Worldviews of Aspiring Powers
By: Henry Nau and Deepa Ollapally
Featuring a leading regional scholar for each essay, this is a serious study of the domestic foreign policy debates in five world powers that have gained considerable influence: China, Japan, India, Russia and Iran.

Tangled Titans
By: David Shambaugh
An essential reading that offers a current and comprehensive assessment of the most important relationship in international affairs - that between the United States and China.

Chinese Foreign Relations: Power and Policy since the Cold War
By: Robert Sutter
Newly revised, this edition features more extensive treatment of China's role in the international economy and greater discussion of its relations with the developing world.

Toward a History Beyond Borders: Contentious Issues in Sino-Japanese Relations
By: Daqing Yang
Originally published in Chinese and Japanese in 2006, historians from China and Japan address contentious issues. The13 essays focus on controversies that have stymied Sino-Japanese relations from the mid 1800s to the present.


Not particularly interested in China? Not to worry, our faculty has been busy publishing essays and books on a myriad of foreign policy theories and hot topics.
Be sure to check out the entire list of 2012 faculty publishings here:
http://elliott.gwu.edu/research/books/books12.cfm

The Sigur Center for Asian Studies is one of the leading institutions for the study of Asia in the United States today. The Center has many strengths when it comes to the study of Northeast Asia in particular, as is witnessed by our dizzying array of events and publications on China, Japan, Taiwan and the two Koreas throughout the year. In this blog post, we provide a brief recap of some of our more notable Northeast Asia-related events and publications during this past Fall 2012 semester. Please stay tuned to our blog in the coming days and weeks ahead, as we will also provide recaps of our numerous activities on Southeast Asia and South Asia during this past semester. Please also feel free to visit our website http://www.gwu.edu/~sigur/  for a full listing of all of our events, publications, and other activities.

China: 
Professor David Shambaugh held a moderated discussion with former US Ambassador to China Jon Huntsman on September 17 about his views on the political, economic and social trends in China, his service as Ambassador to China, and on what he learned about American views of China through his presidential campaign . View the video recording of the event HERE

As part of the Sigur Center's Rising Powers Initiative, the Sigur Center, in cooperation with the Wilson Center for International Scholars, held an international conference on contending domestic views within China regarding China's current and future role on the global stage. Click here to view video footage of the event: http://www.wilsoncenter.org/event/china-global-power-contending-views-china

Japan:

Carl F. Goodman, Adjunct Professor of Japanese Law at GW gave a talk on Abducted Children, Japanese Law and Domestic and International Politics on October 9 at the Sigur Center. For audio, please click on the following link: http://www.gwu.edu/~sigur/news/events/events12.cfm

The Rising Powers Initiative issued a policy alert on various Asian nations' views towards the recent election in Japan. To view the alert, please see: http://www.risingpowersinitiative.org/return-of-japans-ldp-and-shinzo-abe-draws-mixed-reactions-from-asian-powers/

The Koreas:

Sigur Center Visiting Scholar Major  Siyoung Park of the ROC army gave a presentation on North Korea Military Adventurism and the ROK-US Alliance - 1961 through 1976 on December 5 as part of the Sigur Center’s Visiting Scholar Roundtable series.For audio: http://www.gwu.edu/~sigur/assets/audio/2012%20Audio/2012.12.05_SiyoungPark.mp3

Taiwan:

Lung Yingtai - Minister of Culture for R.O.C., (Taiwan) delivered a speech on "Soft Power in A Hard Time: A Cultural Perspective on Cross-Strait Relations"  on Tuesday, August 26. View the video of the event HERE

The Sigur Center, as part of its Taiwan Roundtable series, held an event called Taiwan and the Diaoyutai Islands: Historical and Regional Perspectives on November 20. Dr. Robert Sutter, GW Professor of the Practice of International Affairs, Dr. Steven Phillips, Professor of History, Towson University, and Dr. Michael Yahuda, Visiting Scholar at the Sigur Center discusses the uses of history in competing claims over the Diaoyutai Islands in light of Taiwanese President Ma Ying–jeou’s recent East China Sea Peace Initiative. Audio Recording: http://www.gwu.edu/~sigur/assets/audio/2012%20Audio/2012_nov20_diaoyutai.mp3

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

12:15 PM - 1:45 PM

1957 E St., NW, Chung-wen Shih Conference Room, Suite 503

The Conversations with Scholars series provides students with the opportunity to engage GW professors on contemporary Asia-related topics. These special luncheons are held exclusively for GW students. Be sure to RSVP early!

