Background: Established in 1974 by Henry Luce, who was born in China and was co-founder of Time Incorporated, the scholarship was set up to increase understanding among future American leaders and to broaden their professional perceptions by giving them a year’s experience working in Asia.
The Scholarships: The Luce is technically not a scholarship at all; it is a year-long internship in an Asian country selected by the Luce Foundation for which students are paid a salary at about the level of a senior faculty member in that country. All travel costs are covered. Three week-long conferences for Luce Scholars are held during the Luce year. Furman is among the 60 American universities that may nominate two students or alumni (who must be 29 years old or younger at the beginning of the Luce year) for the cultural experience. It is designed for young leaders who have no previous experience of Asia and very limited course work or travel in Asia. Asian Studies majors are ineligible.
Application: A biographical information form listing activities, awards, foreign travel, employment, and languages other than English; a transcript and photograph; and a comprehensive essay outlining career interests and plans for the future.
Who Should Apply: Students and young alumni with exceptionally high academic achievement, evidence of outstanding leadership, mature and clearly defined career interest in a specific field, and evidence of potential for professional accomplishment. Successful candidates are creative, self-confident, enthusiastic, sensitive, and mature.
References: Four, representing a range of accomplishment.
Luce Interviews: The Luce process is highly rigorous. Approximately 120 candidates for the Luce are interviewed by foundation staff members. On the basis of their review, 45 finalists are named and are invited to three regional centers for selection committee interviews. Each regional committee names 6 winners, who are informed almost immediately following the interview.
For More Information: Visit the Luce Scholarship website.