As a MESP participant, you will spend your semester in close contact with the peoples of the Middle East. It is important to remember that we are guests in their countries. Sensitivity to their cultural and social traditions and respect for them means remaining flexible and willing to do things their way.
Because of the communal nature of the Middle East Studies Program, students and staff are expected to follow biblical principles concerning Christian conduct, including willingness to subordinate one's own prerogatives for the benefit of the community.
In addition, MESP has a ‘no dating’ policy. Male-female relations, including dating and courtship, vary greatly from culture to culture. What may seem like common courtesy to a North American may be read as a wedding proposal or sexual “come-on” to someone from another culture. We will give you details about what is appropriate and what is not. The bottom line is that we ask MESP students not to begin romantic/physical relationships during MESP participation.