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 recommend study at Inter-University Center for Korean Language Studies at Sungkyunkwan University.
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 classes or training you have undertaken in your chosen 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 make sure that you order transcripts from all previous institutions that have granted you a degree to be sent to us. Please place your order with your schools as early as possible to ensure that transcripts arrive before the December 30 deadline. Official electronic transcripts are preferred, but official paper transcripts will be accepted.
Applicants may list only one language program on their application.
Please apply to the language program by its application deadline and to us simultaneously. We will be in contact with the language program during the application evaluation process.
For grants to be awarded in the spring of 2018, study must start between June 2018 and May 2019, but limited by the start dates of the language program. For example, a grant for Japanese at the Inter-University Center in Yokohama must start in fall 2018, or in special circumstances, summer 2018. A grant for the International Chinese Language Program in Taiwan may start in summer 2018, or the fall, winter or spring terms of the 2018/2019 academic year.
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 post-graduate study or are working in a profession or business. A senior in college who will receive an undergraduate degree before the start date of the language program may apply, but it is rare for a senior to be offered a grant. One or more years of graduate school or work or study abroad after graduation enhance an applicant's chance of success.
The Foreign Language Reference Form is only submitted under special circumstances, normally by individuals who have studied primarily outside of a formal academic setting. If by the start of your grant you will not have completed the equivalent of 3rd year language classes (300 level) at the college level, either through classes taken at university or in combination with study-abroad programs, please email 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.
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.