Grants for Overseas Study

T Mark Hall left provision in his will for a limited number of grants to young British people who wish to make a serious study of go or aspects of go in the Far East.

The Directors therefore welcome applications from those who believe they can make a contribution to the game in line with Mark’s own philosophy, which was marked by a well informed appreciation not just of the game itself but of the cultures in which it has thrived. He also felt it was important to serve the game well when away from the board.

The Directors have decided that, within that framework, they will try to be as flexible as possible. There is therefore no precise formula for a successful application, but as a guide to what we are looking for:

* Applicants will generally be under 30 and capable of either independent or accompanied safe travel. Groups of applicants can also be considered.

* The place of study or research would normally be in the Far East, usually Japan, Korea, China or Taiwan. Applicants would not need to know any of the local languages before travel, but would normally need to find locations where English can be used. However, a desire and intention to learn some of the language in  ago context during the study period could be advantageous to an application.

* Supervised study within a recognised institution such as a university or go school would normally be expected, but other modes of study or research will be considered so long as they can be shown to be “serious.” Normally, the benefit being claimed from the study or research would be one that could be gained only or much better in the Far East rather than at home.

* Go strength is not much of a criterion. Applications will therefore be welcomed from those with interest in other skills, such as teaching, writing or broadcasting.

* Since serious study is expected, the period of study would normally not be very short term.

* The applicant will be responsible for all research into and contacts with potential overseas institutions and for securing their approvals in principle, and for both formal requirements such as visa applications and personal requirements such as medical and travel insurance. Proof that all such requirements can be met must be given with any application.

* Successful applicants will normally be offered either full or partial funding to cover go-related tuition fees, subsistence and accommodation and travel only. However, other items such as books and equipment, or any special requirements, can be considered on their merits.

* The overall decision on an application will be taken in light of the Directors’ views as to how the proposal will benefit not just the individual but also the go community, especially the British go community, in the short, medium or long term. It will also be taken in consideration of the implementation of prior applications and of how much funding remains within the trust, and so no successful application can be taken as a template for a later application.

As specific examples of possible areas of application, covering different time periods:

1. Post-graduate study in Myongji University, Korea – the only university in the world with a go (baduk) faculty. This university already has long experience of catering for foreign students, who do not study to become stronger in go but rather in some go- and career-related aspect such as pedagogy, history, psychology, computer applications and so on.

2. Attendance at a professional go school, to study not just go itself but also teaching methods, the local language or culture, for a period long enough to count as “serious.”

3. Research into providing teaching and/or equipment for blind players or others with special requirements.

All applications will be in strictest confidence. We suggest that you send a brief outline of your proposal first, to seek guidance on whether the directors are likely to see that it falls within their remit. This initial applications should be sent to: