Southeast Asia Research Fellowship Programme for Young Muslim Scholars 2007

The
Asian Muslim Action Network (AMAN) is pleased to announce the sixth
round of the research fellowship program, Islam in Southeast Asia: View
from within.

The fellowship grants will be awarded for
innovative research on issues concerning economic, socio-political and
cultural changes taking place in the diverse Muslim communities of
Southeast Asia, especially as they relate to modernization and
globalization.

Themes:
Popular Islam
Globalization and Identity Politics
Islam and Changing Gender Realities
Islam Values, Economic Activities and Social Responsibilities

Popular Islam
"Popular
Islam" focuses on encouraging researchers to examine ways in which
Islamic beliefs and practices reach all believers and are reflected
through various means of religious. communication such as studying
Khutbah in local mosques, reading Islamic booklets, and/ or listening
to Muslim radio programs. The question of how Islam can shape and
influence, while at the same time is being shaped by, the lives of
ordinary Southeast Asian Muslims in various local contexts is just one
aspect of this topic that could be analyzed.


Globalization and Identity Politics
Muslim
communities in Southeast Asia are not immune from globalization
processes. New forms of economic and political integration on a world
scale and the accelerated flows of goods, people and information across
the globe all create new opportunities and challenges for Muslims in
the region. The interaction of global and regional forces with local
processes has been perceived both as a threat to Muslim identities and
as beneficial to the development of a new transnational Islam. This
research theme seeks to explore how Muslim identities in Southeast Asia
are formed and shaped by regional and globalizing forces.

Islam and Changing Gender Realities
Rapidly
evolving social, cultural and economic processes are leading to
unprecedented changes in the societal roles of men and women. Muslim
communities in Southeast Asia are being confronted with a diversity of
values and lifestyles expressing multiple definitions of gender roles
and relationships not always in line with dominant values. This
research area encourages researchers to examine how gender roles in
both the public and private sphere are changing for Muslims in
Southeast Asia and relate those changes to current theological and
political debates.

Islam Values, Economic Activities and Social Responsibilities
Studies
in this area should examine how Islamic values and institutions can
provide alternative economic options to those perceived as
condradictory to Qur`anic principles such as riba. Area of focus could
include identifying how Islamic economic values work in a modern
business environment, analysis of indigenous entrepreneurial models
that have been or can be utilized for local level empowerment and/ or
studies of the lives of entrepreneurs and the ways Islamic values shape
and are re-shaped by their economic activities and social
responsibilities.

Eligibility
Candidates must be
nationals of Southeast Asian countries, hold at least a Bachelor degree
and should not be over 40 years of age.
Candidates may work in
different sectors including academia, media, and non-governmental
organizations. Candidate must be highly motivated to deepen their
understanding of Islam in the region.
Women are strongly encouraged to apply.

Fellowship Value
The
fellowship consists of an average research grant of $5,000 to cover all
research costs for a maximum period of six months in the original
country of resercher, and funded participation in mentoring workshops.
The Secretariat will arrange for editing, publication and distribution of the report in a "work in progress" series.

Application Procedure
To
apply for this fellowship program, candidates need to submit a complete
research proposal. Proposed research projects should include sufficient
details so that it can be judged for its merit and feasibility.
The candidates can download the application form from our website as a MS Word document. Applications by e-mail are also accepted.

The closing date for application submission is 30 November 2007.

Selection

Final selections will be made by the Advisory board.

Programme Advisory Board

Dr. Carmen Abubakar
Institute of Islamic Studies,
University of the Philippines, Diliman, Q.C.
Metro Manila, Philippines.

Dr. Azyumardi Azra
Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN), Syarif Hidayatullah
Jakarta, Indonesia.

