First VCU Student awarded coveted Freeman-Asia Scholarship

By Lindsay McClaire
University News Services

Emily Swinson, a junior in Virginia Commonwealth University’s fashion merchandising program, has received a Freeman-Asia Scholarship, the first VCU student to receive the honor.

The Freeman Awards for Study in Asia (Freeman-ASIA) are designed to increase the number of U.S. undergraduates who study in East and Southeast Asia, by providing them with information and financial assistance. 

Award recipients are expected to share their experiences with their home campuses, and to spread greater understanding of Asian peoples and cultures within their home communities.

Swinson began the application process for the scholarship last fall and in December was awarded $5,000 toward her studies at Sophia University in Tokyo this spring.

“The application process was a lot more intense compared to any other scholarship I have applied for,” said Swinson.

This is not the first scholarship Swinson has received. She was awarded the Covington International Travel scholarship and the Dean’s International Study Grant, both through the VCU School of the Arts, for her study abroad in Guatemala last summer.

Swinson is a full-time student, a member of the Honors College at VCU, a full-time employee at American Apparel, a member of the VCU fashion club and a conversation partner for the Office of International Education’s international coffee hour.

In applying to study in Asia, Swinson says it was appealing because it was a different location than a lot of study abroad programs.

 “I wanted to do something different, but still go abroad. I didn’t want to do what’s so easy and what’s so common. I always try to put myself out of my boundary,” she said.