To study folkloristics in the US

juwen-z

There have been enough inquiries regarding studying folklore in the US that I feel it is appropriate to take this opportunity to reply to all those who have such interest.

If you ever want to earn a degree or make further study in folklore in the US (which I encourage those who already have competent English to think about), please consider these:

First of all, idenitify what folklore programs fit you best.  In other words, you should have some clear goal as to what you want to focus on for your Ph.D. or another M.A.  Take a look at the course lists and the faculty and find out whether you will be happy to be there.
Here is a list of the programs you should do a little research, and it is available from the AFS website:
Ph.D. Programs in Folklore
Indiana University
Memorial University of Newfoundland
Ohio State University
University of California at Los Angeles
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
University of Oregon
University of Pennsylvania
University of Texas at Austin
University of Wisconsin
M.A. Programs/Concentrations in Folklore

George Mason University
Indiana University
Memorial University of Newfoundland
Ohio State University
University of California at Berkeley
University of California at Los Angeles
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
University of Missouri
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
University of Oregon
University of Pennsylvania
University of Texas at Austin
Utah State University
Western Kentucky University

Secondly, contact the programs (you should apply more than one) and prepare for the application.  All the programs have their requirements and course offerings on website, which is a plus.  You should address your statement or essay sincerely, but with right target.  If you have specific interest or project to work on through the program, that should provide a good base.

Your transcript and letters of recommendation are essential.  Try to get someone who knows you well to write a real letter for you, not someone famous but can only say you are simply good and smart without saying anying about what you have done and how you did.  Create a chance to talk to a professor from that program or university so you can be known as a real person.

Money usually determines your chance.  There are many scholarships and fellowships in any university.  You should do some homework to study them and apply.  If you can find a sponsor from other sources, that is even better.  

To increase your chance, you may mention that you are able to teach Chinese language (especially if you have the experience).  

Of course, your thesis, projects, courses, and fieldwork are all your plus to emphasize in your application.

Perhaps the last thing is your mental preparation for the cultural shock.

Best wishes!

老李探花

quite clear and helpful!  thanks, juwen.

rosemary

sounds amazing! but ,finance is the main problem for me to be abroad,quite a big pity!