Lima Abed

I grew up in the beautiful northern province of Takhar, Afghanistan. I attended the School of Leadership, Afghanistan, the country’s only boarding school for girls. In May 2021, I earned my first bachelor’s degree in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics from the Asian University for Women in Bangladesh. I then continued my academic journey at Middlebury College, graduating in February 2026 with a bachelor’s degree in international and Global Studies. In May 2026, I was honored to receive the Best Thesis Award, a recognition that marked one of the proudest moments of my academic career. 

My love of languages has been an important part of my educational journey, and I had the incredible opportunity to attend the Middlebury Language Schools during both my first and final years of college. In the summer of 2022, I studied Spanish at the Middlebury School of Spanish, and in the summer of 2025, I attended the Middlebury Arabic School. My time at the Arabic School was one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. I found not only exceptional faculty and inspiring classmates from diverse backgrounds but also a welcoming community that quickly became like a family. The friendships, cultural exchange, and support I experienced there will always hold a special place in my heart. 

My experiences at both Middlebury College and the Language Schools deepened my appreciation for Vermont, especially Middlebury. What began as a place to study gradually became a place I proudly call home, a community filled with kind, thoughtful, and inspiring people who have shaped my journey in countless ways.

Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, exploring new places, and meeting people from different cultures. I value spending time with the people I love and care about, and I cherish the connections I make along the way. I live in Middlebury with my cat, Lulu, whose name comes from the Arabic word lu’lu’ (لؤلؤ), meaning “white pearl”. It was one of my favorite words I learned in Arabic 101 at Middlebury College. 

Please reach me at arabicschool@middlebury.edu or labed@middlebury.edu.