My name is Areeg Al-Dayni, and I am a rising sophomore majoring in bioengineering. I was born in Baghdad, Iraq, and lived in Bolu, Turkey for two years before eventually settling in Fort Worth, Texas. From an early age, my life across cultures taught me that the world is vast, diverse, and deeply interconnected. This upbringing sparked my passion for languages and global learning, making studying abroad an essential part of my college journey.
That passion came to life through the Bishop Fellowship, which allowed me to study abroad in the Andalusian region of Spain. Choosing just one destination was no easy task, but Granada stood out immediately. Growing up in Texas, Spanish played a major role in my education, and learning about Al-Andalus in history classes left a lasting impression on me. Experiencing Granada firsthand — its language, history, and daily life — was both meaningful and transformative.
Living and studying in Granada gave me the opportunity to engage deeply with the city’s rich cultural and linguistic heritage. Exploring historic landmarks such as the Alhambra and the Albayzín allowed me to see history not as something distant, but as something living and present. Through my coursework, I examined topics ranging from the influence of Islamic dynasties on Spain to Spanish literature, while also strengthening my grammar and vocabulary skills through immersive language study.
One of the highlights of the program was traveling to Morocco, where I gained valuable insight into the cultural and historical connections between North Africa and southern Spain. I also visited other Spanish cities including Seville, Córdoba, and Málaga, each offering its own unique perspective on Spanish culture and regional identity.
Thanks to post-program funding, I was able to extend my learning beyond the classroom by traveling independently throughout Spain. My journey took me to Barcelona in Catalonia, Madrid in the Comunidad de Madrid, Toledo in Castilla-La Mancha, and Salamanca in Castilla y León. Each destination broadened my understanding of Spain’s regional diversity and strengthened my confidence in navigating new environments.
This study abroad experience played a crucial role in shaping me into a more globally-minded scientist and engineer — someone who can communicate across cultures and approach complex problems with empathy and perspective. I am deeply grateful to the Bishop Family for making it possible for me to turn a lifelong dream into a reality and for supporting an experience that will continue to influence my academic and personal growth.
Info from FASA Office:
The Bishop application window is opening soon, if you are interested in applying for this Award please join the FASA Office for the information meeting as well as the budget workshop.
Information Meeting: Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at 12pm in Brennan Conference Room
Budget Workshop: Monday, February 2, 2026 at 12pm in Brennan Conference Room
The 2026 application deadline is March 01, 2026
For more information go to https://fasa.caltech.edu/
All photos by Areeg Al-Dayni.
