California native Danica Harootian lived with a host family in La Marsa and engaged with locals during an undergradaute semester abroad in Tunisia two years after the Arab Spring. She is now a program assistant at the University of San Francisco, working with foreign language faculty.
What’s your connection to Tunisia?
I found my way to Tunisia in the fall of 2013 for my study abroad semester as an undergraduate. I attended Scripps College and studied Anthropology and Middle East & North Africa Studies, and I participated in the School for International Training (SIT) program in Tunisia. I spent about three months in the country and was based in the beautiful Sidi Bou Said and La Marsa areas.
What keeps you interested in Tunisia?
One of my favorite aspects of the academic program in Tunisia was getting to hear from a variety of guest speakers in a class that focused on civil society. The speakers were young, passionate entrepreneurs, artists, etc., and that inspired me. Within the context of studying politics and social change in the Middle East and North Africa region, I still love to hear stories about individuals—from the artisans behind Soukra’s products to artists in Djerba and more.
Danica (right) walks with a friend in Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia, November 2013. photo by Mounir Khelifa
Where did you live in Tunisia?
I lived with a host family in La Marsa, and the SIT office space and classrooms are in Sidi Bou Said.
What is the most unexpected discovery you made while living in Tunisia?
One of my friends on my program took me to a salon to get my eyebrows done, and we started going to the place regularly. It was such a lively space, and I can still picture it vividly.
How is Tunisia related to your current work?
Studying the Middle East and North Africa covers a vast array of history, politics, culture, language and more. I’m so thankful I got to experience and understand a little about the Maghreb and witness the mixture of French, Arabic and Tunsi dialect while in Tunisia. In my current work with foreign languages faculty, I think this exposure adds to my understanding of languages and area studies in an academic setting, as well as in ways that help me encourage current students to visit North Africa!
What does Tunisia mean to you?
Tunisians are so enthusiastic about being Tunisian, simply put. Since I was a foreigner abroad, I feel some sense of responsibility to communicate to my community in the U.S. about the beauty, culture, traditions and dynamism Tunisia has to offer. It’s so much more than its news representation of the 2011 revolution and beyond. I’m so glad to connect with Pauline and hear more about Tunisia through her and Soukra.
Carthage, Tunisia, September 2013 (Image: Mounir Khelifa)
Where was your favorite place to vacation or visit within Tunisia?
Living near the coast around Tunis and Sidi Bou Said was beautiful! You can’t beat the blue and white city. And, since I’m from California, I loved traveling to Djerba. They say that Djerba is the island of lotus-eaters from Homer’s The Odyssey.
What is one Tunisian dish you crave?
I miss Tunisian couscous, of course. My host mom would make it every Sunday for lunch. It’s like comfort food!
Star Wars set at Tataouine
What is one thing every visitor to Tunisia should experience?
If you are a Star Wars fan, take the trip to the sites of Tataouine!
Who is a Tunisian you admire?
I admire Emel Mathlouthi, the singer, and the powerful videos of her singing among crowds during the 2011 revolution. I would love to get to know her music more, but her famous song “Kelmti Horra (My Word is Free)” is very striking to me.
What do you wish the world knew about Tunisia?
I heard TED talks at the Tunis’s Mediterranean School of Business, and the speakers included students, faculty and more. It was one of those moments that expanded my perception of the world and contributed to the great respect I have for the Tunisian students I met. I want people to think of Tunisian society as innovative and creative!