Alice & JP Wang Foundation Provides Scholarships to UHM-in-Taiwan Students
CCLE Author, Jeno Calara
Dec 18, 2024
The Chinese Program at UHM is thankful for the funds that the Alice and JP Wang Foundation Scholarship so kindly disbursed to the UHM students studying in Taiwan as a part of their Chinese Language Flagship Capstone Year or as participants in the 2024 UHM-in-Taiwan Summer Intensive Language Program. Four Capstone students and five UHM-in-Taiwan students received funds from the Alice and JP Wang Foundation to cover expenses in the course of their studies. To reflect their appreciation for the Foundation’s kind assistance, the UHM students recently shared their gratitude in the form of Thank You letters to the Foundation.
For many, this opportunity was more than just an academic journey. Students like Megan Ibara embraced their Chinese heritage through Taiwan’s vibrant festivals, authentic cuisine, and rich customs. Others, such as Katherine Kaw and Jeno Calara, took the initiative to explore Taiwan in depth, focusing on their studies and cultural immersion, unhindered by financial concerns.
“Through this scholarship award, you have lightened my financial burden and allowed me to focus solely on my Chinese language studies and immersing myself in Taiwan’s environment,” wrote Katherine Kaw. Similarly, Jeno Calara shared, “Thanks to this scholarship, I have not only been able to focus intensely on my academic pursuits but also immerse myself in the local culture, which is crucial for mastering a language.”
For some students, the UHM-in-Taiwan program marked their first-ever study-abroad experience. Lillian Richter expressed her gratitude for the life-changing adventure that inspired her to become a better student and urged the foundation to continue supporting future students. “Please keep providing more students with this opportunity. This was an amazing adventure that made me only more excited to learn!” wrote Lillian.
For Malia Morales Goodwin, the scholarship fulfilled a lifelong dream. Malia highlighted the significance of this opportunity in a moving letter: “It has allowed me to fulfill my lifelong dream of studying abroad and deepening my understanding of Chinese language and culture. These heartfelt reflections from the UHM-in-Taiwan 2024 cohort underscore the profound impact of the JP Wang Foundation Scholarship. The recipients are deeply appreciative of the generosity that allowed them to focus on their growth, become immersed in a new culture, and make unforgettable memories.
UHM is very thankful that the Alice and JP Wang Foundation has agreed to continue to disburse funds to UHM students wishing to study in Taiwan for the next two calendar years, thus allowing the next two cohorts of students enrolled in UHM Chinese courses the opportunity to achieve their academic goals.