Focusing on the Middle East as an International Relations major at American University, Rebecca Carlson decided she had to experience the region for herself. Because of the historical significance of Egypt and the cultural importance of Cairo, her sights were set on this North African country. Rebecca participated in AMIDEAST’s Area & Arabic Language Studies Program in Cairo during spring 2010 semester. Rebecca noted that she was most excited for AMIDEAST’s location in central Cairo and the small, personal nature of the program.

Rebecca determined that her semester with AMIDEAST helped her become a strong, more independent person. She thrived in the rigorous academic setting and especially appreciated the “incredible and supportive staff who were with us for every step of the way.” Coupled with academics, Rebecca adored the program excursions to the Siwa Oasis, Alexandria, and other parts of Egypt which allowed her to see snippets of life throughout the country. Living and learning together, Rebecca formed tight bonds with fellow AMIDEAST program participants. She also remarked that her Arabic skills dramatically improved over the course of the program. Through challenging classes and site visits focused on neighborhoods in Cairo, Rebecca “slowly began to unravel the stereotypes that often threaten to enshroud the beautiful regions.”

“Studying abroad with AMIDEAST has allowed me to have the confidence to pursue challenging career goals and flourish. I know the experiences I had in my classes and on my trips changed me forever,” Rebecca said when reflecting on her AMIDEAST experience. After graduating in the spring of 2011, Rebecca became a Corps Member with Teach for America in Charlotte, North Carolina. She currently teaches sixth grade social studies. For the summer of 2012, Rebecca returned to the Middle East to teach English and work with Camp Discovery in the West Bank.