American Councils for International Education is thrilled to announce that two distinguished students, Aniya Lineberger and Elannah De La O, have been awarded $10,000 scholarships through the Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship Fund to participate in the Fall 2024 Taiwan Intensive Summer and Semester Language Programs (TISLP). These are the largest Diversity and Inclusion Scholarships in American Councils’ history and will afford these remarkable young scholars the opportunity to immerse themselves in Taiwanese culture and significantly advance their Chinese (Mandarin) proficiency.
American Councils believes that international education is for everyone. This idea is central to our mission as an international organization working to empower individuals and institutions to address challenges in a diverse and interconnected world. The American Councils Diversity & Inclusion Scholarship is available to students who have traditionally been underrepresented in study abroad and educational exchange programs. Since its creation in 2016, the Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship Fund has contributed $175,000 to over 150 students participating in life-changing study abroad programs that focus on language, peace, and security initiatives that are essential to America’s future success.
The Taiwan Intensive Summer and Semester Language Programs enable dedicated students of Mandarin to achieve language proficiency gains through intensive study at Taiwan’s top universities and immersion in local society and culture. Offered at Tamkang University in Taipei and National Tsing Hua University in Hsinchu, TISLP combines twenty hours of weekly language instruction with cultural workshops, excursions, and homestays, providing a truly immersive learning experience.
Meet Our Scholarship Recipients
Aniya Lineberger
Aniya Lineberger, a recent graduate from North Carolina State University with a bachelor's degree in Foreign Languages and Literatures and a concentration in Asian Languages, is dedicated to fostering cultural understanding through language exchange. Aniya’s early experiences with discrimination and racism taught her the power of kindness and the importance of countering hate with understanding and empathy. This personal journey has shaped her dream of using language as a bridge between cultures. "Growing up as an African American female, diversity and inclusion have become extremely important to me," Aniya shares. "My dream is to be a bridge for different cultures and bring people together.”
Aniya's interest in Mandarin began in high school when she was first introduced to East Asian pop music. This initial curiosity blossomed into a genuine passion for Chinese culture and language, leading her to pursue intensive study and immersion experiences. Aniya is now eager to participate in TISLP, where she looks forward to both improving her Chinese proficiency and immersing herself in Taiwanese culture. "I’m super excited to try many different things while also sharing my experience in my own culture," she says.
The Diversity & Inclusion Scholarship and her participation in TISLP are poised to have a significant impact on Aniya's future and career goals. She believes that total immersion in Taiwanese culture and language will broaden her understanding of diverse cultural contexts. "This experience will enhance my ability to navigate and appreciate cultural differences, which is crucial in our ever-changing world," she notes. Aniya also sees the program as a gateway to new opportunities that come with language proficiency and cultural awareness.
Upon returning from the program, Aniya plans to share her experiences with her community, promoting greater understanding and appreciation of different cultures and languages. "The scholarship and program will allow me to meet different people and learn about their cultural backgrounds. Upon returning, I can share my experience with my community," she says. Aniya's journey reflects her dedication to using language as a tool to bridge cultural gaps and create a more inclusive world.
Elannah De La O
Elannah De La O, a recent graduate from Colgate University with a bachelor's degree in Chinese Language, has a passion for bridging cultural and linguistic gaps. Growing up in Northern California in a close-knit Mexican American family, Elannah's first language was Spanish. "I live very close to my extended family, so I grew up with my grandparents who primarily spoke Spanish," she shares. From a young age, she often helped her family by translating documents and accompanying them to doctor’s appointments. This early exposure to the challenges of language barriers sparked her interest in multilingual communication, especially in the healthcare field.
"I've seen how much of a language barrier it's been for people who don't speak English trying to get access to healthcare," Elannah explains. This realization, combined with her own experiences as a translator for her family, fueled her determination to learn additional languages to better serve diverse communities. In high school, she chose to study Mandarin, a decision influenced by her multicultural environment and her close friendship with a Chinese American classmate.
Elannah is particularly excited about the Taiwan Intensive Summer and Semester Language Programs (TISLP), where she will be studying for a full academic year. Having previously attended a language intensive course in Taiwan, she looks forward to deepening her language skills and reconnecting with friends she made during her first visit. "I was in Taiwan last spring, and that was the first time I visited a Mandarin-speaking country," she says. "It allowed me to really practice and gain confidence in my speaking skills." She is eager to immerse herself fully in the language and culture this time around, especially in Taipei, where she hopes to explore more of the city and focus on improving her Mandarin.
The Diversity & Inclusion Scholarship and her participation in TISLP are pivotal to Elannah's future and career goals. As a first-generation college student, she is acutely aware of the opportunities this scholarship provides. "My parents never got to go to college, and my grandparents barely went to middle school," she notes. The scholarship has enabled her to continue her Mandarin studies, something she hadn't considered a possibility before. "It wasn't until this school year that I decided I wanted to pursue traditional Chinese medicine," Elannah reveals. She recognizes that solidifying her language abilities is crucial to understanding and practicing traditional Chinese medicine effectively.
Elannah's journey reflects her commitment to using her language skills to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare field. The TISLP experience will not only enhance her Mandarin proficiency but also prepare her for the next steps in her career. "Without having this year to really focus on Chinese specifically, I don't think I would feel as prepared to tackle this next step," she admits. Elannah's story is a testament to her dedication to bridging cultural divides and serving her community through language and healing.
American Councils for International Education is proud to support outstanding students like Aniya Lineberger and Elannah De La O through the Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship Fund. Their dedication to cultural understanding, language proficiency, and their communities exemplifies the core values of the organization. Aniya’s commitment to using language as a bridge between cultures and Elannah’s passion for breaking down linguistic barriers in healthcare highlight the transformative impact of international education. As they embark on their journeys in the Taiwan Intensive Summer and Semester Language Programs, we look forward to witnessing the significant contributions they will make locally and globally.