Mounya Mrabti~ Arabic
Where do you live?
I currently live in Meknes City, Morocco.
What is your academic background?
I received my Master of Arts (MA) in Applied Language Studies from
Moulay Ismail University in Meknes. Currently, I am pursuing my Ph.D. Studies at
the same institution in applied linguistics.
What do you want people to know about your country?
As a teacher assistant and cultural ambassador of Morocco, there are several
aspects of Moroccan culture that I would like to share with my students, colleagues, or anyone interested in learning about Morocco:
Cuisine: Moroccan cuisine is a culinary delight. Therefore, tasting sessions and cooking classes could be a part of the cultural experience.
Music and Dance: Moroccan music, including traditional Gnawa and Amazigh songs. I’d share the rhythms, instruments, and traditional dances.
Tolerance: Moroccan people are known for their tolerance. I’d emphasize the coexistence of various faiths and the importance of religious harmony in
Moroccan society.
Fashion and Clothing: Traditional Moroccan clothing, including the djellaba and kaftan, is rich in history and style. I’d showcase these garments and their significance in different regions.
Three fun facts about me :
- I have a unique way of perceiving time; I think of months as colors.
- I have a quirky reading habit; I enjoy reading in the restroom, finding solace
and comfort in the quiet moments it provides. - I’m a bit absent-minded regarding my phone; I always seem to forget it in
various places.
Jingjia (Sally) Hao~ Chinese
Where do you live?
Beijing, China. Beijing is a city with a long history and there are a lot of scenic spots and historical sites.
What is your academic background?
This is my third year at Allegheny, my major is Business and my minor is Global Health Studies. And for my high school I was in an international school in Beijing.
What do you want people to know about your country?
China is a country that has thousands of years of history and diverse cultures, humility and etiquette are the spirits we value most. I hope students can learn more about Chinese history, culture, food, and art to get to know more about the real China. Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and other prosperous cities show that China is not close and outdated like in the eyes of Western media. I hope to publicize more Chinese culture and traditional costumes, as well as what China is like in daily life while learning the language, so that students can know more about the beauty of China.
Three fun facts about me :
- I was born in Tokyo, Japan.
- I like sports. I can play volleyball, badminton, horse riding and skiing
- I’m a “nail artist”, I do nails for myself and my friends, if you want you can come to me！
Cassandra Mesquita Alves ~ French
Where do you live?
I am living in Pierrelatte, a little town in the South of France.
What is your academic background?
I completed a double degree in law and languages at the University of Nantes.
What do you want people to know about your country?
I would like people to discover the beauty and the iconic culture of France but also of the regional areas. As the largest country in the European Union and a center for fashion, art, food, cinema, and innovation, France is an incredible source of topics to discuss. That is why I want to share my French knowledge in order to help people understand how daily life is in France.
Three fun facts about me :
- I am a huge fan of sports, I follow sports news on a daily basis! In Fall 2024, I will be starting a Master’s degree specialized in sports law. I’ve been a rider since I was very young, and I will be watching the Olympic Games in Versailles in 2024!
- My dad is Portuguese, and my mom is French. So I have two different sides of myself thanks to my family’s nationalities!
- I am a very small person! Everyone in Allegheny is going to be taller than me. I never found anyone smaller than me!
Yannick Borrmann ~ German
Where do you live?
Cologne, in northwestern Germany, on the Rhine. Famous for its cathedral and perfume.
What is your academic background?
Studied Social Science for a bit, then switched to Teaching, specifically for Elementary School, with English, German and Math as subjects. Currently finishing my Masters of Education and I want to pursue a PhD in Cultural Studies.
What do you want people to know about your country?
That Germans really are sticklers for rules, just like people say. But they are also very hospitable, and Germany is full of old towns and castles and history, and each region has its own unique influences because the country is situated right in the center of Europe. And there are a million different types of bread and beer.
Three fun facts about me:
- I’ve written and produced a piano album.
- I love to dance, and think that I’m good at it.
- I prefer speaking English to German, which might be a bad thing for a German TA.
Maria E. Analuisa ~ Spanish
Where do you live?
I live in Quito, Ecuador’s capital city and my hometown. Quito is famous for its mountains, volcanoes, and historical architecture. I love that it is located in the country’s Andean region and only four hours away from both the pacific coast and the Amazon, thus, I’ve had the chance to travel and explore every small ‘rincón’ of my beautiful Ecuador.
What is your academic background?
I have a bachelor’s degree in anthropology and a minor in sociology from Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ), Ecuador’s #1 private university. I’ve had over 3 years of research experience in cultural anthropology and sociolinguistics within a linguistic justice approach in human mobility and sexual and gender diversity in LATAM and Latinx communities in the US. When teaching languages (English and Spanish) I always strive for an input on the importance of sociolinguistics and different methodologies that go beyond ‘grammar’. Languages are powerful and wonderful mysteries, but moreover, they are not static. I truly believe that learning a language is a constant dialogue that undoes borders and allows creative dialogue.
What do you want people to know about your country?
Ecuador is one of the smallest countries in Latin America, but it is also one with the most diverse flora and fauna. We are famous for the Galapagos Islands, instrumental for Charles Darwin research, but I believe that one of the things people don’t know much about Ecuador is how extremely culturally diverse it is. There are approximately 24 languages spoken in Ecuador, and about 14 recognized indigenous nations, and even though Catholicism is the most practiced religion, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Shamanism and, even Ocha Rule adaptations are also practiced. Religious syncretism makes national festive days full of color and music, but also the merged of cultures has made Ecuadorian cuisine one of a kind, among our ‘weirdest’ traditional dishes you can find roasted guinea pig in the Andes, and Silkworms “Chontacuros” in the amazon. If you ever visit, a must try is Shrimp Ceviche in Manabí Province.
Three fun facts about me:
- I am a bookworm, and lately I love delving into historical and archival research, but I’m always down for a true crime series on Netflix.
- I practice art as a therapy; home is where my art is.
- I love dancing to salsa, merengue, and bachata, but I want to learn flamenco and tango.