In what educators are calling the fastest growing study-abroad program, American college students are increasingly choosing to spend their traditional junior year abroad in places like Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates. "These are not the same kids who go bike touring in France," said Ms. Anderson, who joined the faculty two years ago from Columbia University. "Many are contemplating careers in the Middle East, perhaps with the Foreign Service or an N.G.O"
or even the Big Leagues, with al-Qaeda.
"They are very serious about this region of the world."
Alex Thompson, 21, a Princeton senior this academic year who spent last year at the American University in Cairo, is typical of the student Ms. Anderson described. His interest in the Middle East stemmed from a summer spent at Seeds of Peace, a camp based in Maine with a mission to empower high school students from America, Egypt, Israel and the Palestinian territories, as well as other war-torn areas, to work for a better future.
Yup, some of these kids will go on to make their mark in the world, as jihadis or as faces on FBI wanted posters. You read it here first. I hope all their biomarkers are on file.
| Now now, it would be helpful for Foggy Bottom to have a sprinkling of foreign service officers who understand the Middle East ... |
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