Where to Study Arabic in the Summer

High school students today are lucky that there are an increasing number of options to study Arabic both abroad and in the US.  Unlike the full-scholarship NSLI-Y program (whose deadline passed last fall), all of these programs do cost money, but some offer scholarships and financial aid to qualified applicants.  NB: Some also have minimum age requirements.  In the past, QFI has also offered partial scholarships to students who study in the Concordia Language Villages and the Middlebury-Monterey Language Academy (see below).

Study Abroad

Where There Be Dragons

Where There Be Dragons offers two summer programs in the Middle East:

• Jordan & the Levant: Crossroads of Tradition and Modernity (6 weeks): Study Arabic language and culture while traveling around Jordan and neighboring countries.
• Jordan: Arabic Language and Culture (4 weeks): Study Arabic language and culture in Jordan.

Choate Rosemary Hall

• Summer in Jordan (4 weeks): Study Arabic intensively in Amman, Jordan.

AFS

• Summer in Egypt (4 weeks): Study Arabic intensively in Egypt

Study in the US

Middlebury Monterey Language Academy

At the Middlebury Monterey Language Academy (4 weeks), students commit to using only their language of study for the entire time they’re there.  It’s hard–but also said to be extremely fun!

Update: More information about QFI scholarships to attend MMLI can be found here.

Concordia Arabic Language Village

The Concordia Arabic Language Village (2 weeks or 4 weeks) offers the fun of going to camp with the sense of accomplishment that comes from learning a language.

Update: QFI support is available for summer study at Concordia.  For more information, click here.

Brigham Young University

Brigham Young University’s STARTALK for High School Students (2-3 weeks) offers a fun, rigorous learning experience for students who are serious about Arabic.  The University has not yet posted many details about their 2013 program, but in the past this has been one of the most affordable residential summer Arabic programs.

Federal Service Language Academy

The University of North Georgia’s Federal Service Language Academy (3 weeks) offers language courses in a variety of languages, including Arabic.  This program is specifically designed for students who are interested in using their language skills to pursue a career with the federal government and includes an athletic component; students must already have a certain level of fitness in order to be accepted.  See website for details.

Portland State University

Portland State University has not yet published a course schedule for summer 2014, but the University has a strong Arabic program and has offered summer Arabic classes in the past.  This is another option that’s much more affordable than some of the other programs above.

Related Opportunities

Between The Lines creative writing program

The University of Iowa’s Between the Lines creative writing program for teenagers is unique in that its participants include youth from both the US and the Middle East.  This two-week program (June 21 – July 5) is a great chance to get to know Arab teenagers in a familiar setting and connect with other cultures via creative writing.