Studying in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA)

Few students from the U.S. and Europe study in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The reasons are many and include everything from language to fear of security. In reality, higher education opportunity in MENA is widespread, growing, and offers one of the most important cross-cultural experiences a student could find anywhere. An article about higher education in Morocco recounts ways that faculty, staff, and students can begin to explore educational opportunity in the MENA region and provides evidence why it would be useful.

I can recall to this day all the comments I heard from colleagues when I moved to Qatar. "Will you be safe?" "How will you deal with the prohibitions of Islamic law and culture?" These and other questions reflected little more than stereotypes held by westerners about the people and culture of the MENA region. The bottom line was that I was probably safer in Qatar than I am in the U.S. and I learned what I could and couldn't do and respected the culture of the host country. It took some effort to adapt and, certainly, I often found myself out of my comfort zone. Could there have been a better learning opportunity - doubtful I could have found anything better and I hope others will consider it in the coming years.