Each year, the Henry Luce Foundation invites Harvard University to nominate two to three students or alumni as candidates for the Foundation's national search for fifteen to eighteen Luce Scholars.
The goal of the Luce Scholars Program is to enhance the understanding of Asia among potential leaders in American society. The program is aimed at a group of highly qualified young American in a variety of professional fields who have limited experience in Asia and who might not otherwise have an opportunity in the normal course of their careers to come to know Asia. The Luce Scholar Year is a cultural and experiential opportunity rather than an academic one. Students are not enrolled in colleges or universities and no academic credit is extended for the program. Luce Scholars gain new perspectives and cultural insights through immersed living and working experiences in Asia. A professional placement is individually arranged for each scholar on the basis of his or her professional interest, background, and qualifications.
Presently, the Luce Foundation can place Scholars in the following countries or regions: Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.
The Luce Scholars competition is open to Harvard College seniors, recent graduates of Harvard College, Harvard graduate students, and recent graduates of Harvard graduate or professional schools.. Applicants must be citizens of the U.S. who have not reached their 30th birthday by September 1st of the year they enter the program.
Scholars receive a monthly stipend from the Foundation sufficient to meet normal expenses in the country of their placement. Travel expenses, a onetime freight shipment, and medical and travel insurance are provided for scholars and their spouses.
For more information, including application procedures and deadlines, please consult the program guidelines.