A bridge between 2 deserts: ASU international student discovers transformational power of language
Editor’s note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable spring 2025 graduates.
Growing up in the Arabian Desert, Abdalla Alateyah could not have imagined he’d one day graduate from college in the Sonoran Desert.
Alateyah is originally from Kuwait City, Kuwait, an arid city on the shores on the Persian Gulf. As child he dreamed of becoming a teacher.
“I was fascinated by how teachers could explain things clearly and help others grow,” he said. “And I have always been curious about how language shapes our thinking.”
He chose to study at Arizona State University on the strength of its international reputation as a leader in linguistics training — probably not because it, too, was situated in an often harsh landscape.
Once here, Alateyah discovered some similarities between his two desert homes, but also some vast contrasts.
“(In Kuwait) the desert is a big part of our environment and culture,” he said. “Moving to Arizona felt strangely familiar — the heat, the dry air and even the scenery reminded me of home. However, beyond the landscape, everything else felt very different. Kuwait has a strong sense of community and shared tradition, while Arizona has a more individualistic culture and much diversity.”
It was a lot, at first.
“It was a big adjustment,” he admitted. “But over time, I found comfort in the quiet of the desert and the open sky. That space allowed me to reflect, grow and focus on my studies. The move shaped me in ways I did not expect — it made me more independent and helped me find my purpose.”
Alateyah is graduating from ASU this spring with a bachelor’s degree in English (linguistics) and a certificate in teaching English as a second or other language. He has been on the Dean’s List consistently since 2023 and reaffirmed his career goals in an internship where he taught English as a second language with ASU Global Launch.
Ruby Macksoud, director in Internships in the Department of English, said Alateyah was a well-liked instructor.
"As an intern at ASU Global Launch, Abdalla was a global ambassador," Macksoud said. "He was dedicated to sharing experiences from his own journey as an international student to enrich the learning experiences of his students — students loved hearing about Abdalla's life here at ASU and his life back home in Kuwait and sharing their own stories along the way."
Alateyah has already been accepted into ASU’s Master of Arts in linguistics and applied linguistics, which he will begin in the fall.
We caught up to Alateyah in the midst of graduation prep to ask a few additional questions.
Question: What was your “aha” moment, when you realized you wanted to study in your field?
Answer: My “aha” moment came during my internship experience at TESOL, teaching English to non-native speakers. I realized how powerful language can be in shaping opportunities and connecting cultures. That moment inspired my interest in linguistics and teaching English, which eventually led me to pursue a degree in English linguistics at ASU.
Q: What’s something you learned while at ASU — in the classroom or otherwise — that surprised you or changed your perspective?
A: Coming to ASU as an international student, I was unsure how to find my place. However, being part of such a diverse, collaborative environment quickly taught me that learning is not just about knowledge but about impact. I met students and faculty from all over the world, each with unique stories and goals, and I realized that education is a powerful tool for empowerment. Language can transform lives, especially for students learning English as a second language. This experience shifted my view of teaching from a job to a responsibility that can open doors and build bridges.
Q: Why did you choose ASU?
A: Before applying, I did much research on programs that combined both academic excellence and hands-on teaching experience. ASU stood out immediately. Nevertheless, what convinced me was the TESOL internship program and the strong reputation of the linguistics faculty. I remember reading about the actual classroom experience students were getting, and I knew I wanted to be part of that. I did not want a degree (that was) just “theory” — I wanted to teach, connect with learners and grow as an educator. Choosing ASU was one of the best decisions I have ever made.
Q: Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at ASU?
A: Deciding on the professor who taught me the most important lesson at ASU is tough — they have all been great, and I would not want any of them to feel left out. However, if I had to highlight three, they would be (Instructional Professional in English) Ruby Macksoud, who showed me how empathy and connection can make a classroom more impactful; (Assistant Professor of English) Peter Torres, who helped me develop confidence in my academic voice and challenged me to think more critically about language; and (Professor of Arabic) Souad Ali, who reminded me of the importance of culture and identity in education. Each of them has contributed to the teacher and learner I am becoming.
Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to those still in school?
A: Take initiative, even when it is uncomfortable. Whether speaking up in class or applying for a challenging opportunity, growth often comes when you push past hesitation. Also, connect with your professors — that support will take you further than you think.
Q: What was your favorite spot for power studying?
A: The quiet corners of Hayden Library were my go-to. I could dive into readings, plan lessons or reflect on my learning there. Something about being surrounded by books and ideas gave me focus.
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: I plan to pursue a master’s degree in linguistics and applied linguistics at ASU. I aim to eventually earn a PhD and return home to teach at the university level. I hope to inspire future generations of students the way my professors inspired me.
Q: If someone gave you $40 million to solve one problem on our planet, what would you tackle?
A: I would invest in improving access to education in underserved communities, especially for young people learning English as a second language. During my TESOL internship at ASU, I worked with international students beginning their English learning journey. Many came from backgrounds with limited educational support and language resources. I saw how difficult it was for them to adapt — not because they lacked motivation or intelligence, but because they did not have equal access to the tools and opportunities they needed. Through classroom support, tutoring and cultural exchange activities, I saw how even small interventions could boost their confidence and help them succeed academically and socially. That experience opened my eyes to how language education can be a powerful form of empowerment.
Language is a bridge, and giving students the tools to cross it can change their lives, families and futures. With $40 million, I would build and support language learning centers, train more passionate teachers and ensure that every student — no matter where they are from — has a real chance to succeed.
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