University of New England

UNE visiting Fulbright Professor Haitham Mohamed shares Arabic culture with students April 19-20
 
BIDDEFORD, Maine - Haitham Mohamed, visiting Fulbright scholar at the University of New England (UNE), will conclude his year of Arabic studies by leading a student “Arabic Fun Day” on April 19, including Arabic games, songs and language competitions.

Mohamed will also teach an Arabic cuisine class on April 20; students will bring recipes in Arabic to class and then cook them together.

Mohamed is one of a select number of Middle East scholars chosen each year to teach Arabic at universities in the United States, sponsored by The Institute of International Education/Fulbright Program. 

As a member of the Foreign Language Teaching Assistant Program, Mohamed teaches Introduction to Arabic and Arabic II at UNE.  This is the second consecutive year that UNE has offered Arabic courses to its students under this program, and each year the courses have been heavily enrolled.
 
Mansoura, Egypt
Mohamed hails from Mansoura, Eygpt, and graduated from Mansoura University with a degree in English.  He also holds an advanced certificate in English Education from Tanta University.  Mohamed taught English, technical writing and developed curricula for the teaching of languages prior to joining UNE for the 2007-2008 academic year.  Mohamed will return to Egypt May 14.
 
In addition to teaching Arabic to U.S. students and English to Egyptian students, Mohamed enjoys theater, having 14 years experience as an actor, eight years as a director and six years in set design.  He has also written a number of plays.
 
Mohamed is described as a motivated and engaged instructor who infuses ingenuity, creativity and energy into all he does.  He has inspired several students to continue with their Arabic studies, and UNE is exploring offering an advanced Arabic course next fall. 

(Press release posted April 8, 2008)