FSU MEC News

MEC Baker and Friedman Receive Scholarships to Study Arabic in Oman

Congratulations to Kelly Baker (Middle Eastern Studies) and Micah Friedman (Religion) both of whom were accepted to receive a fully-funded intensive Arabic language scholarship from the Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center (SQCC) to study in Oman under the SALAM 2017: Summer Arabic Language and Media Program. Micah and Kelly will be in Oman from June 30 until August 10, 2017. 

Jesse Marks MES Alumni Jesse Marks Wins Herbert Scoville Jr. Peace Fellowship

Florida State University graduate Jesse Marks has been awarded the highly competitive Herbert Scoville Jr. Peace Fellowship, which provides recent college and graduate school alumni with funding and the opportunity to work with senior-level policy experts.

Marks is one of three spring 2017 Scoville Fellows chosen from among 124 applicants from 81 universities. He will spend six to nine months working at the Stimson Center, a nonprofit, nonpartisan institution in Washington, D.C., devoted to enhancing international peace and security through a combination of analysis and outreach.

MEC MES Student Jayda Craig Receives Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship

Jayda Craig, a Middle East Studies major student is one of over 250 American undergraduate students from 154 colleges and universities across the U.S. selected to receive the prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs to study or intern abroad during the Summer 2017 Early Application cycle. Jayda will study abroad in Morocco.

2017 MEFF 2017 Middle East Film Festival

The Middle East Center and The Student Life Cinema at Florida State University are pleased to announce that they are bringing you the 2017 Middle East Film Festival which will be held between February 19th and February 22nd. The festival brings a wide range of award-winning movies spanning across different parts of the Middle East in order to celebrate the region’s cultures, diversity, and strengths. 

MEC The MEC Announces Spring 2017 Events

The MEC is hosting a number of exciting events this spring on campus. Please click on the attached PDF for more information and make sure not to miss these great opportunities.   

Mohamed Berray Librarian Berray named ALA emerging leader

FSU’s Middle East Librarian, Mohamed Berray, has been named a 2017 American Library Association (ALA) Emerging Leader. A native of Egypt, he came to Florida State University from the Pennsylvania State University where he was resident Social Sciences Librarian and subject specialist for political science, law, and international affairs.

Lebanon Intercultural Program Series presents Lebanon

On Tuesday, February 9, the Intercultural Program Series at the Center for Global Engagement will proudly feature Lebanon! Please join the Lebanese Social Organization to learn about the culture and history of Lebanon through music, dance, and food! 

Festivities began at 7 p.m. in the Globe Auditorium.

Arab Woman Film Festival Arabic Division hosts Arab Women Film Festival

Arab Women Film Festival

The Arabic Division of the Modern Languages Department is thrilled to announce their upcoming Arab Women Film Festival! Over the course of three weeks, the festival will feature four titles, showcasing Arab women in leading roles. Films will be screened at Askew Student Life Cinema on the evenings of Jan. 25, Feb. 1, and Feb. 8, and showings are free and open to the public. 

The program is as follows:

Dr. Zeina Schlenoff Dr. Schlenoff appointed MEC Director

Dr. Zeina Schlenoff, who co-founded FSU's Middle East Studies program in 2002 with Peter Garretson, has been appointed director of the Middle East Center. Congratulations, Zeina!

International Coffee Hour Arabic Outreach Program hosts International Coffee Hour

On Friday, November 13, the Arabic Outreach Program at Florida State is hosting International Coffee Hour. Students, faculty, and staff are invited to enjoy refreshments, cultural performances, and conversation celebrating Arabic and Middle Eastern culture. The event will be held from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the Center for Global Engagement. Coffee, mint tea, and baklava will be served. Please join us!