amideast education abroad catalog 2016-17

MOROCCOSEMESTER AND ACADEMIC YEAR• Area & Arabic Language Studies• Regional Studies in French• Direct Enrollment at Al-Akhawayn University

SUMMER• Intensive Arabic

SHORT TERM• Moroccan Arabic and Culture

TUNISIASUMMER• Learn & Serve

JORDANSEMESTER AND ACADEMIC YEAR• Area & Arabic Language Studies

SUMMER• Intensive Arabic• Peace & Conflict Resolution

www.amideast.org/abroad | 202-776-9658 | [email protected]

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www.amideast.org/abroad I EDUCATION ABROAD 1

EGYPT


Table of Contents

WHO WE ARE 2 PROGRAM COMPARISON 4 PROGRAM COMPONENTS 5 TRANSCRIPTS AND INSITUTION OF RECORD 6 QUALITY ASSURANCE 7 ARABIC WITH AMIDEAST 8 CUSTOMIZED PROGRAMS 9 10 JORDAN 12 Semester Program 13 Summer Programs 15 Excursions in Jordan 16 MOROCCO 18 Semester Programs 22 Summer Program 23 Excursions in Morocco 24 TUNISIA 25 Summer Program HEALTH & SAFETY 26 STUDENT SUPPORT 28 INTERCULTURAL LEARNING 30 TUITION AND FEES 32 SCHOLARSHIPS 33 ALUMNI ACTIVITIES 34 STAFF 35 HOW TO APPLY 36

Traveling - it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.

– Ibn Battuta

EDUCATION ABROAD I www.amideast.org/abroad2

WHO WE ARE

Who We ArePerhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by demonstrating that all peoples cry, laugh, eat, worry, and die, it can introduce the idea that

if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends. – Maya Angelou

AMIDEAST’S ROOTSEstablished in 1951, America-Mideast Educational and Training Services, Inc. (AMIDEAST) is a private American nonprofit organization engaged in international education, training, and development assistance work. Based in Washington, D.C., AMIDEAST has more than 20 field and project offices in 12 countries in the Middle East and North Africa and more than 700 dedicated professional staff working with international, regional, and local partners on the ground.

WHERE DOES EDUCATION ABROAD FIT? Building on AMIDEAST’s mission, AMIDEAST Education Abroad Programs in the Arab World help develop mutual understanding between peoples of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and students from U.S. universities by providing study opportunities in the MENA region. Students interact with the peoples and cultures of the region, especially local university faculty members, students, and host families. At the same time, AMIDEAST Education Abroad Programs strive to develop intercultural and global competence, providing living and learning environments that are: • academically rigorous and challenging • intellectually stimulating • inter-culturally open and accepting


WHO WE ARE

THE AMIDEAST ADVANTAGEWith AMIDEAST’s more than 60-year presence in the Middle East and North Africa, students benefit from the organization’s long-term experience, strong regional connections, and deep understanding of local culture. AMIDEAST Education Abroad Programs provide students wide-ranging opportunities to interact with local university students and to gain the most from intercultural encounters on semester, academic year, short-term, and summer study abroad experiences in Arab countries

CORE PRINCIPLES OF AMIDEAST EDUCATION ABROAD PROGRAMS • Student-centered • Structured to increase acquisition of the

Arabic language • Focused on development of knowledge of the host

country and region • Designed to maximize exposure to the host culture • Dedicated to intercultural sensitivity and global

competence • Overseen by an Academic Consortium of U.S. colleges

and universities that provide quality assurance through ongoing review

• Composed of a diverse student cohort and host country staff that promote host society interaction

AMIDEAST’S MISSIONStrengthening mutual understanding and cooperation between

Americans and the peoples of the Middle East and North Africa


ACADEMICS

Pr

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n Area & Arabic Language Studies

Intensive Arabic

Peace and Conflict Resolution

Area & Arabic Language Studies

Regional Studies in French

Al Akhawayn University Direct Enrollment

Intensive Arabic

Moroccan Arabic and Culture

Learn & Serve

Length of Program

Semester / Academic Year

Two 4-week summer sessions

4 weeks in summer + optional 4-week Arabic Extension




Two 4-week summer sessions

Short Term, Winter or Summer

6 weeks in summer

Academic Focus

Arabic Language and Regional Studies

Arabic Language

Peace and Conflict Resolution

Arabic Language and Regional Studies

Regional Studies

Please see the course catalog on website

Arabic Language

Colloquial Arabic and Moroccan Culture

Service Learning & Colloquial Arabic

Housing Host family or shared apartments

Host family Host family Host family Host family Student residences

Host family Host Family Varies

Language of Instruction

English Arabic English English French English Arabic English English

Volunteer Availability

Yes No No Yes Yes No No No Yes

Arabic Options

MSA, Colloquial, Media Arabic

MSA, Colloquial

N/A (except with Arabic Extension option)

MSA, Colloquial, Media Arabic

MSA, Colloquial

MSA, Colloquial

MSA, Colloquial

Colloquial Colloquial

Credits 14-17 credits 6-12 credits 6-12 credits

14-17 credits

15-17 credits

15 credits6-12 credits

3 credits 8 credits

JORDAN MOROCCO TUNISIA


ACADEMICS

Program Components

While each program has its own unique style, heavily influenced by the national and local characteristics of the country and city where it is located, all AMIDEAST programs include the following distinctive features.

INTERCULTURAL LEARNINGAMIDEAST Education Abroad Programs are structured to include opportunities for students to develop their intercultural competence.

CULTURAL DIALOGUE SESSIONSAMIDEAST coordinates cultural dialogue sessions between its students and peers from local universities on semester-long programs.

