Abu Dhabi: Two students from New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) have received Fulbright study grants, a prestigious grant that provides students with support for their research projects and graduate studies.
Established in 1946 by the US, the grant is given to both American and non-American citizens, and is meant to act as an exchange of education and knowledge. American citizens who qualify for the programme are given grants to study outside the US, while non-American students are provided with grants to study in the US.
The programme provides around 1,900 grants every year to students in over 140 countries around the world, and as such, it is considered one of the most prestigious study grants to obtain.
Samia Ahmad, who grew up in the US, was given the grant for her research project on why young Canadian Muslims are becoming radicalised, and will attend McGill University in Montreal, Canada.
The second student, Zoe Hu, received the grant for her project on empowering women in the media, and will be studying at Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane, Morocco.
“As the current global political climate continues to undergo rapid transformation, the development of more nuanced understanding of Canadian and American Muslims’ experiences is crucial for academics and policymakers alike. The Fulbright grant facilitates my involvement in this meaningful undertaking,” said Ahmad on receiving the grant.
Hu, who attended high school in the US, said she was looking forward to going back to Morocco after previously studying there as part of her NYUAD studies.
“I’m really looking forward to returning and reconnecting with people I met there. I’m also grateful to the professors of NYUAD’s Arabic Studies Department, who have instilled in me an enthusiasm for Arabic since my freshman year.
“What I learnt from them allowed me to take advantage of my experience abroad, and will be extremely useful when I return,” she added
