Editor,
I am writing from Israel, where I am nearing the end of a six-month study abroad at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. As a New Mexican and a Lobo, I believe I am in the position to share something important with UNM students. Though I am a Presidential Scholar and have significant incentives to continue studying at UNM, I have decided to transfer to another university upon returning to the United States.
I made my decision based on a simple fact: UNM lacks a Middle Eastern studies department. Though UNM has an amazing Latin American studies program, that it lacks a program specializing in the Middle East severely impairs UNM students who wish to work in Washington, D.C.
As a former U.S. Senate intern, I can attest to the fact that areas of global interest are currently the Middle East and East Asia. These global regions dominate a majority of foreign policy research forums on Capitol Hill.
Since Sept. 11, 2001, there has been a need for Arabic and Farsi speakers working for the State Department. Though UNM does offer Arabic classes, this program is in desperate need of expansion to provide more students a competitive edge when applying to graduate schools and to search for job opportunities.
Furthermore, there is a general need for young people in the United States to be educated about the complexities of the Middle East. After all, our military is trying to help build a stable Iraqi government.
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I find the fact that most New Mexicans don't know the difference between the Sunni and Shiite branches of Islam to be a severe impediment to their understanding of global issues in which America is intrinsically involved. Even if students are vehemently opposed to the war in Iraq, that they do not understand basic Iraqi history and culture destroys any plausible argument they may try to formulate concerning this war.
If students want to be attractive candidates for the State Department or the Foreign Service, it is important that they be provided opportunities to study abroad in the Middle East.
Studying with Arabs and Jews at Hebrew University has truly enriched my understanding of this part of the world. From Israel, I have also been able to travel to other areas of global interest: Jordan, Egypt and the Palestinian territories.
Unfortunately, UNM has no formal study abroad program with this school, and I essentially had to create one from scratch in order to study here. There are other places to study in the Middle East, including the American University in Cairo and the American University in Beirut - both institutions have reputable programs for those who wish to study intensive Arabic.
Many American students I have met in Israel previously studied at such institutions before attending Hebrew University. Of course, I highly recommend Hebrew University as an excellent place to study a variety of Middle Eastern languages, including classical and colloquial Arabic, biblical as well as modern Hebrew, many variations of Farsi and others.
This school also enjoys a world-renowned reputation for its programs in Middle Eastern politics and history. UNM needs to form exchange programs with such institutions to prepare its students for a changing world.
Rachel Fredman
UNM student
