UMD Arabic Flagship Students Win Prestigious Boren Scholarship for Intensive Studies in Morocco

University of Maryland Students Achieve Prestigious Honor and Funding for Arabic Language Immersion Program in Meknes.

Four University of Maryland (UMD) Arabic Flagship students have achieved a major accomplishment by being accepted into the Arabic Capstone Year program in Meknes, Morocco for the academic year 2024-2025. Each student has been awarded $25,000 to fund their year abroad, in which they will take intensive Arabic courses, participate in internships, and live with Moroccan host families to develop cultural and linguistic competency. 

The four students are Jenna DiMaggio, Evan Finnessy, Feriel Friloux, and Amaya Greenberg. All four students achieved an Advanced rating in Arabic, a language that they are deeply passionate about.

Jenna DiMaggio is a junior with majors in Arabic, Spanish, and English Literature. Her interests lie 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 on Capstone with the Arabic Flagship, she will continue her studies at UMD before starting law school. 

Feriel Friloux is a senior majoring in Arabic Studies and a Pre-Capstone student in the Arabic Flagship Program. They are pursuing an Arabic Studies degree and participating in the Capstone Year in Morocco in hopes of developing a high proficiency in Arabic to work in the US Citizenship and Immigration Services in order to provide a smoother experience for those who are searching for better opportunities in America.

Evan Finnessy is pursuing a double degree in Arabic Studies and Russian Language & Literature, with 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 Capstone Year in Morocco, he plans to enter the field of refugee relocation and resettlement.

Amaya Greenberg is a double major in Arabic Studies & Government and Politics who is also in the Arabic Flagship Program. She plans to enter a federal career focused on US-Arab relations and continue to use the language and cultural skills gained during the Capstone year. 

All four students will be completing their Arabic Flagship Capstone Year in Meknes, Morocco, and will have the opportunity to further develop their language skills and immerse themselves in the Arabic-speaking culture. 

Congratulations to Jenna, Evan, Feriel, and Amaya on their impressive achievements!