Ahlan bikum! Welcome, everyone! My name is Grace and I am currently in my third year at the University of California, Berkeley in northern California. At least, I would be, except for the fact that I am currently studying abroad in Amman, Jordan! Shortly after I transferred to UC-Berkeley from community college, I applied for and received the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship to study abroad in Jordan. I am currently taking four classes in Amman: two Arabic classes and two about the Middle East's past and present. I am also doing an internship in Amman, helping to research ways to improve the economy in Jordan. In a few months, I will be able to present the research I have done at a conference about investing in Jordan.
I live with a host family here, so I get to enjoy Jordanian culture through my host parents and host siblings. My school also takes my class on many trips to see sights throughout Jordan, and I am excited to bring you (virtually) along with me! I hope that I can come back to the Middle East one day to work because I love speaking Arabic and I really enjoy the culture in the Middle East. I am very excited to show you all the great things about Jordan and my travels here!