Linda J. Yarr, Director of Partnerships for International Strategies in Asia (PISA) will share personal reflections on a career devoted to expanding intellectual exchange with Asian thought leaders; promoting curricular and pedagogical innovation in international affairs education; and fostering leadership development for policy dialogue on emerging global issues.

***Lunch will be provided***

*OPEN ONLY TO GW STUDENTS, FACULTY AND STAFF

Please RSVP at: http://go.gwu.edu/knowledgeasia

DC Mayor’s Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs (OAPIA) is currently looking for interns who can speak Vietnamese. OAPIA is an agency in the DC government that organizes public programs for Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community and acts as a connection between AAPI members and the DC government. If any student have any interest in this internship position, feel free to apply for it.

Qualifications:

Applicants should be undergraduate or graduate students who possess strong written and oral communication skills as well as organizational abilities. They must be flexible and willing to take initiative. Strong computer and research skills are also desired. The intern should be able to work a minimum of 10 weeks for at least 15 hours per week. Most importantly, applicants must be able to work with diverse populations.

For more information, please see our website http://apia.dc.gov/DC/APIA/Community+Engagement/Internships+and+Volunteering

To apply, please email a resume, cover letter detailing your suitability for the position, and contact information to:

Dian Herrman, Public Information Officer/Outreach Specialist

Mayor's Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs

441 4th Street, NW, 721 North, Washington, DC 20001

Tel: (202) 727-3120 / Fax: (202) 727-9655

dian.herrman@dc.gov

Elliott School Freeman Foundation Fellowship for internships in Asia

Graduate Student Career Development (GSCD) recently received a grant to help defray the costs for students pursuing internships in Asia.  Please consider adding a work experience in Asia to compliment your academic studies at the Elliott School.

Not sure if an internship or work experience will make a difference to employers?

Employers surveyed by GSCD for the Employment Qualifications and Skills Report rated the following qualifications as very important when making hiring decisions:

1)  International experience and contacts

2)  Foreign language skills

3)  Cross cultural competencies and communication skills

Where have previous Elliott School students interned in Asia?  A few examples of the countries/organizations past Elliott School students have interned in Asia:

* The Clinton Foundation-China

* US Department of State - Japan, Vietnam, and China

* UNICEF East Asia and the Pacific Regional Office-Thailand

* US Commerce Department Foreign Commercial Services-Singapore

* Development Alternatives, Inc.-Cambodia

Graduate Student Career Development is pleased to offer Freeman Foundation competitive grants for up to $4,000 that are available immediately to students that intern in Asia. 

Please log into Elliott School Career Connection (ESCC) and check the Document Library for more information including the application for the Freeman Foundation Fellowship Grant for Internships in Asia.

If you have any questions, please email Angella Griffin, Director, GSCD at agriffin@gwu.edu

Internship Opportunity: Market Access and Compliance Unit of the International Trade Administration, Office of China and Mongolia

The Market Access and Compliance (MAC) unit helps American companies overcome trade barriers overseas and ensures that trading partners fully meet their obligations under trade agreements signed with the United States. MAC employs about 100 international trade specialists covering all of the countries in the world as well as multilateral organizations. The MAC unit includes the 1) Office of Africa, the Middle East and South Asia; 2) Office of Asia (China, Japan, and Southeast Asia); 3) Office of Europe; 4) Office of the Western Hemisphere; and 5) Trade Agreements and Compliance Office, which includes the a) Office of Multilateral Affairs covering trade-related activities of multilateral organizations such as the World Trade Organization and OECD, b) Office of Intellectual Property Rights, and c) Trade Compliance Center, which works with large and small businesses to ensure they receive the benefits of over 270 trade agreements that open foreign markets to U.S. goods and services.

