Month: June 2025

Reema Mansour, a double major in Computer Science and Business Administration at Bridgewater College, recently completed her internship with Arab Student Aid International (ASAI), describing the experience as both enriching and transformative.

During her time at ASAI, Reema worked closely with a dedicated and inspiring team that played a key role in shaping her internship experience. She credits Mr. Hussam for being a pivotal mentor. “He constantly guided me through challenges, teaching me valuable lessons about project management, decision-making, and leadership,” Reema shares.

Entrusted with significant responsibilities, Reema managed website updates and helped oversee the student applications platform. These tasks pushed her outside of her comfort zone and helped her build confidence in her technical and organizational abilities.

Beyond the technical side, Reema found immense value in the collaborative environment. The applications team was welcoming and supportive, always ready to work together and refine the aid selection process. “Working alongside them gave me deep insight into teamwork, communication, and problem-solving,” she says.

For Reema, her internship at ASAI was more than just a learning opportunity—it was a journey of personal and professional growth that will serve as a strong foundation for her future.

I joined the Arab Student Aid International (ASAI) in 2007 and have had the privilege of working across several areas of the organization. Under the mentorship of the late Dr. Ishaq Yacoub Al-Qutub—ASAI’s founding member and President—I learned what it truly means to build an educated and purposeful society. His guidance shaped not only my role, but my personal mission to support the next generation of Arab leaders.

One of the most impactful parts of my work has been overseeing the Interest-Free Loan program. This initiative has transformed the lives of countless Arab students pursuing higher education. My role goes beyond managing repayments—I stay connected with our graduates to learn from the knowledge and experience they’ve gained. Watching them grow and give back is a deeply rewarding part of this journey.

It’s truly moving to witness the seeds we’ve planted flourish into bright, intellectual minds that go on to inspire and uplift others. As I often reflect, “It has been a privilege to see what we’ve sown grow into intellectual light that shines forward for future generations.”

For me, ASAI’s mission is not just a cause—it’s a legacy. A continuous journey to strengthen and educate the Arab community, one student at a time.

Dr. Faleh Abu Ara, once an ambitious student facing financial hardship in Palestine, is now a symbol of achievement and hope—empowered by the assistance of Arab Student Aid International (ASAI). What could have remained an unreachable dream became a remarkable academic journey made possible through ASAI’s support.

Faleh earned his PhD and now plays a leading role in advancing academic institutions, shaping minds, and inspiring future leaders. His success is more than a personal milestone—it reflects the power of education backed by community support.

What makes Faleh’s story even more powerful is his unwavering commitment to give back. Today, he proudly stands with ASAI—not just as a former recipient, but as a mentor, supporter, and champion of the mission that once uplifted him.

At ASAI, we believe that every student has the potential to make a meaningful impact. Every donation is more than financial assistance, it is an investment in a stronger, educated future.

I attended high school in Amman and graduated in 1979.  I attained a 90.6 average in the government national high school exams (Al-Tawjeehi).  I knew it would be difficult for me to apply to universities overseas as my family could not afford it.  I wanted to study computer science as I was fascinated with the relatively new technology at that time, as the use of computers was increasing rapidly.  One day that summer a friend of mine told me about ASAI and asked me if I would like to go with him to apply for a student loan.  At the time we met with Mr. Issam Zawawi who was the ASAI rep in Amman.  Mr. Zawawi was very welcoming and explained the acceptance conditions.   We both applied and a couple of months later I was notified that I got accepted to study at Monmouth University in NJ, USA, for a Computer Science degree.  I was over the moon and started preparations to go to USA as the school was due to start in late January 1980.  I want to take this opportunity to give credit to Mr. Zawawi who helped me to complete the application and kept in touch with me until the acceptance was received.  Without Mr. Zawawi’s assistance and direction I would not have had the opportunity to complete my higher education.

I started my studies at Monmouth University in Jan 1980.  Shortly after I started, I contacted ASAI to inform them of my status.  ASAI assisted me in the first year with Tuition and Board.  Subsequent years it was only tuition.  I was lucky enough to have had the chance to meet with Mr. Joseph Qutub, ASAI president at the ASAI headquarters in Fanwood, NJ during the first semester after he invited me to go and meet him.  Mr. Qutob met me at the train station and took me to a McDonalds restaurant for lunch.  I saw in him the caring father figure and a genuine care and interest in my wellbeing and education.  While we were having lunch and chatting about ASAI, he pointed at the guy who served us our lunch and said to me, “You see that guy over there to which I said yes.  He said to me “that is my son”.  He explained to me that he took me to that restaurant to teach me that working in America is something that most students do to earn extra pocket money while studying and it is not something to be ashamed of.  I went back after my meeting feeling encouraged and motivated to complete my 4-year degree to prove to Mr. Qutub, my family, and myself, that I am going to rise to the challenge and work very hard to get my degree.

I graduated in Jun1984 and received my BS Degree in Computer Science.  I invited Mr. Qutub to my graduation ceremony, unfortunately Mr. Qutub was not able to attend as he had a prior travel commitment and sincerely congratulated me and wished me a bright future ahead.  I returned to Jordan and worked with a couple of information technology companies before Joining the IT department with Royal Jordanian Airlines where I stayed until I migrated to Australia in 1990.

In Australia I started working 2 weeks after arrival with an international financial institution where I started as a programmer, and moved to a project manager role, then an Assistant Vice President and IT lead for the Asia Pacific region.  The duration of my employment was almost 30 years.  In early 2021 I received my redundancy package and took a break during COVID,

I need to continue working to keep active and do something that I am passionate about, which is the aviation industry.  I was lucky enough to land a Customer Service Agent role with Qantas – the regional domestic service team where I am currently employed as a permanent part-time employee.  This is my retirement job, and I am having a lot of fun with a great team and exciting environment.

Having acquired the Student Loan from ASAI back in 1979 was a turning point in my life.  I could not obtain my degree and subsequently advanced my professional career without being given the opportunity to complete my higher education.  Many doors were opened for me which helped me advance in my professional and personal development.   There are no words that can describe how grateful I am.  I will forever be indebted to ASAI. 

I am proud to be affiliated with such a reputable organization whose main goal is to help Arab students. Thank you ASAI, thank you to the leadership team, the volunteers, administrators, and everyone who is keeping it going.