Dr. Suzaina Kadir
Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore,
Singapore

M. Abdus Sabur
Asian Muslim Action Network &
Asian Resource Foundation, Bangkok, Thailand

Dr. Chaiwat Satha-Anand
Faculty of Political Science,
Thammasat University, Bangkok, Thailand

Dr. Alan Feinstein
The Rockefeller Foundation, Bangkok, Thailand

Dr. Shamsul A.B.
Institute of Malay World and Civilization (ATMA) Universiti Kebangsaan, Malaysia

Program Management

The
fellowship program is managed by the AMAN secretariat, which is housed
at the Asian Resource Foundation (ARF) in Bangkok, Thailand.
AMAN
was established in 1990 with the goal of building understanding and
solidarity among Muslims and with other faith communities in Asia
towards people`s empowerment, human rights, justice and peace. AMAN`s
Council consists of eleven members representing various Asian
countries, with Dr. Asghar Ali Engineer of the center for study of
society and secularism, India as chairman.
Financial support to the
fellowship program is provided by the Rockefeller Foundation, Southeast
Asia Regional Office Bangkok, Thailand.

Secretariat
Dwi Rubiyanti Kholifah - Program Coordinator
Contact Address
Islam in Southeast Asia: A View from Within Research Fellowship Programme AMAN/ARF
House 1562/113, Soi 1/1
Mooban Pibul, Pracharaj Road,
Bangkok 10800, Thailand
Tel: 66-2-9130196,
Fax: 66-2-9130197
E-mail: aman@arf-asia.org

ANNOUNCEMENT OF SCHOLARSHIPS FOR STUDIES IN GREECE FOR THE MODERN GREEK LANGUAGE AND CULTURE

(16^th Programme, 2007- 2008)

The State Scholarships Foundation (I.K.Y.) announces that it will offer up to sixty five (65) scholarships to foreigners (or foreign nationals of Greek descent) from Asia, Africa, North and South America, Oceania and Europe in order to attend courses and seminars of the Modern Greek Language and Culture.

REQUIREMENTS FOR ELIGIBILITY

Applicants must:

1. Be nationals of Asia, Africa, North and South America. Oceania and Europe.
2. Hold a graduate degree from a foreign University in Humanities (Archaeology. Educational Studies, Ethnology, Folklore, History. linguistics, Literature, Philology, Philosophy, Psychology, Theatrology, Theology, Sociology, Translation).
3. Not exceed fifty (50) years of age (date of birth not before 1957).
4. Have basic knowledge of the Greek language.

DOCUMENTS TO BE SUBMITTED

Applicants meetig the above reauirements until the submission deadline should submit through the Greek Diplomatic Authorities the following documents:

1. An application form with one recent photograph.
2. A curriculum vitae.
3. A birth certificate.
4. A health certificate by a state hospital.
5. University Diplomas - Degrees.
6. Official certificates indicating the knowledge of Greek or English.
7. A certificate of previous employment, if there is any.
8. Two letters of recommendation.
9. A copy of the passport.

All the above - mentioned documents must be written or translated into Greek or English or French. In addition documents numbered 3, 4, 5, 6 and 9 must be officially validated by the Greek Diplomatic Authorities (The Greek Embassy or Consulate).

Applicants must submit only validated photocopies of the required documents and not originals because the submitted documents will not be returned. Incomplete. inaccurate or illegible application dossiers lead to disqualification from consideration.
Applicants who are or have been scholarship holders of I.K Y. will be excluded from the programme. Applications by undergraduates who have not yet obtained their University degree will not be considered.

TERMS OF THE SCHOLARSHIP

The holder of the scholarship will be deprived of the scholarship in any of the following cases:

1. A false statement has been made on his application dossier.
2. He suffers from a dangerous disease for the public health.
3. He does not comply with the terms and conditions of the scholarship.
4. He has been involved to any illegal action.
5. He holds a scholarship from another source at the same time.
6. He leaves Greece -regardless of the reason- without having previously informed in writing the University.

SUBMISSION DATE

The submission deadline is May 25,2007.
Applicants will be informed of the results through the Greek Diplomatic Authorities after August 2007.

DURATION OF THE SCHOLARSHIP

The duration of the scholarship is eight months (8 months) and the scholarship is offered only for the attendance of courses and seminars of the Modem Greek Language and Culture in a Greek University.
The courses start on the 1st of October 2007 and finish on the 31 st of May 2008. At the completion of the programme of studies the Greek University offers a special certificate of attendance.