To learn more about MAC, please visit their web site: http://trade.gov/mac/index.asp

General Internship Duties: Responsibilities for MAC interns will vary by office but may include: researching and analyzing trade and investment issues in particular countries on particular issue areas (e.g., government procurement, technical barriers to trade, import licensing, customs and trade facilitation for WTO Committee work or WTO/FTA negotiations); accompanying international trade specialists to meetings with other Commerce Department offices, American companies, other U.S. Government agencies, foreign governments, and/or other organizations and providing logistical support for and drafting reports on those meetings; helping prepare briefing papers and speeches; assisting international trade specialists with responding to requests from the business community for information on ways to expand its market access, remove market barriers, and benefit from trade agreements; and working with international trade specialists to develop strategies to address U.S. companies' market access and compliance concerns. 

General Qualifications: Qualifications include strong writing and verbal communication skills and an ability to work well with people. Applicants with foreign language ability are encouraged to apply as well as experience studying and/or traveling to or living in foreign countries.

Specific Qualifications Required:

• Ability to read and speak Chinese
• Knowledge of China and factors underlying trade and commerce
• Ability to gather and perform basic research
• Communication skills sufficient to assemble, organize, and report trade-related information

Please send resume and cover letter to the 

Deputy Director of the Office of China and Mongolia

Scott.Tatlock@trade.gov  

Mahbub-ul-Haq Award 2013 Research Grants for Collaborative Research between Young South Asians

Purpose
The Regional Centre for Strategic Studies (RCSS) invites applications for research grants under its Mahbub-ul-Haq Awards programme. There are two awards available for this year. This award is intended for a collaborative study between two researchers, one each from a different South Asian country.

This award was originally introduced by RCSS in 2001 as part of the Non-Traditional Security Project in Asia. Named after a distinguished South Asian whose vision made the UN Human Development Report a landmark of the international developmental discussion, the award encourages exploration of security issues outside the realm of traditional security. The idea behind the award is to get two young South Asian scholars of two different nationalities to work together on the same project, bringing their diverse interests and background to bear on the study. The collaborative effort has also helped younger scholars to strengthen the networking which only RCSS has been able to develop in the region.

Types of Grants:
Awards will be made on the following themes:

• Organized Crime and Criminal Networks
• Energy Security: Risks & Resilience
• Cross-border movement of people
• Comparative Perspectives on Conflict Management
• Security Sector Governance in South Asia
• Nuclear Learning in South Asia

The duration of the award is for nine months, commencing from 1st January 2013. The grantees will be expected to conduct the research in a collaborative process and will be under obligation to produce and submit to the RCSS an original research monograph in English with a 20,000 word count.

US$ 1,000 will be paid to each of the awardees (US$ 2,000 per grant).

Requirements

• Nationals of South Asian countries – Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka – are eligible to apply for these research awards.
• Candidates should have a Master's degree in International Relations, Strategic Studies, Political Science, Economics, History, Anthropology, Journalism, International law, or other related subjects and be below the age of 35.
• Women candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.

Application

• Full curriculum vitae of both researchers including details of academic records and evidence of research competence
• A joint research proposal within 1500 words describing the theme, importance, objectives, and methodology of the study, and justification for field work.
• Two copies of two publications, if available.
• Two confidential letters of academic reference should be sent directly to the RCSS

Deadline
The closing date for applications for the awards is 30th November 2012. Early submission is encouraged; there is no prescribed application form.

Contact
Further inquiries may be addressed to:

Thiranjala Weerasinghe
The Programme Officer
Regional Centre for Strategic Studies
68, Sarasavi Lane, Colombo 8, Sri Lanka.
Tel: (94-11) 2690913-4; Fax: 2690769
(94-11) 773159823
E-mail: programmes@rcss.org
Website: www.rcss.org

Are you interested in scholarships for studying abroad in a non-traditional location?

Interested in government service?
Learn about the National Security Education Program's Boren Scholarships and Fellowships for study abroad!

Representatives from the NSEP Boren Scholarship program will be on campus to discuss the program.

