As someone with an expeditionary mindset, I am always on the lookout for new opportunities to learn and grow. Recently, during the fall of 2021, I came across an email from the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth that caught my attention. It mentioned an opportunity to travel to the United Arab Emirates for a week to learn about the country and bring back that knowledge to our own community. Without hesitation, I applied and was filled with excitement at the thought of embarking on this new expedition.
So Why the United Arab Emirates?
For me, it’s a country that never fails to capture the world’s attention. From towering skyscrapers to ambitious sustainability initiatives and a thriving tech industry, the UAE is a place of fascination for many, including myself. I immediately imagined myself standing in front of those luxurious hotels in Dubai that I had seen on TV or being at the top of the Burj Khalifa, in awe of the sheer engineering feat of constructing the world’s tallest building.
But my interest in the UAE goes beyond its impressive infrastructure. I was also drawn to the country’s commitment to sustainability and reducing its dependence on oil and gas. As a passionate STEM educator, I wanted to learn more about the UAE’s solar power plants, green cities, and other initiatives towards sustainability. I couldn’t help but feel excited at the thought of being right there, witnessing these efforts in action.
Another area that sparked my curiosity was the UAE’s advancements in technology and innovation. From AI to blockchain to space exploration, the country has made significant strides in these areas and has become a major player on the world stage. I was eager to learn more about what was driving these developments and how they were impacting the economy and society.
As someone from a similar cultural background, I was also intrigued by the UAE’s customs and norms. I wanted to visit mosques, see how people prayed, and experience the local cuisine. Most importantly, I wanted to hear the Adhan, the call to prayer in Islam, broadcasted five times a day. It had been fifteen years since I had heard it outside of a mosque, and I couldn’t wait to experience the spiritual feeling that comes with hearing it broadcasted outside.
Finally, as an educator, I was interested in exploring the UAE’s educational system. I hoped to visit both public and private schools, meet with UAE educators and students, and learn about their approach to teaching and STEM education.
In conclusion, I couldn’t pass up this incredible opportunity to learn and grow. With so much to discover and experience, I am eagerly awaiting the results of my application and can’t wait to embark on this exciting new expedition to the United Arab Emirates.
Acceptance Letter
After eagerly waiting for months, I finally received the acceptance letter to travel to the UAE in March 2022. However, due to the ongoing pandemic, the trip was cancelled and postponed to March 2023. Although I was disappointed at first, I understood the importance of keeping everyone safe.
Months later, in the fall, I received another email confirming that we were definitely going to travel to the UAE in March 2023. This news filled me with excitement and I immediately started preparing for this once-in-a-lifetime expedition.
In my next post, I will share my experience of traveling to the UAE and all the amazing things that I learned during my time there.
Expeditionary Learning 