International Programs Overview

Dialogue Sessions

During professionally facilitated, two-hour daily dialogue sessions, American and Middle Eastern students discuss their personal experiences, beliefs, values and interests. They address topics such as the complexity of identity, American foreign policy, the Arab-Israeli conflict, gender relations, education, and the impact of diversity in society.Interviews with Arab media professionals, government officials, professors, artists, and activists complement these dialogue sessions, challenging students to engage with diverse perspectives.American students blog on themes related to the dialogue sessions in conjunction with their Middle Eastern counterparts. While this blog initially will be confined to program participants, edited portions of it may become a part of the program’s Virtual Scrapbook, a record of students’ exchanges. This blog also will provide an outlet through which participants can continue to communicate after the completion of the program.

Media and Communication Workshops

Students participate in media and communication workshops led by Middle Eastern print and broadcast journalists and professional performers from across the disciplines including music, theater, film, dance, and literature.During initial information sessions with Arab media professionals, students have the opportunity to hear about the professionals’ backgrounds and engage in a question-and-answer session. Students accompany one professional for a day to learn first hand the processes, challenges, and conditions of his/her given profession as it exists in the Middle East. Participants then create a profile of one or more people they met during this day using any medium they choose (film, literature, music, etc.).

Language Enhancement

American participants will take Arabic language classes during their time in the Arab world. Participants are divided into levels according to language experience and learn practical phrases and conversational tools to augment their experience.

Excursions and Cultural Immersion

Participants will travel to many different places in the Middle East to explore the region and the culture with overnight excursions to major cities. Additionally, students have the opportunity to explore the Middle East and interact with lay citizens during personal time.