Q Life Magazine Q Magazine (US) December 2015 | Page 15

Education | Bringing Americans and Arabs Together Founded in 1982, Model Arab League (MAL) is a worldwide, simulated competition in which high school and college students take on the roles of diplomats from member states of the Arab League. In the United States, where it is run by the National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations (NCUSAR), students work in teams at individual universities. The best then attend one of 22 conferences held across the country, where they try and resolve complex issues posed ahead of time. Participants hone their skills in public speaking, negotiation, and diplomacy, while learning about Arab politics and history. More than two thousand American students participate in the MAL each year. Many are studying political science, history, or international relations, but interestingly, a lot are following other, more diverse studies—medicine, engineering, pre-law— or just have an interest in debate, the Middle East, or the Arabic language. All benefit from the chance to develop their hands-on analytical, organizational, writing, and public speaking skills—and a deeper knowledge and understanding of the Arab world and its peoples. To learn more about the program, find a Model in your region, or prepare to participate in the program, visit ncusar.org/modelarableague Model Arab League - Founded 1982 - 2,000+ American Students - participate in - MAL EVERY YEAR MAIN SUBJECTS STUDIED Political Science History International Relations Medicine Engineering Pre-law 15