Shakira has been using her free time to study at UCLA. For the past month, the Colombian pop star has been attending a class at the University of California, Los Angeles, titled "Introduction to Western Civilization: Ancient Civilizations from Prehistory to Circa 843."
Shakira's manager Fifi Kurzman told the Associated Press the 30-year-old singer started attending classes August 6 following the conclusion of her latest tour. Classes ended September 13, although instructor Robert Cleve said Shakira didn't attend the last few sessions. He said he hadn't known she was a celebrity and was astonished to find out her identity.
"She told me she was visiting from Colombia and that she was just doing this for her own enlightenment and enjoyment," Cleve said. "She looked just like an ordinary student. She wasn't flamboyant...she didn't act like a big celebrity or anything."
Cleve said Shakira, who sat in the third row in the lecture hall, would often discuss material with him after class.
"I was really impressed with how intelligent she was," he said.
Kurzman said Shakira has for years studied on her own, also taking tutorials on the history and languages of the countries she visits.
Shakira is the highest-selling Colombian artist of all time, with worldwide record sales topping 50 million. She has won two Grammy Awards, and eight Latin Grammies.
