Advanced Study of Thai

Applications Due: February 01, 2008

APPLICATION INFORMATION

CAST Member Institutions and the AST Program are committed to attracting and enrolling a diverse student body. Qualified women, minorities, non-traditional students are encouraged to apply.

Application Process

Applicants for the Advanced Study of Thai program must submit the following documents for the consideration of the selection committee:

1. The application form accompanied by a payment of $20 (U.S.).

Download a copy of the application. (Adobe Reader required)

2. Official transcripts of all college and/or university training undertaken to date.

3. Three letters of reference; two from individuals who can comment on the applicant's academic ability and adaptability to living in Thailand, and one from a current or former teacher of Thai who can comment on the applicant's skill as a student of Thai.

4. Copies of any Thai proficiency assessments that the applicant may have completed.

5. A personal statement outlining academic and/or career goals, indicating how participation in the program will help to achieve those goals.

6. A one-page statement hand written in Thai concerning reasons for participating in the AST program and the benefits to be derived from it.

In preparing the personal statement, applicants who have previously lived and/or worked in Thailand should discuss their experience there, and indicate how they plan to incorporate that experience in their future studies. Those with extensive prior study of Thai and/or experience in Thailand should indicate why additional training is now necessary. Applicants should bear in mind that the selection committee gives special attention to the personal statement. A full discussion of all points is essential for a successful application.

Oral Interview

In addition to submitting the application from and the documents discussed above, each qualified applicant is required to participate in an oral interview in Thai. The interview, which is recorded and retained for future reference, is conducted by telephone by a native speaker of Thai who is an experienced teacher. Arrangements for the interview are made after a preliminary review of all applications has been completed.

Other

There is a program fee of $750, but each applicant should apply for a fellowship in partial support of program and field-trip costs.

Successful applicants are required to attest to their ability to participate in program activities, to provide evidence of current health insurance prior to departure for Thailand, and to take part in post-program outreach activities in the schools of their communities of U.S. residence.

The U.S. Department of Education fellowships are available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are teachers or who are students planning a teaching career and enrolled as graduate students or undergrads (at the junior or senior level).

Send Application Materials to:

Advanced Study of Thai (AST) Program
Southeast Asia Center
Jackson School of International Studies
University of Washington
Box 353650
Seattle, WA 98195
USA