Unique International Program Fosters Greater Awareness of the Arab World
by Maraya Wahl
2018 WC Graduate
Rabat, the capital of Morocco, a seaside location in the northern part of Africa, was recently home to four Wilmington College students and two alumni for the weekend of Nov. 2 to 5.
PICTURED: Junior Jese Shell represents the United Arab Emerites during the International Model Arab League simulation.
WC students Amanda Watson, Michael Smith, Jese Shell, Tess Delcamp, and alumni Maraya Wahl and Chris Howard participated in the International Model Arab League (IMAL) hosted at the International University of Rabat in the capital of that northern African nation.
“The experience was everything I had hoped it would be from getting to explore Morocco to the Model Arab League,” said Watson, a senior and first time participant in the Model Arab League. “It has given me even more motivation to move and live outside of the United States.”
From October 30 to early November 2, prior to the opening of the IMAL, the group toured the Moroccan mountains and well-known cities of Marrakesh and Ouarzazate. They stopped for street-side merchants, ate traditional Moroccan meals, rode camels and climbed the spectacular dunes of the Merzouga Desert, and befriended the locals.
“As a whole, this trip has likely changed my life, which isn't really surprising because I think traveling abroad can do that,” Watson continued. “But, it has definitely increased my desire to travel in the Middle East and hopefully stay there for extended periods of time to learn more about the culture and the people.”
Michael Smith, a WC junior, says, “My favorite thing about Morocco is a tight tie between the beautiful vistas, tantalizing culinary experiences and the ultra-hospitable natives.”
After exploring Morocco, the students began their participation in IMAL, a program that informs young leaders about international issues and creates a greater awareness of the Arab world and its people. Each student from Wilmington College and other international universities represented a country within the actual Arab League and, as such, worked to resolve political and social issues that affect the area.
“It was an incredible learning experience and a lot of fun to participate in,” shares Watson. “It opened my eyes to the experiences of people from a completely different culture and part of the world than I'm from. It was a wonderful environment to learn and grow in and everyone was willing to help each other.”
“I knew coming into the conference I needed to be superbly prepared and have my facts straight,” said Smith, who has previously participated in the regional Model Arab League.
Dr. Marlaina Leppert-Wahl, associate professor of political science who led the WC contingent in Morocco, offers students in any academic major a spring semester course in preparation for the Ohio Valley Regional Model Arab League. Leppert-Wahl accompanied WC students to the National Model Arab League event in Washington, D.C., in April and will return with another group in March 2019.
Smith encourages students to take the course and participate in Model Arab League.
“The experience sharpens your critical thinking and writing skills, as well as deepening your cultural understanding and making you a more well-rounded person,” she said.
Concerning the future of the IMAL for Wilmington College students, Leppert-Wahl said she would like the College to participate in the International Model Arab League in Morocco every other year. “At this point, I am planning to take students and alumni back in 2020,” she added. “I will also look into other opportunities for IMAL for Wilmington College students. There is one in Egypt, for example.”
For more information about Wilmington College’s participation in the regional, national or international Model Arab League, contact Leppert-Wahl at marlaina_leppert-wahl@wilmington.edu.