When: Tuesday, October 25, 2012
Where: ESIA 1957 E Street, NW Room 505

Info about the Boren (Graduate) Fellowships begins at 3:30pm
Info about the Boren (Undergraduate) Scholarships begins at 5:00pm
NOTE: The GW campus deadline for applying for NSEP Boren Undergraduate Scholarship is January 15, 2013. 
Please RSVP to fellcent@gwu.edu 

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NATIONAL SECURITY EDUCATION PROGRAM - Boren Undergraduate Scholarships
http://www.borenawards.org/boren_scholarship
GW CAMPUS DEADLINE: January 15, 2013
ELIGIBILITY: US Citizenship; Recommended minimum GPA 3.2

How to Apply: http://www.borenawards.org/boren_scholarship/how_apply.html
NOTE: If you are planning to apply for an NSEP/Boren Scholarship, please register on-line as early as possible. There is no commitment involved in registering, but it permits us to offer you the highest level of application support.

The National Security Education Program (NSEP) David L. Boren Undergraduate Scholarships offer a unique opportunity for U.S. undergraduates to study in regions critical to U.S. interests - including Africa, Asia, Central & Eastern Europe, Eurasia, Latin America & the Caribbean, and the Middle East. (The countries of Western Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand are excluded.) NSEP focuses on geographic areas and languages deemed critical to U.S. national security and currently underrepresented in study abroad. For a complete list of preferred countries, languages and fields of study please visit this page: http://www.borenawards.org/boren_scholarship/preferences.html

NSEP draws on a broad definition of national security applied by the President in his annual National Security Strategy, recognizing that the scope of national security has expanded to include not only the traditional concerns of protecting and promoting American well-being, but also the challenges of global society, including: sustainable development, environmental degradation, global disease and hunger, population growth and migration, and economic competitiveness. NSEP emphasizes the importance of language study as a major component of your study-abroad program. Study of a foreign language appropriate to the identified country must be an integral part of each proposal. In addition, you must meet any language requirements of the study-abroad experience you propose.

Length of Study Abroad: NSEP goals will be promoted most effectively if students experience cultural and linguistic immersion in the overseas program for an academic year. For this reason, we strongly encourage undergraduate study abroad proposals based on two consecutive semesters of study. Preference will be given to undergraduate applicants proposing more than a semester of study. NSEP scholarships cover study abroad during summer 2013, fall 2013, and/or spring 2014. All eligible programs for 2013-2014 must begin on or after May 15, 2013.

Special information on Summer Study Abroad: Summer-only programs are limited to applied science and engineering majors, regardless of class standing. Applications for summer-only programs will only be considered if the program is eight (8) weeks or longer and is designed as a "language immersion" program.

NSEP Service Requirement: The NSEP prefers applicants who desire to work in the Departments of State, Homeland Security, Defense, or the Intelligence Community; however, Boren scholars currently work in offices and agencies throughout the federal government.  Preference will be given to applicants who demonstrate a commitment to a career in government service. There is also an expectation that NSEP Scholars and Fellows will use the language or regional expertise acquired as a result of the award in their work for the U.S. government. The duration of the service requirement is equal to the duration of assistance provided under the program, but in no case less than one year. NSEP Boren Scholars must begin to fulfill the service requirement no later than three years after the date of graduation from or termination of the program of study for which the scholarship was awarded.  NSEP Boren program also assists scholars with appropriate job placement.

Award: NSEP Boren Scholarships are merit-based. Award amounts are based on the study abroad costs and financial aid information provided by the applicant. The maximum award is $10,000 for a semester, or $20,000 for a full academic year. Students must inform IIE/NSEP of any additional outside funding they receive for their study-abroad program.
Fan the Center for Undergraduate Fellowships and Research on Facebook!http://www.facebook.com/pages/GWU-Center-for-Undergraduate-Fellowships-and-Research/141965255865409 

The South Asia program at Stimson offers fall, summer, and spring internships to highly motivated and talented individuals prepared to apply their skills to a broad range of topics. The programs work under the direction of Michael Krepon, co-founder of Stimson, and a leading expert in South Asian regional issues, nuclear nonproliferation, and space security.