STUDY ENVIRONMENT Courses are taught in a U.S. format by local faculty. They are held in AMIDEAST’s local facilities with other students on the program.

LANGUAGE Modern Standard Arabic, Colloquial Arabic, and Media Arabic are offered at multiple levels.

Students are paired with local students as part of the Language Partner Program in order to improve their conversational Arabic.

HOUSINGJordan: Host family or AMIDEAST student apartmentsMorocco: Host familyTunisia: Varies

CONTENT COURSES On semester programs, students choose 2-4 content courses taught in either English or French (depending on the program) from a wide range of disciplines.

PRE-DEPARTURE PLANNING Students receive extensive pre-departure information from AMIDEAST’s Washington, D.C. office. In addition to material provided on the AMIDEAST Student Portal, students also participate in an online pre-departure orientation with AMIDEAST staff.

IN-COUNTRY ORIENTATIONIn-country orientation covers cultural adjustment, program components, academic advising, goals, expectations, safety, survival language instruction, and host city exploration.

STAFFAMIDEAST programs are supported by a well-trained and diverse staff of Americans and host-country nationals.


After a student completes an AMIDEAST Education Abroad program, AMIDEAST issues an official grade report which documents letter grades and credit received. This grade report is sent to the student’s university four (4) to eight (8) weeks from the end of the program. Alternatively, students can request (for an additional fee of $350) a transcript issued by AMIDEAST’s Institution of Record (IoR), Northeastern University. Students who have requested a transcript from the IoR will be able to request transcripts from Northeastern University approximately eight (8) to ten (10) weeks after the end of the program.

SYLLABIA syllabus is created for each course by Area Studies and Arabic faculty members prior to the start of the term. Each syllabus is thoroughly

reviewed by the Academic Coordinator and AMIDEAST Education Abroad staff in Washington, D.C. for consistency and content. In order to receive credit approval at a home institution, students may request syllabi for the courses they are interested in taking.

ACADEMICS

Transcripts and Institution of Record


ARABIC CONSULTANT AND ADVISORY BOARD The Qasid Arabic Institute serves as the Arabic Studies Consultant for AMIDEAST Education Abroad Programs in the Arab World. The Qasid Arabic Institute is based in Amman, Jordan and has developed a reputation as one of the leading programs in the Middle East for Arabic language learning. The Qasid institute offers ongoing training and support for AMIDEAST’s Arabic language program.

AMIDEAST Education Abroad Programs in the Arab World benefit from the advice of a distinguished group of Arabic language faculty at U.S. colleges and universities. The Arabic Language Advisory Board members work with the Qasid Arabic Institute, AMIDEAST’s Arabic Studies Consultant, to define the proficiency-based curriculum for Arabic instruction and the expected outcomes at each level in both Modern Standard Arabic and Spoken Arabic. They also participate in the continuous assessment of the programs.

ACADEMIC CONSORTIUM AMIDEAST’s Education Abroad Programs benefit from the advice and quality assurance of an Academic Consortium, a group of institutions that represent a cross-section of U.S. higher education. The following institutions are members of the AMIDEAST Academic Consortium: American University Associated Colleges of the MidwestClemson University Colorado College Creighton UniversityDickinson CollegeGeorgetown University Grinnell College Howard (Maryland) Community College Michigan State University Middle Tennessee State University Norfolk State University Northeastern University Ocean County CollegeQueens College The Great Lakes Colleges AssociationThe University of Texas at Austin University of Cincinnati University of Kentucky University of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Richmond

ACADEMICS

Quality Assurance

“The AMIDEAST program offered a perfect balance of language learning, cultural

context, and recreation opportunities – and Jordan was the perfect place for it.”

– Jordan Summer 2015 student


ARABIC WITH AMIDEAST

Arabic with AMIDEASTAt AMIDEAST, we pride ourselves on the strong Arabic language instruction offered throughout program sites. AMIDEAST is committed to providing high quality Arabic language instruction that is functional, communicative, proficiency-based, and culturally rich.

ARABIC LEVELS

All summer Intensive Arabic and semester Area & Arabic Language Studies students enroll in Modern Standard Arabic (5 credits) at a level appropriate to their proficiency. Depending on the program, students also take colloquial Arabic (1-3 credits). We offer Modern Standard and Colloquial Arabic from beginning to advanced proficiencies, as well as Media Arabic on semester programs.

GUIDE TO ARABIC DIALECTS

Many students ask us which dialect is “best” to learn while studying abroad. Each dialect of the Arabic language is unique, drawing from Modern Standard Arabic and regional culture influences. To work, live, or even briefly re-visit the Arab world; it is necessary to be familiar with one or more dialects to succeed.

JORDANIAN COLLOQUIAL ARABIC | Shu hadda? (What’s this?) Amman is an ancient city facing the modern challenges of rapid development and population growth. Jordanian Arabic (Ammiya) is linguistically similar to FusHa (Modern Standard Arabic), making it understandable throughout the Arab world. Learning Jordanian Arabic is useful for students interested in peace and conflict resolution, refugee issues, and international development.

MOROCCAN COLLOQUIAL ARABIC |Shnu hadi? (What’s this?) Morocco is a wonderful place for Arabic language learners to develop their skills. Rooted in Modern Standard Arabic, Moroccan Arabic (Darija) contains many of the same verb roots and vocabulary heard throughout the Arab world, with some French, Spanish and Amazigh influences. For those interested in migration, archeology, women’s studies, and economic development this is a dialect worth investing in.

