Blakemore Foundation

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which language programs are eligible for grants?
A: For Japanese, we fund study at the Inter-University Center for Japanese Language Studies in Yokohama, Japan. We do not fund Japanese language study at any other institution. For Chinese, we fund study at the Inter-University Program for Chinese Language Studies at Tsinghua University in Beijing and at the International Chinese Language Program at National Taiwan University in Taipei. We do not fund Chinese language study at any other institution. For Korean, we recommend study at Seoul National University, Yonsei University, or Sogang University. We will consider study at other Korean language programs on a case-by-case basis during the application review process. Approval of language programs for study of languages of SE Asia will be considered on an individual basis during the application review process.

Q: I haven't decided whether I want to attend the IUP-Tsinghua or the ICLP language program. May I list both programs on my application?
A: Applicants may list only one language program on their application.

Q: Do I have to be admitted by my language program first before applying for a Blakemore grant?
A: Apply to the language program and to us simultaneously.

Q: May I defer my grant for a year?
A: Grants may not be deferred. For grants awarded in the spring of 2011, study must start between June 2011 and May 2012.

Q: Am I eligible to apply for a Blakemore language grant? I have received my bachelor's degree, but I'm not in graduate school right now.
A: Yes, you may apply. Applicants do not need to be in graduate school.

Q: I would like to study after completing my master's degree.  I will not be enrolled in a Ph.D. program.  Am I eligible to apply ?
A: Yes, you may apply.  Applicants do not need to be affiliated with a college or university.

Q: Can a college senior apply for a grant?
A: The majority of our applicants have completed undergraduate study and are either pursuing post-graduate study or are working in a profession or business. A senior in college who will receive an undergraduate degree before the start date of the language program may apply, but it is rare for a senior to be offered a grant. One or more years of graduate school or work or study abroad after graduation make a significant difference for a successful application.

Q: Do I need to send in the Foreign Language Reference Form?
A: Submit the Foreign Language Reference Form only if you have less than 3 academic years of college level study of the language.

Q: I have been working abroad since I received my BA.  I would like to improve my language before graduate school.  Can I apply for a grant?
A: Yes, you may apply.  Applicants do not need to be currently enrolled in graduate school or living in the United States.

Q: Can a foreign student with an F-1 student visa apply for a grant?
A: Regretfully, no.  Applicants be must be either a U.S. citizen or have a U.S. permanent resident visa (i.e., "green card or immigrant").

Q: Must an applicant attend an Ivy League school to be awarded a Blakemore Fellowship?
A: We have awarded fellowships to individuals with degrees from a wide variety of schools. While the greatest number of grants have gone to students from institutions with extensive Asian language programs or large numbers of extremely bright students, the institution is less important than the applicant. Depending upon funding available to us, we are only able to make grants to 6%-10% of qualified applicants. Blakemore grants are very competitive, but superior candidates from all institutions are encouraged to apply.