The Blakemore Foundation is looking for individuals who will make significant contributions to their field. The ideal candidate is someone with stellar grades, outstanding recommendations, and a demonstrated commitment to the Asian country and language. Beyond commitment, we are looking for purpose: a career path that will benefit from professional fluency in that modern Asian language throughout that individual's life.
No, Blakemore Freeman Fellowships are awarded only for a full academic year (two semesters or three quarters) of study.
Please contact us by email so we can assist you. Some overseas locations are blocked from access.
For Japanese, we fund study at the Inter-University Center for Japanese Language Studies in Yokohama, Japan. We do not fund Japanese language study at any other institution.
For Chinese, we fund study at the Inter-University Program for Chinese Language Studies at Tsinghua University in Beijing and at the International Chinese Language Program at National Taiwan University in Taipei. We do not fund Chinese language study at any other institution.
For Korean, we fund study at Seoul National University, Sogang University or the Inter-University Center for Korean Language Studies at Sungkyunkwan University but will consider study at other language programs in South Korea on a case-by-case basis during the application review process.
Approval of language programs for study of languages of SE Asia will be considered on an individual basis during the application review process.
You will need to prepare the following: a list of all study-abroad language programs and summer intensive language programs attended for the language you wish to study a list of all college language classes you have taken for this language a list of any academic or professional honors you have been awarded a curriculum vitae or resume in pdf format a personal essay, three to four pages in length, double-spaced, in PDF format, detailing your career path and goals, as well as explaining your interest in the Asian language you are studying
You will also need to ask two professors or other professional contacts to write letters of recommendation on your behalf. We recommend that you contact your recommenders in advance of sending the automated request from the online application form.
It is your responsibility to request official transcripts be sent to us from all institutions from which you have received a degree, as well as any institution you are currently attending (exception: no transcripts are need from an institution you are currently attending if this is your first quarter or semester at that school). Please place your order with your schools as early as possible to ensure that transcripts arrive before the application deadline. Official electronic transcripts are preferred, but official paper transcripts will be accepted.
Applicants may list only one language program on their application. However, you may change your choice during the award process.
No, you do not have to been admitted to the language school in order to submit an application for a Fellowship from us by our December 30 deadline. But you will need to apply to the language school by its own separate application deadline.
For grants to be awarded in the spring of 2022, most will start in the fall term. But in all cases, study must start between August 2022 and May 2023, as limited by the start dates of the language program involved. For example, a grant for Japanese at the Inter-University Center in Yokohama must start in fall 2022. A grant for the International Chinese Language Program in Taiwan may start in the fall, winter or spring terms of the 2022/2023 academic year and continue for 3 quarters. A grant for study at the Inter-University Program for Chinese Language Studies at Tsinghua University may run from fall 2022 through the end of their spring term, or in special situations, may start in their spring 2023 term and continue through their summer 2023 term.
Yes, you may apply. Applicants do not need to be in graduate school.
Yes, you may apply. Applicants do not need to be affiliated with a college or university.
The majority of our applicants have completed undergraduate study and are either pursuing graduate study or are working in a profession or business. However, a senior with outstanding qualifications who will receive an undergraduate degree before the start date of the language program may apply. In recent years, we have selected several graduating seniors to receive grants.
The Foreign Language Evaluation Form is only submitted under special circumstances. If by the start of your grant you will not have met the minimum years of formal study of the language you will be required to submit proof that your language level is equivalent to having completed third year at the college level and submit our Foreign Language Evaluation Form. Please contact Cathy Scheibner at contactus@blakemorefoundation.org to discuss your situation.
Yes, you may apply. Applicants do not need to be currently enrolled in graduate school or living in the United States. However, you may encounter difficulties accessing the online application form if you are located overseas. If so, please contact us by email so we can provide an alternative.
Regretfully, no. Applicants be must be either a U.S. citizen or have a U.S. permanent resident visa (i.e., "green card or immigrant").
We have awarded fellowships to individuals with degrees from a wide variety of schools. While a large number of grants have gone to graduates of institutions with extensive Asian studies programs, the qualifications of the applicant are of more importance.
We encourage applicants to contact us if they have any further questions.