This internship provides an excellent opportunity for individuals with a demonstrated interest in these topics to enhance their understanding of the issues and build on their experiences. This internship is suitable for those with some background in South Asian regional studies or nonproliferation but little work experience. The intern will have the unique opportunity to work on a variety of topics during the term. The intern will be primarily associated with the South Asia program, but may have limited duties with the Space Security program.

The South Asia program works on strengthening the nuclear nonproliferation regime in general while advancing confidence building and nuclear risk-reduction measures between India and Pakistan. The program also addresses some non-nuclear South Asian security issues.

The Space Security Program works to develop a code of conduct for responsible space-faring nations, increase awareness of the dangers of deploying space weapons, and offer alternatives to space weapons. The program also provides policy-makers with the information needed to make wise choices on space security.

The vast majority of the intern's time would be spent working on issues related to India-Pakistan strategic stability and crisis management, as well as on projects related to the integrety of the global nonproliferation system.

In addition to working on these issues, the intern will engage in life at Stimson. The intern will gain from interacting with other staff, meeting fellow interns, and participating in Stimson's events. Located in the heart of Washington, the intern will have the opportunity to attend events that feature some of the best experts on South Asia and nonproliferation issues.

Responsibilities for an intern may include:

• Reading and analyzing research documents
• Conducting substantive research projects
• Assisting the project director and research staff in research and writing
• Organizing and taking notes in meetings
• Representing project staff at meetings and events at think tanks, NGOs, and Capitol Hill
• Keeping pace with developments in the field
• Minimal administrative support

Generally, strong candidates for this position will have the following qualifications:

• Strong interest in South Asia or non-proliferation
• Excellent analytical, research, and writing skills
• A record of academic excellence
• Precise editing skills
• The ability to work independently
• Full-time interns are preferred
• Undergraduate students are encouraged to apply

Applicants must be able to commit to a minimum of 20 hours per week. Preference may be given to those available 30+ hours per week.

Apply Online Here: http://www.stimson.org/about/employment/south-asia-and-space-internship/

(From Top, Left to Right) 

1. A panoramic view of Seoul from Sydni's window

2. Sydni Porter - GWU Junior

3. A Sea of Crimson - Korea University

4. An opposing sea of blue - Yonsei University

Name: Sydni Porter

Grade: Junior, Class of 2014

Major: Asian Studies / Minor: Korean Language and Culture

Hometown: Hinesville, Georgia

Location of Study Abroad: Korea University (Seoul, Korea)

What was your level of Korean before going abroad, and what courses are you taking now at Korea University?

I had finished intermediate II at GWU, and at Korea University, I am enrolled in 1) intermediate Korean I; 2) Beginners Korean Speaking II; 3) Morphology; 4) Environmental Meteorology; and 4) Mass Media and Popular Culture in Korea. 

What is it like to attend Korea University?

There is a lot of school spirit at KU and at Yonsei. The two schools are rivals, and every year there are the GoYon games between the two where they compete in several sports (see picture above). 

Have you experienced any cultural/language barrier issues?
I haven’t experienced too many cultural issues. I've been wanting to go to Korea since the 10th grade, so I've done a lot of research on my own and have learned a lot from my GW classes, so I felt pretty prepared. One thing I wish I had known - well I had heard of it before but completely forgot - was about the squat toilets. Most public toilets are squat toilets, which are essentially holes in the floor that you have to squat over and pee into (but like a western toilet, they are also made of ceramic and have handles to flush). It came as a bit of a shock the first time I asked to use the restroom. 

What are some fun things you have done thus far?
1. Visited the War Memorial
2. Toured traditional Korean village
3. Attended the Korea vs Yonsei (GoYon) games
4. Traveled Hongdae and Gangnam
5. Checked out the US Military Base, Yongsan
6. Learning about issues like homosexuality in the Korean film industry in my Mass Media and Popular Culture in Korea class.

Please share a memorable moment from your study abroad experience:
My most memorable moment was definitely the GoYon games. There was a sea of red against a sea of blue, all yelling out cheers as they “watched” the soccer game. The cheers are each coordinated to a corresponding song and led by cheering officials. GWU pales in comparison to the school spirit here. The vibe is tremendous, and even though the two sides are rivals, it’s not uncommon to hop over to the sea of blue (Yonsei) and learn their cheers too. Even after the games, the two schools take to the streets of KU or Yonsei and cheer all night long. 

