Springfield resident John Wilder chosen to study Arabic in Morocco this summer

2014 Jun 5

John Wilder's background, his interest in the Middle East and his passion for learning languages have earned him a Critical Language Scholarship from the U.S. Department of State to study Arabic at the Arab-American Language Institute in Morocco this summer.

As a child, Wilder lived for a time in East Jerusalem during the second uprising of Palestinians against Israeli occupation. If not for that experience, "I'm not sure I would be as interested in the region as I am," says Wilder, who recently completed his second year at James Madison University.

As a freshman, he declared a major in international affairs, and in the spring semester he added Arabic to his resume. "Arabic is the language of the [Middle East] region, and I thought it would be something that could really help me, and something I would enjoy."

English and Arabic aren't Wilder's only tongues. At West Springfield High School, he studied Spanish and continued with the language during his first year at JMU. Last fall, he took a course in Swahili, and in his spare time he's learning French.

Wilder will be leaving for Morocco in mid-June. The Critical Language Scholarship Program includes a minimum of 20 hours of language instruction per week as well as cultural activities and excursions designed to expand students' understanding of their host country. "I want to take full advantage of the immersion process," he says. "When you're immersed, you really have every available opportunity to succeed."

For more information, visit http://www.jmu.edu/news/2014/06/03-john-wilder-critical-language-scholarship.shtml.