I was pleased to hear recently from Fares Center Coordinator (and current PhD student) Amaia, who shared this update about various opportunities for student involvement in the work of the Center:

The Fares Center for Eastern Mediterranean Studies is a home for all Fletcher students interested in the Middle East and North Africa, and one of the premier centers for studies of the region in the Boston area.

The Center is happy to announce that it will resume its biweekly seminar series, current affairs round table, monthly film screenings, and other cultural events in September. Last year, the Center was proud to host important intellectuals, government officials, directors, and writers both from the region and working on it. Through these events, we hope to provide students with opportunities to learn more about current affairs and relevant long-standing issues in the Middle East and North Africa, and to create spaces to enjoy the abundant cultural and artistic production of the region.

Aside from attending these events, there are numerous other opportunities for students to get involved with the Fares Center. We provide regular funding and guidance for student working groups, whether to carry out a specific research project or to start a podcast series. We also run several Language Tables (Arabic, Hebrew, Turkish, and Farsi generally) where students can get together and practice these languages. Through the Research Assistantship program, the Fares Center  provides funding for students doing research on the Middle East and North Africa for different Fletcher faculty. We also offer employment opportunities for students to help run the front desk, organize events, or support our social media activity.

If you are interested in the Middle East or North Africa, the Fares Center will be an invaluable resource and home during your time at Fletcher. We will be delighted to welcome you all to our Open House on Monday, September 19^th, as well as to our numerous events and activities during the academic year. In the meantime, feel free to reach out to Amaia Elorza Arregi, the Center Coordinator, with any questions or inquiries: amaia.elorza_arregi@tufts.edu.