


Al Amana Center in Muscat, Oman
October 25 – November 3, 2019
Princeton University’s Office of Religious Life is sponsoring a trip to Oman during fall break, October 25 – Nov 3, 2019. Current Princeton students from any program are welcome to apply. The purpose of the trip is to learn about and from the religious communities in Oman (primarily Muslim, Christian and Hindu) and especially about their efforts at interreligious reconciliation and peacebuilding. Our host will be the Al Amana Center in Muscat.
Our itinerary will include the following:
- Visits to religious communities and conversations with their members, including the Grand Mosque, a Hindu temple, and Christian churches
- Introduction by Omani hosts to Scriptural Reasoning, the text-study method by which they look for similarities in teachings and for opportunities for dialogue and partnership
- Meeting at the Ministry of Religious Affairs and with a member of the State Council
- Opportunities to attend religious services in the community/ies of one’s choice
- Visit to the Palace, souk, and National Museum
- Dinner with Omani university students, perhaps including cooking lessons
- A trip to Wadi Shab, dune riding, glamping under the desert stars, campfire with local new friends
- A visit to Nizwa and its souk and historic mosque
- A visit to the Bhala Fort
The cost of the trip is $3,000, which covers $2000 for all in-country expenses (except souvenirs, snacks, etc.) and $1000 for airfare. There may be additional small costs such as those related to visas, etc. Participants may apply for financial aid for the trip by a separate, later application to the Office of Religious Life.
Some issues to keep in mind as you consider applying for the trip:
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We leave campus the afternoon of FRIDAY, Oct. 25. Please be sure that you don’t have an exam or essential lab, class, or performance, etc., later that day. You cannot fly later to join the group.
- Dietary needs: Vegetarian and vegan food will be plentiful, however, strictly Kosher food will not.
- Oman is a conservative country and our group will need to respect local customs. This will include modest clothing (covered shoulders, long pants/skirts, etc.) and abstention from alcohol. If you are hoping to party, this is not the trip for you.
The application questions are as follows:
NAME:
YEAR/DEGREE PROGRAM:
EMAIL:
PHONE:
Why do you want to go on this trip?
Do you have any experience (including informally) with interfaith engagement, reconciliation practice, or human rights?
Would you be willing, upon our return to Princeton, to share information about the trip through campus and off-campus programming?
Please email your responses to Theresa Thames, Associate Dean of Religious Life and of the Chapel, at [email protected].
The deadline for applications is September 30. Please also complete and include the language below.
I, __________________, authorize Princeton University to release information regarding my disciplinary record and any recent disciplinary inquiries to Alison Boden for the purposes of evaluating my application. Initial: _____
Related Content
Photos of the trip to Oman during the fall break in 2018.