Shakira is reportedly hoping to hire a graduate student from New York University to give her lessons in American history.

Gawker reports that representatives for the 'Hips Don't Lie' singer have contacted the academic institution, who sent an e-mail round to potential candidates and specified "yes, that Shakira".

The star was already thinking about expanding her historical knowledge last year, as she spoke about employing a professor to travel with her on her world tour.

Her manager Ceci Kurzman told USA Today: "We're getting someone on sabbatical, so that each place we go she can get a history lesson."