Bashar A.

Bashar A.
Home Country:
Oman

During my second week in the ELP, Lori exclaimed, "You're wearing those shorts while it's raining outside?!” Having no experience living away from my family, I was way out of my comfort zone.

Initially, I didn't expect much from UPenn's ELP program. Still, I was pleasantly surprised at how welcoming the teachers and staff members were. I quickly regarded the ELP as my home away from home, feeling stranded in a good way with other students. Slowly realizing that Philadelphia's beauty lies in the details, much like a gem covered in sand.

"The ELP experience doesn't stop at Fisher-Bennett Hall's doorstep, but extends much further into the incredible social life you can build...”

The ELP experience doesn't stop at Fisher-Bennett Hall's doorstep, but extends much further into the incredible social life you can build while educating yourself about a plethora of cultures and backgrounds. Additionally, socializing with internationals pushed me to improve my language skills.

The pace of learning at the ELP was perfect. It was undoubtedly more challenging than high school, but not annoyingly time-consuming. The helpful teachers and staff members took me in gracefully and treated me like I had known them for ages. I was a younger brother to both Eve and Lori while being a frequent but always welcomed guest with Devin, Mia, and Steph in the Enrollment Office, and finally being friends with sweet ol' Andrew (sheikh Abdullah).

Looking into the past isn't one of my favorite things to do; however, the experiences I had while being an ELP student and navigating my responsibilities as an individual will be remembered for many years to come. I hope everyone will miss me, as I will miss everyone!

ELP FOREVER...