ABU DHABI //Four Emirati students will study in the United States in the autumn as part of the Fulbright academic exchange programme.
The students will earn master's degrees in media and business as part of the programme. They will receive grants to study abroad and were chosen from dozens of applicants.
The Fulbright programme is intended to encourage mutual understanding between the US and other countries. "I look forward to interacting with students from different backgrounds and sharing experiences that would bridge my cross-cultural gaps," said Awatif Yehya, a graduate of the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT), who will pursue a master's in business administration.
The scholars will attend universities in New York, California, and Missouri.
Butheina Kazim, a student who has earned degrees from HCT and York University in Canada, said the year-long application process for the grant helped her to re-evaluate her goals and ambitions.
"I had to ask questions concerning what I value most, what I hope to achieve, and most importantly, how I can give back to my community and the local media industry when I return," Ms Kazim said.
The Fulbright programme has awarded grants to 11 Emirati students since being launched here in 2006. The programme has also helped more than 300,000 students from 155 countries to graduate.
"The Fulbright is not only the United States's most prestigious exchange programme, it is also among the most competitive," said Douglas Greene, the charge d'affaires at the US embassy. "It is a pleasure to congratulate this accomplished group of future Fulbrighters."