Four Arabic Flagship Students Win Prestigious 2024–25 ARHU Boren Scholarships

The students will embark on two semesters of immersive language study in Meknes, Morocco.

By ARHU Staff 

Four Arabic studies students have received Boren scholarships to study abroad in Meknes, Morocco, for the academic year 2024–25. 

Jenna DiMaggio ’26, Evan Finnessy ’25, Feriel Friloux ’25 and Amaya Greenberg ’25 are part of UMD’s Arabic Flagship Program, offered through the School of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures until federal cuts concluded the program at UMD this spring. In combination with the Arabic studies major, the Flagship program provides students the opportunity to obtain a professional level of Arabic language skills by the time they graduate, as well as a deep understanding of the life and cultures of Arabic-speaking countries. (Though UMD’s Arabic Flagship Program will not continue next year, currently enrolled students will still be able to complete their capstone year next summer.)

In Morocco, students will take intensive Arabic courses, participate in internships and live with Moroccan host families to develop cultural and linguistic competency. The study abroad year will serve as their Arabic Capstone Year, designed for advanced speakers of Arabic to attain superior level proficiency. 

The Boren scholarships are granted by the Department of Defense's National Security Education Program and provide for up to $25,000 for two semesters of critical language study. In exchange for funding, Boren Award recipients agree to work in the federal government for a period of at least one year.  

Learn more about the students: 

DiMaggio ’26, a triple major in Arabic studies, Spanish literature and culture, and English literature, is interested in the diverse literature and culture of borderland communities, a passion she has pursued in the Spanish Honors Program and will continue to study in Morocco. Following her year abroad, she will conclude her studies at UMD before starting law school. 

Finnessy ’25, who is pursuing a double degree in Russian language and literature and Arabic studies, has a focus on international relations and critical regions. He is an alum of the 2022 Critical Language Scholarship for Russian. Upon the completion of his year abroad, he plans to enter the field of refugee relocation and resettlement.

Friloux ’25, a senior majoring in Arabic studies, hopes to develop a high proficiency in Arabic to work in the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Greenberg ’25, a double major in Arabic studies and government and politics, plans to enter a federal career focused on relations between the U.S. and the Arab world.

Learn more about the Boren Scholarship Program and all College of Arts and Humanities 2024–25 recipients. 

Pictured (left to right): DiMaggio, Finnessy, Friloux, Greenberg.