TUNISIAN COLLOQUIAL ARABIC |Shnoua hadha? (What’s this?) Tunisia is a blend of Arab, African, and European civilization and is situated on the southern shore of the Mediterranean Sea. Tunisian Arabic (Tunsi) has many verb roots, grammatical structures and words in common with FusHa (Modern Standard Arabic); the dialect also includes some French, Italian, and Amazigh (Berber) linguistic influences. For those interested in democratization, politics, and urban development, Tunisian Arabic is worth learning.


REGIONAL EXPERTISE: Our customized education abroad programs draw deeply from connections and expertise that come with the organization’s long history in the Arab world.

EXPERIENCE: We have worked with faculty members, study abroad offices, non-profits, and other educational institutions for several decades to bring ideas from the drawing table to a full experience.

FLEXIBILITY: From short-term programs as brief as 10 days to as long as three months, faculty or staff-led, we work with institutions to design programs that meet specific programmatic needs.

COLLABORATION: Our staff works in partnership with clients to design programs, tapping into local connections to provide suggestions for lecture topics and lecturers, visits to local organizations, and cultural activities.

COMPREHENSIVE SUPPORT: Our staff can make logistical arrangements for programs. Potential arrangements include local transportation, housing and meals, classroom space, phones, insurance, excursions and/or field trips.

CUSTOMIZED PROGRAMS

Customized Programs

AMIDEAST’s Customized Programs offer colleges, universities, secondary schools, and non-profit organizations the opportunity to provide students with a specialized and guided education abroad experience in the Middle East and North Africa. From Arabic language to engineering, AMIDEAST assists with the process of creating a program that fits specific needs and interests of the organization.

AMIDEAST currently organizes Customized Programs for institutions or faculty in the following countries in the Middle East and North Africa:

• Jordan • Morocco • Oman • The United Arab Emirates

Please visit our website or email [email protected] if you have any questions about AMIDEAST’s Customized Programs.

Why choose AMIDEAST?


Health & Safety

These are challenging times, particularly for those involved in programs for American students in the Middle East and North Af-rica. At AMIDEAST, student health, safety, and security is the number one priority. While no one can guarantee that unexpect-ed risks or situations will not arise, AM-IDEAST continually strives to provide the support necessary for students to have a safe and healthy education abroad experience.

JORDAN

Health & Safety


JORDAN

“One of my favorite parts about Jordan was the great balance between the ancient and the modern, the sacred and the secular, the serious and the comical.”

– Jordan Summer 2015 student

LIST OF PROGRAMS

SEMESTER/ACADEMIC YEAR• Area & Arabic Language Studies

SUMMER• Intensive Arabic• Peace & Conflict Resolution


Health & Safety


JORDAN

In Jordan the AMIDEAST Education Abroad experience is:

experiential: AMIDEAST exposes students to a Jordan most visitors never have the privilege to experience. AMIDEAST host families, intercultural activities, and service-learning opportunities combine to create unparalleled engagement with local culture.

complex: From the salty shores of the Dead Sea, to the lush Jordan Valley, to the stark desert landscape of Wadi Rum; Jordan’s natural beauty is unforgettable. As students explore this unique environment, they meet the diverse group of people who make up Jordan: Muslims, Christians, Bedouins, and Palestinians, as well as peoples from other areas of the region.

charming: While students may dream of the lost city of Petra before they go to Jordan, it is the charming tidbits of day-to-day living that are missed the most after a program ends. Former students pine for days sipping tea with friends at a local street cafe, hearing familiar Arabic pop songs, and engaging with host families, professors, and language partners.


JORDAN

Area & Arabic Language Studies in Jordan

WELCOME! |

Amman, capital of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, is an ancient city facing distinct modern challenges. Over one century, Amman has expanded from a quaint sleepy town to the bustling, multicultural metropolis it is today. As Jordan is deeply enmeshed in the international relations of the region, students may find no better place to study pressing Middle Eastern issues and Levantine Arabic than in the city of Amman.

ACADEMIC OVERVIEW• Modern Standard Arabic (5 credits) and

Colloquial Jordanian Arabic (3 credits) are required

• Two to three 3-credit elective Area Studies courses taught in English in a variety of disciplines

• Academic Topics: anthropology, art history, economics, environmental studies, media Arabic, Middle East and North Africa studies, political science, religion, sociology, studio art, and women’s studies.

IN A TYPICAL WEEK, STUDENTS MIGHT: • wake up in their Jordanian host family or

shared apartment and get ready for class;• use newly-acquired Arabic language skills to

commute to the AMIDEAST Center, stopping to prep for the day’s classes in the Student Lounge;

• take rigorous Arabic language courses in the mornings, and then discuss local social and political issues in their afternoon Area Studies courses;

• attend cultural dialogue sessions and language partner meetings with Jordanian students;

• meet with staff to prepare for one of three program-organized excursions to historic locations around Jordan such as Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea; and

• spend time volunteering with a local Jordanian organization as part of the Community-Based Learning course.

TERMS DATES CREDITS

SEMESTER Fall Late August to Mid December 14-17

Spring Mid January to Early May 14-17

ACADEMIC YEAR Fall & Spring Late August to Early May 28-34


JORDAN

Intensive Arabic in Amman

TERMS DATES CREDITS

SUMMER Session 1 Mid June to Mid July 6

Session 2 Mid July to Mid August 6

Sessions 1 & 2 Mid June to Mid August 12

HELLO! HOW ARE YOU? |

Students enrolled in AMIDEAST’s Education Abroad Program study Arabic with some of the most respected language teachers in the region from the Qasid Arabic Institute. Intensive coursework, combined with daily interactions with host families, helps students at all levels increase their Arabic proficiency within a short period of time. The Intensive Arabic Program is offered in two 4-week sessions, so students can choose to spend one or two months living and studying in this dynamic city.

