MENA & Oman Studies Taster Day


Thursday 10th Apr 2025, 10:00 AM - 3:30 PM

34 Sackville Street, London W1S 3ED

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)


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.


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!

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