The Eisenhower Institute group photographed at Sultan Qaboos University in Muscat, Oman. (Photo provided by Eisenhower Institute)
By Sunbul Ahadi, Contributing Writer
Over spring break, the Eisenhower Institute (EI) offered eight Gettysburg College students the opportunity to travel to Oman, a Gulf country on the Arabian Peninsula. The trip was part of the year-long “Global Focus: Oasis in the Middle East” program, in which students explored Oman’s history, culture, achievements, and challenges in the modern age.” During the trip, students said they learned about Omani society and challenged stereotypes associated with the Middle East.
This program was led by Linda Pappas Funsch, a professor at Frederick Community College and author of “Oman Reborn: Balancing Tradition and Modernization.” Funsch is a career educator and Middle East specialist with decades of experience across the region, including more than two dozen trips to Oman. EI Executive Director Tracie Potts and Assistant Director Brigid Goss co-led the trip with Funsch.
During the fall semester, students attended classes about the topics that this trip focused on, such as the country’s geography, history, society, culture and its relations with the United States.
View of Muttrah in Muscat, Oman. (Vincent DiFonzo/The Gettysburgian)
On the first day of the trip, students visited the National Museum and Mutrah Fort, one of the most iconic historical landmarks in Muscat, the country’s capital city. Perched on a rocky hill overlooking the scenic Mutrah Corniche and the Arabian Sea, the fort offers views of the harbor and the city. During the 10-day field trip, students immersed themselves in Oman’s rich culture through visual learning and visits to historical sites. They visited Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, participated in a hands-on cooking session on traditional Omani dishes and visited Souq Al Muttrah, described as one of the oldest and most vibrant traditional markets in the country.
After leaving Muscat, the group traveled south into the Hajar Mountains. They visited the historic city of Nizwa, where they attended a livestock market, met with locals and witnessed celebration of Tahloula, part of the country’s Ramadan celebrations.
Participant Mercedes Cao ’25 commented on her experience.
“My time in Oman was both enriching and transformative, offering deep insights into the complexities of Omani society. Through our experiences, we explored how history, culture, politics, economics, and religion are intricately interwoven in shaping the nation’s identity,” said Cao. “We had the opportunity to engage with government officials, gain firsthand understanding of key governmental sectors, and learn about Oman’s Vision 2040; an ambitious framework centered on people and society, economy and development, government and institutional performance, and sustainable environment.”
Editor’s Note: Gettysburgian Editor-in-Chief Vincent DiFonzo is one of the Global Focus students who participated in this trip.
