Scholarship

Khmer Studies: Summer Junior Fellowship Program in Cambodia for U.S. citizens (Summer 2008)

Source: Center for Khmer Studies

The Center for Khmer Studies (CKS), with funding from the Henry Luce Foundation, is offering five Junior Fellowship awards for American undergraduates to join the CKS Summer Program in Cambodia in Summer 2008. Junior fellows will join Cambodian and French students, as well as other American students, in Siem Reap, near the historical complex of Angkor, where CKS has its headquarters, library and conference facilities. The objective of the program is to introduce United States undergraduate students to Cambodia and Khmer civilization, history and culture with the hopes of encouraging future scholarship in the Mekong region. Some knowledge of Cambodia and/or Southeast Asia is desirable but not necessary.

The 2008 Summer Program begins with an orientation on June 26, 2008 and runs through August 22, 2008. Over the course of July and August, 2008, the Junior Fellows are expected to:

  • attend beginning Khmer language classes;
  • attend their choice of one of the following courses: Post-Conflict Cambodia or History and Civilization of Cambodia;
  • go on field trip(s) in the vicinity of Siem Reap;
  • go on a study trip to the Cambodian capital city, Phnom Penh involving a homestay with a local family;
  • interact with the French and Cambodian Junior fellows;
  • conduct and write up a research paper on a topic of their own choice (20 pages maximum; including a bibliography); and
  • present their paper to their peers at the end of the two month program. To foster connections to the local community, volunteer opportunities can be arranged.

Junior Fellow awards include round trip airfare from the United States to Cambodia, travel insurance (required), food, local transportation and books. CKS covers accommodation, tuition and field/study trips. Fellows are expected to cover all other expenses. In addition, Junior Fellows have access to CKS resources in Siem Reap, including the library and Internet. Except for the study trip to the capital city, Junior Fellows are expected to remain in Siem Reap for the two months and will be under the responsibility of CKS staff.

Application Eligibility and Requirements:

Candidates must be registered as undergraduate students in a United States university at the time of application and must hold United States citizenship. Graduating seniors are eligible.

Applicants should provide the following, preferably electronically:

1. Application form (download)

2. Two page statement of research topic and research plan. Applicants are reminded that the bulk of their research needs to be conducted in the Siem Reap environs.

3. Scanned university transcripts with cumulative GPA (scale 1- 4)

4. Two (2) recommendations from professors (can be submitted electronically directly from professor from university/professional email address)

For further information or to submit an application, please email The Center for Khmer Studies Summer Fellowship Program, Lesley Perlman, at fellowships@khmerstudies.org or write to PO Box 9380 ・Wat Damnak Siem Reap, Cambodia.