Marhaban!
In
just a few short days I will be heading to the United Arab Emirates to study at
the American University of Sharjah for the Spring 2014 semester. Through this
blog I hope to share with you my experiences abroad, the lessons I learn, and
the culture I observe.
My
name is Shannon Cook and I am a junior at American University in Washington, DC
majoring in International Studies with a focus on the Middle East and
International Economics, and minoring in Arab Studies. In the future I wish to
go into international trade or diplomacy between the United States and the
Middle East, specifically the Persian Gulf.
Why
the Persian Gulf you ask? For one thing, it has a long, fascinating history. In
terms of economics of the Middle East, the Persian Gulf is home to some of the
strongest economies in the region with Qatar having the second highest GDP per
capita in the world, and Saudi Arabia and the UAE being the two largest Arab
economies. While most of these countries have grown economically because of oil
and natural gas, they are all taking steps to diversify their economies. In
addition, the rapid economic growth partnered with conservative Muslim society
make for some interesting politics. And of course, on the other side of the
Gulf lies Iran, a fascinating country in itself that has had some very strained
relations with the Arab monarchies. I could go on forever I’m sure but I think
you get the point – the Persian Gulf fascinates me!
When
I first thought about study abroad I thought I would go to Jordan or Morocco to
focus on studying the Arabic language but all that changed a year ago when I
interned at the National US-Arab Chamber of Commerce (NUSACC) in Washington,
DC. At that point, I still had no idea what I wanted to do with my degree, but
interning at NUSACC awoke a strong interest in international trade and
economics in me. And with the UAE being the second largest economy in the Arab
world after Saudi Arabia, studying abroad there makes perfect sense for me.
Within
the UAE, Sharjah is one of seven emirates and the emirate is ruled by the Al
Qasimi family. The city of Sharjah, which is the capital of the overall
emirate, is the third largest city in the country (after Abu Dhabi and Dubai). This
year, Sharjah was named the Islamic Cultural Capital by the OIC so I am excited
to have a chance to go to some of the programs and events held in the city!
At
the American University of Sharjah (AUS) I will be taking a full load of
courses on the Middle East and economics. While I am staying in the UAE I plan
on soaking up as much history as I can, gaining a better understanding for the
culture, and improving my Arabic language skills.
I
cannot wait to spend the next few months in the UAE! And while I am extremely
excited about this trip I am also nervous. This will be my first time out of
the United States, as well as my first time on an airplane. Until then, I will
be saying good-bye to my family and finishing up some last minute packing as I
watch my cat stare at me sadly with that look of betrayal for leaving her once
again.
