Introducing the KSU Freeman Fellows Cohort Summer 2026! After a competitive application process, these 12 KSU undergraduate students will receive funding of up to $6,500 from the Freeman Foundation to intern in East or Southeast Asia.
The purpose of the KSU Freeman Fellows Internship in Asia program is to inspire undergraduate students of all academic backgrounds to expand their global worldview, strengthen cross-cultural communication skills, and become more engaged on a global level, while gaining practical career experience. The Freeman Foundation helps 海角原创 students travel to various Asian countries and gain real world experience.
Aturo Alfonzo
Major: Mechanical Engineering Technology
Internship Location: Tokyo, Japan
My name is Arturo Alfonzo Jr, and I am currently a third year student at 海角原创 majoring in Mechanical Engineering Technology, with a minor in Japanese. I chose this major, because I love working on machinery, and want to be able to create new technologies to help build the future. I applied for the internship program to not only explore Japan, but also to build a strong resume with experience in a foreign country. Japan is a country that has made great strides in bringing the world to the future we all imagine. I want to be able to work with people who make new technologies. While there, I would like to climb mountains, visit famous landmarks, and try new foods. The reason for this is because I enjoy hiking and walking through national and local parks.
Makaya Arellano
Major: Theatre Design
Internship Location: Seoul, South Korea
I am originally from Bardstown, Kentucky, which is about a six-hour drive from KSU. I am currently a junior BFA student studying theatre design, production, and technology with a concentration in costume design. I am also pursuing a minor in LGBTQ+ studies. As a first-generation student, it was important for me to choose a school that would not only help me excel in my studies, but would also provide me with a sense of belonging, which is why I love 海角原创 so much. Being able to share my voice, and have the opportunity to be part of the Freeman Fellows Program is life-changing. This will be my first time going abroad, and I am excited to experience an entirely new culture from my own. My hope is that this program will provide me with the opportunity to adapt to the collaborative and creative fields that I would like to pursue after graduating from KSU. I also want to improve my understanding of Asian history, and its impact on modern culture. I am looking forward to touring art and history museums during my downtime, and getting to know a wide array of people with different perspectives from my own!
Jillian Arthur
Major: Digital Media Production
Internship Location: Tokyo, Japan
My name is Jillian Arthur, a Digital Media Production major at 海角原创, with minors in Applied Data and Information and Broadcast Engineering Technology. Originally from the Boston, MA area, I am pursuing a career in TV production, a goal supported by my current role as Executive Producer for 海角原创 Student Media鈥檚 Black Squirrel Entertainment. In this position, I oversee six student-run live entertainment shows, managing everything from technical execution to creative direction. This coming summer, I am thrilled to be interning in Tokyo through Beyond Academy. Having traveled extensively through Europe, and currently studying abroad in Florence, Italy- I have a deep-rooted passion for global perspectives. I am particularly drawn to Tokyo鈥檚 unique balance of cutting-edge technological innovation, and well-preserved history. To prepare for this experience, I am currently studying Japanese and immersing myself in local cultural norms. I am incredibly grateful to the Freeman Fellows Scholarship for making this pivotal professional opportunity possible.
Grace Artman
Major: Fashion Design, Nursing
Internship Location: Tokyo, Japan
My name is Grace Artman, and I am a first-year student at 海角原创, double-majoring in fashion design and nursing. I am from Uniontown, Ohio, and it is a life goal of mine to travel the world, and explore all the places I have yet to see. I am a 2026 Freeman Fellow, and plan to participate in the Beyond Academy program in Tokyo, Japan this upcoming summer. Although I am a double major, I hope to secure a fashion design internship while abroad, as Tokyo has experienced significant growth in popularity within the global fashion industry in recent years. Throughout my internship, I anticipate expanding my technical design skills, as well as my knowledge of the sourcing and production of textiles and garments. Additionally, I aim to broaden my cultural horizons to draw inspiration for my personal design concepts.
