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[nugget53]

In the future, I hope to obtain a PhD in Asian history and am just currently finishing up a bachelor's degree at a small public state school. I know that in order to be taken seriously in PhD school admissions, I should show a demonstrated proficiency in at least one foreign language. I will be taking a beginner Chinese language class next semester but I know that isn't enough. Our school just recently started offering Chinese classes this semester. I have done my homework and have rigorously researched opportunties both abroad (Fulbright, CLS, etc.) and domestic (Middlebury) for summer intensive language prep. I've applied to the CLS this next summer but it's a 10% acceptance rate and Middlebury is just too expensive for my budget.
In addition, I have come across many Asian Studies MA programs that offer students w/ no formal language background(like me) many courses in Asian languages and those courses count for credit towards an MA. Obviously, the goal is not a PhD in Asian Studies, but in history. Are there any reputable Asian Studies or East Asian Studies programs out there that offer considerable funding to grad students and also considerable language study?

Thank you for your time

[academic_cog]

I don't know anything about history or Asian studies programs, but I had a lot of friends in grad school who were paid to learn a language that the government has deemed of strategic importance. Have they cut this as part of the latest round of budget cuts? Hmm. Go look at the FLAS:

http://www2.ed.gov/programs/iegpsflasf/index.html

[betterslac]

I think you need to explore beyond these issues.

1) A number of people whom I have met who were able to get into the top, fully funded Asian studies programs spent a considerable amount of time in Asia, not only learning the language but also becoming acquainted with the culture and making contacts. This time in country, they told me, was crucial to their success in admittance and funding.

2) One way of doing this is to go to a country to teach English and study language and culture on the side. This has both advantages and drawbacks, but it is an option. The other is to seek admittance to an MA program in an Asian country in order to have an institutional affiliation and obtain a degree, but this may require that you pay for the program. I am currently at an institution in the area that has an appreciable number of American and European students who are doing this (as well as in Ph.D. programs).

PM me if you want more information.

[penthesilia]

It would be great if there are more opportunities like these across different fields.