The Sigur Center for Asian Studies has published the Spring 2013 issue of our newsletter, The Asian Connection. This issue covers Sigur Center events and developments from the Fall semester.  

Please find a link to the newsletter on our website below:

 The Asian Connection - Spring 2013  

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

Date: Saturday, October 20, 2012
Location: George Washington University,  Gelman Library, 7th Floor
                  2130 H Street NW,  Washington DC 20052
Time: 9:30 am to 4:00 p.m.
Who:  Everyone
Lunch:  Provided  
                                                 
SCHEDULE:
  9:30 - 10:00 Arrival and wireless account set up; photo ID required to gain entrance to the library
10:00 - 12:00 New editor instruction and tutorials; experienced editors can dive right  in!
12:00 - 1:00  Lunch (provided) GRC specialists will provide orientations to the collections upon request
  1:00 - 4:00  Editathon led by TBD

EVENT DESCRIPTION: Gelman Library’s Global Resources Center invites you to participate in a Wikipedia Editathon “All Things International” on Saturday, October 20, 2012.  Almost everybody uses Wikipedia, but how does that information get there, and who decides what stays and what goes?  Wikipedia master editors will provide a two hour training session for new editors and content creators, and then assist as needed as you work on the Wiki articles you have pre-selected. Help will also be available for anyone with an interest in contributing new articles. 

SIGN-UP: Click on the following link to sign up for the editathon  -- just scroll down to the heading "Attending Oct. 20" and add your name:   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Meetup/DC/WLL/2012/2  

THE GLOBAL RESOURCES CENTER: The collections will be available to use as reference sources. GRC coverage spans the globe with concentrations of specialized English and non-English databases, books,  maps, statistics, primary documents, and a wealth of other resources focusing on 20th century China, Russia, Japan, Korea, as well as Asia, Central and Eastern Europe, and the Middle East and North Africa more generally.  To learn more about GRC collections please visit the GRC website: http://library.gwu.edu/collections/GRC.

WHY PARTICIPATE: This is a unique opportunity to see behind the Wikipedia curtain,  learn more about their operations, how to strengthen or revise existing content, add much needed references, or even contribute new articles -- all to make it a better resource for the community of web users. Location: Gelman Library, 7th Floor.  Time: 9:30 – 4:00.  Please don’t forget to bring your laptop.  Lunch will be provided.   

WIKIPEDIA AND GW:  Wikipedia began these annual events last October. Gelman Library and the Global Resources Center plan to continue hosting editathons as long as the opportunity exists and GW faculty and students show interest. GW already has a record of contribution to Wikipedia articles. See this Chronicle of Higher Education article to learn how Donna Infeld, Director, PhD Program in Public Policy and Administration, contributed to a larger effort, and made it work for her:http://chronicle.com/blogs/wiredcampus/professors-shore-up-wikipedia-entries-on-public-policy/28015

WHAT ELSE:  Planning for next year’s editathon will begin in the Spring.  If there are faculty who would like to explore developing a writing or editing session as a classroom assignment, we would love to talk to you.   And of course, it’s not too late for the October 20 session should you be interested.

Everyone is welcome: students, staff, faculty or folks outside GW. Any article in Wikipedia is available for editing. Here is a link to the Global Resources Center website where the event is advertised: http://library.gwu.edu/collections/GRC    All specifics about the event are available from the "information" or "sign-up" links.  Signing up in advance is not required but will help us a lot in planning the number of lunches to have on hand. 

(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. 

The JET Program will be visiting George Washington University for the fall 2012 career fair on Tuesday, Oct. 2nd, and in addition, it will also hold a public information session at the Japan Information and Culture Center on Tuesday, October 9th.  

In the past, JET has hired several recent graduates from GWU, and is hoping to recruit some bright, enthusiastic applicants once again this year.

The JET Program is the largest program for English instructors in Japan, sponsored by the Japanese government.  Each year it sends 800-1000 American young professionals to teach English in Japanese public schools.  A small percentage of JET participants also work in local government offices on international relations projects.  This past summer, JET sent approximately 75 new participants from the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area, to join a total of nearly 5,000 participants throughout Japan.

The JET Program allows participants to live in Japan while learning about Japan's educational system and gaining valuable teaching, communication, and cross cultural skills.

