G raduate student Abbas Fares of Lübbecke, Germany, who’s originally from Lebanon, is pursuing his dream to teach English and physical education at a vocational college. While here, he’s making connections and working on his vocabulary. 

Before coming to Georgia College & State University (GCSU), Fares got a taste of America on a visit with his aunt in New York City. Because of the pandemic and online courses, he felt that his English skills had been floundering. So, that’s when he decided to perfect his English language skills by studying in the U.S.

“I was like, ‘Okay, I’ve got to sign up for an exchange program in the United States,’” he said.

Fares found Georgia College through a German exchange program.

After this fall semester, he’ll go back to Germany next semester to continue studying teaching and will graduate in summer 2023. For now, though, he’s enjoying the diversity of people and activities in America. He especially enjoys being a member of Georgia College’s International Club.

“It's all about diversity, inclusivity and getting everyone together—that feeling of being one even though we are different,” Fares said.

He’s adjusting to his newer surroundings, thanks to support from the International Education Center staff. He also found mentors in Omar Odeh, associate vice president for Strategic Communications and James Goforth, his Connection program father in Milledgeville. Goforth made Fares feel at home and opened many doors for him.

“I'm thankful for Jason Wynn, who was responsible since day one for my Visa and everything I needed to come to the U.S.,” Fares said. “I'm also grateful to Susie Ramage who connected me with people, like Omar Odeh.”

“I felt that connection of home, because of Omar and his Arabic family,” he said. “They had me over to their house twice. It was nice getting to know his family. Omar’s a very authentic man. We have so many similarities.” 

His favorite professor is Dr. Craig Callender, associate professor of linguistics, who speaks German and worked in Germany for two years.

“He knows most of the professors at my university in Germany,” Fares said. “Dr. Callender is easy to talk to. He’s the whole package—an intellectual, sophisticated and authentic person.”

Fares’ favorite subject is his education class. 

“I enjoy learning about the American education system,” Fares said. “I can compare the American education system to see if I can take that knowledge and transfer to the German way of teaching,” Fares said. “This should help me reach my goals that I want to achieve in my future classroom.”

Fares likes to travel. He recalls driving with his family through many countries, visiting family in Lebanon, including Austria, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Serbia, Croatia, Spain, the Netherlands and Belgium.

Soon, he’ll venture to Colorado and Texas with German friends he met through GCSU’s Connection program.

After the semester ends, he’ll head back to New York City to see his aunt again and experience American culture during the holiday season. Fares returns to Germany in late December to continue working towards his dream of becoming an English teacher.

“I want to be a role model for students of the English language,” he said. “So, my competence has to be at the top level. “I’m excited about preparing students for their future.”