My American Experience
"My American Experience"
Actually I don’t know how to start my essay because there are thousands of thoughts and ideas inside my mind. But I have decided to start at the beginning until this moment briefly.
One of my dreams was to visit America the land of equality and freedom, so I decided to apply to the TCLP program. I was lucky to be accepted and come to USA. Now my dream is turned to be reality. When the plane landed at Dulles airport in Washington, DC at 3:06 PM on the first of August, 2009, I was over the moon. I met Eliza Doton, Program Officer. She is a very decent, helpful member of the American council. She took me and my Egyptian colleagues to the hotel.Each one of us received the Teachers of Critical Languages Program folder. I noticed from the beginning that the Americans are so organized and well- ordered people.
During the orientation I learned a lot of valuable things about life in America in general, and the American Educational System, in particular. For instance, Professor Dan Davidson gave a lecture about the potentials and purpose of Educational Exchanges. Mr. Benjamin Dunbar, Program Manger, gave a lecture about program goals and the Orientation Schedule. I understand that my goal here in America is to create mutual respect and understanding between the Arab world and the Americans, as well as teaching culture and, of course, Arabic. Throughout the orientation there were so many valuable lectures I can not mention all of them. There were also a lot of socializing events, as well as time for fun. To sum up, I felt that I was a soldier and I was going to participate in a battle. This orientation equipped me with all weapons to be ready for the fight throughout the year. Now I am ready to travel to the battlefield (Utah).
I said good bye to Washington DC on Saturday, August 15th. I was by myself on a plane flying to Salt Lake City, Utah. For the first time I started to feel lonely and homesick. I looked around me searching for my colleagues but I could not find them. I reached the Salt Lake City Airport at 5:30 pm on Saturday, August15th. At the airport I found my principal, Dr. Church, waiting for me. When I saw my principal, I started to feel comfortable again because he met me with a lovely, welcoming smile. I felt that I was lucky to work with a very helpful, generous, knowledgeable and supportive principal. He took me to live with Mr. Miller, a math teacher who works at AMES. Mr. Miller was a very good host. Miller let me use his own laptop to have a chat through Skype with my wife and three children in Egypt. I have two daughters and a son. My wife and children told me that they missed me so much and they started to count the days for my return. It was so painful for me, but I reminded myself that I have goals and I should do my best to achieve them. The best way to do this was to work harder and harder to overcome the feeling of homesickness.
August, 20th. There was a brand new activity for me at AMES. It was the "Open House". During that activity all new and returning students came to the school to meet the teachers and choose their classes. I brought with me a lot of posters and Arabic teaching Aids from Egypt. I arranged my Arabic posters and some Egyptian money on a big table to show them to the new students and their parents. Parents and students came and talked with me. They were so nice and gentle. They asked me a lot of questions about Egypt and about me personally. I explained to them the importance of studying Arabic. The parents were so happy that a native speaker would teach Arabic to their students. I explained to the new parents how important it was for their children to study Arabic as it is one of the most critical languages in the world. To sum up, the result was about 75 students signed up for Arabic and I was over the moon.
School started on Monday 24th.of August and after the first day of school my principal and the AMES staff helped me to move into my new apartment. I was sitting by myself in my new apartment without internet access. I started to feel lonely again and even wished to leave America and travel to Egypt at once to meet my wife and children, take them all on my arms and cover them with kisses. I couldn't go to sleep during that night but at 3:00 AM I started to read the Holy Bible, A very comfortable feeling of relief and peace filled my soul. I came to the conclusion that I should exert great efforts to teach the American students my language and culture, and to improve my English language, as well as achieve the TCLP program's goals. On Thursday September third I set up an Arabic Club at AMES. This club was for all AMES students, not just the students who signed up to study Arabic. About 45 students enrolled in the Arabic club and I was extremely happy.
Time passes quickly, as a cloud passes in the sky, and now I had been teaching at AMES for a month. I found teaching at AMES very enjoyable, as the environment is terrifically wonderful and the people here are extraordinarily kind to me. The students are so polite and respectable. Personally, I appreciate receiving so much respect, understanding and support from all the people here. It was their respect, understanding and support that inspired me a lot.
