Glen Dalakian II was an undergraduate student in International Studies at American University when he decided to study abroad in the Arab World. Fascinated by the culture, political systems, and religion of the region, Glen selected Um al-Dunya – Cairo, Egypt, the “Mother of the World” as his destination. During the Fall 2010 semester, Glen participated in AMIDEAST’s Middle East/North Africa Studies program in Cairo, Egypt.

Living and learning in the Dokki neighborhood, Glen took full advantage of AMIDEAST’s local connections, lecturers, and Arabic instruction. While in Cairo, he interned at the Supreme Council of Antiquities documenting archaeological findings as part of his study of Egyptology. He also enjoyed the program-organized excursions in Egypt, in particular the peaceful desert journey to the Siwa Oasis. Glen states that “[AMIDEAST] staff was amazing; they were brilliant, genuinely cared about the students and loved to bring out the best in each of us. I was also blessed to have an amazing language buddy who I still keep in contact with today.” Altogether, during his time abroad Glen says he developed and cultivated his Arabic skills, his professional experience, and deep friendships with both Egyptians and Americans.

“My experience in Cairo changed my life for the better,” declared Glen. At the conclusion of his semester abroad, he appreciated the bustling daily life in the heart of Cairo and the chance to participate in a broad range of community activities, internships, and lectures. Currently, Glen is enrolled in American University’s graduate program in U.S. Foreign Policy. When he finishes his M.A., Glen will begin working at the State Department, contracting with their Global Partnership Initiative to engage diaspora communities in the U.S. He hopes to expand these efforts to engage MENA communities in the U.S. In the future, he hopes to return to the region to explore and further his graduate studies.