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Looking back at my time in Bahrain, I can honestly say it was one of the most eye-opening experiences of my life. Going there for my Honours Internship felt like stepping into a whole new world—familiar through our shared Arab identity, yet refreshingly different in culture, lifestyle, and perspectives.

I completed my internship at Arabian Gulf University in Manama, focusing on endometriosis, a gynecological condition affecting roughly 10% of women worldwide. My research involved working with organoid models, which are 3D cell cultures that maintain tissue complexity and provide a more accurate representation than traditional 2D models. Specifically, I explored how morphological and growth differences among organoids relate to histological characteristics.

Being a registered student at AGU also allowed me to live on campus in a dorm, which added a whole new dimension to my experience. I got to participate in student activities and really immerse myself in student life in Bahrain, which made the cultural exchange even richer.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my stay was the cultural exchange. I met people from across the MENA region—Kuwait, Oman, Sudan, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, and of course Bahrain. Being Moroccan, I’ve always connected with my Arab identity through my own culture, but meeting others showed me how diverse and multifaceted the Arab world truly is. We shared discussions about current regional issues, and I got to experience the richness of the Arabic language and its many dialects. I was immersed in Khaliji Arabic, while many Bahrainis were curious about Darija, Moroccan Arabic. It was fascinating to see this exchange of language and culture act as a bridge between us.

The support of the Lutfia Rabbani Foundation made this opportunity possible. Without their grant, I would not have been able to fully embrace this experience. Beyond the financial support, the Foundation’s encouragement and guidance gave me confidence to dive in and make the most of every moment. The Foundation also helped me broaden my professional network. I made both formal and informal contacts that I believe will be valuable in the future. These connections gave me insight into local perspectives and introduced me to opportunities in the Gulf that I had not seriously considered before. This experience has already influenced my future plans—I now see the Gulf as a place where I could pursue further academic or professional goals.

Most importantly, this journey gave me knowledge that goes beyond the classroom. I learned adaptability, how to engage with people from different backgrounds, and how to appreciate diversity within a shared identity. These are lessons I will carry with me in both my studies and my career.

Looking back, I honestly can say that going to Bahrain has been one of my best decisions I have made in my life. Sometimes all it takes is to get over your fears to go and discover opportunities outside of your comfort zone.

My name is Loubna Harroui and until recently I was a medical student at the Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam. Born and raised in the Netherlands, I grew up with strong ties to Morocco, as my family is from there and I visit almost every year. When the opportunity came to complete my final elective abroad, it felt only natural to choose Morocco. Therefore, I decided to do my internship at the Centre International de Pédiatrie (CIP) in Tangier, a private pediatric clinic where I spent eight weeks working alongside local doctors. This internship was the last part of my studies, and it turned out to be one of the most valuable and memorable parts of my medical education that I will carry with me throughout my career.  

The clinic works with an open-door system: no scheduled appointments, but instead an intake at the front desk where children are seen the same day. On average, we treated 40 to 60 patients per day, ranging from routine consultations to complex cases.  

What impressed me most was the extraordinary variety of cases. Many were familiar from my training in the Netherlands, such as viral respiratory infections, asthma or gastroenteritis. But in Tangier I saw these conditions more often in their severe form. For example, dehydration was a daily reality. Due to the hot climate, socioeconomic challenges and sometimes delayed access to medical care, children arrived at the clinic severely dehydrated, often requiring intravenous rehydration. It was both confronting and educational to realize how context can determine the gravity of a disease that we in the Netherlands usually see in much milder stages.
Another striking difference was the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori. While in the Netherlands it is relatively uncommon in children, in Morocco it is endemic. I was surprised by the number of young patients who tested positive, often presenting with abdominal pain or anemia. This pushed me to study the local epidemiology and to understand better why some diseases play such a large role in one country while being less relevant in another. 

What also stood out to me were the surgical procedures. Circumcision, for example, is a routine part of pediatric care in Morocco, performed frequently for cultural and religious reasons. In the Netherlands, circumcision is rarely performed in medical settings unless there is a clinical indication. At CIP, however, I had the chance to witness and assist in several circumcisions, which gave me valuable hands-on experience with a procedure that is far less common in Dutch pediatrics. 

