall 2009
Lexie Wallace '06, SIT Mongolia, Spring 2005
Chellis Ying, '01, CET in Harbin, Fall 2000
Erin Saunders, '02, Service Learning, Calcutta, Spring 2001
Sarah Handyside, '02, SIT Mongolia, Fall 2000
Kate Druschel, '99; IES Beijing 1997-98
Freya Englander, '99; Kansai Gaidai Osaka, Spring 98 ("Kenyon Reunion in Japan")
Heather Green, '99; SIT Nepal, Spring 1998
Gabe Heck, '99; U. Wisconsin Nepal, 1997-98 ("First Impressions")
Irene Li, '99; Kansai Gaidai Osaka, Spring 98 ("On the Keihan Line")