The University of Minnesota and The Luce Scholars Program invites applications for Professional Apprenticeships in Asia. For questions and applications please see the Graduate School Fellowship Office, 314 Johnston Hall. Application deadline: October 1, 2009.
THE LUCE SCHOLARS PROGRAM
Professional Apprenticeships in Asia
Background: The University of Minnesota is one of seventy colleges and universities invited to participate in the Luce Scholars Program. Eighteen young Americans of outstanding promise and high leadership ability are sent each year to Asia for professional apprenticeships under the guidance of leading Asians. Internships and job placements are arranged for each Scholar on the basis of individual career interests, experience, training, and general background. (No academic credit is involved.) The year-long program begins in August.
Eligibility: Applicants must be U.S. citizens no more than twenty-nine years of age on September 1 of the year they would enter the program. They must have earned at least a Bachelor's degree or its equivalent prior to their participation in the program. They may be currently-enrolled students in any college, recent graduates, or junior faculty. Applicants who have a major in Asian studies, or who have already had significant exposure to Asia will be considered ineligible. Applicants who can reasonably be expected to gain such exposure during the course of their career will also be ineligible.
Application: The Luce Scholars application consists of the following: 1) Application form; 2) Personal statement no more than 1,000 words outlining (a) long-range career interests, how they developed, and plans for pursuing them in the future, and (b) reasons for applying to the Luce Scholars Program; 3) Academic transcripts; 4) Two recent passport photographs; 5) Four letters of recommendation; 6) Contact Information Form.
Stipend and Allowances: Luce Scholars receive a significant basic stipend and, if necessary, separate cost-of-living or housing allowances. Economy class air transportation and medical insurance are also provided.
Language: Since the program is geared to the non-specialist, knowledge of an Asian language is not a criterion for selection. It is assumed that all Scholars will study the appropriate language prior to their departure. Special funds may be made available for this purpose.
Selection Criteria: Applicants should have a strong, mature, and clearly defined career interest in a specific field (other than Asian studies). Applicants should have a record of sound academic achievement, strong motivation and potential for accomplishment within their chosen career interest, and should give evidence of an outstanding capacity for leadership.
Application Procedure: Campus interviews are conducted during the month of October. The University of Minnesota may submit three nominations. Further information and application materials may be obtained from:
Graduate School Fellowship Office
314 Johnston Hall
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, MN 55455 (telephone: [612] 625-7579)
E-mail: gsfellow@umn.edu
Campus Deadline: October 1, 2009
More information is available at the Henry Luce Foundation's website http://www.hluce.org
