Luce Scholars Program

About the Scholarship

The Luce Scholars Program provides fully-paid internships for young Americans to live and work in Asia. Language training is provided, and Luce Scholars convene during the course of the year in a different city in Asia to reflect on their experiences and learn about a different Asian country. The program aims to provide a significant experience in Asia to future American leaders who have not yet had the opportunity to get to know the region in-depth.

Luce Scholars can have backgrounds in virtually any field other than Asian studies, including medicine, the arts, business, law, science, environmental studies, and journalism. No prior language study is required. Placements can be made in the following East and Southeast Asian countries: Cambodia, China and Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Eligibility

Candidates are not required to have significant experience in Asia or Asian studies. Applicants who have spent more than eighteen weeks in one of the Luce placement countries after high school are ineligible to apply. Asian Studies majors are also ineligible.

Candidates must:

  • Be a United States citizen or permanent resident.
  • Hold at least a bachelor's degree by July 1 of the program year.
  • Be under 30 years old by July 1 of the program year.
  • Have a record of high achievement, outstanding leadership ability, and a clearly defined career interest showing potential for professional accomplishment.

Application Process

To learn more on how to apply, please see our Canvas site.