Series Introduces Shenandoah Students To Arab Culture Ahead Of Collaboration With Jordanian Partners

Shenandoah University’s first-year students were given a quick lesson on Arab culture in advance of spending the rest of the Fall 2024 semester collaborating virtually with peers from Yarmouk University in Jordan.

From Sept. 16-19, Shenandoah’s Barzinji Institute for Global Virtual Learning hosted a series of events, led by Salah Algabli, Ph.D., assistant instructional professor in Arabic studies at the University of Florida, that introduced SU students to a variety of aspects of Arab culture and customs. The series was implemented in the lead up to Shenandoah’s Virtually Going Global, an extension of the university’s First-Year Seminar (FYS) program that is supported by the J. Christopher Stevens Virtual Exchange Initiative, a U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs program administered by the Aspen Institute.

In May, the Stevens Initiative announced that Shenandoah University was one of 11 recipients of funding for a virtual exchange program that connects young people in the United States and the Middle East and North Africa.

The ‘Intro to Arab Culture’ series was a resounding success for our students and faculty. We received some really great feedback from students and even some follow-up questions about food, clothing and music. We are so excited to be a part of this experience, and our students will gain a valuable international perspective from it!”

Bryan Pearce-Gonzales, Ph.D., director of FYS and professor of Hispanic studies at Shenandoah University

The introductory series, led by Salah Algabli, Ph.D., assistant instructional professor in Arabic studies at the University of Florida, was highlighted by a four-day interactive presentation, titled “Beyond Borders: An Immersive Journey Into Arab Culture,” that delved into topics such as Arab greetings, family life and dining customs and engaged students in discussions that challenged stereotypes and encouraged a deeper appreciation for Arab and Islamic cultures.

First-year students also had the opportunity to attend three hands-on events that explored specific areas of Arab culture.

In “Playtime and Fashion,” students played traditional games such as “Who Am I?” and checkers while learning about traditional Arab clothing such as the thobe and abaya and headdresses like the keffiyeh and hijab.

“Intro to Arabic: A Language of Connection and Culture” introduced students to the Arabic language, teaching them the unique script, sounds and basic phrases. Students learned common greetings, essential vocabulary and simple conversational expressions, providing a foundation in Arabic and insight into the cultural context that shapes the language.

In “A Taste of Tradition: Culinary Journey Through the Arab World,” students were split into groups and – guided by cultural insight and technique – teamed up to cook traditional dishes from regions such as North Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and the Levant. Additionally, students were taught the cultural significance of floor seating and the rich tea traditions that accompany those meals.

“This event truly sparked student interest in the virtual exchange by exposing students with just the right amount of information to pique their curiosity and want to learn more,” SU Associate Provost of Academic Affairs Amy Sarch, Ph.D., said. “What better way is there to learn more than developing [virtual] relationships with Jordanian peers?”

Shenandoah FYS students will begin their virtual exchange in Virtually Going Global starting the second week of October. Through the program, SU students in all 26 FYS courses this fall will work together – synchronously and asynchronously – with Yarmouk students in one of three virtual exchange options. Each option builds up to a class project designed to advance students’ global awareness and understanding of multiple perspectives. Those projects will be presented at culminating events in both regions.