Lauren Kardos, an International Affairs and Middle East Studies double-major from The George Washington University, has known she wanted to study in Egypt since before she can remember. After learning about AMIDEAST’s program in Cairo, Egypt, she was determined to participate during the spring semester of her junior year.
 

Although Lauren loved her first several weeks in Cairo, the January 25th Revolution drastically cut her time in Egypt short. In order to continue her studies, Lauren chose to transfer to AMIDEAST’s Jordan semester program. Overcoming initial difficulties with transition, she grew to love the Jordanian capital and quickly integrated into daily life. As part of her coursework, Lauren interned at the Jordanian Women’s Union which helped dramatically improve her Arabic and allowed her the opportunity to make numerous American and Jordanian friends. Not ready to leave the Hashemite Kingdom at the end of the spring semester, Lauren decided to participate in AMIDEAST’s summer 2011 Intensive Arabic Program in order to spend three additional months in the country. During this time, Lauren was able to complete the equivalent of two additional semesters of Arabic, work as a research assistant at The University of Jordan, live with a Jordanian host family, and explore more of the diverse country.

Recalling her experience, Lauren said: “AMIDEAST was a constant support and guide throughout my Middle Eastern living and learning adventure. The flexibility, yet rigor, of the three programs I experienced allowed educational, cultural, and personal fulfillment. ” Currently, Lauren serves as an Education Abroad Intern at AMIDEAST Headquarters in Washington, DC. After graduating in May 2012, Lauren hopes to return to the Middle East or find a job which will allow her to travel to the region.