FLAGSHIP STUDENT PROFILES

Student Profiles

Iman Ng


Anticipated Degree(s):

  • Government and Politics
  • Arabic
  • Russian Studies
  • Middle East Studies

Hometown:

Rockville, Maryland

Career goals:

What do you plan to do with your fluency in Arabic?
I would like to work for the US State Department as a Foreign Service Officer or at the United Nations.

What attracted you to the Arabic Flagship?
The intensive curriculum and emphasis on both Modern Standard Arabic and Egyptian Arabic, as both of these varieties of Arabic are very important in getting oneself acquainted and familiar with the majority of the Arab World.

What's the best aspect of being in the Arabic Flagship?
Interaction with people whom you meet on a daily basis, the conversation partners 3 times a week, and getting to know people with the same passions as you do.

Why is fluency in Arabic important to you?
It's important to me because speaking to people in their language always convey a degree of closeness and willingness to learn about their culture, much more so than speaking in English (not that English is unimportant).

What do you like to do in your free time?
Learn languages, hanging out with friends, reading magazines, being informed, enjoying myself!

Susan J. Shatila


Anticipated Degree(s):

  • Agriculture and Resource
  • Economics (Agribusiness)
  • Arabic

Hometown:

St. Augustine, Florida


Career goals:

What do you plan to do with your fluency in Arabic?
My fluency in Arabic will help me reach out to the Arab world and better understand Arab culture. It will help me to communicate better with my family and the Arab community at large.

What attracted you to the Arabic Flagship?
The Arabic Flagship is indeed a great program to be part of. Arabic flagship classes are different and more challenging than all other Arabic classes. The Flagship program gave me a unique opportunity in fully immersing myself within the culture, language, and customs of the Arab world by all the movies and extracurricular activities that the program offers.

Why is fluency in Arabic important to you?
Fluency in Arabic is important to me because my family comes from a Lebanese descent. Arabic helps me connect with my roots and of course my family. It will also help me better connect with people in the Arab community.

What do you like to do in your free time?
In my free time I like to read, draw, exercise, and spend quality time with my family and friends.

Rachel McGuire


Anticipated Degree(s):

  • Linguistics
  • Russian
  • Arabic

Hometown:

Beckley, West Virginia


Career goals:

What do you plan to do with your fluency in Arabic?
I'm considering becoming an interpreter.

What attracted you to the Arabic Flagship?
The chance to improve my speaking skills and go to Egypt.

What's the best aspect of being in the Arabic Flagship?
The small classes where you know everyone.

Why is fluency in Arabic important to you?
It's more fun to be fluent because you can talk about what you want without having to stop and think (too much).

What do you like to do in your free time?
Read books, write stories, and listen to music.