Brody Sandifer-Williams ’28 and Edison Dokken ’28 Awarded the CIE Arabic Summer Scholarship

By Abby Harlan
May 18, 2026

Washington and Lee University has announced that Brody Sandifer-Williams '28 and Edison Dokken '28 have been awarded the 2026 Arabic Summer Scholarship from the Center for International Education (CIE).

The scholarship, supported by the Rusty '86 and Rene Johnson Endowment for Experiences Abroad, will allow the pair to attend a program hosted by The Arab American Language Institute in Morocco (AALIM). Every summer, AALIM offers accepted applicants an intensive program for sessions of varying length. Dokken and Sandifer-Williams will spend eight weeks in Meknes, Morocco, developing their Arabic linguistic skills while also gaining the opportunity to immerse themselves in cultural activities such as music performances, cooking classes and calligraphy workshops. The AALIM program will run from June 1 to July 24.

"I was drawn to the opportunity because the funding offered through CIE gave me the opportunity to study abroad over the summer," said Sandifer-Williams. "I am hoping to reach fluency in Arabic, so spending as much time as possible immersed in the language is important."

From Asheville, North Carolina, Sandifer-Williams' interest in Arabic stems from the language's connection and application within the U.S. State Department, where he hopes to work following the completion of his college education. For Fall Term, Sandifer-Williams will continue his language studies abroad in Jordan. Once back on campus, he plans on continuing his Arabic studies alongside courses in global politics, his major.

"Brody is the ideal student," said Anthony Edwards, associate professor of Arabic. "He has a strong work ethic and warm personality. He will have no problem living in Meknes, meeting residents and adapting to life in Morocco."

By completing the AALIM program this summer, Sandifer-Williams and Dokken will earn six to eight credits for a full year of Arabic studies, placing the two ahead in requirements for the minor in Middle East and South Asia (MESA) studies.

"This opportunity gives me the chance to improve my Arabic while seeing the world," said Dokken. "Perspective is key in navigating the world, and studying Arabic in Meknes will help develop my perspective."

A native of Stevens Point, Wisconsin, Dokken began his study of Arabic this past fall due to the language's connection to international relations and cybersecurity, two fields he is currently considering pursuing professionally. Once he returns to campus, Dokken plans to continue his Arabic studies as a part of the MESA minor. He is double majoring in computer science and politics.

When discussing Dokken, Edwards shared a similar sentiment: "Edison is a phenomenal student and an incredible person. He prepares the material beforehand, is ready to show you what he has learned and wants you to push him so that he can learn more. Students like Edison make teaching a worthwhile profession."

The U.S. State Department categorizes Arabic as one of the most difficult languages for native English speakers to learn.

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