SUNY New Paltz has established direct relationships with Kanazawa University, Nagasaki University of Foreign Studies, and Meiji University, where many students majoring or minoring in Asian Studies have studied. New Paltz students may also choose programs offered by other SUNY campuses in Japan for a summer, semester, or academic year. Programs may be thematic or language-based. Popular locations include Tsukuba University (via SUNY Oswego), Kansai Gaidai (via SUNY Albany), Seinan Gakuin - Fukuoka (via SUNY Oneonta).
For more information on each program, students may consult the searchable index of SUNY study abroad page and the international program offices at individual SUNY campuses.
Scholarship Opportunities
New Paltz Scholarships (application period may be spring and/or fall)
Check the scholarship page of the SUNY New Paltz Foundation website)
Friends of Asian Studies Endowment scholarship was established in 2006 by Asian Studies Alumni and Friends of Asian Studies and is unique to SUNY New Paltz. This endowment provides support to Asian Studies majors through student scholarships. Applicants should be engaged in undergraduate involvement in study abroad, faculty research, independent student research, or an internship with the approval of the Asian Studies Program. Applicants must be full time undergraduates majoring in Asian Studies at SUNY New Paltz with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Roger and Barbara Bowen Scholarship was established in 2001 to honor past college president, Roger Bowen. This award will be presented to a full time, matriculated SUNY New Paltz student who is either an international student attending SUNY New Paltz on a student visa sponsored by the Center for International Programs, or a student who has been accepted to participate in an International Program Study Abroad administered by the Center for International Programs at SUNY New Paltz. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Wiegand Scholarship supports student study abroad through the Center for International Programs for students traveling to destinations outside of Western Europe, New Zealand and Australia. Applicants must be full-time, matriculated students at SUNY New Paltz and have 2.75 or higher GPA. Travel awards are to be used for non-tuition educational expenses. Note that priority will be given to students who seek a study abroad experience that challenges them personally and/or academically. Priority will also be given to students with demonstrated financial need.
External Scholarships (application period varies. check each scholarship website)
Freeman-ASIA Scholarship provides need-based funding for students studying in East or Southeast Asia. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents studying at the undergraduate level at a two-year or four-year college or university who demonstrate financial need to study abroad in East or Southeast Asia. The Freeman-ASIA Scholarship is highly competitive. Deadlines typically occur in March and October for the following semester or academic year.
Bridging Scholarship Program for Study Abroad in Japan funded through the American Association of Teachers of Japanese offer scholarships to American undergraduate students participating in study abroad programs in Japan.
Japan Student Service Organization (JASSO) offers a limited number of scholarships to students who study in Kanazawa University Exchange Program (KUEP). Nominations for the JASSO Scholarship are based on successful study of the Japanese language at New Paltz and excellence in other coursework. Consideration is given to the applicants' perceived ability to live abroad successfully. Students must first apply for the Kanazawa University program through the Center for International Programs and will apply for the JASSO scholarships as part of the KUEP application process.
Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program provides fully-funded opportunities for American college and university students to study languages and cultures essential to America's engagement with the world. Japanese is one of over a dozen languages sponsored by the program. Students must have completed at least two years of prior study to be eligible for the Japanese language program. The application deadline is in November for the following summer. The scholarship cannot be used on other study abroad experiences.
For more information about scholarships and other opportunities, see the Asian Studies Program Hawksite.
Post-Graduation Opportunities
Japanese Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program is a competitive employment opportunity that allows young professionals to live and work in cities, towns, and villages throughout Japan. Being a JET is an opportunity to work and to represent the United States as cultural ambassadors to Japan. Most participants serve as Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) and work in public and private schools throughout Japan. Those with highly proficient Japanese language skills can apply to work as Coordinators for International Relations (CIRs) as interpreters/translators.
Many SUNY New Paltz alumni have earned teaching positions in the JET Program. JET participants work on a yearly contract basis that can be renewed up to four times (for a total of five years in the position). Salaries are generous, allowing JETS to pay off college loans, travel, or save for future goals.
