Nov. 9, 2018
Marquette's grant to continue as a Project GO program provider was recently renewed for three years. The grant will allow the university's Office of International Education to continue to administer an intensive eight-week summer Arabic language program in Oman for up to 18 ROTC cadets/midshipmen.
In 2019, the university will receive $300,000 to continue funding the program. Marquette was the only private university among 19 awardees.
Project GO is a Department of Defense initiative aimed at improving the language skills, regional expertise and intercultural communication skills of future military officers. Marquette's program provides ROTC cadets and midshipmen a full scholarship to earn eight to 10 credits while immersing themselves in the Arabic language and Omani culture.
The grant will build upon two previous awards while supporting the program through its ninth year. Additionally, the program will expand initiatives started in the Klinger College of Arts and Sciences with the Department of Education to solidify Middle East and North Africa studies at Marquette.
Project GO is led by OIE Director Dr. Terence Miller. Miller serves as principal investigator for the program while Education Abroad Coordinator Ericka Schmidt is the program coordinator and Assistant Professor of Arabic Dr. Enaya Othman is the academic director.
"I am very pleased that ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ is one of the few nationwide educational institutions to receive this important grant," Othman said. "Project GO study abroad in Oman is a transformative experience that leaves a lifelong imprint on future officers, diplomats, and government officials. It offers participating students — tomorrow's leaders — the opportunity to learn Arabic and appreciate Arab culture through language immersion and daily interaction with Omanis."
Marquette recruits students from across the country to participate. The program is open to undergraduate ROTC cadets and midshipmen (contracted or non-contracted), from any discipline, and must be enrolled in an accredited U.S. college or university. Students who have no Arabic language experience participate in an online pre-program taught by Marquette faculty.
Margaret Plaza, a cadet who participated in the program this past summer, shared how the experience inspired her to change her major from biomedical sciences to international affairs with a minor in Arabic, "My entire life path changed because I did this," she said. "If you get the chance to go, you definitely should."
Learn more about Marquette's Project GO program. Applications for summer 2019 are due Jan. 18, 2019.
Abby is a communication specialist in the Office of Marketing and Communication. Contact Abby at (414) 288-6195 or abigail.cole@marquette.edu.
