For Leyth Swidan '16, studying in Amman, Jordan, is one way he is gaining the international experience crucial for a potential career with the U.S. Foreign Service. An international relations major, Swidan is studying Middle Eastern politics and working through the CIEE's Diplomacy and Policy Studies program, building off his knowledge from classes at Pomona. Additionally, he is working with UNESCO and UNICEF, all while managing his new independence in Amman. “Pomona has prepared me to think critically about what is being taught, to approach situations from multiple perspectives, and to continuously challenge assumptions and generalizations made about sensitive topics, such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict,” he says. “However, I have missed the six dining halls that I have been taking for granted in Claremont for the past two years!”