GW alumnus Travis Geraci, BA ’05, had no hesitation about moving across the globe to test his Arabic language skills in Yemen – his education at GW, which incorporated both language skills and cultural awareness, had prepared him for the challenge.

Geraci first began lessons in Arabic at sessions offered by GW Hillel, an organization serving GW’s Jewish student community. In the summer of 2004, he began studying Arabic seriously when he became a charter member of GW’s recently established Margaret and Edward Gnehm Summer Honors Program in Arabic language studies. “I felt largely compelled to travel, post graduation, because of the cultural and socio-economic dynamics of Yemen that I studied at GW,” said Geraci.

While in Yemen, Geraci worked in a local school, expanding his perspective of the culture and refining his Arabic language skills. He lives in Sana’a, the capital city and urban center Yemen. With his days full of teaching first graders at the Sana’a International School and his nights steeped in local entertainments, such as riding motorcycles on the Red Sea coast, Geraci has little time for relaxation.

Even so, in his spare time, Geraci has demonstrated a commitment to philanthropy, evident in his "Balls and Dolls" fundraising event. Having noticed the numerous children playing soccer in the streets of Sana’a, often without shoes or inflated soccer balls, Geraci initiated "Balls and Dolls" last December to raise money for these items. Geraci recruited his family and friends in the United States to sponsor his project and, in return, sponsors received a picture of a child who received a gift. A great success, the benefit raised more than $1,000.