Dr. Nabil Abdelfattah teaching four sites simultaneously. Photo: Stephen Hunts

The program offers two years of instruction in Modern Standard Arabic. In the first year, students at Network institutions receive instruction from a qualified Arabic Professor through interactive video technology supplemented by Teaching Assistants located at each site. The second year of instruction is offered through an articulated study abroad option.

Year I – On Campus
The interactive video classrooms permit immediate, two-way communication between the Professor and students at each participating university. The TAs, trained through a Network TA Training Program, provide additional classroom instruction to complement the interactive video sessions. The Network is also linked through asynchronous instructional software that increases student access to the Professor, and enhances communication between the lead Professor and TAs. The program uses the national standard Arabic text book Al-Kitaab.

Year II – Study Abroad

Students and TA in an interactive Arabic language session at MSU. Photo: Stephen Hunts

Students completing the first year may continue their Arabic studies through a semester or academic year of study abroad at Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane, Morocco. The University, located in the Middle Atlas Mountains near the ancient city of Fes, teaches Modern Standard Arabic courses that are carefully integrated with the Year I program. Other academic subjects are taught in English based on the U.S. curricular model. Students continue their Arabic studies, live in a safe and enjoyable Arabic language environment, and make progress on their home institution degree programs. As the Network develops, new study sites in the Middle East will become available.