ACADEMIC OVERVIEW• Two four-week sessions offering Modern

Standard Arabic (5 credits) and Jordanian Colloquial Arabic (1 credit) – for a total of 12 credits possible over the summer.

• Classes meet five hours per day, five days per week.

• 100 hours of Arabic language instruction per session, covering material usually presented in one semester on a U.S. campus.

• Students can participate in one or two sessions.• Arabic language placement assessments prior to

departure and placed in the level appropriate for their Arabic language proficiency.

IN A TYPICAL WEEK, STUDENTS MIGHT: • wake up in their Jordanian host family

and converse in Arabic about daily schedules;• test out Arabic phrases during the commute to

the AMIDEAST Center, then review Arabic flashcards in the Student Lounge;

• take rigorous Modern Standard Arabic and Colloquial courses for about five hours during the day;

• finish Arabic homework while relaxing in a local café with classmates;

• meet with staff to prepare for one program-organized excursion (per session) to historic locations around Jordan such as Jerash, Ajloun, and the Dead Sea; and

• opt to be paired with a Jordanian language partner in to enhance colloquial language proficiency.


JORDAN

Peace and Conflict Resolution in London and Amman

LEARN IN LONDON AND AMMAN!

While exploring the process of peace and conflict resolution and the sensitive cultural and societal roots of conflict, students spend the summer in London and Amman. Organized by the Foundation for International Education (FIE) in cooperation with AMIDEAST, students spend two weeks in London and three weeks in Amman. Students are exposed to the theory and practice of peace keeping, peace-making, peace building, and conflict resolution in Europe and the Middle East.

ACADEMIC OVERVIEW• A study tour to Derry, Northern Ireland

contextualizes the U.K. portion case study.• Once in Amman, students examine the Arab/

Israeli conflict, regional conflicts such as those in Lebanon, Yemen, and/or Iraq, and intra- and inter-tribal conflicts; all of which are addressed in a Middle East cultural context.

• Opportunity to extend the experience in Jordan by participating in a 4-week Intensive Arabic Summer Session with AMIDEAST.

• See FIE program website for course description and application information.

PROGRAMS DATES CREDITS

SUMMER Peace and Conflict Resolution only Early June to Mid July See FIE website

Peace and Conflict with Intensive Arabic extension

Early June to Mid August See FIE website


JORDAN

Excursions in JordanExperiencing life outside the host city is an integral part of AMIDEAST education abroad programs. Semester programs travel on three major organized excursions and summer programs travel on one to two excursions. Included in the program fees, excursions provide students a way to experience the Arab World first-hand, taking them places they might not otherwise be able to access.

Previous excursions in Jordan have included: • Jerash• Ajloun• The Dead Sea and Mt. Nebo• Petra • Wadi Rum• Madaba Learn about one program-organized excursion through Chloe Briney, a Blog Abroad Correspondent for the fall 2015 term.

“As soon as we arrived, we were loaded into the backs of pickup trucks equipped with benches and pillows and explored Wadi Rum. We got to see tons of rock formations, run down sand dunes, and do our best to appreciate the otherworldly majesty of the place. We ended up at a campsite and had a traditional Bedouin meal under the stars, which were breathtakingly beautiful.

The next morning we set off for Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. We walked down a sandy path with ruins on both sides of us towards the one and only entrance to Petra, through a canyon known as the Siq. The canyon walls still bear evidence of human inhabitance, including water collection systems and various decorations. At one point, our tour guide asked all of us to form two single-file lines and walk to one side of the canyon. The narrow canyon opened up to the impressively huge building front of ‘The Treasury’ with amazing detail and scale, carved out of the beautifully rose colored sandstone….”


Health & Safety


MOROCCO

Health & Safety


MOROCCO

“I would definitely recommend AMIDEAST to a friend! The quality of professors and the helpfulness of the staff have made this such a successful year for me. I'd love for anyone else to have that learning opportunity.”

– Morocco Fall 2014 student

LIST OF PROGRAMS

SEMESTER/ACADEMIC YEAR• Area & Arabic Language Studies• Regional Studies in French• Direct Enrollment at Al-Akhawayn University

SUMMER• Intensive Arabic

SHORT TERM (SUMMER AND WINTER)• Moroccan Arabic and Culture


MOROCCO

Health & SafetyHealth & Safety

In Morocco the AMIDEAST Education Abroad experience is:

a discovery: Through daily experiential learning, AMIDEAST students get to know the diversity of individuals who make up Moroccan society, standing at the crossroads of Arab, indigenous (Amazigh), African, and European cultures.

diverse: From the bone-dry sands of the Sahara to the lush High Atlas and Rif Mountains, Morocco is one of the most ecologically diverse countries in the Mediterranean basin. The capital, Rabat, offers students the opportunity to move from the shops and cafes of the contemporary city to the narrow alleys and exciting markets of the old medina in a few minutes’ walk.

joyful: In addition to the academic program, AMIDEAST students have the flexibility to have that third cup of mint tea, spend hours perfecting a traditional dish with their host mothers, watch the sun set over the Atlantic Ocean, and wander through ancient markets.


MOROCCO

Area & Arabic Language Studies in Morocco

Regional Studies in French

AMIDEAST offers two semester tracks in Rabat, Morocco. Students in each program take separate Area Studies courses taught in either English or French. However, students in both tracks are able to connect through shared Arabic classes and program activities.

