GW Taiwan Studies Research Fellows Program

Applications for the 2023-2024 Academic Year are now closed

The GW Taiwan Studies Research Fellows Program, supported by the Taiwan Studies Initiative (TSI) and hosted by the Taiwan Education and Research Program (TERP), encourages outstanding graduate and undergraduate students to conduct research on any aspect of Taiwan by providing essential resources and mentoring for their study. Selection is based on the strength of the proposed project, as well as academic performance, especially in coursework on Taiwan. The Program is designed to provide students with the opportunity to connect with the GW Taiwan studies faculty members, conduct research, participate in Taiwan-related programming, and receive mentorship in the field of Taiwan affairs. An orientation session will be provided to new fellows. 

Prospective applicants must propose an original, independent research project exploring an aspect of Taiwan studies in any discipline. The research project can take a variety of forms based on the student’s academic, professional, or personal interest, such as a policy memo or an academic paper. All accepted applicants must complete the research project by the end of the Spring 2024 semester (May 3, 2024). Fellows are also expected to present their research findings near the end of the Spring 2024 semester in a panel discussion organized by TERP. For all applications, students must identify a faculty advisor with whom they will collaborate throughout the fellowship. The faculty advisor must provide the applicant with a letter of recommendation acknowledging their involvement in the applicant’s project. Additional details about program requirements are listed below.

In addition to their ongoing research projects, fellows will contribute to a weekly briefing publication that covers Taiwan’s current affairs. They will assist the Taiwan Studies Initiative Project Assistant with sourcing relevant news articles and developing a concise and informative newsletter that keeps the readership informed. 

This is a great opportunity to expand on a research paper for any class, senior thesis paper, or an opportunity to sharpen your skills as a researcher or policy analyst. Whichever route you choose, at the end of this program, you are encouraged to submit your research paper to an undergraduate or graduate journal for publication, such as the Elliott School’s The International Affairs Review, policy publication outlets such as The Washington Quarterly, and/or academic conferences such as 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
• Contribute 2-3 bullet points weekly to Taiwan Current Affairs Brief in selected interest area 

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.