FALL 2012 CAREER FAIR

Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2012

11:00am-1:00pm

Charles E. Smith Center

INFORMATION SESSION

Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2012

6:30pm-8:00pm

Japan Information & Culture Center (JICC)

1150 18th St. NW, Washington, DC

*Please RSVP to jetprogram@ws.mofa.go.jp


For more information and to apply online, please visit the following website:
http://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/JET/

Specific questions can be addressed to their office at:
jetprogram@ws.mofa.go.jp OR (202) 238-6772/6773

Media Credit: Nick Rice / Graphics Assistant

Read the insightful comments made by Deepa Ollapally, Associate Director of the Sigur Center for Asian Studies at the Elliott School of International Affairs, about GW's increasing international focus on India in the GW Hatchet article "GW Spotlights India as Next Global Partner."

Deepa Ollapally warns the University to prepare for challenges like competition from other U.S. schools and India’s bureaucratic government, which she lists as the “the biggest obstacle.” She also discusses the deep-seated challenges in establishing worthwhile partnerships with Indian institutions, especially due to the traditional mindset against foreign involvement that permeates across India's academy and bureaucracy.

Nevertheless, GW hopes to send more students to India in the upcoming years in recognition of India's growing importance in the world.

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Backgroud:
Deepa Ollapally is directing a major research project on power and identity and the worldviews of rising and aspiring powers in Asia and Eurasia. Her research focuses on domestic foreign policy debates in India and its implications for regional security and global leadership of the U.S. Her co-edited book, Worldviews of Aspiring Powers is forthcoming from Oxford University Press in 2012. Her most recent book is The Politics of Extremism in South Asia published by Cambridge University Press in 2008. She has published in journals such as Foreign Affairs, Asian Survey, and Political Science Quarterly.

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

The Asian/Pacific Islander Domestic Violence Resource Project (DVRP) is a local nonprofit, which works specifically with the A/PI communities in Virginia, Maryland, and DC. The organization provides survivors of domestic violence with access to linguistically and culturally responsive services. Their advocacy services cover over 20 different Asian languages.

Right now, DVRP is looking for fall interns and bilingual advocates to start in the fall. Internships are unpaid but travel stipends are provided. (Interns do not need to be bilingual!) Bilingual advocates are paid $15-25 per hour for their work with clients and must go through a 55 hour training. 

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FALL INTERNSHIPS

Advocates Program Intern: Recognizing that A/PI survivors of domestic violence have a variety of needs in order to attain safety for themselves and their children, the DVRP Advocates Program provides direct assistance on an individual level, with special consideration for cultural and linguistic needs. Click here for more information.

Outreach and Training Program Intern: The Community Outreach Program is devoted to increasing awareness about the dynamics and impact of domestic violence in A/PI communities. DVRP’s Training & Technical Assistance Program works with service providers to ensure the provision of culturally competent services to A/PI survivors. Click here for more information.

Note: These are unpaid internships.

Time Commitment: This internship lasts from late August/early September 2012 until December 2012, but dates can be somewhat flexible.  Interns will be working during DVRP’s business hours of 10am-6pm, Mondays-Fridays, with possibly some weekend hours as needed.

To apply, please submit your resume, cover letter describing your interest, and three professional references to info@dvrp.org.

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BILINGUAL ADVOCATES

Bilingual Advocates (BA) work with limited English proficient survivors, providing peer support, court accompaniment, interpretation/translation and referrals to social and legal services. BAs must be fluent in at least one other language and may be required to be available on an on-call basis during regular business hours (Mon-Fri 10am-6pm). BAs are paid $15-25 per hour for their work with clients.

All advocates must attend a 55 hour training prior to starting and commit to serving for 1 year. Candidates who speak at least one of the following languages are highly preferred (but not required): Vietnamese, Mandarin, Cantonese, Indonesian, Bengali, Thai, Korean, Japanese, and Sinhala.

The Fall 2012 8-Day Advocates Program Training will be held on these dates (from 10am-5pm): September 8-9, September 15-16, September 22-23, and September 29-30.

Applicants must be able to attend all 8 days of training.  To apply, please fill out an application form and submit to advocate@dvrp.org

Intern, China and the Pacific:

This position supports both Lt. General Wallace "Chip" Gregson, Senior Director, China and the Pacific and a former Assistant Secretary of Defense for Asian and Pacific Security Affairs at the Department of Defense and Ms. A. Greer Meisels, Associate Director and Research Fellow, China and the Pacific. Key research areas as they relate to this internship include U.S.-China relations, Northeast Asia security issues, and U.S. strategies in the Asia-Pacific region. Interns should be motivated self-starters that are able to engage in a wide variety of analytic and logistical task work. This position does NOT require Mandarin Chinese fluency, although proficiency in an East Asian language is strongly preferred.    

Responsibilities: Assisting in research, writing and analysis for articles, grant proposals, and other such projects as dictated by program needs; Administrative support to Center activities.