IN A TYPICAL WEEK, STUDENTS IN THE AREA STUDIES OR FRENCH PROGRAM MIGHT: • enjoy a baguette with jam and a cup of

tea with their Moroccan host family over breakfast;

• take a tram or walk to the AMIDEAST Center and prep for class in the student lounge;

• spend the morning practicing the Arabic language in class and the afternoon exploring Moroccan culture and political issues in Area studies courses;

• meet their Language Partner for bastilla and a fresh fruit smoothie to improve their Arabic or French skills;

• spend time volunteering with a local Moroccan organization as part of the Community-Based Learning course;

• meet with staff to prepare for one of three program-organized excursions to significant locations around Morocco such as Fez, Asilah, or Zawayat Ahansal; and

• attend a Cultural Dialogue Session for meaningful discussions with local Moroccan students.


MOROCCO

HOW IS IT GOING, STUDENTS?

In the westernmost outpost of the Arab world, students learn first-hand from leading faculty about Morocco’s efforts to address contemporary issues such as gender rights, ethnic diversity, and democratization. AMIDEAST-provided access to Moroccan culture offers unparalleled insights into the country’s approach to pressing social, religious, and cultural matters of the Middle East and North Africa.

ACADEMIC OVERVIEW• Modern Standard Arabic (5 credits)

and Colloquial Jordanian Arabic (3 credits) are required

• Two to three 3-credit elective Area Studies courses taught in English in a variety of disciplines

• Academic Topics: Middle East and North Africa studies, political science, religion, sociology, women’s studies, history, and Amazigh studies

BIENVENUE AU MAROC!WELCOME TO MOROCCO! Immergés dans la passionnante ville historique de Rabat, les étudiants suivront divers cours en Français sur les identités Musulmanes, Arabes, Africaines et Méditerranéennes au Maroc.Tout en améliorant leur niveau de Français dans cet environnement Francophone non européen, les étudiants approfondiront leur expérience marocaine en apprenant l’arabe parlé et exploreront le Maroc avec AMIDEAST.

ACADEMIC OVERVIEW• Students are required to have a high level of

French language proficiency to participate (intermediate-high on the ACTFL scale).

• Moroccan Arabic (3 credits) is required and Modern Standard Arabic (5 credits) is optional.

• Three to four 3-credit elective Regional Studies courses taught in French in a variety of disciplines

• Academic Topics: Francophone literature, history, Middle East and North Africa studies, political science, religion, sociology, and women’s studies.

TERM DATES CREDITS



ACADEMIC YEAR Fall & Spring Late August to Early May 28-34

TERM DATES CREDITS



ACADEMIC YEAR Fall & Spring Late August to Mid-May 30-34


MOROCCO

Al-Akhawayn University Direct Enrollment Program

WELCOME TO AL AKHAWAYN!

This program offers a diverse curriculum through direct enrollment at Al-Akhawayn University (AUI), an English-medium Moroccan university patterned on the American model of higher education. Students usually take 15 credits per semester and may choose from any of the course offerings listed in the AUI catalog. Students at AUI live in residence halls on the 98-acre campus in Ifrane, Morocco.

ACADEMIC OVERVIEW• Enrollment in the three-week

Moroccan Arabic and Culture program in Rabat before the AUI semester begins (3 credits)

• Availability of courses in the full range of disciplines offered at AUI

• Modern campus including: library, IT facilities, sports facilities, a student center, and dining halls

TERMS DATES CREDITS

SEMESTER Fall Late August to Mid December 15

Spring Mid January to Early May 15

ACADEMIC YEAR Fall & Spring Late August to Mid December 30


MOROCCO

Moroccan Arabic and Culture

COME VISIT MOROCCO! Craving a glimpse into daily life in the Middle East and North Africa region, but short on time? The Moroccan Arabic and Culture program immerses students for three weeks in Morocco’s rich society through living with host families and rigorous coursework in Rabat.

ACADEMIC OVERVIEW• One 3-credit course comprised of: • 30 hours of Moroccan Colloquial Arabic instruction • 10 hours of cultural lectures/studies

IN A TYPICAL WEEK, STUDENTS MIGHT: • start the day in their Moroccan host family

and converse in Darija (Moroccan Arabic) while preparing for class;

• take a tram or walk to the AMIDEAST Center in Adgal, then study Arabic vocabulary before class in the Student Lounge;

• take rigorous Colloquial Arabic courses in order to navigate Rabat independently;

• attend a cultural lecture on contemporary issues in Moroccan society, such as economic development, environmental preservation, or women’s rights; and

• meet with staff to prepare for one program- organized excursion to an exciting location outside of Rabat, such as to the artistic city of Asilah.

TERM DATES CREDITS

SEMESTER Summer Late July to Mid August 3

Winter Late December to Mid January 3

MOROCCO


Intensive Arabic in Rabat

LEARN MODERN STANDARD ARABIC AND DARIJA IN MOROCCO!

In Rabat, students participate in formal and experiential lessons to rapidly improve Arabic language skills. The Summer Intensive Arabic Program focuses on high-quality Modern Standard Arabic instruction at the beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels. From haggling in the easily accessible medina using Darija (Moroccan Arabic) to navigating Rabat’s contemporary neighborhoods, experiences with conversational Arabic are reinforced with coursework.

ACADEMIC OVERVIEW• Two four-week sessions offering Modern

Standard Arabic (5 credits) and Moroccan Colloquial Arabic (1 credit) – for a total of 12 credits possible over the summer.

• Classes meet five hours per day, five days per week.

• 100 hours of Arabic language instruction per session, covering material usually presented in one semester on a U.S. campus.

• Students can participate in one or two sessions. • Arabic language placement assessments prior to

departure and placed in the level appropriate for their Arabic language proficiency.