Any advice for those studying Korean right now and considering studying abroad in Korea?

The biggest thing I have noticed from observing other study abroad students is making sure that you can respect Korean culture and appreciate the distinct flavors of Korean cuisine. Yes there are Western eateries, but usually these options don't even taste like real Western food, are too expensive, and more difficult to find. Besides, Korean food is very good for you (minus the salt content). As for respecting the culture, Korean people hold a deep sense of respect for the elderly and those above you in status. I have found the people of Korea to be well behaved no matter what situation, and there is a lot of modesty and stylishness in how they dress (much more so for women). Most of all, make sure you visit as many places as you can; make a plan for each weekend. Keep in mind that businesses in Korea are stacked on top of each other, so it is easy to miss out on some interesting restaurants and bars if you don't pay attention.

Would you say that Korea is still a developing country?

Before I came to Korea, I had to call my bank for some technical things and mentioned to the banker that I was going to Korea to study abroad. As we continued our dialogue, the banker said to me, “Maybe you can get a job while you are there, pulling one of those carts that people sit on. I heard they call those taxis there.” Needless to say, his words made me 38 hot! Obviously, he has never been to Korea or cared to learn about this thriving country. (For the record, all the taxis I have ridden in have been very nice. You can even pay with your subway card, which is more high-tech than the United States.)

It confuses me that South Korea is considered a lesser developed country, often mistakenly paired along with Africa and most other southern hemisphere countries. There are many things in Seoul that surpass anything in the United States: the subway system, while a bit complicated, stretches farther than the DC Metro, and the platforms are considerably brighter and better-maintained than the DC metro and NY subway. Seoul is a leader in technology, and in terms of cell phone variety and capabilities, Korea beats the U.S. by a long run. Koreans also receive free healthcare, and the city is steeped in mix of tradition and westernization. Right by my dorm is a large Buddhist temple, and I have seen the monks using the subway and texting on their cells. I can foresee South Korea playing an even larger role in worldwide politics, especially in retaliation to the ever looming “threat” of a North Korean attack. This fast-paced city is full of national pride and a palpable drive for success. The mood is quite contagious, and I cannot help but look forward to my own future with similar anticipation and excitement. 

Position Description Summary:

The George Washington University Libraries invites applications for the position of Japan Librarian. The incumbent will join a dynamic, multidimensional program whose members actively engage in shaping distinctive collections and services that reflect the University’s growing, rapidly evolving international focus. The Japan Resource Center (JRC) librarian is responsible for developing, planning and managing the services and collections of the JRC.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The incumbent will also conduct ongoing outreach to faculty, students and researchers focused on the study of Japan across the social sciences and humanities; provide research and instruction support; develop associated programming, and develop, evaluate and manage strong interdisciplinary collections and services in support of the University’s evolving research mission.

JRC staff members work in collaboration with other GRC staff and the broader GW Libraries community to develop coordinated services and collections. These include the Reference Services and Education and Instruction Group, the Resource Description Group, and collections librarians offering related services.

As a member of the Global Resources Center management team, the JRC librarian will participate in the ongoing development of GRC collections and services, and may actively engage in fundraising, grant writing, marketing and outreach in support of the JRC. The position reports to the Director of Global Resources.

Qualifications:

Minimum:

Master’s Degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited institution, or a Master’s degree in a humanities or social sciences discipline, with coursework `relevant to the study of Japan;
Experience working with students and faculty in a college or university setting;
Reading and writing fluency in Japanese.

