Transformative Language Learning Experiences
For Lela Casey, a Washington and Lee University alumna from the class of 2025, her time in college served not merely as a transitional phase but as an exhilarating launching pad into a world filled with opportunities for immersive learning and cultural exploration. Through the dedicated efforts of W&L’s Office of Fellowships, Casey harnessed the power of language to enrich her undergraduate years, transforming them into a series of impactful experiences across various countries. As a proud recipient of two Critical Language Scholarships and the esteemed David L. Boren Scholarship, she dedicated multiple summers and semesters to studying Arabic in the Middle East. Following her graduation, she was selected for a prestigious full-year fellowship to study Arabic in Morocco through the Center for Arabic Study Abroad (CASA) program, a journey she is set to complete in May.
Cultural Immersion and Language Mastery
Casey’s academic journey began with a strong desire to learn a language that would not only facilitate her study abroad ambitions but also challenge her intellectually. Having previously studied Latin in high school, she was inspired to embark on the journey of learning Arabic after attending W&L’s virtual Advanced Immersion and Mentoring (AIM) program in the summer of 2022. There, she was captivated by the story of a student who successfully secured both a Critical Language Scholarship and a Boren Scholarship to further her Arabic studies abroad. "I was initially drawn to W&L because of the opportunities to study abroad, and since I had never left the country before, this was a very exciting possibility for me," Casey expressed. The allure of the Arabic alphabet and its cultural significance, especially considering her name's Arabic roots, further solidified her decision to pursue this new linguistic path.
Casey’s first foray into international study took place in Amman, Jordan, during the Winter Term of 2023, where she discovered her love for living abroad and the Arabic language. Motivated by her experiences, she sought out the Critical Language Scholarship and the Boren Scholarship to enhance her language proficiency and cultural understanding. Her endeavors were rewarded as she received the Critical Language Scholarship on two occasions, spending the summer of 2024 in Nizwa, Oman, and summer 2025 in Amman, along with a semester in Fall 2024 as a Boren Scholarship recipient.
Each of these experiences not only broadened Casey’s perspective but also reinforced her passion for mastering Arabic, steering her towards a career in foreign policy and diplomacy. Grateful for the unwavering support from W&L’s Office of Fellowships staff, she gained invaluable skills in storytelling and self-presentation, realizing the vast array of opportunities available to her.
Casey prioritized deep cultural immersion with each scholarship, which she believed would enhance her language acquisition and broaden her understanding of the local culture. During her second Critical Language Scholarship experience and the Boren Scholarship, she engaged in a homestay, enriching her Arabic practice in a relaxed environment, allowing for more genuine interactions compared to formal classroom settings. "The current system [of teaching Arabic at college] prepares students to use their Arabic professionally long before they develop the vocabulary for everyday conversations," noted Casey. This insight highlighted the distinct benefits of her homestay experience, where she could engage in everyday dialogue rather than rehearsed conversations typical in academic settings.
Casey’s pursuit of immersive language experiences ultimately led her to the CASA fellowship in May 2025, which offered her the unique opportunity to reside in Morocco for nine months, providing her with greater independence compared to her prior scholarships. At the Arab American Language Institute in Meknes, Morocco (AALIM), she is enrolled in four classes daily, focusing on all aspects of the Arabic language. Her fall semester included a language partner with whom she explored Meknes, and this semester, she has secured an internship at a traditional music center, further deepening her cultural experiences.
For Casey, the immersive nature of the fellowship is a chance to adapt to life in Morocco rather than simply replicating her American lifestyle abroad. Although she faced challenges integrating into another family’s life during her homestay, the experience has granted her access to unique events, such as weddings and Ramadan iftars, while allowing her to forge meaningful connections with her host family. "I wanted to ensure I had a full experience, and cultural immersion makes me feel like I accomplished that goal by speaking as much Arabic as possible, exploring Meknes, trying all the Moroccan dishes, and learning about Moroccan values," she reflected.
Despite some sacrifices to her independence, Casey asserts that the rewards of her homestay experience have been invaluable, stating, "Living with my host mom has certainly been the most enriching part of my experience." With her host family’s guidance, she has successfully navigated local markets and public transportation, transforming Meknes into a place that feels like home. Engaging with her host family has also broadened her exposure to Moroccan customs and dialects, enriching her understanding of the language beyond what is taught in American university programs. As she prepares for her return to the United States, Casey plans to continue engaging with Moroccan media, ensuring her language skills remain sharp.
From her initial semester in Amman to her extensive stay in Meknes, Lela Casey has not only gained confidence in her Arabic language abilities but has also built a foundation to apply her knowledge and experiences towards a career in foreign policy and diplomacy. "I really appreciate the opportunities provided by W&L that allowed me to explore my interests and apply my skills outside of the academic environment," she stated. "These programs recognized my potential as a global scholar and have validated my commitment to learning Arabic as I pursue a career that emphasizes critical language skills."
As reported by columns.wlu.edu.
