Experiencing the Old and New Middle East

The Egypt, Cyprus, Dubai Dialogue provides students with an in-depth study of the contemporary Middle East (politics, history, culture, gender, migration, and society), with a special focus on the rising power of the UAE (Dubai and Abu Dhabi) along with traditional Middle East politics: military- backed regimes (Egypt, Syria, Jordan), the Arab-Israeli Conflict, Civil Wars in Yemen and Syria, and Refugee Crises (Syrian, Yemeni, and others). Through formal and informal activities (lectures, site visits, dialogues, reading and viewing assignments), students engage with guest lecturers and residents of Egypt, Cyprus, and the UAE via dialogue and discussion of current events, culture, history, international relations and global issues.

Topics include: • The Middle East region after the Arab “Spring” • Egypt and UAE’s strategic position for US security in the Middle East • Cyprus as an “extension” of the Middle East, especially for Lebanon • Syria’s civil war and refugee crisis: Impact on Jordan, Lebanon, and Turkey • Shifting regional power centers, from Egypt to the Gulf (Saudi Arabia & UAE especially) • Dubai as global hub; UAE as a “small state powerhouse” • Gender as it relates to migration, religion, and culture in the Arab region 

Students will experience ancient “Wonders of the World”, starting with the Great Pyramids and Sphinx at Giza, and the Valley of the Kings in Luxor. In Dubai, students have the option to enter the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa – and other “modern wonders” in this constantly expanding global city. We also will have visits to US Embassies and Consulates.Students will receive a detailed program itinerary after acceptance into the program. 

For more information, please see the Global Experience Office website found here.

Upcoming Information Sessions for Summer 2025:

• November 19th from 6pm-7pm in 201CRP
• November 20th from 7pm-8pm in 201CRP