UB Junior Andrea Neal was awarded the William J. Clinton Scholarship, awarding her a full scholarship to study at the American University in Dubai for the fall semester.
Majoring in International Political Economy and Diplomacy, Neal is “an exceptional student and deserving of the honor,” according to International College’s Dean Thomas Ward.
“I’m really excited about this scholarship,” Neal says, “I’ve always wanted to go to Dubai and study Arab and Middle-East studies, so this is the perfect opportunity.”
Dubai is the second largest and most populous of seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Attracting world-wide attention, the city of Dubai has grown into a metropolis over the past 20 years with incredible features. What they’ve been well known for includes beautiful architecture, an island built to resemble the globe, and the world’s only 7-star hotel, which is made to look like a sail.
As a transfer student, Andrea Neal has been a delegate of the award-winning team at the National Model United Nations, a member of Rotary International and the International Awareness Club. Receiving a top prize for a dance performance at this year’s International Festival, she also put together a team on campus, known as Jewels of the Orient. She is well recognized in her home of Kentucky, having been featured on the cover page of Kentucky Families Today magazine in February.
After graduating, Neal plans to specialize in Islamic culture and Middle East studies. Ultimately, she would like to work with human rights in the Middle East or South Asia, where rights are known to be suppressed. When asked which career path she would like to pursue, she replied, “I wouldn’t mind being Secretary of State.”
Through the Clinton Foundation, former president Clinton established the William J. Clinton Scholars at the American University in Dubai, intending to bridge the gap of cultural understanding between America and the Arab world.
This program awards up to ten American students per semester with an immersion experience in the culture of Dubai and an opportunity to observe the economic and democratic development of a modern Arab state. Former President Clinton hopes Clinton scholars will be able to share their understanding and knowledge of the Arab world with their communities once they return.
University of Bridgeport
Monday, July 14, 2025