GW Taiwan Studies Research Fellows Program

The GW Taiwan Studies Research Fellows Program, hosted by the Taiwan Education and Research Program (TERP), invites outstanding graduate and undergraduate students to apply for the opportunity to conduct research on any aspect of Taiwan. The program offers essential resources and mentorship, with selection based on the strength of the proposed project and academic performance, particularly in Taiwan-related coursework.

This program connects students with GW faculty members specializing in Taiwan studies, providing a platform to conduct research, participate in Taiwan-related programming, and receive mentorship in the field of Taiwan affairs.

Applicants must propose an original, independent research project exploring any discipline within Taiwan studies. Projects can take various forms, such as a policy memo or an academic paper, reflecting the student’s academic, professional, or personal interests. Accepted fellows are required to complete their research project by the end of the Spring 2025 semester and present their findings in a panel discussion organized by TERP.

All applicants must identify a faculty advisor who will collaborate with them throughout the fellowship. A letter of recommendation from the faculty advisor, confirming their involvement, is required with the application. Additional program requirements are detailed below.

This fellowship is an excellent opportunity to expand a class research paper, develop a senior thesis, and sharpen research or policy analysis skills. Upon completion, fellows are encouraged to submit their research to undergraduate or graduate journals such as the Elliott School’s International Affairs Review, policy publications like The Washington Quarterly, or present at academic conferences, including the North American Taiwan Studies Association’s annual conference.

Fellows Program Benefits

• Student fellows will receive a $1,250 stipend
• Faculty advisors will receive a $500 award for their participation in the program
• Work closely with a faculty advisor
• Enhance knowledge on Taiwan-related research topics
• Gain experience in conducting research on Taiwan
• The opportunity to co-organize and participate in workshops and events throughout the academic year on topics related to Taiwan
• Join a growing community of Taiwan studies scholars, analysts, and leaders

Program Eligibility

• Open to all U.S. and international graduate or undergraduate students at GW
• For undergraduate students, preference is given to juniors and seniors who have a strong research agenda or research skills
• Demonstrated interest in Taiwan affairs

Fellows Program Requirements

• Design and execute an original, independent research project that culminates in a written product, such as an academic paper or a policy memo
• Identify and work with a faculty advisor throughout the research process 
• Present the main findings of the research project in a panel discussion organized by TERP at the end of the academic year

Application Requirements and Submission Deadline

Complete applications must include the following: 

• A 1-2 page research project proposal that includes a detailed description of your chosen research topic, the resources you plan to use to carry out the research project, and how this project will contribute to your academic and professional aspirations.
• A current resume
• An unofficial GW transcript
• A letter of recommendation from your selected faculty advisor. In the letter, the faculty member should acknowledge that they accept the role as faculty advisor to your project.

• Please submit a complete application to taiwan@gwu.edu with the subject “GW Taiwan Research Fellows Application – [Your Name]”

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