FINANCIAL PROVISIONS

The scholarship provides:

1. Free feeding and accommodation.
2. Tuition fees and other running costs.
3. Free medical care in case of emergency.
4. A monthly allowance of 150,00 euros (net amount of money) for personal expenses.
5. 200,00 euros for initial expenses.

OBLIGATIONS OF THE SCHOLARS

Scholarship holders must attend regularly the courses and must participate in all the activities of the programme of studies.
They must also submit to I.K.Y. a declaration (validated by the Greek Diplomatic Authorities) that they commit themselves to return to their native countries and work 'there for at least five years; otherwise, they must pay back the total amount of the scholarship. The Greek Diplomatic Authorities are responsible for ensuring that the scholarship holders do, in fact return and stay in their native countries.

Scholarships the Cuban University -CUBA-

The Embassy of the Republic of Cuba presents its compliments to the Honourable Department of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, and has the honour to inform that the Govemment of the Republic of Cuba has decide to grant 12 Scholarships to the Republic of Indonesia and request that the following information could be delivered to the cOffespondent authorities at the Ministry of Youth and' Sport, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Health.

The Scholarships granted to the Cuban University studies are the following:

• 10 scholarships in physical education and sport.
• 1 scholarship in farming mechanical engineering.
• 1 scholarship in veterinary medicine.

Requirements established for scholarship in Cuba

Firstly, it must be created a committee of selection that guarantees the fulfillment of the following requirements established by Cuban educational authorities.

• The requirements that should be fulfilled by foreign students benefited with a scholarship to study in Cuba are:
• Be less than 25 years.
• To be graduated of Preuniversitary.
• The student should proceed from a family of low economic incomes, that cannot pay the studies and preferably that they proceed from communities of the countryside.
• Certificate of Health with tests of negative HIV. In case of the females students is required besides, a certificate that assure not to be pregnant.
• Document that certify the student does not possess penal antecedents.
• Documents that should conform the expedient of the student.
• Copies of the title of Preuniversitary graduate.
• Copy of the certification of Notes of the last year of Preuniversitary graduate.
• Original Certificate of Health, including negative HIV and the constancy of the females' students is not pregnant.
• Original Certificate of Penal Antecedents
• 6 card type photos 3 x 3 cms.
• Boleta of career of the student (itself enclosed to this information).
• Code of Ethic, signed by the student.
• Process of legalization of the documents that conform the student's expedient.
• The Embassy of Cuba will check and revise} in great detail, the documentation of each student, who should deliver a photocopy of the title and of the certification of notes, and original of the remainder of the documentation.
• The documents should be properly legalized by the departments of Health, Education and Justice - as correspond - and all of them by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia, for subsequently to be legalized by the Embassy of Cuba, free of charge.
  The student should travel with its documentation and at the arrival to Cuba the student will deliver it in its Center of Study.
• Prohibition to make changes of career.
• The Embassy of Cuba informs that it will not be admitted any changes of career, according to the norms established in the Regulation of Foreign Scholars (Resolution 125/99 of the Cuban Ministry of High Education). In order to guarantee that principle, the students should sign in original and copy the Boleta (Application form) of Career that observes that prohibition. The original one will be delivered by the student at the arrival to Cuba to the official who are in charge to receive the student and the copy will accompany the remaining documents that conform the expedient of the student, properly sealed by the Embassy of Cuba, and that will be delivered by the scholars in the Educational Office of the secretary of their Center of Study.
• Air Ticket of the students.
• The air ticket of departure, return, holidays, academic drop, illness or other causes will be assumed by the Government, organization, institution that sends them or the own relatives of the student.
• Arrivals of the new scholars.
• The following thing should keep in mind itself: The students originating in countries which are not Spanish-speaking have to travel between the 20 and 30 of September to initiate immediately their preparatory School. After these dates not any student will be admitted.
  

The students selected for the International School of Physical Equcation and Sports (EIEFPJ, should travel to Guba in the second half of August in order to initiate the course on September 1st, 2007.

