International Fellow

During my time at KSU, Dr. Saad Boulahnane engaged in a variety of activities designed to enhance students’ learning and foster academic and cultural exchange:
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"I delivered lectures in courses: World Literature, French literature and culture, and literary theory. The sessions focused on Moroccan literature, postcolonial theory, and critical concepts, such as Orientalism and Occidentalism, offering students unique perspectives on global literary traditions. I also had the pleasure of participating in panels aimed at professional development for faculty. These discussions explored research opportunities, globally engaged teaching practices, and the historical, cultural, and political dimensions of U.S.-Morocco relations. During my stay, I collaborated with faculty, meetings during which we emphasized the importance of joint research initiatives and cross-cultural academic projects. With regards to community outreach, I engaged with the local community by visiting an elementary school involved in a Morocco-focused book project, meeting members of the Moroccan diaspora, and presenting Moroccan cultural artifacts and traditions to the KSU community. I facilitated a hybrid class with Moroccan students, creating a space for dialogue and mutual understanding between students from both countries. This activity highlighted the value of cross-cultural learning and the potential for future collaborations. This fellowship allowed me to share my knowledge and experiences while also learning from KSU’s vibrant academic environment. My contributions supported KSU’s efforts to globalize its curriculum and provided students and faculty with deeper insights into Moroccan culture and scholarship.

On a personal level, the fellowship enriched my professional development by expanding my academic networks and exposing me to innovative teaching and research practices. It also reinforced the importance of fostering relationships between Moroccan and American institutions, paving the way for future collaborations. Overall, my time at KSU was both rewarding and impactful, and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this meaningful initiative. As part of the continuity of the Year of Morocco event that had taken place a few years prior, I had the opportunity to visit Kennesaw State University (KSU) in Kennesaw, Georgia. This experience was not only an academic endeavor but also a rich cultural immersion that allowed me to engage with diverse communities and broaden my personal and professional horizons. During my time at KSU, I built a new network of colleagues and friends, strengthening my connections with faculty members, researchers, and students. These interactions provided valuable insights into cross-cultural education, collaborative research opportunities, and pedagogical approaches in an American academic setting.

Beyond the university, I had the privilege of visiting local families, where I experienced firsthand the warmth and hospitality that define American culture. These encounters allowed me to gain a deeper appreciation of cultural nuances, traditions, and perspectives, reinforcing my belief in the importance of cross-cultural understanding in academic and social settings. Additionally, I explored historical landmarks that hold significant cultural and social meaning, including the Martin Luther King Jr. Museum and Ebenezer Baptist Church. These visits were profoundly impactful, offering critical insights into the civil rights movement and the ongoing discourse on social justice in the United States. Witnessing these historical sites deepened my understanding of the struggles and achievements that have shaped modern American society and enriched my academic perspectives on history, culture, and representation. Overall, my experience at KSU was a transformative journey that extended beyond academic learning. The opportunity to connect with new colleagues, engage with local communities, and explore significant historical landmarks has enhanced both my personal and professional growth. These experiences continue to inform my work, inspiring me to integrate cross- cultural perspectives, critical thinking, and global awareness into my teaching and research."

Interview with professor Erin Kathleen Bahl

Kathleen Bahl, Associate Professor of Applied and Professional Writing, as well as the department's inaugural Social Media and Branding Coordinator. She accompanied me throughout the experience, providing visual media documenting my activities. She invited me to an interview at the end of my journey, during which she asked several questions pertaining to my stay, my impressions, takeaways, and future projects. The interview will soon be published in the KSU newsletter.

“The KSU English Department welcomed Dr. Saad Boulahnane, assistant professor of English at Hassan I University in Morocco, as the department’s inaugural international faculty fellow during Fall 2024. Toward the end of his visit, he graciously met with the social media team for an interview on his experiences as faculty fellow. We are grateful to Dr. Boulahnane for sharing his thoughts and reflections from his visit to KSU!”

Link to the interview:

https://www.kennesaw.edu/radow/academics/english/resources/docs/fall-2024-winter-2025-newsletter.pdf