The Phillips Ambassadors Program offers one Phillips Ambassadors position per year at the graduate level. The intent is to further enrich the overall educational experience of undergraduate Phillips Ambassadors by involving one outstanding graduate student who is engaged in research related to some aspect of Asian society, culture or history in the program each year; to further integrate the program into the life of the University by creating a strong link to the community of graduate students with interests in Asia; and, in general, to support the study of Asia at UNC at all levels.

The Graduate Ambassador will be a student in a Ph.D. program at Carolina who is committed to conducting thesis research on some aspect of South, East, and/or Southeast Asia. Students in Master’s programs who have significant teaching experience will also be considered.

The Graduate Phillips Ambassador will:
receive a stipend (taxable) to support summer travel and research in South, East and/or Southeast Asia. The funding is intended to be used for research related items such as flights, accommodations, research materials, visa fees, and living expenses.
assist the program academic director in leading the weekend retreats (typically held on Saturdays) for the undergraduate Ambassadors. Contact the program manager for list of dates.
participate actively in the online Sakai discussion forum, engaging with and responding to the comments posted by the undergraduate Ambassadors
meet and stay in contact with, as much as practical, undergraduate Ambassadors in the country or sub-region where s/he is conducting summer research. Doing so helps to create a direct human link to the program in addition to the connection provided by the online discussion forum.
provide a written summary of summer research outcomes by September 30
attend various Phillips Ambassadors events including luncheon in April and welcome back reception in fall
engage with the Phillips Ambassadors alumni network and social media community

Eligibility
Current UNC graduate student in good academic standing; Ph.D. student strongly preferred.
Must be enrolled as graduate student and present on campus for fall semester following summer research
Does not have to have been an undergraduate Phillips Ambassador
All majors welcome

Application Process
Application materials are submitted via the UNC Study Abroad office’s portal for the Phillips Ambassadors Graduate Scholarship. As part of the application, the following items are requested:

A 1-2 page cover letter explaining why you will be able to make a positive contribution to the educational experience of the undergraduate Phillips Ambassadors
A 1-2 page research proposal outlining your plans for summer research as related to your thesis work
Resume with phone/email contact information
Transcripts, all undergraduate and graduate (official or unofficial)
Letter of recommendation from thesis advisor (applicants will enter advisor’s email in portal and system will send a link with instructions to advisor

Deadline

We are not accepting applications for a calendar year 2024 Graduate Phillips Ambassadors. Our 2023 ambassador will continue in the role.
The application period for the 2025 Graduate Phillips Ambassador will be December 1, 2024 through January 31, 2025.

Questions
Please direct questions to the Phillips Ambassadors Program Director, Dori Brady, at dori.brady@unc.edu.