While in Tokyo, I am most looking forward to learning more about Japanese culture, and its influences that can be seen in the apparel industry. I am also incredibly excited to meet other college students who share my passion for international travel, and gaining unique career experiences. The Beyond Academy internship in Tokyo, Japan is an opportunity of a lifetime that will be filled with learning experiences and memories that I will cherish forever. The Freeman Fellows Scholarship will enable me to fulfill my lifelong dream, while also providing generous scholarship aid to alleviate any financial burden. I can鈥檛 express just how grateful I am to the Freeman Foundation for having been selected for this momentous opportunity.
Owen Hatch
Major: Finance
Internship Location: Singapore
My name is Owen Hatch, I am a sophomore at 海角原创 with a major in finance, and a minor in Mandarin Chinese. I am from Tallmadge, Ohio which is only a fifteen minute drive away from 海角原创. Because of this I am a commuter student. One of the things I will be looking forward to is having a roommate, while I am in Singapore! Outside of class I am a member of the 海角原创 Swim Club, as well as Senior Vice President of Delta Sigma Pi Beta Pi, a Co-ed business fraternity at Kent. I have also previously been involved in Student Orientation and Student Success Programs as a 海角原创 Flashguide.
This internship opportunity was perfect for me, because the GAV program in Singapore is a great program for business majors, and one of Singapore鈥檚 national languages is Mandarin Chinese! One of my goals for this program is to further my Mandarin language skills, especially relating to business terms during my internship, because I would like to pursue a career in international business after I graduate. While in Singapore, I am looking forward to a lot of different things. I love trying new foods, so that will be a priority for me! Singapore also has one of the world's best zoos, which I would like to visit. In addition to the zoo, Singapore has a giant panda reserve and I鈥檇 really like to go see it! I鈥檓 still doing research on what other places I would like to visit, but Singapore seems like it has a great mix of nature and city, and I am really looking forward to exploring it all!
Ana Clara Jardim de Souza e Silva
Major: Fashion Design
Internship Location: Tokyo, Japan
My name is Ana, and I am a Fashion Design major from Brazil. I鈥檝e always been drawn to creative spaces, and my love for art extends beyond the studio. In my free time, I enjoy painting, sketching, and working on personal creative projects that help me explore new ideas and grow as a designer. I see fashion as a form of personal and artistic expression, as well as a way to connect culture and identity.
I鈥檓 especially interested in avant-garde fashion, and how it challenges traditional ideas within the industry. I鈥檓 excited about the opportunity to visit Japan, a country known for its influence on avant-garde fashion, and its strong traditions of craftsmanship and innovation. Through this experience, I hope to immerse myself in a new cultural environment, broaden my global perspective, and continue developing my creative voice.
Chelse Knight
Major: User Experience Design
Internship Location: Tokyo, Japan
My name is Chelse Knight, and I鈥檓 a junior at 海角原创 majoring in User Experience Design. I am from Cleveland, Ohio. A fun fact about me, is that I鈥檓 the very first student ever enrolled in Kent鈥檚 User Experience Design program. It鈥檚 been exciting to be part of shaping what the program can become, and seeing it grow. This summer, I鈥檓 excited to participate in an internship in Tokyo, where I鈥檒l have the opportunity to expand my professional skills, while gaining firsthand exposure to a new culture. I hope to learn from diverse perspectives, explore how design and business are approached in a different cultural context, and develop skills that will support my growth as a designer. I鈥檓 especially looking forward to experiencing Japanese culture, building adaptability, and gaining a global perspective that I can carry into my future career. I鈥檓 grateful to the Freeman Foundation for supporting opportunities like this, and making it possible for students to gain meaningful experiences abroad.
