MENA & Oman Studies Taster Day

This event is aimed at students interested in studying the Middle East region and Oman, Arabic, International Relations/Politics, Diplomacy, and History at university. It is open to students in Sixth Form, on a Gap Year, or otherwise applying to university.

About the Event

This is the second year that BOS is running the Oman & MENA Taster Day, following its popularity with participants last year.

What Participants Will Gain:

• A valuable introduction to careers related to Middle East studies.
• Insight into diplomacy and business in the Middle East.
• An overview of what studying Arabic and Middle Eastern Studies at university entails.
• Information about BOS-funded student schemes in Oman.
• A ‘Certificate of Completion’ from the Society, which can be included as evidence of attendance for university applications.

Feedback from Previous Participants:

• "Insightful and inspiring across all activities...a fantastic introduction."
• "Extremely helpful, great insight into Oman and Arabic, and possible career paths."

Date: Friday, 10 April 2025
Time: 11am – 3:30pm (Lunch Included)

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What to Expect
Topics will include:

• 10:00 am - 10:15 am | Arrival
• 10:15 am | Introduction to BOS – Rosa Braune (BOS Director)
• 10:30 am - 11:15 am | BOS Scheme Presentation – Joseph Hearn (Arabic Language Scheme) & Tom McKnight (Student Volunteers Oman Scheme)
• 11:15 am - 11:30 am | Break
• 11:30 am - 11:50 am | Learning Arabic in Oman – Tia Chevasson (BOS Events & Programming Assistant)
• 11:50 am - 12:15 pm | Practical Insights into Middle Eastern Studies – Assia Hamdi (BOS Digital Marketing & Membership Assistant)
• 12:15 pm - 1:00 pm | Personal Statement Workshop – Asma Ibrahim
• 1:00 pm - 1:45 pm | Lunch
• 1:45 pm - 2:15 pm | Diplomacy in the Middle East – Christopher Breeze (BOS Vice-Chairman)
• 2:15 pm - 2:30 pm | Civil Service Experience – Elizabeth Steel (Home Office Civil Servant)
• 2:30 pm - 3:00 pm | Doing Business with the Gulf  - Charlotte Earl (Desk Officer for Qatar & Oman - Department for Business and Trade)
• 3:00 pm - 3:30 pm | Entering the Field of Middle Eastern Studies – Aurelia Finch (Director UK MENA Network)

Lunch and refreshments are included.

Travel Reimbursement:
Limited travel reimbursement is available for students traveling a significant distance to attend. This will be handled on a case-by-case basis, so please get in touch if you have any queries.

Read About Last Year’s Event:
A full review of the pilot edition of the MENA Studies Taster Day is available on page 44 of our 2024 Annual Review.

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How to Book

This event is free to attend, but spaces are limited. Advance booking is required.

To reserve your place, please email rsvp@britishomani.org with the subject line 'Taster Day'. Kindly include the following details in your email:

• Your full name.
• Your year group.
• The name of your school/educational institution.
• Any dietary requirements.

We look forward to welcoming you!