AAAS Student Fellowship for Language, Culture and Global Engagement

For the past several years, the Department of Asian and Asian American Studies (AAAS) has used Giving Day to support students’ participation in study abroad programs in Asia. These fellowships have helped reduce financial barriers and made global learning more accessible for students who might otherwise not have had the opportunity to study abroad. Donor support has played a vital role in expanding access and strengthening students’ academic and personal growth.

This year, AAAS aims to build on that commitment by broadening the ways we support student engagement with language, culture and global learning. The AAAS Student Fellowship for Language, Culture and Global Engagement continues our focus on student-centered impact while recognizing that meaningful global learning can take many forms beyond travel alone.

Many students develop intercultural awareness and global perspectives through language study, globally focused coursework, research or creative projects and community engagement related to Asian and Asian-American contexts. This fellowship is designed to support these experiences by providing flexible funding that responds to students’ diverse academic pathways and learning goals.

By expanding the fellowship’s scope, AAAS aims to reach a broader group of students, including those who are still exploring their interests or who may not yet be able to commit to studying abroad. The fellowship helps students connect classroom learning with real-world cultural and global issues, strengthening their engagement with language and culture while supporting their broader educational development.

This Giving Day project also reflects AAAS’s commitment to access, equity and student success. Gifts to this fund directly support students’ learning experiences and help ensure that financial constraints do not limit participation in high-impact educational opportunities. With donor support, AAAS can continue to invest in students who are developing the knowledge, skills and perspectives needed to engage thoughtfully with an increasingly interconnected world.