About the Global Affiliates Program
Corporate Affiliation
Shorenstein APARC continually pursues new research directions, and with these come new opportunities for corporate affiliates and increased need for their commitments. Shorenstein APARC corporate affiliates enter into relationships with the Center that often continue for many years; their ongoing sponsorship supports the research infrastructure and other activities of mutual interest.
Visiting Fellow Affiliation
Organizations that have already joined as Shorenstein APARC corporate affiliates may nominate personnel to spend one academic year as Shorenstein APARC Visiting Fellows, who study and conduct relevant research on the Stanford University campus during the academic year. Established in 1982, the Visiting Fellows Program is especially beneficial for Asian corporations and public-sector institutions that wish to give capable managers experience in an intellectually rigorous, English-speaking environment.
Shorenstein APARC’s Visiting Fellows Program is a vital part of Center life. The program introduces Asia-based fellows to American life and institutions, including the economy, society, culture, politics, and law. Fellows have the opportunity for daily interaction with specialists, students, and scholars from Stanford and abroad. In turn, Visiting Fellows’ practical experience and international perspectives enrich and inform intellectual exchange at Shorenstein APARC and at Stanford. Program alumni join a distinguished, ever-growing network of government and private sector professionals throughout Asia.
"I was excited to represent my ministry as part of the Corporate Affiliates Program. In consulting with Shorenstein APARC faculty about my research, I came to appreciate the collaborative and inspiring nature of the scholarly process at Shorenstein APARC." -HIROFUMI TAKINAMI, Visiting Fellow, 2009–11, Ministry of Finance, Japan
Curriculum
Shorenstein APARC Visiting Fellows participate in a structured program, which includes conducting individual research, auditing classes, attending seminars, and visiting local companies and institutions.
Research Project
The research project is the academic cornerstone of the Visiting Fellows Program. Designing and executing an individual project—which is written and formally presented to Shorenstein APARC faculty and scholars—allows Visiting Fellows to use Stanford’s resources and their own skills to further their personal interests, deepen their companies’ knowledge of target topics, or both. Research projects are due before Visiting Fellows depart Shorenstein APARC.
Classes, site visits and seminars
Most Visiting Fellows audit Stanford classes and keep up with the reading and class discussions. In addition, they take part in a busy schedule of site visits, special seminars, and other activities. Recent site visits have included trips to San Francisco City Hall, Nektar Therapeutics, the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, the Port of Oakland, Mayfield Fund, a local police station, and a Napa Valley winery. Silicon Valley leaders like Oracle and Cisco Systems, as well as several high-technology startups, have also opened their doors.
Numerous seminars are arranged at the Center specifically for the Visiting Fellows Program. These cover topics ranging from Asian immigration to the West Coast to key global trends shaping developments in Asia.
English language instruction
All applicants to the Visiting Fellows Program must have an intermediate/advanced level of English language ability prior to arriving at Stanford. Many fellows participate in an intensive summer English language course, available through Stanford’s English for Foreign Students Program.
Program Requirements
Visiting Fellows are accepted on a space-available basis. Nominations from corporate affiliates are requested by February of each year for residence beginning that September. Evidence of ability to understand and communicate in English is required.
English language proficiency is a basic requirement of Shorenstein APARC's Corporate Affiliates Program. Evidence of ability to understand and communicate in English is required by the U.S. Department of State for visitors applying for J visas. To meet this requirement, we accept 1) a TOEFL score of 89 or higher or 2) signed documentation from an academic institution or English language school. If neither are available, a documented interview conducted by a member of Shorenstein APARC will be required. Exemptions are granted to applicants who have earned a U.S. bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree from a college or university accredited by a regional accrediting association in the United States.
Organizations involved in the Visiting Fellows Program pay fees associated with corporate affiliation. This fee provides basic support for Shorenstein APARC’s regular operations, and partially covers research and administrative expenses of the affiliate representative at Stanford. Corporate affiliates cover all other expenses.
Corporate Affiliates Honor Roll: Participation 5 years and above
Organizations in the Corporate Affiliates Program maintain longstanding relationships with the Center. Shorenstein APARC deeply values their commitment and support, and is proud to recognize those affiliates that have participated in this important program for five or more consecutive years.
Japan Patent Office
Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI), Japan
Ministry of Finance, Japan
Mitsubishi Electric
PetroChina
Reliance Industries
Shizuoka Prefectural Government, Japan