IN A TYPICAL WEEK, STUDENTS MIGHT:• start the day in their Moroccan host

family and converse in Darija (Moroccan Arabic) with host siblings and parents;

• commute to the AMIDEAST Center in Adgal, then practice Arabic conversation before class in the Student Lounge;

• take rigorous Modern Standard Arabic and Colloquial Arabic courses in order to enhance proficiency;

• explore the old medina in Rabat and pick up some almond sweets;

• meet with staff to prepare for one program-organized excursion per session to an exciting location outside of Rabat, such as Meknes and Volubilis or Asilah; and

• opt to be paired with a Moroccan language partner to enhance colloquial language acquisition.

TERM PROGRAMS DATES CREDITS

SUMMER Session 1 Mid June to Mid July 6

Session 2 Mid July to Mid August 6

Session 1 & 2 Mid June to Mid August 12

MOROCCO


Excursions in Morocco

Experiencing life outside host cities is an important part of AMIDEAST study abroad programs, and excursions are all included in program fees. Semester programs travel on three major organized excursions, and summer programs travel on one to two excursions. Program excursions provide students a way to experience Morocco first-hand, taking them places off the typical path.

Previous excursions in Morocco have included: • Fez• Marrakesh• Meknes and Volubilis• Asilah• Zawayat Ahansal Learn about one program-organized excursion through Katie Lamb, Blog Abroad Correspondent for the fall 2014 term.

“[After a long] drive through the Atlas Mountains, we finally arrived at the tiny rural mountain village of Zawayat Ahansal. ’Zawaya’ literally means ‘corner’ in Arabic, but there is also an expression in Morocco that says, ‘Take the corner,’ meaning, take some time to step back, self-reflect, and re-examine.

Hundreds of pilgrims reach Zawayat-Ahansal each year to visit the grave of the saint-like figure Sidi Said Ahansal (who founded the Zawaya in the 13th century), but they also come seeking peace and reflection. I felt incredibly lucky to have gained this different perspective on Morocco from this tight-knit and welcoming village, and to have had time for myself to ‘take the Zawaya’ and be absorbed in my peaceful and isolated surroundings, away from the fast pace of daily life in the city.”

TUNISIA


TUNISIA

LIST OF PROGRAMS

SUMMERMid June to Late July


TUNISIA

IN A TYPICAL WEEK, STUDENTS MIGHT:• wake up in their AMIDEAST housing and

follow along with the morning Tunisian news in Arabic;

• commute to the AMIDEAST Office in the Belvédère neighborhood of Tunis to take a Colloquial Tunisian Arabic course;

• meet periodically with the Community-Based Learning Coordinator to learn intercultural communication skills and better understand the Tunisian cultural context of the workplace;

• learn first-hand about successes and challenges of Tunisian workplaces through weekly hours at a Community-Based Learning volunteer placement; and

• attend one program-organized excursion outside of Tunis.

TERM PROGRAM DATES CREDITS

SUMMER 6-week Learn & Serve Mid June to Late July 8

Welcome to Tunisia!In Tunis, AMIDEAST students have the opportunity to study Colloquial Arabic in North Africa and engage in an intense service learning experience with Tunisian non-governmental organizations. The program includes a study component on Tunisian culture and society, a service learning component, and rigorous Tunisian Colloquial Arabic instruction. During this multi-faceted program, students build their intercultural communication abilities while being immersed in Tunisian language and contemporary culture. We expect to open this program for the summer 2017 term.

ACADEMIC OVERVIEW• One six-week program offering Community-

Based Learning (5 credits) and Tunisian Colloquial Arabic (3 credits) – for a total of 8 credits over the summer.

• Placement within a Tunisian non-governmental organization and ongoing staff support.

• Arabic language placement assessments prior to departure and placed in the level appropriate for their Arabic language proficiency.


HEALTH & SAFETY

Health & SafetyAMIDEAST continually strives to provide the support necessary for students to have a safe and healthy education abroad experience. These are challenging times, particularly for those involved in programs for study abroad students in the Middle East and North Africa. Student health, safety, and security are collectively the number one priority on AMIDEAST Education Abroad programs.

PRESENCE IN THE REGION

AMIDEAST was established in 1951 to build bridges of understanding between Americans and the peoples of the Middle East and North Africa. This longstanding physical presence in the region has enabled AMIDEAST to develop an extensive network of contacts with local educational and other institutions, organizations, government offices, and civil society. Today it is more important than ever that students learn more about this critical geographic area as we work to build a more peaceful future.


HEALTH & SAFETY

INSURANCE

As part of the program fee, AMIDEAST provides medical insurance for all students. In addition to medical insurance, AMIDEAST purchases high-quality security evacuation coverage for program participants.

STUDENT HEALTH

All students submit a detailed medical profile on the Student Portal prior to departure, and AMIDEAST staff works with students to make accommodations for any health or dietary needs. Once in country, program staff helps students deal with medical issues as they arise. Staff also has lists of recommended providers and hospitals both in the host city and in areas visited on excursions.

RISK MANAGEMENTIn addition to AMIDEAST’s longstanding physical presence and strong relationships with local institutions, risk is managed in the following ways:

• AMIDEAST’s Country Directors maintain close ties to the Regional Security Officers at U.S. Embassies.

• Local program staff members are included in the U.S. Embassy warden network.

• AMIDEAST is a member of the U.S. Department of State’s Overseas Security Advisory Council.

• AMIDEAST contracts with iJET: Intelligent Risk Systems to provide students direct access to up-to-the-minute information regarding security.