As an exchange teacher, I came here with a fully different cultural background and did not have the same customs as the people do here in America. I don't think I could escape any conflict in language or custom caused by different culture background, even if I did everything gingerly. Fortunately, whenever such things happened, people here would show their understanding and respect to me. During that period I gave a lot of presentations about the Egyptian culture inside and outside AMES.
Time passed and winter started to knock on the doors of Utah. I was living 10 minutes walking distance from my High School, "AMES". Snow started to cover the streets of Utah and it was difficult for me to walk in such freezing weather. Fortunately, one of AMES teacher was living at the same neighborhood area, was so generous and offered to give me a drive to school everyday. During that time there was good communications among AMES, the University of Utah, the Middle East Center and BYU University. There were a lot of meetings and workshops related to the TCLP program
One of the most important workshops was "The Fall Workshop in Boston". This workshop was arranged by TCLP staff. I was eager to meet my Egyptian and Chinese friends. All the exchange teachers were happy to reunite again. On Thursday, November 5, in a round- table discussion facilitated by Eliza Doton, all the exchange teachers reflected and shared their experiences during their first six weeks in their host communities. Topics of conversation included; transitions into the host school, host school community, host community and overall successes and challenges. Then Professor Amy Cournoyer gave a lecture on "Differentiated Instruction Frameworks in the Foreign Language Classroom." It was really beneficial. After that Professor Mohamed Eissa, gave a lecture on "Student – centered Activities in Arabic Classroom". On Friday, November 6, the Egyptian Teachers had a Videoconference with the Egyptian TCLP Alumni teachers. Then, in breakout sessions, TCLP staff facilitated a brief round -table discussion in which, after the concepts within the videoconference were reviewed, exchange teachers shared project ideas and professional development needs. To sum up there were a lot of valuable lectures concerning all aspects of life in America. TCLP staff didn't forget find times for fun for all the exchange teachers. They arranged a narrated tour of Boston and it was extremely wonderful. I said good bye to Boston and returned to Salt Lake City with a lot of valuable ideas and information.
I consider myself a lucky teacher because when I suggested the idea of having an Arab World and Language Awareness Cultural Week to my principal, he adopted the idea and helped me to make it a true event. I have to thank each person who helped us accomplish such a great event. In order to promote a study of the Arabic language at AMES we are co-sponsoring a series of activities with the University of Utah and The Middle Eastern Center that will increase awareness for the need for Arabic study in America, the value of it to the students, and the availability of quality language instruction here and at the local universities. Many people do not know about the many career and study opportunities available to Arabic language learners. We hope to increase their awareness. Through the activities included as part of this focused week we attempted to break down negative stereotypes of Arabs and misunderstandings. Fear, lack of understanding about the region, and limited opportunity to know Arabs all contribute to some hesitancy in students pursuing Arabic language study or even for parents to allow or encourage a study of Arabic. We hope to alleviate many of these concerns. The activities were so successful.
On the April 8th, I travelled to New Mexico and attended SWCOLT conference and it was extremely beneficial to me. I learned many new teaching techniques.
I also experienced a lot of American events such as; Halloween, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, Dr Martin Luther King Day, Valentine's Day, and other local events. For me, all the previous events were brand new and I learned a lot about the American culture from these events. In Utah I participated in a soccer league, I was a member of my church, I gave presentations at other schools and I tried to take initiative.
Last, but not least, I would like to thank all the American Councils members and the TCLP program that gave me the chance to come here and live the real American life for one of the best years in my life.
Why should I learn Arabic?
Let’s have a quick look on the good reasons why you should learn Arabic. It’s a beautiful language, spoken in many countries. Have a look on our 5 arguments, maybe we convince you to start learning Arabic today.
