Auburn student uses Arabic, international studies to navigate semester in Morocco
Dillon O'Donnell, a junior in international studies who studies Arabic at Auburn and hopes to one day serve the U.S. Department of State, honed his language and cultural skills across Morocco last fall.
The International Studies Abroad (ISA) program in Meknes, Morocco takes university students to one of Morocco's historic cities to study language, culture and politics. O'Donnell lived and learned in Meknes for three months, adapting to a new dialect of Arabic.
"You put yourself in unfamiliar intercultural communications and it's primarily that ability to adapt, which is the best for language learning," O'Donnell said. "In an Auburn classroom, it's great to learn, but it doesn't stress you out. You kind of need that stress of having to figure it out quickly and actually learn how to communicate."
Weekend excursions took him across Morocco to see ancient tombs, government hubs, sprawling cities, white sand beaches and the vibrant markets of Marrakech.
During the week, O'Donnell took courses with local professors in Meknes covering Moroccan Arabic dialect, modern standard Arabic, Islamic politics and Islamic society and history.
"You got that perspective from someone who lived in the Middle East or someone who was from Morocco on politics and the history of it," O'Donnell said. "It was very interesting because I think someone who lived in the country and knows the politics is way more comfortable talking about it. It's good to get that perspective because it gave me a more holistic view of it."
Back in Auburn, O'Donnell said his experience abroad helps him make connections in classes such as his national security policy course. As an international studies major, O'Donnell studies multiple subjects each semester, including politics, accounting and intercultural communication.
Taking language courses in Arabic, which the U.S. State Department lists as a "critical language" for the country's national security and prosperity, will help O'Donnell stand out when he moves on to a master's program and begins his career in international affairs.
"If your major requires you to take a language, Arabic is hard, but it's so worth it," O'Donnell said. "It's one way to get your resume put above others, even if you have a basic understanding of it. It's great for your career. I would definitely encourage anybody that's looking to take a language to give Arabic a shot."
Find more information about programs in the Department of World Languages, Literatures and Cultures.
Tags: World Languages Literatures and Cultures Students
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