Luce Scholars Program

Website: http://www.hluce.org/lsprogram.aspx

Deadline: 2012-10-11 (Internal)

The Luce Scholars Program is intended to enhance the understanding of Asia among potential leaders in American society. The program provides stipends, language training, and individualized professional placements in Asia for 15 to 18 young Americans each year. Placements can be made in the following countries: Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Eligibility

Candidates must be American citizens who, by July 1 of the year they enter the program, will have received at least a bachelor's degree and will not have reached their 30th birthday. Nominees should have a record of high achievement, outstanding leadership ability, and a clearly defined career interest with evidence of potential for professional accomplishment. Those who already have significant experience in Asia or Asian studies are not eligible for the Luce Scholars Program.

Term

Slightly over one year. The program begins in late June and concludes in July the following year. Each Scholar spends July and August studying the language of the placement country; then the work assignments run for approximately ten months.

Support

Luce Scholars receive a monthly stipend from the Luce Foundation.

Application Process

Candidates must be nominated by the University of Virginia. The application (which is available at the above website) includes a two-page personal statement and 4 letters of recommendation. Students interested in applying for the Luce Scholarship should set up an appointment at the Center for Undergraduate Excellence to discuss the application process. UVa's deadline is October 11, 2012 (noon), and interviews will be held during the week of October 15.

Learn More

For more information on the Luce Scholars Program, see the above website, then contact the Center for Undergraduate Excellence.