Freeman Foundation SLU Asia Internship Program Application
Freeman Foundation SLU Asia Internship Program
Established in 1994 by the estate of AIG cofounder Mansfield Freeman, the mission of the Freeman Foundation is "to strengthen the bonds of friendship between this country and those of the Far East; to develop a greater appreciation of [East Asian] cultures in this country and a better understanding of American institutions in and purposes on the part of the peoples of East Asia, and to stimulate an exchange of ideas in economic and cultural fields which will help create mutual understanding” between the United States and Eastern Asia. Freeman grantees will advance this mission by gaining real-world work experience in Eastern and Southeast Asia.
For almost 20 years, grant funding from the Freeman Foundation has played a critical role in enhancing St. Lawrence students’ interest Asian countries. This new Freeman Foundation-SLU Asia Internship Program will significantly expand opportunities for St. Lawrence students to immerse themselves in living and working in Asia where they will be able to gain an authentic understanding of, and appreciation for, oriental culture and society.
With the generous support from the Freeman Foundation, each year up to eight St. Lawrence University Students will be selected to do an 8-week internship in Asia. The Freeman Foundation helps to pay for most of the cost, including roundtrip flight tickets, visa application, room, internship placement, and international health insurance. Additional funding may be available through other SLU offices such as the Center for Career Excellence.
Eligibility
- Preference is given to U.S. citizens
- International students without a connection to East Asia may apply
- Must be enrolled at St. Lawrence University as a degree-seeking undergraduate student in good academic standing; applicants cannot be in their last year of school. Students graduating in December 2024 are eligible to apply. Students planning to transfer to another institution are not eligible to apply.
- There are no Asian language proficiency requirements to receive the grant.
- Students who attend the SLU Asia Internship program must agree to fulfill post-participation service projects, which may include activities such as public presentations about their experience with the campus community, etc.
- The Freeman Foundation has the final say on selection standards and candidate selections.
- Applicants have limited exposure in Asia.
Program Participation Requirements Include
- Program Assessment Survey: Program participants are required to fill out the internship evaluation form after returning from the internships. The survey result will be shared with the CIIS office and the Freeman Foundation. This includes 500 words about their internship experiences as part of the survey.
- Instagram Posts: Required to submit a photo and 100 words about their experience three times during the internship: beginning (first week), middle (fifth week) and end (eighth week).
- Program Presentation: Students present their Asia internship stories and experiences in events such as Family Weekend, International Education Week.
- Recipients will be asked to volunteer at the program events such as SLU newspaper interviews, information sessions, fireside chats, orientation, and university-related events to promote the Freeman Foundation SLU Asia Internship Program.
- Participants who fail the internships are required to refund the full amount of the grant.
Process:
Pre-Decision Stage:
- Schedule meetings or attend the Information Session with the Director of Off-Campus Programs at the CIIS office Caitlin Hatz.
- Schedule meetings with the internship provider to discuss interests and the internship placement processes. For partner-supported internship, the internship positions will be provided by our program partner NexStep based on students' interests and major areas. For self-supported internship, students can find their own internship.
- Complete the application for the Freeman Foundation SLU Asia Internship program attached to this posting.
- Two recommendation letters to be submitted by a faculty member and a campus job supervisor. (link in application form attached to this posting)
Post-Decision Stage:
- Sign Student Acknowledgment and Assumption of Risks & Release and Indemnity Agreement for Asia Internship Participation
- Attend Orientation hosted by NexStep
- Prepare for departure
For Partner-supported Internship Placements
Program Partner: NexStep
Program Location for summer 2024: Bangkok, Thailand; Ho Chi Min City, Vietnam; Kyoto, Japan
Program Dates: Early June - Late July, 2024
We encourage students to join our information session to learn about the program for future participation.
Internship Placement
There is a matching process that takes place with the applicants based on your interests, qualifications, etc. Applicants will go through an interview process with NexStep and the potential placement organization. NexStep can guarantee a placement will be made, but the applicants must be prepared to be placed in a company that may not be their first choice.
Program Structure:
After students are accepted to the program, each student will be matched with an internship position in Thailand via the NexStep, and NexStep will provide the following support to our students:
- Housing incl. Wi-Fi, electric & water
- Cultural & Professional Development activities per week or month
- Airport Pickup
- NEXSTEP Program Onboarding
- Welcome Pack (Incl. Local Sim & US$100 Transportation Pass)
- 24/7 In-Country Support
- Health & Travel Insurance
- Pre-departure Advising incl. Student Handbook, Immigration Visa Assistance
- NEXSTEP Professional Development & Personal Branding Guide
- First day Company Induction
- Employer Skills Evaluation & Recommendation
- Certificate of Completion
Additional Funding
Each student will receive $2,250 toward the cost of a round-trip flight, visa application and food during their internship.
Students with unmet needs are eligible to apply for additional university funding such as Tanner Fellowship, academic departmental funding, and the Internship Fellowship by the Center for Career Excellence.
Application Deadline
Deadline: December 6th, 2023
Depending on application numbers, a second round may be available in late January.
Interested students may direct questions to: Caitlin Hatz, Director of Off-Campus Programs
Carnegie 108; 315-255-5945
For more information, go to the program's webpage here: https://www.stlawu.edu/offices/ciis/asia-connections/freeman-foundation-slu-asia-internship-program