Freeman Asia Scholarship

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The Freeman Asia Scholarship supports U.S.-based undergraduates with demonstrated financial need who plan to study in East or Southeast Asia.

The program aims to increase the number of U.S. citizens and permanent residents who gain first-hand exposure to and understanding of Asia and its peoples and cultures.

Freeman Asia Scholarship

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Freeman Asia Scholarship Overview

Freeman Asia Scholarship recipients must share their study abroad experiences with their home campuses or communities to promote study abroad and understanding of Asia in the U.S.

The scholarship offers grants up to $3,000 for summer programs, $5,000 for semester programs, and $7,000 for academic year programs.

Since 2001, Freeman-ASIA has enabled over 5,000 U.S. undergraduates from 600+ institutions to study in East and Southeast Asia.

Freeman Asia Scholarship Eligibility

  • U.S. citizenship or permanent residency required at the time of application.
  • Must currently receive need-based financial aid or demonstrate verifiable financial need for the study abroad program.
  • Undergraduate student pursuing their first bachelor’s degree (or associate’s degree) with a minimum GPA of 2.8 at a U.S. higher education institution (two-year or four-year).
  • Apply through the U.S. home campus and have at least one term of enrollment remaining upon returning from studying abroad in Asia.
  • Must apply to or be accepted into a study abroad program in specific Asian countries.
  • The study abroad program must award academic credits through the home campus or other U.S. accredited college or university.
https://youtu.be/IWIPvustUaw
  • Minimum study duration: 8 weeks for summer term, 10 weeks for a quarter term, and 12 weeks for a semester term.
  • Limited previous experience in the country of study: Not more than 4 weeks in the proposed country for summer term applicants in the last 5 years, and not more than 6 weeks for semester or academic year term applicants in the last 5 years.
  • Submit the Freeman-ASIA Student Impact Survey within one month of returning to the United States.
  • Initiate a service project to promote study abroad opportunities in Asia on the college campus and/or in the local community.
  • Submit the Freeman-ASIA Final Service Report on the implementation of the service project at the end of the term following the return to the United States.
  • Must not be a previous Freeman-ASIA award recipient.

Application Procedures and Selection Criteria

  • Applicants must submit their applications online, including the following:
    • Statement of Purpose essay
    • Follow-on Project proposal
    • Certifications from study abroad and financial aid advisors
    • Copy of college transcript(s)
  • Applicants are required to participate in language study to enhance their ability to engage with the host culture.
  • Enroll in a study abroad program with at least 20 hours per week of class time, focusing on East or Southeast Asian language, culture, and history.
  • Attend study abroad programs taught by faculty members from the host country.
  • Demonstrate sincere interest in integrating East or Southeast Asian Studies into future academic and/or professional plans.
  • Selection criteria include financial need, commitment to and demonstrated interest in East or Southeast Asian Studies, and the quality of the service project proposal.
https://youtu.be/nEo0rH7-uPc

Scholarship Timeframe