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FAQs

Does Shansi provide a list of contacts or organizations in Asia?

Applicants for In-Asia Grants should plan make their own contacts in Asia. In some cases, Shansi staff can provide ideas for organizations or agencies to consider, but it is up to the grantee to establish contact. Grantees are encouraged to reach out to  Faculty members, advisors, and members of their professional networks who may have suggestions about organizations.​

Where can I go in Asia?

In-Asia Grants are aimed at individuals interested in projects in:

• East Asia: China, Hong Kong, Japan, Macau, Mongolia, South Korea, Taiwan

• Southeast Asia: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Vietnam

• South Asia: Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka​

Students may not be able to travel to a country under a travel warning from the U.S. Department of State.

Can this be a group project? 

Although In-Asia Grants are awarded to individuals, you can still apply as a group by submitting one application.  However, only one person per project is eligible to receive the award.​

Can I receive Winter Term credit?

Yes, students may receive Winter Term credit if they fulfill all of the requirements for a project according to the guidelines of the Office of Winter Term. All arrangements for Winter Term credit must be made before going abroad. Please visit Oberlin College’s Winter Term website to learn more about eligibility.  

Oberlin Shansi is not responsible for the granting of Winter Term credit.

Can I use a Shansi In-Asia Grant in the summer?

Yes, but you will not receive any academic credit for your project.

Can I use this grant for language study? 

The In-Asia Grants are aimed at individuals who want to examine a topic that is outside of the usual classroom environment.  This may include internship positions at a nonprofit organization, research in a laboratory, art and music explorations, and other endeavors. 

In select cases, In-Asia Grants can be used to help defer costs for studying Asian languages not offered at Oberlin College. Language programs must be based in Asia. Applicants pursuing language study are strongly encouraged to articulate plans for engagement with local communities through an independent project or volunteer work in their proposals.

Who is eligible for a grant?

Shansi awards In-Asia Grants to first, second and third-year students. Fourth-year double degree students are also eligible. One of the requirements of the grant is that the recipients give an on-campus presentation when they return to campus. The preparation for this presentation takes considerable time and collaboration with Shansi staff members. Graduating seniors are eligible for Oberlin Shansi Fellowships.

Can International Students apply?

International students are encouraged to apply; we do not discriminate based on an applicant's country of origin. However, we do encourage international students from Asian countries to explore projects outside of their home cities. While we evaluate applications primarily on the merits of proposed projects, the In-Asia Grant was designed to provide students the opportunity to gain expertise in regions in which they have limited prior experience. Shansi staff are prepared to work with students throughout the application process — from planning to the final stages of proposal writing.

How many awards are there?

There is no set number of awards as it varies semester by semester.  

Am I covered by my Oberlin Student Health Insurance while in Asia on an In-Asia Grant?

No. Students should carefully consider their health insurance needs and determine if additional coverage is needed. Students should discuss this with their families.