As a student of International Studies from a multicultural and multinational background, Branwen Francis long knew that she wanted to study abroad “more than anything else.” During her first years at Monterey Institute of International Studies, Branwen began studying the Arabic language and enjoyed exposure to Arabic literature. She chose Rabat as a study abroad destination to explore Morocco’s rich cultural mix of Amazigh, Arab, west African influences, and historical ties with Europe. Ultimately, Branwen chose to study abroad with AMIDEAST Rabat during the Fall 2009 semester because of her desire for a program with a strong language component and the program's association with Mohammad V University-Agdal.

Throughout her semester in Morocco, Branwen took advantage of AMIDEAST's course offerings and extra-curricular activities and excursions. Branwen stated, “I loved that there were opportunities to volunteer teaching languages in different communities.” She enjoyed living in a country that employs both the Arabic and French languages and was able to study in advanced levels of both languages while abroad with AMIDEAST. Branwen felt the Gender, Islam and Society course she took was the most enriching, as it incorporated topics of human rights and visits to local women’s organizations.

After the program with AMIDEAST, Branwen interned with the Human Rights program at The Carter Center in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. She worked to ensure gender mainstreaming and develop pedagogical activities for a legal training program on child trafficking and sexual abuse of children in Katanga province. Following this incredible experience, she travelled to Spain where she spent time studying Spanish and Arabic and also teaching English in Andalucia. Currently, Branwen tutors children with learning difficulties, including children on the autism spectrum, improving their language comprehension and verbalization skills. She also works as a substitute teacher and special education aide and teacher in local public schools in California. Recently, Branwen was awarded a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship grant to Cyprus for 2012-2013. Currently, Branwen is applying to law school, planning to study international human rights Law, focusing on women's human rights.