Shippensburg University senior international studies major with a Spanish minor Isabel Weaver was awarded a prestigious Freeman-Asia scholarship to study abroad in South Korea during the spring 2022 semester. This need-based national scholarship program supports U.S.- based undergraduates planning to study abroad in East or Southeast Asia. The goal of the program is to increase the number of U.S. citizens and permanent residents with firsthand exposure to and understanding of Asia and its peoples and cultures.

Weaver is staying in the Global Village dormitory at Soonchunhyang University and is enrolled in courses in Korean language and others that will count towards her major at Ship.

“I hope to grow and improve myself as a person, learn how to better interact with people from all kinds of backgrounds and use my knowledge of foreign languages, and experience all the wonders of Korea, its people and culture,” said Weaver.

With her semester abroad in full swing, she feels fortunate for the opportunity to meet new people, explore a new location, become more independent and use her language skills.

Weaver is thankful for the support she received from her academic and study aboard advisors as she applied for the scholarship and prepared to go abroad. She hopes other students will consider studying abroad.

“Take the opportunity, if you have the chance. No matter where you end up going, it’s a rewarding experience,” she added.