Previous language study is not required. Students at all levels of language ability are invited to apply.
Arabic Summer Program
The Arabic summer program curriculum is designed to achieve, through immersion and intensive learning, the equivalent of one year of Arabic instruction at a U.S. university. All programs focus on Modern Standard Arabic. Classes in the colloquial dialect will also be offered to help students with everyday communication in their host communities.
Possible Program Locations: Jordan and Morocco
Program Dates: Summer programs last six to seven weeks and typically start in mid-June to early July and end in early to mid-August.
Accommodations: Host families or a combination of group housing and host family stays
Why Arabic? Arabic is one of the six official UN languages, and it is the official or co-official language of 27 countries. Developments in the Arabic-speaking world impact countries, people, and economies around the globe. Read more.
Good to know: Moroccans and Jordanians are known for their hospitality. Arabic students may receive frequent invitations for tea or dinner. On such occasions, bringing a small gift such as pastries is appreciated.
Arabic Academic Year Program
During the academic year program, instruction will be offered in reading, writing, listening, and speaking Modern Standard Arabic. Classes in the colloquial dialect will be offered to help students with everyday communication with their host families, at school, and in the community. Participants will have opportunities to put their language skills to use through community service, art classes, music performances, and presentations.
Possible Program Locations: Morocco
Program Dates: Late August/mid-September through May or June
Accommodations: Host families
Why Arabic? Learning Arabic can broaden your thinking. “The Arabic alphabet is phonetic, with each letter representing a single sound, yet mastering it will require you to think in new ways about sounds and how they combine to form words.” Read more.
Good to know: Morocco offers an exciting mix of cultures, situated at the crossroads of three cultures: Arabic, European, and Berber. In Morocco, you will often hear people using French, Arabic, and Berber all in one sentence! Young women do not need to wear a veil or hijab while on program.
Fun fact! Nearly all Arabic words have a root of three letters. The same root will be found in words of a common meaning or theme. For instance, the word for “book” has the same root letters as the words for “library” and “to write.”
Pre- and Post-Program Expectations
All participants are required to participate in pre-program language learning activities, guided by their implementing organization. All participants must complete a pre-program survey, pre-program language assessments (except for those with no prior target language study), several post-program surveys and language tests.
Find more information on Jordan and Morocco on each country’s U.S. Embassy site.