Intensive Arabic in Amman | Global Education Oregon

Intensive Arabic in Amman

Language Requirement: None

Academic Standing by Program Start: Sophomore or Above

Location: Middle East, Jordan

GPA: 2.5

Program Overview

The University of Oregon is currently monitoring the crisis affecting the region. Please contact your program coordinator for the latest information on this program.

This 9-week summer program is for students who have a strong interest in learning Modern Standard Arabic through an intensive language program in the Middle East. You will attend Arabic classes at the Qasid Arabic Institute in Amman. Students of all levels of Arabic, from novice to advanced, can be accommodated and no prior experience in Arabic language is required. To further enhance your cultural learning and understanding of the country of Jordan, you have the option to participate in excursions to sites of natural, cultural and historical significance in Jordan, such as Petra, Wadi Rum, Dana Nature Reserve, and the Dead Sea.

The Qasid Arabic Institute is housed in a commercial complex near the Madina Circle on University Street in Amman, Jordan. See a campus video tour here. Within walking distance are numerous malls and shopping outlets, art and cultural centers, sports and gym facilities, and bookstores. It is an ideal location for those desiring to immerse themselves in the lively hustle and bustle of one of the most dynamic capital cities in the Arab world.

The economic, political, and cultural center of Jordan, Amman is a city of more than 4 million residents. Amman is considered to be among the most liberal and westernized Arab cities, and is a major regional destination.

Scholarship Opportunity: UO students are encouraged to apply for the Suhaimi-Goodwin study abroad scholarship, for which Jordan is a priority country. For additional information and the application, click here. Students who receive a Pell Grant are encouraged to apply for the Gilman Scholarship.

Program Dates: Qasid program dates may conflict with the UO spring quarter; please speak with the Program Coordinator for more information.

Dates and Deadlines


Term	Year	Extended Deadline	Arrival Date	Departure Date
Summer	2024	3/15/2024	06/09/2024	08/16/2024

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Academic Details

In this program, you will study Arabic alongside international students from all over the world. The Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) class meets for four hours per day, five days per week during the nine-week program. The MSA program uses the standard al-Kitaab series textbooks, ensuring a smooth transition from the UO Arabic classes. As an intensive and rigorous Arabic language program, the Qasid curriculum covers a full year of Arabic language, allowing you to rapidly progress in your language proficiency.

Modern Standard Arabic refers to the standard literary and communicative language of the Middle East and North Africa, recognized as one of the UN’s six official languages. It is the common medium for nearly all formal communication, both printed and spoken. And, as the official language of all Arab countries, it provides the most versatile tool for those interested in living or working in an Arab country, or those whose professional interests intersect with any aspect of the Arab world.

Jordanian dialect: In addition to studying Modern Standard Arabic, you have the choice to enroll in an optional Jordanian dialect class for a total of 30 contact hours (3 UO credits). Please note that taking both MSA and the dialect class will be a significant workload. There is an additional cost to participate in the dialect class - see the budget on the sidebar for more details. In your GEO application, you will indicate whether you want to enroll in the dialect class.

On this program, UO students will earn:

15 UO quarter credits of Modern Standard Arabic
Optional: 3 UO credits of Jordanian dialect

Course Equivalencies

UO students: please refer to the UO Course Equivalency Process and the UO Office of the Registrar Course Equivalency Database.

Non-UO students: Actual credit awarded is determined by the relevant department at your university in consultation with the study abroad office. Check with your study abroad advisor for more information.

Housing Description

You will reside in Qasid-managed apartments located within a 15 minute walk of the Institute in the residential neighborhood of Al-Madina Al-Riyadiya (Sport City). Most apartments are clustered close to other Qasid housing units, helping to create a sense of community with other students of Arabic. You will live with other international students studying at Qasid, but you may request a UO roommate. You also have the option to request a single room within a shared apartment, for an additional cost. See details on the program budget. Each building has an Arabic-speaking staff member on site who attends to building maintenance and security. The apartments are conveniently located near a supermarket, the Mukhtar Mall, several restaurants, and a gym. Easy access to public transport facilitates your movement throughout Amman.