Ayra Sangi Wins Freeman-ASIA Scholarship 2025

Ayra Sangi Secures Freeman-ASIA Award for Mandarin Studies in Taiwan

Taipei City, Taiwan – Ayra Sangi, a dedicated Asian Studies major, has been awarded the prestigious Freeman-ASIA Award, marking a significant step toward her aspirations in Chinese linguistics. The Freeman-ASIA award, valued up to $5,000, supports American undergraduates pursuing study abroad opportunities in East and Southeast Asia.

Sangi will spend the fall semester at National Taiwan University, immersing herself in an intensive Mandarin Chinese programme.This chance will enhance her language skills and deepen her understanding of Chinese culture and society.

From Web Novels to Academic Excellence

Sangi’s journey with Mandarin began unconventionally in high school, fueled by her interest in translated Chinese web novels. This passion led her to seek a university with a robust Asian studies program. She found that and more at UMBC.

“It was important for me to find a university with a strong education abroad program and a comprehensive Asian studies major rather than one centered solely on learning Chinese,” Sangi stated. “While I did want to learn the language, I also wanted to learn about the history, culture, and politics.UMBC offered both.”

Record Number of Students Abroad

The 2025-2026 academic year at UMBC marks a record high in student participation in global education programs.Brian Souders, Associate Director of Global Learning, notes that this surge is leading to increased applications for nationally competitive awards. Sangi’s Freeman-ASIA scholarship is a testament to this trend.

Did You Know? According to the Institute of international Education’s Open Doors Report, study abroad participation increased by 0.9% in 2023-2024, signaling a renewed interest in global education post-pandemic.

Global Experiences Shaping a Career

Coming from a multilingual background with travels across 14 countries, Sangi strategically pursued international experiences to prepare for a global career. She participated in the Intercultural Communication program in Morocco and Spain and studied political science in Italy.

These experiences,coupled with her academic pursuits,have equipped her with invaluable cross-cultural skills.

Guidance from Faculty

Sangi credits faculty members like Meredith oyen, Associate Professor of history, for their support and guidance. Oyen’s expertise in U.S.-China relations proved invaluable as Sangi navigated her academic journey.

“Professor Oyen was a huge help when I started thinking about studying in Taiwan because she lived in Taiwan while conducting research,” said Sangi.

Pro Tip: Students planning to study abroad should seek out faculty mentors with international experience to gain valuable insights and advice.

Ayra Sangi’s Academic and Travel Timeline

Year	Event	Location
High School	Started learning Mandarin through web novels.	N/A
Summer 2024	Participated in Intercultural Communication program.	Morocco and Spain
Winter 2025	Studied Comparative Politics.	Rome, Italy
Fall 2025	To study Mandarin at National Taiwan University.	Taipei, Taiwan

The Growing Importance of Mandarin Chinese

Mandarin Chinese is not only a gateway to a rich culture but also a valuable asset in today’s global economy.As of 2024, Mandarin is spoken by over 1.1 billion people worldwide, making it one of the most spoken languages globally. Ethnologue.

The demand for professionals with Mandarin language skills is increasing across various sectors, including business, technology, and international relations.

Frequently Asked Questions About studying Mandarin Chinese

• What are the benefits of learning Mandarin Chinese?

  learning Mandarin opens doors to career opportunities, cultural understanding, and a deeper thankfulness of Chinese history and traditions.

• How can the Freeman-ASIA Award help students?

  The Freeman-ASIA Award provides financial support, enabling students to participate in study abroad programs in East and Southeast Asia.

• what skills are essential for studying abroad?

  Adaptability, cultural sensitivity, and a willingness to learn are crucial for a triumphant study abroad experience.

• Where can I find resources for studying mandarin Chinese?

  Universities, language schools, and online platforms offer various resources for studying Mandarin Chinese.

• When is the best time to start learning Mandarin Chinese?

  It’s never too late to start learning Mandarin Chinese. Early exposure can be beneficial, but dedication and consistent effort can lead to fluency at any age.

What are your thoughts on the growing importance of studying abroad? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below!

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Ayra Sangi Awarded Freeman-ASIA Scholarship 2025: A Bright Future Ahead

the year 2025 marks a important milestone for Ayra Sangi as she has been awarded the prestigious Freeman-ASIA Scholarship. This scholarship is a highly competitive award, and her achievement is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and academic excellence. This article provides an in-depth look at Ayra’s achievement, the significance of the Freeman-ASIA Scholarship, and its implications for her future academic journey.

Understanding the Freeman-ASIA Scholarship

The Freeman-ASIA Scholarship program is designed to support U.S. undergraduate students who plan to study abroad in East or Southeast Asia. The program aims to increase the number of Americans with first-hand experience in Asia, fostering greater understanding and cooperation between the United States and Asia.

What the Scholarship Covers

The Freeman-ASIA Scholarship provides valuable financial assistance to recipients. Hear’s a breakdown of what the scholarship typically covers:

• Tuition Fees: Partial or full coverage of tuition costs at the host institution.
• Room and Board: Support for living expenses, including accommodation and meals.
• Airfare: Funding for round-trip travel between the U.S. and the Asian study location.
• Books and Supplies: Assistance with the cost of academic materials.

This complete financial support allows scholars to focus on their studies and cultural immersion without significant financial burdens.

Ayra Sangi’s path to Success

Ayra Sangi’s journey to winning the Freeman-ASIA Scholarship in 2025 is a story of perseverance and academic excellence. While exact details may vary depending on the specific award information, generally, the awards go to candidates who demonstrate significant success in some of the criteria listed below.

Key Qualifications

• Academic Excellence: Strong academic record, reflecting high grades and a commitment to learning.
• Leadership Potential: Evidence of leadership skills, participation in extracurricular activities, and community involvement.
• Study Abroad Program: A well-defined study abroad plan,outlining specific goals,chosen courses,and a clear connection to future career aspirations.
• Personal Essay & Interview: compelling essays and interview performance highlighting experiences, goals, and commitment to the study abroad program. 

Ayra’s success story is a clear example of what is absolutely possible with dedication and hard work.

Benefits of the Freeman-ASIA Scholarship

The Freeman-ASIA Scholarship offers a multitude of benefits, extending beyond financial assistance. These awards can be a life-changing event.

Academic and Cultural Enrichment

• Immersive Experiences: Students have unique opportunities to experience new cultures. The awards aid in a greater understanding of a student’s area of study.
• Enhanced Career Prospects: The scholarship greatly aids in the opening doors with regards to career opportunities. International experience is one of the most desired qualifications in graduate programs and in the job market.

What Lies Ahead for Ayra Sangi

With the Freeman-ASIA Scholarship secured, Ayra Sangi’s future looks exceptionally bright. The scholarship provides the foundation for her to:

• Pursue Academic Goals: Continue her educational journey in Asia.
• Develop Global Perspectives: Cultivate a deeper understanding of different cultures and global issues.
• Network Internationally: Connect with peers, professionals, and faculty from around the globe.

Congratulations to Ayra Sangi on her remarkable achievement, and we wish her all the best in her future endeavors!