Study Abroad to Oman?

When I tell people here in U.S. I have visited Oman, many know from hearing the name that it is a Middle Eastern country, but few can spot it on the map.

I enjoyed my three week trip to Oman in 2001. At that time, there were no tourist visas and the only way foreigners could enter was with a business visa. Somehow my friend's company sponsored me.

Oman was an eye-opening experience.

I was unable to go into a Mosque, but I saw many from the outside. I saw many churches from the outside. I went into the the Hindu Temple in Muscat. There is an openness to the country that was unexpected. Ironically, from my memory (unfortunately, I did not have my camera to take photos), all the alternative-faith (non-Muslim) buildings were on one road.

I also met Omanis. I met one Omani girl who had studied her Master's degree in U.K. I visited JcPenney's in Muscat's most posh mall (the most posh mall I have ever been in- the walls shined of gold). In this mall, burkas were sold and the accompanying dress (I forget the name). I expected to see the burkas and long dresses only in opaque black- but they came in all colors and opaqueness- even transparent! The Omani girl told me in some families some girls wear these traditional garbs just for namesake, and love to show their Levi's jeans and t-shirts from underneath.

So, this morning when I read that students from Northwestern College in Iowa would be traveling to Oman for a study abroad experience, I was intrigued. I am unsure I have heard of an American college having a study abroad experience available before. I am also curious on the topic of interfaith dialogue that one news piece has highlighted.

Good luck to the students going to Oman and enjoy your trip as I am sure you will!

Sioux City Journal article

Press Release from Northwestern College's Website