The Washington State China Relations Council and Northwest Airlines Travel Support Program

Since 1983, the Washington State China Relations Council, with assistance from Northwest Airlines, has awarded individuals from the state of Washington travel grants to either mainland China or Hong Kong. The mission of the Program is to foster educational and economic cooperation between the people of Washington State - and the People's Republic of China. The award is in the form of partially or fully funded Northwest Airlines' tickets. Former recipients have included graduate level researchers, lecturers at universities, agricultural specialists, local artists, and medical faculty.

Information

Please read these instructions carefully before completing your application. All necessary materials must be submitted by the deadline. Forms should be typed or printed in black ink.

I. Award

With generous assistance from Northwest Airlines, the Washington State China Relations Council awards a travel grant between Washington state and the People's Republic of China. The grant will partially or fully fund a round trip ticket on Northwest Airlines. Awards do not exceed the price of one round trip coach fare. The grant does not provide funding for any travel beyond the initial point of debarkation.

II. Eligibility

The grant supports individuals from the state of Washington to travel to the People's Republic of China and Hong Kong. Applicants should be engaged in projects which strengthen educational, cultural, or economic relations between Washington State and China. In general, organizations should not apply unless they can name a specific individual who will make use of the award. Former recipients have included graduate level researchers, lecturers at universities, agricultural specialists, medical faculty, local artists, and film producers. Primary consideration will be given to those projects with strong connection to Washington state. Applicants should discuss how the project will impact Washington state in their statements of intent. The grant does not fund dissertation research.

III. Materials

This packet contains the following materials:

1. Application Form, please complete in full.
2. Release Form, please sign and return with application materials.
3. Reference Forms (3)

Two references should be provided to comment on the merits of your proposed project in China. References should be established professionals in your field. One reference should comment on your personal qualities. This reference should know you well. If possible, he or she should also have experience in the People's Republic of China. Do not use family members as references. Letters of reference should be submitted directly to the Washington State China Relations Council by their writers. It is your responsibility to see that references reach the Council by the deadline. It is suggested that applicants supply referees with stamped envelopes addressed to the Council.

IV. Other Required Materials

All applicants must also submit the following items:

1. Statement of Intent
   

   Please submit a two-page, double-spaced description of your project. Use non-technical language. The statement should include an itinerary (dates, places) and a list of sponsoring organizations (both domestic and foreign) or any other organizations you plan to contact during your stay. Discuss the purpose of your project, its anticipated impact on the cultural and/or economic life of the people of Washington State, and its benefit to our state's cultural or economic ties with the People's Republic of China. If your proposed China activities are part of a larger project, please place them in the proper context. Those with Chinese sponsorship should provide bona fide evidence of said sponsorship, or note when official approval will be received.

2. Financial Statement and Request
   

   Please present a one-page double-spaced statement detailing the following:

   • Amount of Travel support requested (dollar figure).
   • Travel funds already assured (list sources and amounts).
   • Overall budget for planned activities in China.
   • Non-travel funds already obtained for China activities (list sources and amounts including general-support funds).
3. Curriculum Vitae/Information on Supporting Organization
   

   Please submit an academic transcript, a curriculum vitae, and other relevant information regarding your previous professional experience with your application materials. Also provide information introducing the organization(s) under whose auspices you plan your project in China. The Washington State China Relations Council cannot act as a sponsor for any projects. (See release form).

4. Personal Interview
   

   A personal interview in Seattle is required by the Washington State China Relations Council for the finalists. Travel will be at your own expense. The interview will be scheduled after the application deadline.

V. Follow Up Report

A report detailing your activities in China is required upon your return to Washington state. A briefing may also be required.

VI. Deadlines

Application Deadline January 15
Grant Decision Date February 15

VII. The Washington State China Relations Council

The Washington State China Relations Council reserves the right to cancel any award which is not used within eight months of its announcement.

VIII. The Travel Support Program

In administering the Travel Support Program, the Washington State China Relations Council does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, age, religion, or national origin.

For applications please write to:
Travel Grant Program
Washington State China Relations Council
Forth and Vine Building
2601 Forth Avenue, Suite 330
Seattle, WA 98121