About Dina Elsaqa

Hi, I'm Dina, the Arabic WLTA (World Language Teaching Assistant) at Washington and Lee University. I'm originally from Alexandria, Egypt-a coastal city with a rich history and a deep love for books, art, and conversation, much like myself.

I've always been drawn to languages. With a background in education, English, literature, and translation, I see language not just as a tool for communication but as a doorway into new ways of thinking and understanding the world. Arabic, in particular, has been close to my heart since childhood. I'm especially passionate about Arabic literature and romantic poetry-there's something timeless and deeply human in the way those words come together.

Outside the classroom, I love exploring cultures and landscapes. I've spent time traveling across Egypt, from camping under desert stars to climbing the mountains of Sinai. It's important to me to experience my country beyond the usual postcard images and to share that fuller picture with others.

I also volunteer as a TED translator, working with a global community to bring educational content to wider audiences through thoughtful, culturally aware translation. It's a small way I try to help big ideas cross borders.

I applied to the Fulbright FLTA program because I believe in the power of language and culture to bring people together. This role gives me the chance to share the beauty of Arabic and the richness of Egyptian culture with students who are curious, open-minded, and eager to learn.
At Washington and Lee, I'm excited not just to teach, but to connect-through conversation, shared experiences, and those small everyday moments that make cultural exchange so meaningful. I also see this as a chance to grow personally and professionally, to learn as much as I teach, and to contribute to a community that values global perspectives.