Qualifications:
- Must have strong writing and research skills
- Must have strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Must have strong analytical skills
- Must have the ability to work independently
- Must demonstrate academic/professional background in one or more of the following areas: Chinese foreign policy, Asia-Pacific security and/or economic issues, or U.S. national security issues.

For information on how to apply, please visit: http://cftni.org/index3216.html

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This position comes highly recommended by one of our current MA students in the international affairs program at the Elliott School. He is currently leaving his post, and they are looking for someone to take his place.

The Council on Foreign Relations is looking for a Japan Studies intern for Fall 2012. Applications are currently being reviewed, so interested candidates must apply by the end of the week!

For more information, please visit: http://www.cfr.org/about/career_opportunities/internships.html#995

Legacies of War is a DC-based NGO dedicated to removing landmines in Laos. The organization is currently seeking interns for Fall/Winter 2012. 

The available positions are:
- Advocacy Intern
- Communications Intern
- Program Intern

The internships are unpaid and require a minimum of 15 hours a week. Work-study arrangements can be discussed, and start and end dates are negotiable. Please send resume and cover letter by September 5, 2012 to Ms. Channapha Khamvongsa, Executive Director, Legacies of War at channapha@legaciesofwar.org.

For more information about Legacies of War and specific details about the positions, please visit: http://legaciesofwar.org/news/fallwinter-internship-announcement/

The Foreign Policy Initiative (FPI) Internship Program seeks rising college seniors and graduate students of the highest caliber with interest in the fields of, but not limited to, international studies, defense, national security, democracy and human rights, political science, and foreign affairs. FPI interns are given substantial work in current events research, policy communication, and think tank operations. Interns are encouraged to attend stimulating discussions around the local D.C. area and to interact closely with FPI's in-house experts. Though the FPI internship program is unpaid, participants gain valuable skills, a broader understanding of the policy world, invaluable experience, and networking opportunities.

The 2012 Fall Internship Program will run from September until December. Applications must be submitted by Tuesday, July 10th.

Click here to apply.

Requirements:

• Rising college senior or graduate student
• Understanding of FPI's mission  
• Foreign policy interests
• Strong written communication skills
• Excellent academic and current events research skills
• Proven work ethic and willingness to take initiative
• Professional demeanor and positive attitude
• Ability to take instructions and work with minimal supervision
• Reliable and able to commit 20 to 40 hours a week
• Capitol Hill experience is a plus
• International experience is a plus
• Second language is a plus

To apply:

• Visit the application page on our website
• Submit your resume with GPA
• Submit a one-page cover letter explaining your passion for foreign policy and how you meet our requirements

For further questions, please e-mail interns@foreignpolicyi.org.

Fall 2012
Office of International Affairs, U.S. Treasury Department

The Office of South and Southeast Asia at the United States Department of the Treasury is seeking interns for the fall semester of 2012. The intern will work with the desk economists, the deputy director, and the director on a variety of issues, including macroeconomic, financial, and development issues in South and Southeast Asia. Although the internship is unpaid, successful candidates will have the opportunity to contribute substantively to the formation of U.S. international economic policy toward the region.

Potential internship activities include:

• Supporting the South and Southeast Asia team in preparing policy briefs for senior officials;
• Assisting Treasury economists in policy work involving regional economies, including Pakistan, India, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Burma, and Vietnam.
• Conducting research and analysis on the most relevant macroeconomic and financial sector issues affecting South and Southeast Asia;
• Supporting Treasury’s work with regional organizations, such as APEC and ASEAN;
• Reviewing policy proposals from the International Financial Institutions, including the IMF, the World Bank, and the Asian Development Bank, and helping guide U.S. engagement on regional issues in these institutions;
• Interacting with other offices in Treasury and throughout the U.S. government on issues pertaining to the region.

Candidates must have a solid academic and/or professional background in macroeconomics and financial economics. Candidates should also have: strong quantitative, research, organizational, spreadsheet, and communication skills; the ability to synthesize large amounts of information and present this information to policymakers in a concise and cogent form; excellent writing skills; the ability to meet tight deadlines; and the capacity to work independently and as part of a team. Specific regional knowledge is helpful, but not essential.

The internship is part time for the fall. We ask for a minimum 20 hour/week commitment over a 12 week period. The intern will be expected to begin work no later than early September.

Candidates should submit a resume, a brief statement of interest, and a short writing sample on an economic topic by June 1, 2012 to:

Atticus Weller
Deputy Director, Office of Southeast Asia
U.S. Treasury Department
atticus.weller@treasury.gov

Please copy Trina Rand at trina.rand@treasury.gov