I enrolled at ANU in a Medical Science degree with Arabic and French electives, but I enjoyed the language courses so much, I changed to an Arts degree. I love that I have been able to study Arabic and French while still studying science courses relevant to my postgraduate study.

Being able to speak Arabic and French will benefit my medical career whether I am travelling to do aid work in the Middle East or helping refugees here in Canberra. I think learning these languages has helped my own cultural understanding of the issues facing the Middle East.

I was pleasantly surprised when I found out we had the opportunity to study in an Arab country. I spent last summer in Qatar on the ANU Applied Arabic course. This program not only improved my Arabic exponentially but also broadened my horizons and allowed me to experience life in the Gulf.

I have valued the support of the academics while studying Arabic at CAIS. Our teachers, Huda Al-Tamimi and France Meyer, both knew the students level and potential and helped us to reach it.