Burma (Myanmar) Scholarships
Volatile Political and Social Climate
Few people realize that Burma is now officially renamed the Union of Myanmar (or simply Myanmar) and has been for some time now. The country, one of the largest in Asia, is pitted with dissidents, and political insurrection is a constant fear. Pro-democracy groups are suppressed and politics is a dicey business. Want a scholarship? Myanmar is not for the feint of heart and many undergraduate students may have difficulty even finding suitable programs that will let them study in the country, unless they are hoping to land a hot job with the CIA. Grad students have a few more advantages, but programs are still few and far between.
Government Scholarships
Students wishing to study in Burma are ideally suited for the purposes of the David L. Boren Scholarships. Established by the National Security Education Program, the scholarships reward students engaging in studies in countries of interest to our national security. Burma is undoubtedly one such country. Undergraduate and graduate level students may apply for slightly different versions of the program. Eligible applicants must be stellar students, engaging in a program that allows them to not only pursue their intended discipline, but also lets them learn the language in its most common form, as well as integrate in local culture and customs, ideally in a homestay situation with a host family. This is a scholarship for service program, which means you either owe the federal government your undivided attention after graduation, or even better, you are vying for one of those hot new jobs in national security. Boren Scholars stand to earn up to $26,000 for a tour of study in Burma.
Burmese students who need a place to pursue a free and democratic education may be qualified for scholarships through the U.S. federal government. The federal government, in conjunction with Indiana University, awards a handful of scholarships to displaced Burmese students, collectively known as the Burmese Refugee Scholarship Program. These highly competitive awards single out those who will be trained for leadership, when Myanmar is eventually a free country and pro-democracy supporters, including scholarship recipients, are able to return to their homeland.
Private Funds
The Asian Cultural Council is a not-for-profit organization whose primary mission is supporting arts and humanities-specific projects. The ACC solicits funding from organizations and government entities and awards scholarships and fellowship to artists and scholars, some going to Asians and others going to Americans:
- The Mekong Region Fellowship Program provides monetary fellowships to Burmese artists and scholars who would like to pursue projects in the U.S.
- The Humanities Fellowship Program assists American scholars and researchers in humanities-specific disciplines who must travel to Burma for research and study purposes.
The Blakemore Freeman Fellowships are designed for graduate level students who wish to pursue an “advanced” language study program in Asia, including Burma. Acceptable programs must be for a year. Awards are very competitive and are ideal for those who can demonstrate a professional need for the Burmese language. Fellowships cover travel expenses and housing.
