Freeman Foundation grants boost student internships in Asia

The University of Oregon has been awarded a $100,000 grant from the Freeman Foundation to award and administer Freeman Fellowships for undergraduate and graduate students conducting internships in East and Southeast Asia.

The funds, administered by the UO’s Center for Asian and Pacific Studies, offers fellowships of up to $6,000.

The grants allow students to choose internships in Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Macao, Malaysia, Mongolia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand or Vietnam.

Over the past 12 years, Vice Provost for International Affairs Dennis Galvan has been impressed with the opportunities the internships have brought to UO students. But he also feels the program allows students to gain an edge not many graduates can achieve through a traditional college education.

“This is one of the best investments we've made in developing global education at the UO," Galvan says. "Real work experience overseas is a ticket not only to self confidence, but also to greater competitiveness in a tight job market."

Freeman Internship Fellowships are still available for summer and fall 2013. Apply by Jan. 25 for a summer internship or by April 15 for a fall internship.

For more information on the Freeman Internship Fellowships, visit the CAPS website.

- from UO International Affairs