Office of University Communications 

Missouri State political science students to visit Kuwait

SPRINGFIELD — Three graduate and four undergraduate Missouri State University political science students will gain first-hand experience understanding Middle East peoples and cultures when they travel to Kuwait Dec. 13 for 10 days. The trip is sponsored by the Kuwait Information Office (KIO) in Washington, D.C. and the Ministry of Information for the State of Kuwait.

Dr. Muhamad Olimat, a visiting assistant professor of political science, organized the intercession class on American-Kuwait relations. “Kuwait is a close ally of the United States in the Middle East and we want to familiarize our students with the special partnership between the two countries,” Olimat said. “We also want to promote an international and a multicultural outlook among Missouri State students and to build partnership and possible exchange programs with Kuwaiti universities and Missouri State.”

The itinerary for the trip includes visiting the Minister of Information, Kuwait University, Kuwait Parliament, the U.S. Embassy and the Kuwait Stock Market. The delegation will also have an opportunity to tour Kuwait City and meet Kuwaiti families.

College of Humanities and Public Affairs Dean Lorene Stone will head the Missouri State delegation. “This trip offers the students a terrific opportunity to be exposed to the culture and people of Kuwait,” Stone said. “At a time when the Middle East is in transition, our students will experience an Arab society that is a strong ally and one that is interested in democratic ideals.”

According to Olimat, this is the first time the KIO has sponsored a trip for students outside of the North East.