I chose my degree as I wanted to study Arabic to better understand my family heritage and to interact more with the older members of my family. Learning a language has enabled me to communicate with others in different contexts. When you learn a language you aren’t just learning grammar and vocabulary, you are also learning how to appreciate and interact respectfully with other cultures.

My degree included a six-week course in Jordan, a place I would have struggled in without studying Arabic. The range of subjects that we studied in class was a very pleasant surprise. It has equipped me to talk about everything from politics to haggling in the market.

I am currently extending my degree by taking an Honours year in Arabic and hope to further my research of the Middle East. I’m also considering using my developed communication skills to go into teaching.

Learning Arabic and studying at CAIS have been wonderful opportunities which have allowed me to expand my life in so many different ways. I’ve been able to connect with my family heritage including a visit to my family's town in Lebanon. The language and cultural understanding helped me with my visits to the Middle East, as I was able to really talk to people. My degree has made me a better communicator overall.