The End is Not Near; It’s Here

Going abroad, whether you plan on it or not, changes you, causes you to grow, and opens your eyes to new discoveries. Before coming to Jordan, I didn’t quite know what to expect; this dialogue wasn’t exactly in my plans. I always talked about how I wanted to learn Arabic one day, but the alphabet and the pronunciation always seemed too overwhelming. The last thing I expected was to end my college career in the Middle East, in an intensive Arabic course. Before arriving in country, I was terrified of the language, of whether or not I had made the right decision, about the refugee research I would be doing, everything. I was worried about going abroad my final semester, knowing that I would be one of the oldest students there. I felt as though I should stay in Boston, find a job, and finally settle down in one place for a little while. Sounds absolutely boring, doesn’t it?
Once I arrived in Jordan, though, I knew that I had made the right decision. On my first day of class, I walked into the classroom with the goal of being able to read Arabic and distinguish between all of the different letters, even if I wouldn’t know what they all meant at first. Within the first few hours, I could feel myself getting frustrated by how utterly different the language and the alphabet were from anything I was used to. I don’t like not knowing and I don’t like being at the lowest level of anything. However, once I accepted that everyone starts at the bottom and this is what I needed to do if I ever hoped to become advanced, I actually started to learn. I started to truly develop a skill that is highly sought after in in today’s world. It is a skill that I plan to perfect and utilize extensively when looking for a job in the global policy arena.

Prior to arriving in Jordan, I thought of myself as cultured and educated. Although, yes, I was, I have come to realize that I can always learn more. I have discovered that throughout my life, I will meet people, grow, change my mind, and expand my knowledge. This type of education will never truly end as long as I remain curious and open to different ideas.
As Americans, we all undoubtedly have certain presumptions when it comes to the Middle East. Despite how hard we try to educate ourselves, there are certain things that we cannot truly grasp without having been in the region. For me, Jordan, was my first introduction to the Middle East. I went in knowing that I would struggle with my own presuppositions. Nonetheless, by being in Jordan and speaking to the people, refugees, professors, lecturers, and other students, I would, through this internal struggle, let go of false presuppositions and strengthen other beliefs that I have found to be true. I ave come to find that this type of growth and discovery is and will always be the single greatest benefit of studying abroad and my favorite experience. People always ask me what the best part of a trip was, and I always respond with, ‘it’s not that simple.” As such, my favorite experience was the ability to learn. The ability to explore places like Petra, Aqaba, and Dana and learn first hand.
This Dialogue program has truly been the most educational experience I have had during my time at Northeastern, in more ways than one. The most obvious thing that I will take away is my language skills. I arrived in the country without a clue about the language and have left with the ability to read, write, and hold a conversation – although it will be a simple conversation. I have left with a burning desire to continue studying Arabic. I have walked away with a stronger understanding of Jordanian culture and a greater appreciation for the Islamic religion. Additionally, as with most abroad programs, I have left with a new group of friends and mentors. I have made friends who will one day serve their country in unimaginable ways. Friends who are studying a language as difficult as Arabic so that they may one day be able to communicate with the people we are currently fighting in the hope of one-day establishing allies through communication. To future participants, I would say to be aware of what you are signing up for. The Middle East is a unique place and you need to be perpared for the differences you undoubtedly encounter. However, if you are ready and if you go in with an open mind, you will have one of the best experiences of your life. In fact, if I were not graduating, I would already be planning my next study abroad program.