The deadline is approaching to turn in proposals for grants to study in the Middle East. Each year the ASU Middle East Studies Committee (MESC) awards grants to students, faculty and staff who wish to study and/or conduct research in a Middle Eastern country. The grant money was received from an endowment given to ASU by the Saudi government to encourage American students to study in and learn about issues and people in the Middle East.
The committee seeks proposals from persons in any college or major detailing a specific plan by which the applicant will conduct his or her study or research. The proposals should include a budget, a schedule of activities, and a description of the benefits of the study to the applicant. Preference will be given to applicants who have not received a grant in the past three competitions.
“I would encourage any student who wants to learn more about the language, culture, and history of the Middle East to apply for a Middle East studies grant,” Sue Marlay, secretary/treasurer for the MESC, said. “The grant allows the recipient a wonderful opportunity to spend time in the Middle East and to learn first hand more of the language and culture.”
Designated Middle East countries available for study include Algeria, Bahrain, Djibouti, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Palestine Authority, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates and Yemen.
Last year the committee awarded four grants enabling students and faculty to visit countries like Jordan, Bulgaria and Kuwait. Gil Fowler, professor of journalism and associate dean for the Honors College, recently took four communications students to Kuwait, using their grant money, to explore Kuwaiti media outlets.
This year’s proposals are due Monday, Jan. 14, 2008. For more information visit the international programs Web site at http://international.astate.edu/CallForProposals.htm.
