Arabic Language Instruction Programs and Courses
The Department of Arabic Language Instruction (ALI) is one of the oldest language and culture hubs in the Middle East. Housed in The American University in Cairo, a century-old, private, accredited institution of higher education, among the premier foreign institutions in the Middle East, it welcomes students from all over the world seeking knowledge of Arabic at all levels. Established in 1921, the ALI has continued its legacy of excellence, serving students through its various resources and its world class faculty who apply the best content-based and learner-centered approaches designed to empower learners with transferable 21st-century skills.
WHY STUDY ARABIC AT AUC?
Unique Location
Discover one of the oldest civilizations in the world. Situated in Cairo, the heart of the Middle East and the second-largest city in Africa, AUC gives you an opportunity to engage in a complete language and cultural immersion experience.
A Flagship Program in MENA/West
Our immersive programs continuously provide learners with the most comprehensive and diversified Arabic language instruction, accommodating students at all levels of language proficiency and with different needs and goals. Programs include a wide variety of transferable credit, and non-credit courses that suit degree and non-degree programs.
Scholarship Opportunities
AUC offers partial scholarship opportunities to study abroad students who are currently enrolled at institutions in the United States and visiting AUC as non-degree students. Check the link below for more details about eligibility, application instructions, and deadlines.
Enriching Cultural Dimension
Experience and practice your Egyptian Arabic spoken in a context beyond the classroom walls. All our programs include free tours and largely subsidized trips that complement the coursework, along with giving you a flavor of Egyptian culture, society, and history.
Distinguished Alumni
More than 5,400 international students studied Arabic at AUC and pursued their study of Arabic at various levels. Many of our alumni have become highly accomplished professionals and diplomats all over the world.
Highly Qualified Instructors
Led by Dr. Iman Soliman, the chair of the Department of Arabic Language Instruction, the ALI faculty are a group of talented and passionate instructors, with decades of Arabic teaching experience at all levels.
AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCE
LEARNING THROUGH CULTURAL IMMERSION
Located in a country most well-known for its ancient civilization and culture, and a home for one of the world’s great wonders of the world, the Pyramids, Egypt provides an excellent opportunity for a cultural and historic immersion experience.
Led by professional guides, you will visit major Pharaonic, Christian and Islamic monuments inside and outside of Cairo, as well as go on excursions to local archaeological sites and museums. Our programs also include extracurricular cultural activities including calligraphy, music, Quranic studies, community engagement and more.
Hear from our Arabic Students about their experience at AUC
I moved to Cairo from Australia to complete the Arabic Language Intensive Program for Diplomats which was undoubtedly one of the best decisions of my life! I received incredible academic and personal support from my teachers. The quality of teaching was amazing and the events and trips introduced us to Egypt and allowed us to feel at home instantly. Nothing can compare to the cultural and linguistic immersion that you achieve by living in an Arabic- speaking country.
One of the unique differences that I experienced is that the program offered me the opportunity to connect with the students of other programs of Arabic language learning allowing me to expand my network and also learn from the professors in person.
The Egyptian Culture on Film course really helped me develop my Arabic skills specially writing. In general the course is really informative, but in a very interesting way which is watching movies and reflecting on them. This is one of my favorite courses ever at AUC.
New International Students
With the beginning of the new academic year, AUC welcomes the new international students from all over the globe. So the question here is how do they find their new university, and how do they spend their time here on campus?
Edward Walker
Lisa Anderson
Yuriko Koike
Ben Wedeman
Vickie Langohr
Nicholas Kristof
Faculty Spotlight
CAMPUS EXPERIENCE
New Cairo Campus
Designed to accommodate 5,500 full-time students and 1,500 faculty and staff, AUC’s $400 million, 260-acre campus is technologically advanced and environmentally sensitive. Check out our campus interactive map here.
Student Residences
Living on-campus or near campus is a convenient and elevating experience for students. We, at the University Residences, provide living options that will serve as your home during your academic journey.
Safety and Security
At AUC, we recognize that a university campus serves as the center of a student’s academic and cultural experience, and our Office of Safety and Security is committed to providing a safe, secure and welcoming campus environment for our global community of students from more than 50 countries.
IMPORTANT RESOURCES
Contact Information
Iman Soliman
Chair of the Department of Arabic Language Instruction
t: +20.2.2615.2171
iaziz@aucegypt.edu
Sylvia Maher
Executive Assistant to Chair
t: +20.2.2615.1725
sylvia@aucegypt.edu
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