• Field office staff maintains a vital local network and contributes to the understanding of ongoing and developing situations on the ground.

• Key staff members in the field and in Washington, D.C. are available 24/7 to respond to emergency situations.

• AMIDEAST study centers are accessible only through controlled entrances.

• Local staff is able to send out text messages (SMS) simultaneously to all students’ program-provided mobile phones to update them instantly as issues related to health, safety, and security develop.

AMIDEAST really made my safety and learning a priority. I felt taken care of the entire time and knew if I had a concern, they would be there.

– Morocco Fall 2015 student

Although it is not possible to eliminate risk, AMIDEAST is committed to constantly assessing the security of each program location.


STUDENT SUPPORT

Student Support

PRE-DEPARTURE INFORMATION

As part of our effort to ensure students grow both intellectually and interculturally during their time abroad, AMIDEAST provides in-depth information in preparation for the program. AMIDEAST staff distributes pre-departure information through the AMIDEAST Student Portal. This pre-departure information addresses topics such as:

• flight information;• academic matters;• visas;• insurance, safety, and security;• country-specific student handbooks outlining

the logistics of the program;• a background on a host-country’s history,

society, and culture; and • Pre-Departure Orientation Webinar with

AMIDEAST staff.

IN-COUNTRY ORIENTATION

Upon arrival in country, AMIDEAST students participate in an in-depth orientation designed to introduce them to local culture and daily life, as well as acquaint them with the logistics of the program. Orientation combines structured informational sessions, organized activities, and free time to familiarize participants with the urban environment. Topics such as safety and health, cultural adjustment, program logistics, participant responsibilities, and other essential information are discussed in detail. During the in-country orientation students also meet their professors, finalize their course placements, become familiar with the program’s IT environment, and learn how to navigate their new city.


STUDENT SUPPORT

ONGOING PROGRAM SUPPORT

During the AMIDEAST Program, in-country staff is always available to support students. From cultural adjustment concerns to ensuring students are staying safe and healthy on the program, in-country staff members go above and beyond to provide a safe and enriching environment for students.

While it is not possible here to provide an exhaustive list, some examples of ongoing program support from in-country AMIDEAST staff include:

• Accompanying students to the doctor when ill and assisting with the health insurance reimbursement process.

• Getting to know students through one-on-one and group meetings throughout the program.

• Arranging various cultural activities throughout the program to deepen student understanding of local society.

• Organizing and accompanying students on program-arranged excursions outside of the host city.

• Being a highly accessible resource: students are always welcome to stop by staff offices in the AMIDEAST Center to discuss questions or concerns.

• Working with local authorities and AMIDEAST staff in Washington, D.C. to promote student safety and security in the host country.

POST-PROGRAM SUPPORT

After finishing the AMIDEAST Education Abroad Program, students receive continued support from staff in Washington, D.C. AMIDEAST supports alumni in the following ways:

• Answering grade report and transcript questions, including sending copies of official grade reports to parties at the student’s request.

• Providing syllabi from classes taken while on the program to assist in the credit transfer process.

• Offering enrollment verification for any scholarship-granting or background check organizations.

• Planning alumni activities and publishing alumni newsletters throughout the year to keep students engaged with the Arab world.

• Much more!


INTERCULTURAL LEARNING

Intercultural LearningAMIDEAST Education Abroad Programs include opportunities for students to develop their intercultural competence. Using five frameworks – language use; non-verbal behavior; communication style; perceptual style; and cultural assumptions and values – as key windows for understanding cultural difference, students look below the surface and search for deeper understanding of host country worldviews.

During the pre-departure process, on-site orientation, and throughout the program, AMIDEAST staff provides structured learning opportunities to help program participants act and relate appropriately in new cultural contexts.


INTERCULTURAL LEARNING

Intercultural LearningSOME KEY COMPONENTS OF AMIDEAST’S APPROACH TO INTERCULTURAL LEARNING INCLUDE:

REFLECTION PERIODAll AMIDEAST Education Abroad semester programs include a "Reflection Week" at the end of the term. Summer students will participate in a “Reflection Day” at the end of the program. Students often feel excitement and anxiety about returning home. Reflection periods have been designed in order to create the time and space for students to slow down, look back on their experience, and plan for their return home.

LANGUAGE PARTNERSIn each host country, AMIDEAST field staff recruits local students, young professionals, and participants in AMIDEAST English-language courses to act as language partners for Education Abroad students. Education Abroad students work with host-country peers to practice language and build cross-cultural friendships. Language partners are a core element of the Arabic language learning agenda of those programs.

CULTURAL DIALOGUE SESSIONSDuring semester programs, Education Abroad students participate in structured dialogue sessions with carefully-selected host country students. Held either in informal small groups or as larger speaker-led discussions, cultural dialogue sessions provide an opportunity to discuss cultural issues and interact with host country peers. These unique environments allow participants to broach topics that are not easily raised in day-to-day conversation, such as perspectives on identity, marriage, religion, and gender roles.


TUITION AND FEES

Tuition and Fees FINANCIAL AID

Institutional financial aid may be used for the semester or academic year education abroad program you choose. We strongly encourage interested students to contact their study abroad and/or financial aid office to discover how aid may be applied to for your program.

Federal Financial Aid: You can generally use your Federal Financial aid (Perkins Loans, SSIG Grant Program, Pell Grants, FSEOG Grants, Stafford Loans, SLS Loans, PLUS Loans, and Consolidation Loans) to pay for your education abroad program if you are enrolled full time at an institution of higher education. At times, the amount of Federal Financial Aid you receive can be increased for your time abroad. Discuss these payment options as soon as possible before your program with your home institution.

