Ian Larkin wanted to continue his study of Asian culture, and beginning in October he will spend two years doing just that - courtesy of the British government.

Larkin is the first UA student in 20 years to receive a British Marshall Scholarship, which is awarded to 40 students nationwide.

The British Marshall Scholarship was established in 1953 as an expression of gratitude from Britain to the United States for the latter's assistance after World War II under the Marshall Plan.

The scholarship will cover Larkin's tuition, books, and travel and living expenses while he studies East Asian economics at London School of Oriental and African Studies.

"This school has one of the strongest Asian studies programs in the world," Larkin said.

For the application process, Larkin completed a 1,000-word personal statement, a 500-word study proposal and a personal interview.

"The interview was very relaxed. We sat in the British Consulate-General's living room and seven people asked me questions," he said.

Larkin will graduate in May with two bachelor's degrees in economics and Chinese and Japanese then will begin his master's program in London.

After London, Larkin said he wants to pursue a career as a diplomat, and, later in life, to teach at a university.

Born in Hawaii, Larkin spent 21/2 years abroad in China, Taiwan and Japan, completed an internship at the U.S. Consulate in Shanghai, and attended schools in Beijing and Osaka. He maintains a 3.92 grade point average and speaks both Mandarin Chinese and J apanese.

Larkin also founded and is now director of English Conversation Circles, a club that brings Asian and American students together on campus. Larkin serves on the director's committee of the International Student Association, plays soccer, and is a certifie d referee for American Youth Soccer Association. Larkin said this summer he will intern in Washington D.C. for the U.S. Trade Representatives.