Arizona State University has been named a Fulbright Hispanic-Serving Institution Leader for its support of international exchange opportunities, according to a university release.

It is the second consecutive year ASU has earned the U.S. Department of State distinction as one of 46 Hispanic-Serving Institutions. The designation acknowledges noteworthy support of international exchange opportunities to staff, students and faculty at HSIs, the release stated.

Phoenix native Christian Payan, one of ASU’s Fulbright scholars, was an English teaching assistant for nine months based at the Universidad Tecnológica del Valle del Mezquital in Hidalgo, Mexico.

“When I was named a Fulbright scholar I had so many emotions - excitement and honor,” Payan said.

“I learned a lot about diplomacy and gained a deeper perspective about the world.”

Payan just received an offer letter from the State Department to work in the Education and Culture Affairs Bureau in Washington D.C.