The Institute of International Education Freeman-ASIA Scholarship

Name: The Institute of International Education Freeman-ASIA Scholarship (Language and Linguistics Study Abroad)

Award Amount: Varies

Information and Eligibility:
The Freeman-ASIA Scholarship, administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE), supports U.S. undergraduate students who plan to study abroad in East or Southeast Asia. This award is designed to increase opportunities for American students with financial need to gain meaningful international experience—especially those studying language, linguistics, cultural studies or related fields. The scholarship aims to foster strong cultural and educational connections between the United States and Asia by encouraging deeper linguistic and intercultural engagement.

Freeman-ASIA provides funding to help offset study abroad costs such as tuition, living expenses, airfare and cultural immersion activities. Awards vary based on program length, financial need and individual circumstances. Students participating in semester, summer or full academic-year programs are eligible to apply.

Eligibility criteria include:

• Academic Level: Must be a U.S. undergraduate student in good academic standing.
• Residency: Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
• Study Abroad Requirement: Must be accepted into a study abroad program in East or Southeast Asia.
• Financial Need: Applicants must demonstrate financial need and be receiving need-based financial aid.
• Institutional Status: Must currently be attending an accredited U.S. college or university.

Application Requirements:

• Completed online application through IIE’s Freeman-ASIA portal.
• Study abroad program verification and documentation of acceptance.
• Financial aid information demonstrating unmet financial need.
• Short essays explaining the applicant’s academic goals, interest in Asia and anticipated cultural engagement.
• Certification from a financial aid officer and study abroad advisor.

Selection Criteria:

• Demonstrated financial need and clarity of academic purpose.
• Strength of commitment to studying Asia-related languages or cultures.
• Quality and thoughtfulness of short essay responses.
• Potential for the study abroad experience to meaningfully impact future academic or professional goals.

Additional Details:

• Funding may be applied to tuition, travel, living costs and program fees.
• Ideal for students studying Asian languages, linguistics, anthropology or international studies.
• Recipients are required to share their study abroad experiences upon return to encourage program awareness.

Deadline:

• March

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