For Immediate Release

April 9 , 2008

nwu student wins national scholarship to study arabic

LINCOLN, Neb. — A Nebraska Wesleyan University senior has been awarded a national scholarship to study Arabic.

Evan Knight of Lewellen has been awarded a Critical Language Scholarship from the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and the Council of American Overseas Research Centers. The scholarship pays for all expenses while studying overseas.

Knight will study Arabic in Tunis, Tunisia, May 27-July 28. He will graduate from Nebraska Wesleyan University in December with majors in Spanish and history and a minor in French. Following graduation, he plans to pursue a doctorate in Spanish civilization and culture and eventually pursue a career as a university professor.

Knight’s first international experience came in 2006 when he studied in Granada, Spain. An “Islamic Culture” class piqued his interest in the influence of Islam on Spain and he has continued to explore the interest throughout his academic career. Knight plans to learn Arabic and use the language to further discover the connected histories of Northern Africa and Europe. Knight has also worked as an interpreter at the Lincoln Lancaster County Health Department.

The Critical Language Scholarship Program offers the equivalent of one full academic year of language study. Scholarship recipients are expected to continue their language study and apply their skills in their professional careers.

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