Besides the private clinic, I was also given the opportunity to spend time in the public hospital. The contrast could not have been greater. The clinic was modern, organized, and well-equipped, while the hospital had limited resources, overcrowded wards, and patients often from poorer, rural backgrounds. Here I saw children suffering from trauma after traffic accidents, complex infections, and acute surgical problems that required immediate intervention. The difference between the two settings offered me a sharp lesson in health inequalities – both within Morocco itself and in comparison to the Netherlands. 

My time in Tangier was not only about medicine. It was also about communication, culture, and connection. Explaining preventive measures to parents, often across language barriers, required patience and creativity. I learned how to build trust quickly, how to reassure anxious families, and how to adapt my explanations to different cultural contexts. These communication skills, I realized, are as essential to good medicine as any clinical knowledge. 

Looking back, I am grateful for the chance to combine my academic training in Amsterdam with my cultural roots in Morocco. The elective gave me a deeper understanding of global pediatrics, showed me the importance of adapting care to local realities, and reminded me of the universal challenges and joys of working with children and their families. 

This was not just the end of an internship; it was the closing chapter of my medical studies. With this experience in Tangier, I have officially completed my program and can proudly say that I am now a doctor. Returning to the Netherlands as a recently graduated doctor, I carry with me medical knowledge, cultural insights, and a stronger motivation to dedicate myself to the health of patients from all backgrounds. 

 Would you also like to benefit from our Travel Grants? Our applications are open all year! Find out more about the application procedure and criteria here 

 Would you also like to benefit from our Travel Grants? Our applications are open all year! Find out more about the application procedure and criteria here 

In 2022 I came to Egypt for the first time to follow the Middle Eastern Bachelor Program at the Netherlands Flemish Language Institute in Cairo (NVIC). After completing my studies at the NVIC, I stayed in Egypt for four more months to dive into local techniques and work as an artist in residence. I kept finding a typical Egyptian textile that was asking for my attention, namely khayamiya. Khayamiya – derived from the Arabic word for tent, namely khayma – is an appliqué technique, predominantly used for making big handmade tents. Nowadays, tents made of khayamiya are still used for different purposes, for example, during events such as weddings and funerals, or iftars during Ramadan. The technique is also used on a smaller scale for objects such as pillow covers, and can be created through other means, such as machine-sewn or (digitally) printed.  

From January 2025 until the beginning of May 2025 I returned to Egypt to conduct research for my research master’s thesis Let the Textile Speak: Egyptian Khayamiya Through the Streets of Cairo. Through the support of the travel grant of the Lutfia Rabbani Foundation, I was able to cover my travel costs to Egypt, but also the travel expenses during my stay. In this research, I focus on Egyptian khayamiya and its contemporary usages before and during Ramadan. By following the routes of various types of khayamiya through Cairo’s streets and taking courses in the Street of the Tentmakers to learn the technique, I analyse how khayamiya dresses up the city, and invites people to interact with it. This interdisciplinary approach between textiles, heritage, material religion, and (art-)history makes it possible to let the textile speak. 

In addition to delving into collecting the data for my research, I was able to take my Egyptian-Arabic to another level since most of my respondents were Arabic speakers. Although my Arabic is not fluent, I was able to talk with many tentmakers, farrashin (the people who rent and build the tents), and other people related to khayamiya. In my experience, Egyptians create a very welcoming environment to learn Arabic, since the majority of people are extremely patient and willing to help. 

It was an unforgettable experience to be in Egypt while seeing the preparations for Ramadan and the whole month of Ramadan. My enthusiasm for Egypt and khayamiya is not finished after this research period in Cairo, and I hope to return soon to extend this research by looking at the other usages of the textile that I encountered. During my stay, I was able to give two lectures and a workshop at the NVIC where I was working as a guest researcher. In the coming period, I will continue with these activities in the Netherlands on different occasions to share what I learned in the Street of the Tentmakers from my khayamiya teacher Ahmed, and share my enthusiasm for khayamiya and Egypt! 

Image 7: Photo by: Chuan-Yun, Hsieh. Visiting the Mothership in Tanger. All other images by Marieke den Ouden in Taza and the surrounding.  

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A different country, a different continent – I didn’t know where I would live for the next seven weeks, which family I’d stay with, what language would be spoken, how I should dress, or what exactly we would be doing. 

Thanks to the Lutfia Rabbani Foundation, I had the freedom to fully prepare and embrace the unknown.  

During my time in Morocco, I learned by living differently and by experiencing things in a new context. From Africa, I looked toward Europe; from within an Islamic culture, I reflected on a Christian and more secular society.  

