Macarena Torres Girao, a student of International Studies and Arabic at American University in Washington, DC, decided to study abroad in the Middle East in order to explore the region’s fascinating cultural dynamics and learn more about the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict. After attempting to study in Egypt the spring of 2011, Macarena was evacuated from Cairo. She completed her semester at AMIDEAST’s Area & Arabic Language Studies program in Rabat Morocco. In the spring of 2012, Macarena chose to study abroad again with AMIDEAST because she “knew that after having participated in AMIDEAST Rabat, the Cairo office would provide [students] with a unique experience.”
 

During her time in Cairo, Macarena took advantage of the numerous opportunities AMIDEAST presented program participants. Because she actively participated with her language exchange partner and in cultural dialogue sessions with local university students, Macarena felt she was able to develop a solid understanding of Egyptian and Moroccan views on local and international issues. She noted that she especially enjoyed her Community-Based Learning course in Cairo, which provided her the opportunity to interact with Egyptians on a daily basis through her internship. Macarena remarked, “Working at the Children's Cancer Hospital, helped me see another part of Cairo and meet amazing individuals who push for change every day.” By the end of her program, Macarena felt her confidence and proficiency in using Arabic had drastically improved due to AMIDEAST’s rigorous courses. “If there is anything I am sure of, it is that I am 100% committed to becoming fluent in Arabic and pursuing a career in the Middle East.”
 

Following her AMIDEAST program in Egypt, Macarena decided to spend the following summer interning at AMIDEAST’s office in Ramallah. Currently, Macarena is finishing up her final year of undergraduate studies at American University. After returning from her AMIDEAST program in Cairo and summer internship, she decided to take on Arabic as a second major. Following her graduation in May 2014, Macarena hopes to return to the Middle East and work in the development sector.