WKU News

(From left: Cyn'Clara Cofer, Ashton Lyvers, Khawl Nuam, Larissa Frisby.)

Three WKU students were awarded Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) scholarships, and another WKU student was awarded a Freeman Award for Study in Asia (Freeman-ASIA). The recipients were offered scholarships totaling $7,375 for study abroad in Denmark and Sweden, Greece, South Korea, and Taiwan. All four of the students recognized also earned the Gilman Scholarship for study abroad. 

The Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) makes life-changing international education experiences accessible to all by supporting minority and first-generation college students underrepresented in U.S. study abroad. This application cycle, 85% of awarded scholars identify as students of color, and 82% are first-generation college students. Additionally, 34% of this year’s FEA Scholars identify as LGBTQ+ and 35% have never left the United States.

Cyn’Clara Cofer of Bowling Green is the recipient of the Simpson Sisters’ Scholarship. Cyn’Clara earned the scholarship to study in Greece in Summer 2022. She is a finance major in the Mahurin Honors College. 

Ashton Lyvers of Bardstown is the recipient of the DIS Study Abroad Scholarship. Ashton, daughter of Kristal and Jeremy Lyvers, earned the scholarship to study in Denmark and Sweden in Summer 2022. She is a psychological sciences and criminology major in the Mahurin Honors College. 

Khawl Nuam of Bowling Green is the recipient of the Steckley-Weitzel Family Scholarship. Khawl, daughter of Kham Kap Thang and Lian Hau Cing, earned the scholarship to study in South Korea in Summer 2022. She is a public health major.

The Freeman Awards for Study in Asia (Freeman-ASIA) provide scholarships to undergraduates with demonstrated financial need who plan to study in east or southeast Asia. The program’s goal is to increase the number of U.S. citizens and permanent residents with first-hand exposure to and understanding of Asia and its people and cultures.

Larissa Frisby of Pagosa Springs, Colorado earned the Freeman-ASIA scholarship. Larissa, the daughter of Crystal and James Frisby, earned the scholarship to study in Taiwan in fall 2022. She is a Chinese and psychology major with a minor in global business. Larissa is a member of the Chinese Flagship Program and the Mahurin Honors College. 

All of the students recognized worked with Lindsey Houchin, Assistant Director of the Office of Scholar Development at WKU, to prepare their applications. 

Students interested in studying abroad are encouraged to seek scholarship funding early, as students who plan one year in advance maximize their scholarship potential. To explore possibilities for study abroad, students are encouraged to work with WKU Global to find the best study abroad program to fit their goals and the WKU Office of Scholar Development to seek nationally competitive scholarships.

About the Fund for Education Abroad (FEA): FEA awards many different types of scholarships, including named scholarships that are funded by specific donors and designated scholarships that are destination- or demographic-specific. FEA’s mission is to provide scholarships and ongoing support to U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are underrepresented among the U.S. study abroad population.

About the Freeman Awards for Study in Asia (Freeman-ASIA): The Freeman-ASIA program supports U.S.-based undergraduates with demonstrated financial need who are planning to study abroad in East or Southeast Asia. The program’s goal is to increase the number of U.S. citizens and permanent residents with first-hand exposure to and understanding of Asia and its peoples and cultures. 

About the Office of Scholar Development (OSD): The Office of Scholar Development is committed to helping WKU students in all majors and degree programs develop the vision, experience and skills to be independent, engaged scholars. OSD welcomes the opportunity to work with students interested in nationally competitive scholarships.

About WKU Global: WKU Global serves the WKU community by engaging students, faculty and staff in diverse, educational and cultural experiences through faculty-led, exchange, consortia and other study abroad opportunities.

Contact: Lindsey Houchin, lindsey.houchin@wku.edu