Holcombe Global Series: From Tunisia to Fayetteville

Pictured above: Hamada Ahmed, left, and Amal El Harouche pose in front of the Tunisian flag. | Photos by Katrina Erickson

By Katrina Erickson
Holcombe Hall Resident Assistant

Our Razorback community is full of people from diverse cultures and backgrounds!

Holcombe Hall is the international residence hall on campus, where 40 percent of residents are international students. Every month, Holcombe hosts Global Series, where students share about their native countries. Narmine Ben Aissa, a sophomore engineering student, taught attendants about Tunisian history and culture.  

Tunisia is a North African country smaller than the state of Arkansas but with a population of 12 million people. The landscape is absolutely beautiful with picturesque beaches and the blue and white city of Carthage. Narmine showed everyone her handmade Tunisian dress and handbag that she bought in the markets of Carthage. She also showed everyone her two lucky hats, traditional Muslim headwear called chechias.

Armine puts her traditional Tunisian tea and outfit on display for the Holcombe community.

Armine has worn the hats in competitions and she claims they help her win! After playing a video of Tunisian dance and music, Armine demonstrated how to make tea. She poured boiling water onto tea leaves and mint and mixed it by pouring it over and over. Narmine loved sharing her culture with her friends and neighbors, and it showed as she smiled joyfully while presenting.  

After Armine’s demonstration, everyone tried traditional Tunisian food. Residents indulged in Naan bread, mint tea, couscous, and tagine, a pie dish made out of eggs, meat, and vegetables. The air was full of delicious scents and lively conversation.

Adopt-a-Prof Program

Holcombe has an Adopt-a-Prof, a professor who attends events and engages with residents. Adnan Ali Khalaf Alrubaye, Holcombe’s Adopt-a-Prof, is a professor of microbiology from Iraq. He has lived in the United States for 10 years; of the numerous countries he has visited, he says the U.S. is his favorite. Professor Adnan enjoyed the presentation about Tunisia and chatting with residents about their daily lives at the University of Arkansas.  

The Tunisia Global Series taught residents about another culture from a local’s perspective. Students also socialized with people they had never met before, and shared their own cultures by asking questions. It was incredible to watch everyone blend into one big family. Living on campus gives residents the opportunity to meet people from all over the world and see what makes Arkansas so special!