The reason I chose to study abroad in Yemen and learn Arabic was because the program provided a great opportunity for me to submerse myself in a culture that I knew little about first hand and only knew from books I had read.

Being in Yemen has really opened my eyes to what it is like to live in the Middle East and in a Muslim country. I have had a wonderful time living here so far. I have meet people from all over the world and made friends with them from such places as Scotland, England, Poland, Spain, Italy, Germany, Mexico, France, and Yemen just to name a few. I have found the people of Yemen to be some of the most friendly and caring people I have ever encountered. I have also found that studying Arabic in Yemen was a perfect choice for me because the majority of people hardly speak English forcing me to learn Arabic quickly. In addition, the people who do speak English in Yemen have been the most helpful in making sure that I learn Arabic by inviting me into their businesses or restaurants to speak with their friends and customers in order to learn Arabic. My time here in Yemen has also been spent shopping at the local suq (market) or strolling the streets of Sana’a in order to familiarize myself with the city. Study abroad was something I always knew I would do and the Office of International Programs helped me in achieving that dream. Studying abroad is a choice I will continue to make in the future and the only question is which country from the many will I chose to go to next?

Jennifer Bland