Deadline fast approaching! Annual call for applications from NIU students and faculty for Thai Studies related research, conference, and language-study awards.

There are three categories of applications and the submission deadline for all three is February 2, 2024, 11:59 pm:

1. THE THAI RESEARCH ENDOWMENT FUNDING: GRADUATE STUDENTS

The Thai Studies Committee is accepting funding applications from graduate students for either Thai studies related research projects in Thailand or for presentations on Thai studies related research projects at international conferences held in and beyond the US. Students may apply for up to $2,500.

Eligibility:

• A Graduate student in good standing at Northern Illinois University
• Research area must be related to Thailand, Thai studies broadly construed, Thai culture, and/or Thai/Tai people
• If applying for conference travel, students must be either presenting a paper or serving as a panel chair, discussant or organizer

Requirements:

For all applications:

• A letter of recommendation from the student’s faculty advisor must be included
• Evidence of application for other sources of funding
• List of other funding sources already received, if any, and the amounts
• Current CV

For research travel:

• A clear, concise description (2 pages maximum) of the project purpose, including preparation for the research, whether the proposal has been approved by the department, whether IRB clearance has been obtained, and how the travel grant will contribute to data gathering
• A tentative budget and the ways in which funds would be used to further your research and Thai Studies

For conference travel:

• Presentation abstract
• Tentative budget (funding may be requested for travel, accommodations, and conference registration fees).
• Acceptance letter (if already accepted)

DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 2, 2024 AT 11:59PM

All application materials should be addressed to the Thai Studies Committee and sent via email to Dr. Micah F. Morton at mmorton1@niu.edu.

2. STUDENT AWARD FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF THAI LANGUAGE STUDIES

Two scholarships are available through the Royal Thai government’s endowment for the advancement of Thai Studies at Northern Illinois University. The awards are to support advanced Thai language study (beyond first-year Thai). Each student is eligible to receive support in the amount of $1,000 per semester ($2,000 for the full academic year).

The award is for students pursuing studies on Thailand and Thai Studies broadly construed from any disciplinary perspective. Study of advanced Thai language is a requirement of the award regardless of the disciplinary focus of the recipient. The award can be used to defray educational expenses and will be applied directly to the student’s Bursar account.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Applicants must be NIU undergraduate or graduate students with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher; applicants must demonstrate a focus on Tai/Thai studies broadly defined; and applicants must already have a high enough proficiency level to allow them to pursue Thai language training beyond the first year.

Application:

Applicants must submit a one-page statement that clearly outlines their interests in Thai studies and future career goals.

In addition, applicants must submit ALL of the following materials:

• Letter from Thai language professor confirming the student’s language acquisition skills as proof of ability to pursue Thai language training beyond the first year
• Another letter of recommendation that addresses applicant’s academic skills and commitment
• Copy of transcript – unofficial transcripts are acceptable

REQUIREMENTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF RECIPIENT: Recipients of the award are obligated to attend and participate in Thai studies-focused events at NIU and are encouraged to give a public presentation of their experience and/or research on Thailand at COTS, a brown bag, a conference at NIU, or other appropriate venue.

DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 2, 2024 AT 11:59PM

All application materials should be addressed to the Thai Studies Committee and sent via email to Dr. Micah F. Morton at mmorton1@niu.edu.

3. NIU FACULTY RESEARCH IN THAILAND

Supported by a grant from the Royal Thai Government for the advancement of Thai studies and the Center for Southeast Asian Studies at Northern Illinois University

Through a generous endowment from the Royal Thai government for the enhancement and development of Thai Studies at Northern Illinois University, an award is available to Center of Southeast Asian Studies Associates to travel to Thailand to conduct research on topics related to Thailand and Thai studies broadly construed. Applicants may apply for up to $2,500. The money is to be used towards research and to build relationships with research/educational institutions in Thailand. Travel expenses must be incurred by August 14, 2024. Requests for reimbursement of expenses, based on receipts, must be submitted by August 30, 2024.  

Application:

Applicant must submit ALL OF THE FOLLOWING as part of their application.

• Name and contact information
• A one-page description of the project that clearly demonstrates the contribution it makes to the advancement of Thai studies and how the findings will be disseminated to the NIU community
• A one-page description of how the trip will build, maintain, or enhance relationships and/or programming with institutions in Thailand
• Budget and a list of other sources of funding
• An abridged CV (no more than 1 page)

REQUIREMENTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF RECIPIENT:

Presentation of research findings at a brown bag talk, a guest lecture session in SEA225 Crossroads, the annual COTS conference (Council on Thai Studies), and/or other appropriate venue.

DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 2, 2024 AT 11:59PM

All applications materials should be address to the Thai Teaching and Research Fund Committee and submitted via email to Tiffany Adams at tadams5@niu.edu.