Arabic B.A. Grads Move on to Exciting Careers
Six recent graduates from the U of A’s Arabic major program are embarking on promising futures in a variety of fields, from comparative literature and cultural studies to medicine. The Arabic Program takes pride in having been a part of their undergraduate journey and providing them with a supportive community on campus. Although their presence will be missed in our offices and classrooms, we eagerly anticipate hearing about their future achievements.
Here’s where they are heading and what some of them had to say about their time studying Arabic with us:
Jenna Allemand – B.A. Arabic, spring 2024 (B.A. French, fall 2023)
“I aim to further my education and hopefully move abroad to live immersed in another language to improve my skills and form connections no matter where life takes me. Studying Arabic has led me to encounter new people and make many friends. It has opened me to new cultures that I enjoy learning about. The people make any difficulties to communicate worth it.”
Kariman Alsein – B.A. Arabic and B.S. biology, fall 2023
Alsein is currently applying to medical schools with the goal of starting in the fall of 2025. In the meantime, she works as a pharmacy technician and serves as a certified Arabic translator for patients, while also volunteering at Baptist Health Hospital in Fort Smith.
“Studying Arabic at the University of Arkansas has been extremely meaningful for me and is a core component of my college experience. I have completely transformed my literacy and language skills in Arabic while making friendships that will last a lifetime. The classes have challenged me intellectually and encouraged immense growth. Learning Arabic has also incited growth socially, making me confident in speaking Arabic with native speakers without fear of judgment. Studying Arabic ignited a passion for learning about different cultures and languages. I am forever grateful to have been a student within this department.”
Khadeeja Asif – B.A. Arabic & B.S. biochemistry, minor in medical humanities, spring 2024
After graduating in May, Asif traveled to Amman, Jordan, to participate in intensive advanced Arabic studies with the Critical Language Scholarship Program. She will attend UAMS in the fall.
Blaise Becan – B.A. Arabic, minors in French and Spanish for second language learners, spring 2024
Becan is preparing for the next steps in his career, leveraging his expertise in multiple languages.
Emma Bryans – B.A. Arabic, Middle East studies, international & global studies; minor in history, spring 2024
“After graduating in May, I traveled to Meknes, Morocco, where I began an intensive Arabic language program at AALIM. In July, I will continue my studies at Noor Majan in Muscat, Oman. In the fall, I will return to the U of A to earn a master’s degree in comparative literature and cultural studies. When I began my freshman year at Arkansas, I had one goal — to find something I was passionate about. The Arabic program provided me with just that! I’m extremely grateful for the doors that studying Arabic has opened for me, as well as the relationships I have formed along the way.”
Lauren Kuykendall – B.A. Arabic, spring 2024
Kuykendall will pursue an M.A. in modern language at the U of A with the ultimate goal of becoming a teacher and translator.
“While studying at the U of A, I gained valuable knowledge in the Arabic language and cultures surrounding it. This experience has turned me into a better-informed individual and will greatly benefit me when I travel to Arabic-speaking countries.”
We congratulate all our graduates on their achievements and wish them the best in their future endeavors.
This story also appeared in the University of Arkansas News publication.