A World Of Difference

During a 10-week Moroccan intensive study abroad program to improve his Arabic language skills, political science major, Nicolas Brannstrom ’25, experienced one of his proudest collegiate moments. 

“We were at the last class meeting with our teaching assistants (TA) so we could practice Arabic,” said Brannstrom. “My TA stopped mid-conversation to praise my improved communication skills. Afterward, I listened to my classmates and was impressed by how far we had all come in our ability to communicate.” 

Brannstrom and his classmates were naturally and effortlessly conversing with native Arabic speakers by the end of the program. Among the topics discussed were food, geopolitics, water insecurity and more. There was no need for translators or to simplify the vocabulary. Compared to when they first arrived in Morocco, this was a stark contrast.  

“Many of the students were anxious, uncertain and self-conscious when they spoke Arabic with native speakers,” said Dr. Salah Ayari, instructional professor of Arabic and Arabic Studies in the Department of Global Languages and Cultures in the College of Arts and Sciences. “However, the more they learned about the language and culture, the more curious, confident and culturally competent they became.” 

Ayari established the Arabic study abroad program in 2009, exploring Jordan, Tunisia, Kuwait and Qatar as program locations before selecting Morocco in 2011.

“Morocco has a rich history and culture,” said Ayari. “Also, it is a safe and stable country for our students learn and travel in, so it’s a great option for us.” 

Initially drawn to the challenge of learning Arabic, Brannstrom developed a deep appreciation for the language.

“Arabic has a beautiful alphabet, unique linguistic structure, a rich history and cultural significance,” said Brannstrom. “After taking Intermediate Arabic with Dr. Ayari, I knew that I wanted to study more with him, so I enrolled in his Moroccan study abroad program.” 

Students in the program earn 12 credit hours over two summer sessions, taking classes in Arabic reading, composition and directed studies. With faculty approval, there is also an option to complete a research capstone project. Students participate in daily life with their host families in Rabat and explore Marrakech, Fez and Tangier in Morocco; visit Granada in Southern Spain and travel to the Saraha Desert to enhance their learning through an intimate connection to the people, places and customs of these areas. 

During his time in the country, Brannstrom completed a capstone research paper on water resources in Morocco, which highlighted challenges related to climate change and other issues. His research reviewed future water insecurity scenarios and damage mitigation strategies.  

Over 300 million people speak Arabic worldwide and fluent speakers are in high demand. As a result of participating in this program, students from a variety of academic disciplines such as history, business, medicine and engineering gained valuable skills, broadened their worldview and increased their career prospects.  

“I am convinced that education should go beyond the classroom. Study abroad programs, internships and undergraduate research projects are effective ways to extend what can be taught in class,” said Ayari. “The best way to become proficient in a language is to immerse yourself in a culture of native speakers, and practice in real life situations and experiences.”

Brannstrom agrees.

“Learning a language where it is spoken contextualizes it,” said Brannstrom. “As a result, I was able to speak and understand Arabic better, I built my confidence, and I began to think in the language I was learning.”

But learning Arabic is only part of the objective. 

“We want to see students develop their self-reliance, critical thinking skills, adaptability and cultural understanding,” said Ayari. “Language is the key that unlocks this type of personal growth.” 

Students live with Moroccan host families and integrate into the family’s daily lives. In addition to sharing meals, household routines and cultural activities, they spend time getting to know one another. Students often describe living with a host family as one of the most valuable experiences. 

“When you learn someone’s language and live in their home, you get to know them and what is important to them,” said Brannstrom. “We connected through many conversations as I improved my communications skills. They told me about their family, political views, religious beliefs and the country’s economic and social conditions. And they wanted to learn about me as well. I gained a deeper understanding of Arabic and the Moroccan culture because of the experience.” Brannstrom made the most of his study abroad experience. 

“In spite of his limited language skills, Nicolas showed courage and a willingness to communicate with native speakers. His aim was for continuous improvement, and he achieved that,” said Ayari. “His interest in learning and growth mindset set him up for success.” 

Brannstrom, who graduated in May 2025, was commissioned into the U.S. Army as an officer with delayed active duty until he finishes law school at Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, D.C. He hopes to both continue his Arabic language studies, and after graduating, serve in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps.  

To participate in the program, qualified students pay tuition, program costs and travel expenses.

“Study abroad programs are an investment in high impact learning,” said Ayari. “Many students are only able to make that investment because of the scholarships they receive.” 

Donor funded scholarships help determine whether individual students can afford to study abroad, and whether a program can attract the minimum number of participants required to support the trip. The Moroccan Study Abroad program, Texas A&M’s only intense Arabic language learning opportunity, needs12 registered students. 

Brannstrom was awarded a $2,000 scholarship from Texas A&M’s International Endowment Fund to help pay for his participation in the program. The fund is made possible through the generous contributions of individuals, organizations and corporations.  

“Donors are critical partners in helping students to extract the many learning opportunities available through study abroad experiences,” said Brannstrom. “I am thankful for the donors whose generosity helped to make my and my classmate’s study abroad experience possible. I hope more Aggies will be able to participate in similar immersive, transformative learning experiences.”