Desired:


PhD in a humanities or social sciences discipline, with an emphasis on the study of Japan;
Coursework in Library Science from an ALA-accredited institution, or similarly appropriate/equivalent advanced degree (e.g.MLIS, MIS, etc.);
Creative programming (donor events, exhibit openings, etc.) experience;
Evidence of ability to conduct classroom instruction;
Demonstrated success in developing outreach initiatives in support of academic priorities;
Excellent oral and written English-language skills;
Reading knowledge of Korean;
Interest in building digital collections and curating virtual exhibits;
Demonstrated, ability to create positive relations with faculty, students, donors and support groups;
The George Washington University is located in Washington, DC, a few minutes’ walk from the headquarters of major international organizations, think tanks, NGO’s, U.S. government agencies, and the White House. This decades-old juxtaposition has lead to a strong, synergistic relationship between the University and its internationally-focused neighbors. Notably, the University is home to the Elliott School of International Affairs, a professional school with top-tier standing. Moreover, globally-focused curricula are spread throughout the university’s schools, departments and programs.
The George Washington University Libraries has a long history of support for the University’s globally-focused mission. TheGRC has five specialized resource centers that parallel the university’s priorities; these include the Japan Resource Center, Taiwan Resource Center, China Documentation Center; and the Resource Center for Russia, Eurasia, Central and Eastern Europe; and the Middle East and North Africa Research Center (MENA). Outreach is central to the GRC mission.




Proposed Start Date: 11/30/2012

In your cover letter please provide an assessment of your skills relevant to basic qualifications.
Review of applications will begin on October 29, 2012, and continue until the position is filled. Only complete applications will be considered.

Link:https://www.gwu.jobs/postings/11599

Pictures: Emi with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and U.S. Ambassador to Japan John Roos

Name: Emi Lea Kamemoto

Grade: Senior, Class of 2013

Major: International Affairs Major with a Concentration in International Development and International Politics

Minor: Sociocultural Anthropology

Summer Internship: The TOMODACHI Initiative (www.usjapantomodachi.com) - a public-private partnership that seeks to create a TOMODACHI (tomodachi means friend in Japanese) Generation amongst youth in Japan and the United States by promoting the pillars of leadership, friendship, and hope through educational and cultural exchanges in the U.S. and Japan.

Where in Asia: United States Embassy of Tokyo, Japan

What did you do this summer (2012)?

I essentially worked my dream job this summer with the TOMODACHI Initiative. I was given the opportunity to help coordinate youth dialogue among Japanese and American students to discuss ways to strengthen US-Japan relations at the people-to-people level. I spoke with students from the Tohoku region, which was hardest hit by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, and prepared the first members of our TOMODACHI Generation embark on their exchange program to UC Berkeley. I utilized my English and Japanese language abilities, as well as my public speaking skills, to assist the amazing young people in Japan and the United States who are dedicated to building a better future.

How did you get the position?

I became involved in the Japanese community in D.C. right from the start by joining GWU’s Japanese American Student Alliance (JASA). Through JASA, I was introduced to all of the wonderful Japan-related organizations, including the U.S.-Japan Council, which I was particularly drawn to because of its focus on fostering people-to-people connections. Right before 2012 summer, I met with two of my acquaintances (and now friends!) from the U.S.-Japan Council for coffee, and it just so happened that the Executive Director of the TOMODACHI Initiative, Laura Abbot, was in the DC office. After rushing home to change out of my flip-flops, I met Abbot-san and spoke with her about how much I love the TOMODACHI Initiative, and a suggestion to volunteer quickly changed into an offer for a full time internship!

What did you learn from this experience, and why was it meaningful?

I think I learned that a small group of people with the right support can truly make a huge difference. The TOMODACHI Team (as we call ourselves) is no more than 5 full time employees yet this summer alone TOMODACHI sent over 500 students from Tohoku to the US on these cultural exchanges that ranged from leadership workshops, city planning and reconstruction seminars, to baseball exchanges. This team, with the help of the US Embassy in Tokyo, the U.S.-Japan Council, private companies and NGO’s has made an unquantifiable impact on these young people from Tohoku. 

What is it like to work in Japan?

Japan is HOT in the summer! I also completely forgot about the month long rainy season so if you are in East Asia over the summer, pack an umbrella, poncho, and boots! Learning polite/formal Japanese was a must, as I ran around downtown Tokyo to big offices like Coca-Cola, Apple, and Google to obtain documents, and every person in Tokyo carries a small towel or handkerchief, so I encourage everyone to buy one immediately upon landing in Japan!

What did you do on your free time?