More info :

Jl. Opal Blok K-1, Permata Hijau
Jakarta Barat 12210
Phone : (62-021) 530.4293
Fax : (62-021) 536.76906

E-mail : cubaindo@cbn.net.id

Web : www.cubaembassyindonesia.com

Office hours : 08:30 a.m – 04:00 p.m. Mondays through Fridays

Call for Scholarships of the Government of Mexico for Foreign Nationals for the year 2008

The Embassy of Mexico presents its compliments to the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia -Directorate for North and Central American Affairs- and has the honour to inform the Department that the Government of Mexico has launched the Call for Scholarships of the Government of Mexico for Foreign Nationals for the year 2008; the same will remain open until July 31st, 2007.

The Call is addressed to foreign nationals willing to pursue higher studies in any of more than 100 Mexican academic institutions participating in the Call, and it is open for all areas of high studies offered by these institutions, with the exception of studies in odontology, plastic surgery, administration, marketing, accounting and publicity. High studies in medicine are subject to availability. Foreign nationals residing in Mexico are non-eligible.

Scholarships are granted for a period up to one year; this period may be extended in accordance with the specific plan or program. Scholarships for master degree may be extended for a second year, while scholarships for doctoral degrees may be extended up to two additional periods of one year each, maximum.

The Embassy further informs that the Government of Mexico is offering two scholarships ,to Indonesian nationals, extensions included, within the bilateral framework.

It should be stressed that all candidates must have the prior acceptance by a high studies institution participating in the Call, when submitting their application for a scholarship.

The Embassy would very much appreciate the assistance of the Department in promoting the Call among the related educative, social and cultural institutions of Indonesia.

The academic offer of high studies provided by each of the more than 100 participating Mexican institutions, is specified in the publication "Mexican Government Scholarships for Foreigners. 2008", issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mexico. A sample of the same in English language and, one in Spanish language are enclosed both, for the kind perusal of the Department and for the promotion of the Call. Also, five brochures in English and five in Spanish languages, containing fast­track information on the Call, are enclosed. The information on the Call is found too at the following web address: http://becas.sre.gob.mx

The academic offer of high studies provided by each of the more than 100 participating Mexican institutions, is specified in the publication "Mexican Government Scholarships for Foreigners. 2008", issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mexico. A sample of the same in English language and, one in Spanish language are enclosed both, for the kind perusal of the Department and for the promotion of the Also, five brochures in English and five in Spanish languages, containing fast­track information on the are enclosed. The information on the is found too at the following web address:

A sample of the application form .(Form A) is enclosed as well, in both Spanish and English language, for the perusal of the Department. Every applicant must fill this form in Spanish language; the form in English language may be used only as guide.
The requirements for applicants are the following:

• To submit the Form A 2008, in Spanish. (download Form Registrtion here)
• Letter of acceptance from the host Mexican high studies institution.
• Endorsement by the Government of Indonesia.
• Copy of study transcripts of Bachelor and/or postgraduate degree, as the case may be, including proof of average grades obtained while carrying out studies.
• Copy of the certificate (diploma) of Bachelor and/or postgraduate degree, as the case may be. * Curriculum vitae, accompanied by copies of documents proving the academic and professional activities carried out.
• Copy of the Birth Certificate.
• Health certificate -including a statement whether or not the applicant suffers from infectious diseases.
• Eight recent photographs of 3 cm by 3 cm, with the name of the applicant written on the backside of each one. * Proficiency in Spanish language is highly desirable. * Certification that the applicant is pursuing or has pursued a doctoral degree, for those aspirants who intend to carry out a doctoral research program.
• Proof of Doctorate degree in case that the applicant intends to pursue a doctoral visit. Last, but not least, the Embassy would very grateful if it is informed about the institutions from the Indonesian Government and society that will participate in the body, along with the Embassy, that will conform the pre-selection committee, which will analyze the applications and will propose to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mexico the candidates for the scholarships.
  

The Embassy of Mexico avails itself of this Q'pportunity to renew to the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia - Directorate for North and Central American Affairs- the assurances of its highest consideration.