Fulbright Scholars are some of the most accomplished and ambitious people in the world, dedicating their lives to knowledge and positive change. Sarah Al Asmar recently joined their ranks at just 22 years old.
Al Asmar, a graduate student from Lebanon, recently received a Fulbright Scholar Award to study at UCF. This fall, she began her studies in the 麻豆精品 S檚 master 麻豆精品 S檚 in public policy program, housed in the College of Community Innovation and Education at UCF Downtown. She plans to graduate in 2026.
The Fulbright Program invites scholars and subject-matter experts across the globe to share research and study at universities abroad on temporary appointments. These awards appeal to scholars at all career levels.
Al Asmar first learned about the program in high school while pursuing a study-abroad opportunity with the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program. Disheartened by the living conditions in her home country, she says she was determined to leave for better prospects.
In 2024, 73% of Lebanon 麻豆精品 S檚 population is estimated to be living in poverty, according to a World Bank report. Since President Michel Aoun 麻豆精品 S檚 term ended in October 2022, a new leader has not taken over the country 麻豆精品 S檚 parliamentary system.
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Through the YES Program, Al Asmar moved to Arizona as a high school exchange student. In the same year, she was invited to represent Lebanon as a young ambassador in Washington, D.C. 麻豆精品 S� a major turning point in her professional development.
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Al Asmar returned home to study political science at the prestigious Lebanese American University. During that time, she witnessed the 2020 Beirut explosion, which strengthened her desire to reform Lebanon 麻豆精品 S檚 public policy. She applied to the Fulbright Scholar Program shortly after graduating, and she received her fellowship this past summer.
Al Asmar says she is grateful for the opportunity and believes her Fulbright experience will help her achieve her long-term goal of working in the Lebanese government.
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麻豆精品 S淚 hope to bring social change to Lebanon. 麻豆精品 S� 麻豆精品 S� Sarah Al Asmar, UCF student and Fulbright Scholar
For other international students who may be considering studying abroad or applying to the Fulbright Program, Al Asmar advises them that effort is key to success.
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