Korean Scholarship Opportunity

The May 18 Memorial Foundation Accepts Application for 2009 Gwangju Asian Human Rights Folk School

“I recognized that the power of small individuals could forge andunite in solidarity to bring about the constructive change to theworld. Eventually, Gwangju Asian Human Rights Folk School (GAHRFS)was a true moral blessing and encouragement to me” a reflection madeby Ms. Ratchada Arpornsilp, participant from Thailand 2007.

The May 18 Memorial Foundation is now accepting applications for the2009 Gwangju Asian Human Rights Folk School. This year, theapplication is being made more competitive to screen the number ofapplications. The emphasis is organizational partnership, soapplicants endorsed by their organization will be given priority.Since the foundation will not be able to provide multipletranslations, English language will be the medium for exchange.

The GAHRFS aims to contribute to the development of democracy andhuman rights throughout Asia. Twenty (20) participants will beselected from among applicants from all over Asia who have beenworking for human rights, peace and democracy. They will be given anopportunity to learn and experience the history and developmentprocess of human rights and democracy in Korea(S). The folk schoolwill also serve as an opportunity for participants to exchange andnetwork with other human rights activists.

One of the perks of attending the Folk School is the opportunity to beendorsed for a scholarship. For the last 3 years the foundation hasbeen supporting scholars at Sungkonghoe University studying for theirMaster of Arts in Inter-Asia NGO Studies (MAINS). They were chosen andselected by the folk school committee based on their activeparticipation and performance during the folk school.

Interested applicants should download the attached form. Applicantsare advised to read carefully the guidelines and the rules in orderfor their application to be considered. The foundation will onlyaccept and consider applicants who will properly comply with the setguidelines and rules.

Useful Information

This year the foundation will accept 20 applicants:

Junior Staff 8 (with 2-5 years experience)

Middle Management/Advisory 8 (with 5-15 years experience)

Senior/Director 4 (with more than 15 years experience)

Applicants should ensure that they have no potential visa problems. Ifan applicant is denied entry to Korea because of personal historywhich they did not disclose to the May 18 Memorial Foundation, thefoundation will absolutely not cover their travel expenses. This isthe applicant’s responsibility.

If an applicant later decides not to come to the folk school (cancelstheir application) after they have been selected, the May MemorialFoundation will not accept any applications from their organizationfor three years.

The May 18 Memorial Foundation will cover the following expenses:

l Visa fees

l International airfare to Korea

l Transportation in Korea

l NOTE: Internal airfares (in your country) will be covered ifyou can prove that the flight is necessary

The following expenses will NOT be covered:

l Internal transportation in your country (for example, to theairport or to the embassy)

l Official fees other than visa fees (for example, travel tax)

The selection committee may change your status if they believe youhave entered under the wrong category (for example, if you apply as asenior but have less than 15 years experience).

We look forward to your application!

Kind regards

Subash AdhikariChloe Simons

International OfficersCulture and Solidarity Team