I spent a great deal of time with my family in Tokyo and in Miyazaki Prefecture. A relaxing cup of delicious green tea and practicing calligraphy with my grandparents was a welcomed change of pace. Also, I was able to enjoy awesome yakiniku (Japanese bbq) and day trips to Kamakura, Enoshima, and Hakone with university students I met through my internship.

What was a memorable moment in your internship?

Preparing a speech to give in front of Secretary Hillary Clinton.

Secretary Clinton wanted to meet with Japanese and American students while she visited Tokyo, so I was asked to prepare some remarks about our TOMODACHI Generation. I spent time with Mark Davidson-san, the Minister of Public Affairs at the US Embassy, to go over my speech, and he particularly liked my metaphor comparing the rush hour Tokyo trains to the closeness I hope Japanese and Americans can achieve.  Unfortunately, a change in schedule prevented me from giving my speech directly to Secretary Clinton, but I was still able to share my thoughts with Ambassador John Roos, and my great aunt all the way in Kyushu was able to see my face on television!

Did what you study in GW help?

If it weren’t for my involvement in JASA and my sorority, Kappa Phi Lambda, I don’t think I would have been prepared to handle the level of responsibility I was given. I was in contact with top-level business leaders and had to manage different projects all at the same time. Having worked as president of JASA during the aftermath of March 11^th, I felt prepared for the workload, and Kappa Phi Lambda has taught me everything I know about time management and making lasting relationships. Professor Mochizuki’s International Affairs of East Asia class was also a saving grace as I met many of the key players in the current events we spoke of!

Any last words?

Please support the TOMODACHI Initiative and feel free to contact me about information regarding involvement in the Japanese community in DC or in TOMODACHI.

For this fall semester, Emi will be attending Nanzan University in Nagoya, Japan. 

Job Description:

We are seeking a customer service- and detail-oriented individual to: 1) assist the Global
Resources Center patrons in the use of our collections and services; and 2) help maintain
collections in the Global Resources Center and process new materials. All employees are
trained to use the library’s online system and other research-oriented databases.

Position Requirements:
• Ability to work 15-20 hours per week

• Availability to work some evenings and weekends
• Facility with the Japanese or Korean language
• Academic background in international affairs or a related field

Wage:
 For graduate students starts at $12


For more information, or to submit a resume,
please contact:
The Global Resources Center
Gelman Library, Room 708
2130 H St., NW
(202) 994-7105; EMAIL: grc@gwu.edu

New York is often referred to as "the city that never sleeps." If that's the case, then I believe that it's safe to give Taiwan the nickname as "the island that never sleeps." There is never a shortage of exciting things to do anytime when you're in Taiwan.

First, there are the night markets. There are several night markets in Taipei, and there are night markets throughout Taiwan.

The Luodong Night Market in Yilan

The night markets get very, very crowded at night. From 9pm-2am, there are people roaming around the night markets shopping and eating. My favorite thing about night markets is the liveliness and the street vendors that sell food. I think the night markets are one of the things that makes Taiwan distinctly unique.

Shilin Night Market in Taipei

Perhaps the most famous night market in Taiwan is the Shilin Night Market in Taipei--it is the most well-known and most popular. The Shilin Night Market has changed though. Many street vendors used to line up selling food on the roadsides, but that is not the case anymore. They have built a new indoor structure to house the street vendors to make the night market more organized and less crowded. 

I'm not a fan of the new structure. Although the Shilin Night Market isn't as crowded as it used to be, I think it takes out the unique feeling of being in a night market. However, if you're in Taiwan, it's definitely still worth a visit.

If you're interested in exploring the nightlife in Taipei, I would also recommend visiting the various clubs in throughout the city. I've only been to the club once since I've been in Taipei, but there is definitely a different feeling than going to a club in DC. In general, the clubs are more luxurious and classy. From what I've heard, Taipei is regarded as having some of the best clubs in Asia, so it's worth exploring if you're interested!

Luxy Club in Taipei

Chris Wang
B.A. International Affairs, Minor in Sociology 2014
Sigur Center 2012 Chinese Language Fellow
National Taiwan University, Taiwan