Photographs From Students Abroad
Study Abroad
Swarthmore students, take heed of the following verse by the ninth-century Arab intellectual al-Shafi'i:
"There is no rest in residence for a person of culture
and intellect, so travel and leave where you’re residing!
Travel! You will find a replacement for what you have left.
And strive! The sweetness of life is in striving!"
Studying abroad in an Arabic-speaking country is an invaluable opportunity for students across the college to understand the dynamics of trade, religion, migration and colonial and imperial power in the modern world. Arabic is a global language spoken not only across many nations of Africa, the Levant, and the Arab Gulf, but also by millions of people in diaspora across Europe, North and South America and Australia, and Asia. Therefore, Arabic Studies majors and minors, including students preparing for a secondary school teaching certificate, are especially strongly encouraged to take advantage of a study abroad program in a majority Arabic-speaking country by their second or third year. Academic credit (full or partial) is generally approved for participation in programs recommended by the Arabic section. The Global Engagement Office, in conjunction with the faculty in the Arabic Section, helps students find programs that are a good fit for their interests.
