Allen Antonio Awarded the David L. Boren Scholarship

Allen Antonio, USD international relations major, Chinese and Asian Studies minor, was awarded the David L. Boren Scholarship to study Mandarin Chinese in Taiwan. The National Security Education Program David L. Boren Awards provide funding opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to study in areas that are typically underrepresented in study abroad. These locations include Africa, Asia, Eurasia, Latin America, and the Middle East.

"The David L. Boren Scholarship is part of the National Security Education Program initiative under the Defense Language and National Security Education Office which provides opportunities that fund students to study critical foreign languages and culture in exchange for serving in positions throughout the federal government detrimental to U.S. national security,” Antonio explains. “I plan on intensively studying Mandarin Chinese in Taipei, Taiwan for 9-12 months. 

I think Taiwan warrants a very special case in regards to the world's current events and am, therefore, excited to have this opportunity to engage and fully immerse myself. While I am there, I hope to take the time to soak in and understand things I do not yet know while making space for truly appreciating their beautiful society and culture,” Antonio said. “I am honored to be representing the United States while engaging in my studies abroad. "