Paul Fean

PhD International Education, University of Sussex

MSc Social Research Methods (Education), University of Sussex
BA Arabic and French, University of Manchester

Paul’s interest in languages led him to study Arabic and French at university. His first foray into the Middle East came during his studies, when he heworked as a volunteer English teacher in Palestinian camps in Lebanon. He was pleased to discover  loved the people, culture and food (at least the vegetarian dishes!), which led to periods of studying Arabic in Egypt and Tunisia. Paul particularly enjoys learning proverbs, jokes and slang expressions, as well as the lyrics to Arabic pop songs.

Paul spent five years working in education in Sudan, which included establishing an educational NGO to promote volunteering among Sudanese university students. He returned to Khartoum for his PhD fieldwork, based on facilitating Sudanese teachers doing research about their schools and teaching. Paul used Arabic when conducting research, running discussion workshops and delivering presentations. Since completing his PhD, Paul has worked as a research consultant by distance for a Jordanian education charity and worked extensively with Dragons.

Paul enjoys swimming and going to the gym, as well as trying new hobbies, such as recent beginner’s courses in Arabic calligraphy, trapeze, and yoga.