Before joining VMI in Fall 2016, Dr. El Younssi taught courses in Arabic Studies and Comparative Literature at the Pennsylvania State University, St. Bonaventure University, and the University of New England in Tangier, Morocco. As a teacher, Dr. El Younssi values meaningful interactions in the classroom as well as the understanding and appreciation of cultural difference. At VMI, Dr. El Younssi directs the weekly Arabic Table, and will direct the inaugural STARTALK Arabic—a federally funded, team-taught, innovative, intensive language program—in summer 2017.