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New Programs Highlight Arabic/Asian Studies
Washington College is preparing its students to play a role in world affairs by adding Arabic to its foreign language offerings and augmenting its study abroad options with exchange programs in Morocco and Hong Kong.
Twenty-one students are enrolled in Barbara Romaine's inaugural course in introductory Arabic.
"I knew it was going to be important to the world, especially after 9/11," says Quintina Wells '05, an international studies major with concentrations in Middle Eastern and Latin American studies. This spring, she will be among the first Washington College students to study in Morocco, at the Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane.
The university there offers courses in the history, art and culture of the region, as well as Arabic language. A study of the history of the Arab world covers the significant political, religious and socioeconomic events in the Arabic-speaking parts of the Islamic world from the rise of Islam to the present.
"We have two or three students applying for the spring program," notes Kelly Kerr of the Office for International Students and Programs. "The university is in a small town in the mountains of Morocco, the courses are taught in English, and the facilities are quite nice."
Since 1999, the College has offered instruction in Chinese language. Now students have the option of studying Chinese culture abroad through a new exchange program with Lingnan University in Hong Kong.
Nicole Alpert '05, one of two students signed up for the Hong Kong program, is looking forward to studying abroad not only for the experience and the adventure, but for the opportunity to study economics and language, and to travel through Asia.
"I have always been interested in foreign affairs and international studies," says Alpert, a second-generation American. "China and Asian cultures intrigue me the most, and I'm particularly interested in the many different and opposing beliefs between the West and the East. I hope to come back and view the world, this campus, my life in a much different manner."
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