1. Arabic is the 5th most spoken language of the world
Arabic is official language in more than 20 countries and there are more than 300 million people speaking this language. Most of them are living in the Middle East but you will find people speaking Arabic around the world. It’s also official language at the United Nations, Arab League, the Organization of Islamic Countries and the African Union.
2. There’s is a big demand for employees speaking Arabic as a foreign language
Only a few companies have staff speaking Arabic but with the growing influence and economy of the Middle East there are many opportunities to reach to new markets, finding new business partner, business opportunities and clients. Many companies are still in need of employees speaking Arabic.
Those who decide to study Arabic can easily find jobs in fields like journalism, business, industry, education, finance, translation and many more.
3. The Arabic spoken countries are fast growing markets
The integration of the economies of the Arabic spoken countries into the world market has opened up many opportunities. The Middle East with its fast growing population will become an even bigger market, importing more and more goods and services. In order to create good business relations, it is necessary to speak Arabic and to better understand Arabic culture, Arabic business partners.
4. The Arabic culture has contributed a lot to our civilization
Arab scientists, philosophers and mathematicians have contributed a lot to our civilization and to our daily life. A lot of Roman and Greek knowledge has been preserved for the world in different important Arabic libraries.
These contributions include the numbers we use (Mathematics), Navigation, Astrology, Architecture and Literature. Learning Arabic helps you to continue studying these fields and to learn more about our past.
5. Learning Arabic helps to bring our different cultures closer together
As you learning Arabic and you get in touch with Arabic culture, you (can) help to destroy common prejudices, inform and get inform about the lives and thoughts of people, from the Middle East and elsewhere, speaking Arabic.
Don’t forget, even if learning Arabic is difficult it’s fun. You start with a completely different alphabet, a different pronunciation; you will get in touch with different types of humor, food, theater, music, traditions and cultures.
I think there are many other different reasons to learn Arabic but the above reasons are the most important ones.
Samir Gibrial
"The Academy For Math, Engineering and Science" (AMES) Utah.
Arab World and Language Awareness Cultural Week
Arab World and Language Awareness Cultural Week
January (19 to 22) 2010
I consider myself as a lucky teacher because when I suggested the idea of having an Arab World and Language Awareness Cultural Week to my principal Dr Church, he adopted the idea and helped me greatly to make it a true event. I would like to thank Mrs. Safadi, our students and parents, The Middle East Center, Deborah Dilley, the students of Utah University, Kristina, Nancy, all AMEA staff, All Cottonwood Staff and students, Ali Sabah The owner of Maza Restaurant, local Arab community, the members of my church, University of Utah students and faculty; Arabic language and Middle East Outreach Programs, and each person who helped us to accomplish such a great event.
So I would like to share what had happened at AMES with the American Councils members and all my colleagues on the website. Below is what we planned to do and thanks God we succeeded to achieve most of the goals for this great event.
Objectives:
In order to promote a study of the Arabic language at the Academy of Math, Engineering, and Science we are co-sponsoring a series of activities with the University of Utah Middle Eastern Center that will increase awareness for the need for Arabic study in America, the value of it to the students, and the availability of quality language instruction here and at the local universities. Many people do not know about the many career and study opportunities available to Arabic language learners. We hope to increase their awareness.
Through the activities included as part of this focused week we will be attempting to break down negative stereotypes of Arabs and misunderstandings. Fear, lack of understanding about the region, and limited opportunity to know Arabs all contribute to some hesitancy in students pursuing Arabic language study or even for parents to allow or encourage a study of Arabic. We have had students with a desire to learn Arabic but their parents have told them no because they think there is no use for it or because of personal misgivings about the Middle East. We hope to alleviate many of these concerns.
In order to increase student participation and accessibility to the language, AMES Arabic language students will create and maintain a website which will keep students and families aware of activities involving Arabic, as well as have language learning activities and links to further exercises in the Arabic language. This website will help promote understanding of Arabic language, culture and people.
