Jaya at the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca!

Author: Jayakumari Nair | Majors: Arabic, Middle East Studies, Asian Studies | Semester: Spring 2025

Hello! My name is Jaya Nair and I am a senior majoring in Arabic, Middle East Studies, and
Asian Studies with a minor in Chinese! Participating in the Europe & the Islamic World J-Term
Seminar with the Institute of American Universities Study Abroad program was an unforgettable
journey filled with memories that I will cherish all my life. The program took place from
December 29th to January 16th and it was a journey that helped me to grow, learn, and
understand the importance of my studies. I chose this program because it offered a unique
opportunity to immerse myself in the cultural, historical, and linguistic landscapes of the MENA
region, enhancing my understanding of the region’s complexities and connections with other
cultures. Over three weeks, I had the opportunity to travel to 3 countries (and a British territory!),
learn so much, practice my language skills, and try so many new things!

Our adventure began in Paris, where we met faculty and students. There were a few different
IAU J-Term programs going on and they all started in Paris and then went onto different next
stops. We spent time exploring the city, including walking tours and a visit to the Institute of the
Arab World. The Institute of the Arab World was an incredible introduction to the themes of the
program, offering a deep dive into the rich history of the MENA region.Taking a boat ride down
the Seine and celebrating New Year’s in Paris were unforgettable moments. Paris, with its
diverse cultural influences, set the perfect tone for what would be an amazing adventure!

From Paris, we took a flight to Morocco, which became my favorite destination. In Marrakesh,
the lively Jemaa el-Fnaa market was an amazing experience, filled with vibrant colors, spices,
and street performances. We visited the Koutoubia Minaret, deepening our understanding of
Islamic communities. A visit to Lalla Takerkoust at the foot of the Atlas Mountains offered a
peaceful retreat, and a camel ride added to the adventure. Casablanca’s Hassan II Mosque left me
speechless with its massive scale and design. In Rabat, we explored Chellah, the Hassan Tower,
and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V. The author’s talk with Abdellilah Hamdouchi, one of the
first Arabic-language crime novelists, was a fascinating experience that gave me a deeper
understanding of modern Arabic literature. It was also so cool to attend the talk as it was in
Arabic and I got to practice my listening skills in an experience outside of traditional class.
We also spent time in Tangier, visiting the Caves of Hercules and Cape Spartel. In every city in
Morocco, we had the chance to wander through the old medinas and kasbahs. Practicing Arabic
with the locals was both fun and rewarding—it’s something I had always wanted to do as an
Arabic major, and Morocco gave me the perfect environment to do so.

The next part of our journey took us on a boat ride across the Strait of Gibraltar from Morocco to
Spain. The crossing felt symbolic, bridging two continents and two worlds, keeping in mind the
present-day experiences. Upon arrival in Spain, we crossed through immigration into Gibraltar, a
British territory. We explored the city, stopping at St. Marc’s Cave and Europa Point. It was an
incredible experience to be at such a historically significant place.

Next, we headed to Seville. We learned quite a lot about the shared community between Arabs
and Jews in the Jewish Quarter and the influence of Islamic architecture on the Plaza España.
Wandering through the Barrio Santa Cruz felt like stepping back in time. The Seville Cathedral
was a highlight, with the beauty of La Giralda. Next, we went to Cordoba and visited the Great
Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba. This is a stunning fusion of Islamic and Christian influences,
showcasing the rich, layered history of Spain. From there, we made our way to Granada, where I
could have spent hours at the Alhambra, marveling at its intricate Islamic architecture and serene
gardens. El Sacromonte and the Medina were other highlights of Granada that I will never forget.
Granada was definitely my favorite part of Spain and I got to speak a lot of Arabic with locals
which I was pleasantly surprised by.

Our final stop was Madrid, where we brought everything together! We explored Plaza Mayor and
the Arab walls of Madrid. We also attended a flamenco show! It was an amazing experience,
learning about the Arab cultural connections to flamenco. It was the perfect ending to an
unforgettable journey through history, culture, and language.

Throughout the trip, I also made so many wonderful friends from different universities, and the
program’s staff, faculty, TAs, as well as the local experts we met in each city, were incredibly
knowledgeable, and their passion was inspiring. The daily lectures, readings, and assignments
made this experience even more enriching. I can honestly say this seminar has not only
broadened my academic knowledge but has deeply impacted me personally. It was so surreal
being in places that I have learned so much about in my classes at the U of A. I will carry the
lessons, friendships, and memories with me for a lifetime. This experience also helped to
understand the importance of my area of study and has inspired me to continue on this path. I am
grateful to have had this opportunity and I encourage anyone thinking of studying abroad to take
that leap and do it! I would definitely recommend this program!