I also started thinking about migration, borders, and the quiet power of a passport – my passport – and the political decisions behind it. Why can I stay here without a visa for three months, while the same access isn’t granted to Moroccan citizens? I reflected on the value of money: who determines it? The fragility of promises and the risks of miscommunication came up often. Many of the places we visited had previously hosted foreign guests like us – people who offered hope for collaboration or a return visit, but who often couldn’t fulfill those expectations. This made me more cautious about what I said. And I became increasingly aware of our consumer behavior in the Netherlands. 

For my art project, I specifically wanted to work beyond the classroom. That’s why I connected with Asmaa from Au Grain de Sésame, a social enterprise that develops innovative, sustainable products in collaboration with local craftswomen. She trains women to become financially independent. Asmaa was a valuable partner in this new country and unfamiliar culture. Asmaa’s work – combining craft, innovation, and economic independence – was truly inspiring. 

I realized how challenging it is to work as a designer in a post-colonial context. What is appropriate? What is the unspoken visual language? And how do you collaborate on equal footing?  

This experience shaped my way of thinking. It helped me understand how art can be a powerful tool for education and dialogue. Going beyond borders and embracing discomfort became an invitation to challenge myself, broaden my perspective, and connect deeply with others across cultures. 

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Living and working in Jordan has been a rewarding experience so far. I have been here now for a month and a half. I live in Jabal Al-Weibdeh, Amman’s artistic centre that houses many other expats as well. My first month here was during Ramadan. During this holy month of fasting, Jordanians tended to evade the streets while the sun was out. Each day after sundown, restaurants were stacked, especially in the downtown area of the city, where tables were laid out with water and dates to break the fast. Although, I enjoyed the spiritual calm of these weeks, I was grateful for my internship to provide some business.

I work at the Al Quds Center for Political Studies, a small thinktank ran by Palestinian Jordanians. Through the countless conversations with my colleagues, I learned a great deal on Jordanian politics and the ins and outs of the region’s international relations. I also became more aware of the dynamics of the Israeli Palestinian conflict and the ongoing Gaza War. So far, I worked on the Center’s fundraising, communications and administration. The Center also hosts frequent workshops on timely issues in the MENA’s politics. A few weeks ago, the workshop was about Syria’s new regime and how it deals with the country’s minorities. Recently, I gave a presentation on political participation of youth in the Netherlands at the Center. The presentation was attended by many politically active Jordanian youth and it was illuminating to hear about their experiences engaging in Jordanian politics.

During the weekends, I often went to see the country’s many highlights. Jordan has astounding natural beauty. Wadi Rum truly looks like Mars. And you can really float in the Dead Sea. It is not a marketing story. And Petra is a must-see, that will leave anyone who exists the mountain city wondering: ‘How did they build this place?’

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From November 11th to December 20th, 2024, I had the privilege of completing a six-week elective in the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital (SQUH) in Muscat, Oman. This experience offered me the opportunity to step outside the familiar Dutch healthcare system and immerse myself in the medical practices and cultural norms of the Middle East. My aim was to gain clinical experience in a well-developed healthcare setting while also deepening my understanding of the cultural and social aspects that influence patient care in this region. 

The clinical aspect of my elective was both challenging and rewarding. At SQUH, I was actively involved in various departments, including the emergency gynecology unit, operating theaters, labor wards, and outpatient clinics. My daily activities included preparing patient cases, conducting physical examinations, assisting in surgeries, and contributing to treatment plans under the supervision of specialists. The structured healthcare system, inspired by the British model, provided a unique learning environment. 

The hospital environment reflected a strong blend of modernity and tradition. Most healthcare professionals were highly trained, with many having completed part of their education in countries like the UK or Canada. However, cultural and religious values played a significant role in patient care. For instance, male gynecologists were rarely involved in physical examinations or deliveries due to cultural norms, and consent from patients or their families was essential for their involvement. 

Language was another important aspect of my experience. While English was the primary language among staff, Arabic was often used with patients. My ability to understand and speak  Arabic greatly enhanced my interactions with patients and colleagues, allowing me to build trust and communicate more effectively. 

Click here to find out more about Eline Koopman’s Travel scholar experience in Jordan! Would you also like to benefit from our Travel Grants? Our applications are open all year! Find out more about the application procedure and criteria here