Primary Audience:
- AMES/Cottonwood students and other Salt Lake area schools
- AMES parent/community partners
Community Participants:
- Dr. Church, AMES instructive staff
- University of Utah Middle East Center staff
- AMES students and parents
- Local Arab community
- U of U students and faculty; Arabic language and Middle East Outreach Programs
Dates:
- January 19-22, 2010
Activities:
- Geography Class and Lunch time activities in Skunk Works
o January 20, 21, 2010: Presentations in all AMES AP Geography classes at AMES. Ustaaz Samir will teach AMES ninth graders (130 students) a short introduction to the Arabic language and a lesson about Arab culture and food. Students will leave the class knowing beginning phrases, with a better understanding about Arabs.
o January 20, 2010 – During lunch AMES Arabic students will be available to write other students’ names in Arabic on placards that they can take home.
o January 22, 2010 Friday – Field trip* for Arabic 2 students (25 students). The same field trip to follow for dedicated Arabic 1 students (about 40) in two groups on Jan. 26, & 28, 2010.
- University-led Activities
o January 20, 2010 – Arabic Speakers Panel (Arabic students and faculty from the University of Utah) at 2:15 at AMES. Current AMES Arabic students as well as interested Cottonwood High School and AMES students will be invited as well as their parents. The panel will discuss the importance of studying Arabic, America’s vital interest in having Arabic speaking students, the multiple opportunities to those with Arabic speaking abilities, and the role the Arab world is playing in the 21st century world theater.
o January 21, 2010 – Evening presentation for parents, students, and community members. Electronic media and flayers at community outlets will assist us in inviting school and community members.
Deborah Dilley from the University of Utah Middle East Center will conduct a presentation on Arabs, the Arab world, and Arabic as a critical language. The evening will include a viewing of “West Bank Story” followed by a discussion and question and answer session.
We will also display student product including Arabic calligraphy – zoomorphic calligraphy, posters done by students on themselves in Arabic, children’s books written by the Arabic 2 students, and other language displays.
Arabic food with menu placards in Arabic will be offered as well as a professional Arabic dance performer who will teach dabke – a traditional Levantine dance.
Attending students and family members who can have a basic conversation with a native (Ustaaz Samir, various native Arab students and community guests) will be able to put their names in for a drawing. We will pull names out for students to win language prizes such as posters, children’s books in Arabic, language guides, and Arabic dictionaries.
- Introduce the AMES Arabic Language Awareness website
o We will create this to promote the week’s activities and future activities as well as including links for Arabic language activities. It will be established and maintained by AMES Arabic and technology students and will be found on the school website.
• Arabic students will help to keep this site current
• Site will teach a new phrase each week.
• Site will have links to language practice activities
• Site will have information on Arabs and Arab culture
• Site will have information on volunteering in the Arab refugee community in Salt Lake as well as activities happening amongst Utah Arabs
• Site will have current information on AMES Arabic Club and activities
• Site will have an Arabic newsletter including relevant class happenings and student accomplishments
*Field trip to the University of Utah Middle East Center and other local community resources
Goals:
- Increase students’ knowledge of Arabic resources in the community
- Expose students to Arabic at the University of Utah
- Expose students to the largest Papyrus collection in the U.S. at the U of U Marriot Library
- Introduce the University Museum of Fine Arts sarcophagus display.
- Introduce Arabic food and give students an opportunity to interact with Arabs in the Salt Lake community
Participants:
- 65 Arabic language students
- 10-20 University staff and students
Dates: January 22, 26 & 28, 2010
Activities:
- Students will visit the University of Utah Marriot Library Middle East collection to view the papyrus collection along with other Arabic resources. They will each have a title to look for and a few words to find – like a scavenger hunt.
- Students will observe an Arabic class at the university which will encourage them to continue their Arabic studies at the college level.
- Students will go experience Middle East cuisine at a local Arabic restaurant. They will have an Arabic menu to order from and will order and converse in Arabic.
- Students will prepare a short report on the U of U Marriot Library Middle East Collection for one of their other classes to increase Arabic awareness amongst the students.
SPECIAL THANK YOU:
Last but not least I would like to thank all the American council members and the TCLP program that granted us the chance and helped us financially to complete this event.
