This page highlights my roommate’s experiences as an Arabic major at UNC and her time studying abroad in Jordan. Through her stories, reflections, and photos, you’ll get a glimpse into her journey learning the language, exploring Middle Eastern culture, and growing through immersive global experiences.
In my interview with Bella, a sophomore at UNC-Chapel Hill majoring in Arabic studies, she shared how a deep personal connection first sparked her passion for the Arabic language. Growing up in boarding school with close friends from Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, Bella was inspired by their warmth and encouragement to begin studying Arabic during COVID. That early exposure turned into a lasting interest, and she eventually applied to college with the intent of majoring in Arabic.
This past summer, Bella had the unique opportunity to take her language learning beyond the classroom through a UNC study abroad program in Amman, Jordan. Funded by a state-sponsored scholarship called Raise Your Voice, she joined nine other UNC students in a cultural and academic exchange. They partnered with students at the American University of Madaba to complete a photovoice project, where participants captured images that reflected cultural prompts and shared their interpretations with one another. This collaborative experience offered a meaningful way to explore differences and commonalities between Jordanian and American perspectives.
Beyond academics, Bella immersed herself in the richness of Jordanian culture through travel and everyday life. From exploring Petra and riding camels in the Wadi Rum desert to wandering the cafes and museums of Amman, she embraced every opportunity to connect with the local environment and people. One of her favorite memories was the desert safari, where she described the surreal beauty of the Mars-like landscape, famously featured in films like The Martian and Dune.
What stood out most from her experience was the way her Arabic skills improved—particularly her ability to use colloquial phrases and regional expressions. She noted how rewarding it was to compare dialects from Jordan with those she’d heard in the UAE, and emphasized how study abroad not only advanced her language abilities but also deepened her understanding of the region’s culture. The friendships she formed with local students remain a meaningful part of her journey, showcasing the power of language and cultural exchange in building lasting connections.
Stay in touch with Bella through her LinkedIn.