HPU Alumna Awarded Scholarship to Pursue Master’s Degree in Taiwan

HIGH POINT, N.C., May 27, 2025 – High Point University alumna Savannah Graver, who graduated in 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in international relations with a minor in Chinese, has been awarded the Taiwan Ministry of Education Scholarship to pursue an international master’s degree in Asia-Pacific Studies at National Chengchi University in Taipei.

The Taiwan Scholarship Program provides full tuition and a monthly stipend for two to four years for international students in graduate degree programs. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree, an excellent academic record and an exemplary character.

At Chengchi University, Graver will study the economic and political development of the Asia-Pacific region and Cross-Strait Relations in courses taught in English.

“My thesis will explore Taiwanese democratic voting processes and the influence from foreign actors,” said Graver, who is from Orefield, Pennsylvania. “Since this is a regionally focused program, to actually live in the culture I’m studying is very exciting. I also look forward to continuing my study of Mandarin and using it in my daily life.”

Prior to being awarded the Taiwan Scholarship, Graver received the Boren Scholarship to study Mandarin in Taiwan from July 2024 to February 2025. She will continue to develop her language skills at National Chengchi University for a career in U.S. national intelligence.

Graver expressed gratitude for the support she received at HPU. She specifically thanked Dr. Daliang Wang, chair and associate professor of Chinese; Dr. Mark Setzler, professor of political science and director of the International Relations program; and Dr. Martin Kifer, chair and professor of political science and director of the HPU Poll for the Survey Research Center.

“HPU’s faculty helped me immensely in preparing for this opportunity,” Graver said. “After studying Mandarin under Dr. Wang, I had the opportunity to go with him on a Maymester to Taiwan. This was a formative experience that confirmed that I wanted to study and live there. Additionally, after taking classes focused on International Relations and Foreign Policy with Dr. Setzler and Dr. Kifer, I knew I wanted to pursue a deeper understanding of the international system through graduate studies. These professors encouraged me, offering great advice, and supported me, writing endless letters of recommendation, to pursue my dreams.”