U.S.-Korea NextGen Scholars Program

Unique program that provides opportunities for mid-career Korea specialists to discuss issues of importance to U.S.-Korea relations with policymakers, government officials, and opinion leaders in Korea and the United States.

How to Apply

  • Application Deadline: June 26, 2026
  • Materials needed: CV, cover letter of interest, two letters of reference, writing sample
  • Email Andy Lim [email protected] with any questions

 

The 2026–2027 U.S.-Korea NextGen Scholars Program is a two-year, non-resident program for mid-career Korea specialists. Scholars engage policymakers, government officials, and opinion leaders in both countries; train in media and op-ed writing; and produce policy-oriented research. The program identifies and builds a community of American public intellectuals across sectors, bridging the scholarly and policy worlds. The program is run by CSIS's Victor Cha and supported by a senior advisory board of distinguished American and Korean advisers with vast experience in academia, government and the private sector.
 

Three program seminars:

  • Washington, D.C. (Winter 2026/2027) - Introduce and engage NextGen Scholars in policy discussions in the nation’s capital.
  • U.S. program (Spring 2027) - Train NextGen Scholars to become stronger public intellectuals through op-ed writing workshops, media training and filming of Korea Questions videos.
  • Seoul (Summer 2027) - NextGen Scholars have the opportunity to network with policymakers, government officials, and opinion leaders in Korea.

Program Goals:

  • Build a network of mid-career Korea specialists across disciplines committed to long-term U.S.-Korea engagement.
  • Connect Korea specialists to the policymaking process.
  • Raise the visibility of younger Korea specialists with policymakers and the private sector.
  • Generate new Korea-related research and cross-cohort collaboration.
  • Graduate each scholar with a published op-ed and a Korea Questions video lecture.

Program Eligibility:

  • Professional interest in Korea and plans for long-term engagement with Korea.
  • Tenure-track assistant professors preferred, but open to all ranks, including postdoctoral fellows, non-tenure line faculty and non-academic appointments.
  • Basic knowledge of the Korean language.
  • Ph.D. degree.
  • U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

This program is made possible through the generous support of CSIS, Korea Foundation, Doosan, Hanwha and Poongsan Corporation.

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