Sher’s Graduate Studies Fund in the US

I am Sherlyn Mae F. Hernandez from Manila, Philippines, and I am a Professor of History, International Relations, and Political Science. I have been teaching for quite a while and I would like to pursue a graduate degree in the US, specifically on Security Studies, so that I can apply the perspective of the West in responding to the peace and security issues in Southeast Asia. ASEAN is something really close to my heart and I've been studying about it since high school, and I want to contribute to the robust amount of academic literature there is about ASEAN written by Southeast Asians themselves.

I am submitting admission and scholarship applications to 7 US universities (in New York, Washington, D.C., and Connecticut, all in East Coast because I am planning to eventually apply for an internship at the UN Headquarters), and have I not been given a scholarship, I would need around $30,000 per year for the tuition alone. The teaching job here in the Philippines does not really pay well, hence saving for it will take me forever. I was able to save funds for my application submissions but I do not think I can cover the tuition if I will not be given a scholarship. In terms of accommodation and food, I think I have enough time to work for it since the school year will start mid-next year and I can still work for a few more months here in the Philippines prior to departure to the US.

Admission results will come out around March next year, so I need the funds by then to apply for a US Student Visa. Helping me out for this will not only contribute to my personal goals but also the betterment of peace and security situation in Southeast Asia, since I will be using everything I know to study the region and its issue. I will give back to all the donors and to my country by sharing my knowledge through teaching and writing more academic papers. Thanks, everyone!