UALR students have just returned from the Bilateral Model Arab League Conference, hosted at the University of Houston, Feb. 21 to 22.

Throughout the weekend, participants representing member countries of the Arab League met in simulation conferences.

The students represented Mauritania and Bahrain, which required they act, think, and speak as though diplomats from those countries. Some previous nations represented by UALR have included Kuwait, Sudan, and Iraq.

The Model Arab League teaches students about the inner workings of diplomacy and important global issues, while honing important research, writing, and speaking skills.

“I found a passion for international and Middle Eastern studies that I never had before,” said Nora Bouzihay, president of the UALR Model Arab League, who served as the secretary general of the Bilateral conference.

She has been able to meet with multiple diplomats from around the globe and also a prince of Saudi Arabia on multiple occasions.

UALR student Zartashia Javid won honorable mention for best delegate for the social affairs committee, and the economic committee, including Rasia Campbell, Nadia Lone, Jerome Wilson, and Qamar Abbas, won best council.

Javid said, “Model Arab League has provided me with a window to the world. Practicing diplomacy has given me great experience that I hope to use as a future administrator. I urge all students to take on opportunities that allow them see the greater issues that face our world today. Because the issues of today are either the problems or solutions of tomorrow.”

On Feb. 27 and 28, the Model Arab League is set to host a similar conference in the UALR Donaghey Student Center for high school students from around the state. About 160 students are expected to attend what could be the biggest Model Arab League conference to date.

Last year, the annual event showed record participation, with more than 100 students from seven high schools in four cities visiting.

On April 10 to 12, a group of about 18 students led by faculty advisor Dr. Rebecca Glazier of the Department of Political Science travels to Washington, D.C., to compete in the National University Model Arab League conference at the Georgetown University campus.

Participating students from around the nation will get to visit the embassy of the country they are representing, as well as meet with other high level diplomats and representatives from all over the Arab world.

Students attending the conferences in Houston and Washington, D.C., are enrolled in a travel course taught by Dr. Rebecca Glazier and supported by the Middle Eastern Studies Program.

“The political science department places a lot of emphasis on experiential learning and developing transferable skills. Model Arab League is exactly the kind of experience that can lead to student success at UALR and beyond. It is incredible to watch the students learn, grown, and gain confidence as they participate in the simulation. And we have a lot of fun, too.”

A diverse group of students is involved in UALR’s Model Arab League include Victoria Medina of the Political Science Department, Beth Kanopsic of Criminal Justice, Political Science, and International Studies Departments, Rasia Campbell of the Nursing Department and Qamar Abbas of the Department of Biology.​