Samir Gibrial
Outreach presentations in Utah
Outreach presentations in Utah
On 30th. October I and my principal went to Logan, it is a city about two hours driving from Salt Lake City. I got up early at 6o'clock and prepared myself, checked my Laptop and made sure that my presentations were copied on a flash memory in case of any thing went wrong with my Laptop. Also I made a hard copy of all my presentations as a plan B.
On our way to Logan my principal, has a very high sense of humor, kept telling me funny stories and also tries to teach me some traffic rules as I was intended to sit for my driving license test soon. Throughout the way he explained all the places we passed by.
Finally we reached Logan. The weather was very cold, almost freezing . When we reached Logan High School, the lady who was in charge welcomed us and explained to us that they have "A career Day" which means that they didn't have an ordinary school day, but all the students of the school would choose any presentation to attend as the school had invited professors from the university of Utah and other universities to give lectures and presentations on all subjects and issues. On each room there was a note hanging on the door which contained the name of the lecturer, the title of the lecture and a short biography on the presenter.
A teacher helped me to set my Laptop on a data show and I thanked him. Then the students entered the class, they were about forty students with different grades. The title of my first presentation was '' The History of Egypt from The Pharaohs till Modern Time"
I started to make a warm up to the students by introducing myself and why I am here. I spoke about the TCLP Program. Also I ask them some questions about Egypt. All my presentation was power point slides, the first slide was Acknowledgement. Here is the first slide:
I would like to express my appreciation and gratitude to the people of the Egyptian government and to the people of the American government, especially the American Council and the TCLP program for this great chance for the Egyptian teachers to come and teach in the US. The main goal of the TCLP program is to create a mutual respect and understanding between the American people and the Egyptian people and to create a new generation who can deal with each other. Also to encourage the world peace to live in a peaceful and prosperous world.
Then I told them about the meeting of the Egyptian Ambassador and how he was excited when he knew that we had 70 students taking Arabic this year at (AMES).
After that I explained the history of Egypt from the past till nowadays , I asked them if they had any questions.
I answered the questions of the students and I was very happy that the reaction of the students and my principal was great.
The second presentation title was "The Ancient Egyptian Art"
New students came to the room and few students stayed, so I also introduced myself and the TCLP program.
Then I gave my presentation and at the end I answered their questions.
After saying good bye to all Logan High School members, my principal took me for a tour around the city. We visited a very famous cheese factory. Then drove back to Salt Lake City.
In the midway, we had a rest and ate our lunch at a splendid restaurant. After lunch we completed our journey home save and sound. What a profitable experience!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Samir Gibrial
Important Events in Utah
Throughout this week there are many great events happened here in Utah with me but I will mention the most important events:
1-about 10 new students enrolled their names to take Arabic with us,so now we have 78 students taking Arabic.
2- I and my principal went to attend a meeting that include all the schools all over Utah. There, my principal introduced me, and I introduced myself and the TCLP program. The Chairman asked me to give him a short CV to publish it in the Magazine saying"Mr Samir Gibrail is willing to go to any school and give presentation about Egypt and the Arabic Language and the Egyptian culture."
3-I went with my principal to a meeting at the president of Utah University.
4- I went with the principal to the Governor's Office where there was a meeting of 6 Charter schools
5- We arranged a great Ramadan breakfast and invited the students and their parents to come . Also we invited some people from the Islam Center to give speeches about Ramadan and the celebration was wonderful.
6- I was invited to the Art Class of Mrs McDonald and gave a presentation about the Ancient Egyptian Art. After the presentation I and the class designed three Old Egyptian Coffins with the help of the Art teacher and took a lot of pictures. It was a great chance for me to tell new students about Egypt and the Arab language.
7- The most important event I went with my principal to the Middle East Center and it was a successful meeting and we arranged to have a week next January and we will call this week"The Arabic and Peace awareness Week"
8-Next Monday I will be invited to The Middle East Center for Dinner and speak about Egypt.
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