Project GO

by Cadet Keilin O’Mara '21

My name is Cadet Keilin O'Mara, and I had the privilege of studying abroad in Morocco on a Project GO scholarship. Last summer, I studied the Arabic language for ten weeks in Rabat, Morocco, and lived with a Moroccan host family. This remarkable experience not only taught me crosscultural awareness, but it improved my Arabic language skills as I improved from the beginner high level up to the intermediate level.

Army Cadet Keilin O'Mara studying abroad in Morocco on a Project GO Scholarship Some highlights from the trip were riding through the Sahara desert on a camel, visiting various cities around Morocco, allowing me to experience its diverse culture, traveling to Spain, and seeing the Alhambra! I also had the opportunity to learn how to cook Moroccan food and various cultural dances. I made many local Moroccan friends and enjoyed the local gym, learning how to surf, and trying different coffee shops during my stay in Rabat.

Project GO also pays for cadets to take the Oral Proficiency Test before and after studying abroad. I used my OPI score to fulfill my graduate school's language requirement, saving me time and money. After this trip, I realized the essential role studying abroad played in enlightening me on issues often overlooked, such as how my host mother was part of the 55% of illiterate Moroccan women.

This unique experience has led me to focus my graduate school studies in the Middle East and North Africa,

on issues specifically on Women, Peace, and Security. I am so thankful for the Project GO scholarship for this incredible opportunity to improve my Arabic language skills and educate myself on important subjects.