UC alum named Fulbright Scholar, will teach in Taiwan

University of Cincinnati graduate Perry Li is a 2025 Fulbright U.S. Student Program recipient. He is in Taitung, Taiwan, where he’ll focus on teaching English and cultural exchange through music during this school year.

“I really love the ability to bridge cultures with music,” Li said, violin in hand, during a recent interview with Spectrum News 1.

Li has been playing since he was 5 years old and credits music with helping him form connections across different backgrounds. As a Chinese American, he said his time in Taiwan will offer a rare opportunity to explore his heritage while giving back.

“So I think being a Chinese American in Taiwan for a year is a really unique experience,” he said. “I’ll probably play a lot of American pieces for the kids there and kind of show them what American classical music is like. I'm also happy and open to learning any Taiwanese music.”

A Spring 2025 UC graduate, Li earned a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Arts, completing four majors — including economics and medical sciences.

“Economics has allowed me to view things from a policy or systems lens,” he said. “Medical sciences help me approach things from a health care perspective.”

Li’s long-term goal is to attend medical school and pursue a career as a physician or educator in the health sciences. But first, he’s looking forward to the simpler joys of Taiwanese life.

“I feel like going to Taiwan for a year, I’ll definitely be eating really well,” he joked.

Li isn’t the only Bearcat headed abroad. UC had seven Fulbright recipients this cycle, with five accepting awards. Behind many of those applications is UC’s Office of Nationally Competitive Awards, which supports students and recent alumni as they apply for prestigious programs including Fulbright, Truman and Rhodes.

“These are the kinds of things that can really confirm a student on the path they’re already on,” said Jenny Hyest, the office’s director. “But also, sometimes they open up new possibilities that hadn’t existed before.”

Hyest said the office provides mentorship, edits and guidance — but the real success comes from helping students see themselves as competitive candidates.

Listen to Li play his violin on Spectrum News 1.

Featured image at top: Left to right: UC students and friends Vrishank Shivaprakash, Aryan Shetty, Perry Li, Ayush Sunkad and Raghav Ramachandiran. Photo/Provided by Perry Li.