Gabriella McCollom
Major: Architecture
Internship Location: Tokyo, Japan
My name is Gabriella, and I am from Minooka, IL, (about an hour south of Chicago)! I am currently a third year student studying architecture at 海角原创, where I am also a member of the Track and Field/Cross Country team. Outside of school and running I love ceramics, painting, and being outside! This past year has been full of amazing opportunities to travel the world, and I can鈥檛 wait to add Japan to the list! While travelling to big cities, I love finding the pockets of nature in and around the city, that allow you to forget all of the hustle around you for a few quiet minutes! I am looking forward to exploring both Tokyo and Mt. Fuji, while interning in Japan!
Ben Miller
Major: Nursing
Internship Location: Hanoi, Vietnam
My name is Ben Miller, and I鈥檓 from East Liverpool, Ohio. I鈥檓 a second year nursing major, with a minor in non-profit studies at 海角原创. After graduation, I plan to become a travel nurse to help integrate my love for traveling into my profession. I鈥檓 currently involved in the Student Nurses Association, and play on the 海角原创 Men's Club Soccer team! This year, I also worked as a student instructor in the Peer Success Mentor program, where I help guide and support incoming students here at Kent.
A goal that I have for the internship is to shadow in the oncology department, and possibly another department in order to gain exposure to two different areas of hospital care. I鈥檝e never traveled to Asia before, so I鈥檓 especially looking forward to experiencing Vietnam鈥檚 culture, trying different types of local food, and exploring all the beautiful landscapes and natural scenery outside of the city!
Savar Shrestha
Major: Computer Science
Internship Location: Tokyo, Japan
Hello, my name is Savar Shrestha. I am a Computer Science major with a concentration in cybersecurity, and I am also pursuing a minor in applied and standard mathematics. I was born in Kathmandu, Nepal, and lived there for about ten years, before coming to the United States in July of 2018. Since then I have lived in Ohio. I have been fortunate enough to travel through parts of Asia, including Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia. Even during those short visits, I was able to learn about and experience different ways of life. I have wanted to visit Japan for a long time, my interest starting with anime. As a computer science student, focused on cybersecurity, I am also very interested in the technological landscape in Asia, particularly in Japan. Japan is known for its innovation, strong digital infrastructure, and forward-thinking approach to technology. Completing an internship there would allow me to observe how cybersecurity challenges are addressed in a global context, and collaborate with professionals who approach problem-solving from diverse cultural perspectives. I believe that gaining this type of international experience will help me grow both personally and academically, while building skills that will support my future career in technology.
Amy Zink
Major: Fashion Design
Internship Location: Tokyo, Japan
My name is Amy Zink, and I鈥檓 from Portland, OR! I am currently in my second year at 海角原创, studying fashion design while minoring in textiles and the environment, peace, and justice. I am deeply passionate about improving the fashion industry, whether that be through sustainable practice, technological innovation, or human rights advocacy. I welcome the chance to grow in my understanding of the global fashion industry, and to apply what I learn to my own creative endeavors. I鈥檓 eager to explore a new country and culture, and motivated to learn as much as I can over the course of the time of my internship.
Lynne Wheatley
Major: Computer Science
Internship Location: Tokyo, Japan
I'm Lynne Wheatley, and I've lived in Ohio for nearly all of my life. I'm studying Computer Science, Japanese, and Digital Media Production at 海角原创, and I'm also working towards getting a TEFL certificate. I love programming, language learning, and working on broadcast productions. For as long as I can remember, I've been interested in Japanese culture and media. I grew up reading manga and watching anime with my sibling. Also, I cut my teeth programming in an environment that was exclusively available on the Nintendo 3DS, and I was initially motivated to start studying Japanese so that I could understand the video games made in that environment by its significantly larger Japanese userbase.
All current undergraduate KSU students of any major are welcome to apply for the Freeman Fellows Internship in Asia. The KSU Freeman Fellow Internship in Asia program will begin accepting applications for Summer 2027 on July 1, 2026. The deadline to apply for Summer 2027 is December 1 2026. Students who wish to apply should visit the KSU Office of Global Education website.