Brooklyn College sophomore Lila Hassan, a broadcast journalism and political science major, has been awarded a prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Hassan is heading to Paris this fall to study French. The Brooklyn resident says that her immersion in the culture will enhance her French language skills. She adds that she is driven by a “fascination with global affairs, especially those related to the media and journalism.” Gilman Scholars receive up to $5,000 to apply toward their study abroad program costs. The program aims to increase diversify among students who study abroad and encourage the knowledge of other cultures, countries, languages, and economies. Hassan, who was raised in Cairo, received a Watson Fellowship in 2013. She is one of 800 undergraduates from 330 college nationwide chosen for the award. The mission of the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs is to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries by means of educational and cultural exchange that assist in the development of peaceful relations.