Current Institutional Scholarships: Although policies vary from university to university, often students are able to apply institutional scholarships to education abroad experiences. Get in touch with your study abroad office, financial aid office, or the granting organization of your scholarships to determine which awards can help support your time abroad.

MULTIPLE PROGRAM DISCOUNT

Students who participate in multiple AMIDEAST programs will receive a discount on the second program. Please see our website for discount information during the following terms:

• Academic Year• Two Summer Intensive Arabic Sessions• Spring semester to Summer or Summer

to Fall semester• Alumni participating in a future Education

Abroad program

TUITION AND FEES INCLUDE

• All courses and course packs• In-country orientation• Housing in either host families or shared apart-

ments, depending on the program• Program-organized excursions• Supplementary lectures and special events• Medical insurance, including medical evacuation

& repatriation and security evacuation coverage• Pre-departure preparation• Mobile phone for use while abroad• AMIDEAST grade report

Tuition and fees vary from program to program. Visit our website for the most up-to-date information on program fees.

Students are encouraged to apply for AMIDEAST scholarships and consider using federal, state, and other institutional aid to reduce the costs of study abroad.


SCHOLARSHIPS

ScholarshipsAMIDEAST Education Abroad Programs in the Arab World is committed to providing financial assistance to students with demonstrated financial need. AMIDEAST currently awards two types of scholarships:

1) AMIDEAST Education Abroad Need-Based Scholarships

2) AMIDEAST Blog Abroad Scholarships

AMIDEAST EDUCATION ABROAD NEED-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS

These are made in the form of a program fee reduction and normally range between $500 and $3,000. Scholarships are awarded based on demonstration of financial need such as financial aid information provided from the home institution and an essay from the applicant.

AMIDEAST BLOG ABROAD SCHOLARSHIPS

These are awarded to three or four students on AMIDEAST semester and academic-year programs. Each student selected must submit a blog entry based on their experience abroad every two weeks and will receive $1,000 toward their AMIDEAST program in the form of a tuition reduction.

For study abroad in:Scholarship and program applications are due:

Summer March 15

Fall or Academic Year April 15

Spring October 15

ELIGIBILITY

Funding is available only to U.S. citizens on AMIDEAST Education Abroad Programs. Awards will be made only to students who submit a completed scholarship application and a complete program application by the established deadlines (see table).

Scholarship applications from all qualified students will be considered. Please check the AMIDEAST website for the most up-to-date scholarship application instructions and eligibility requirements.


ALUMNI ACTIVITIES

ALUMNI NEWSLETTERS

Published over the course of the academic year, each newsletter highlights specific internship, career, and scholarship opportunities both in the United States and in the Middle East and North Africa region and ways to stay involved in AMIDEAST.

NETWORKING AND PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

AMIDEAST provides a number of resources online for alumni to help answer the question “what next?” Spending a semester or summer abroad can be, quite simply, a life-changing experience. After your program, career goals may shift and paths to pursuing new-found interests may be initially unclear. We work to ensure AMIDEAST alumni have the professional tools needed to share experiences in the Middle East and North Africa region. Opportunities include regular internship opportunities in AMIDEAST Education Abroad headquarters in Washington, D.C. and periodic alumni reunions and gatherings.

Alumni ActivitiesStudent involvement with AMIDEAST does not end when a program ends! AMIDEAST Education Abroad has an expansive alumni network and provides work, Arabic study, and networking opportunities through various alumni activities.

ALUMNI WEBSITEThe AMIDEAST Alumni website is updated regularly with Arabic language resources, internship announcements, and networking opportunities with fellow AMIDEAST alumni. To encourage the regular use of Arabic following an AMIDEAST program, links are provided to Arabic web series, to an Arabic news e-reader, and to Arabic podcasts. Information on AMIDEAST’s bi-annual photo contest is also posted on the website.


STAFF

AMIDEAST Education Abroad Programs in the Arab World are administered by a collaborative team of Field Office and Washington, D.C. Headquarters staff and faculty. This team of education abroad professionals and academics provides AMIDEAST students with health and safety, academic, language acquisition, intercultural development, cultural adjustment, and logistical support.

STAFF

AMIDEAST staff members in Washington, D.C. and the Field Offices possess a wealth of knowledge about the Middle East and North Africa region. They have served as Peace Corps volunteers, Fulbright Fellows, founders of non-profit organizations, teachers, researchers, program administrators, and study abroad students. While our staff members come from diverse cultures and backgrounds, they share a common passion for exposing students to the peoples and cultures of the Middle East and North Africa.

FACULTY Local faculty members develop quality Arabic and Area Studies courses on each Education Abroad Program. In collaboration with Academic and Arabic Coordinators, faculty offer content specialized for the AMIDEAST program. As scholars, professionals, or policy-makers with extensive experience in the region, AMIDEAST faculty members passionately teach courses based on first-hand experience.

AMIDEAST Education Abroad Staff and Faculty


HOW TO APPLY

How to Apply

STEP 1: RESEARCH: Consider priorities, interests, location, and study term. Choose an AMIDEAST program that meets your academic needs.

STEP 2: DISCUSS: Set up a meeting with your study abroad advisor to discuss the AMIDEAST program and home institution admission requirements. Bringing this catalog can be helpful!

STEP 3: APPLY: Begin your online application through the Student Portal in advance of the deadline.

STEP 4: SUBMIT: Complete all portions of your online application through the Student Portal.

STEP 5: CONFIRM: After acceptance, confirm your participation by submitting a Participation Confirmation Form and a $500 deposit.

LET’S GO! |

Photographs by Heather Aiolupotea, Carly Puzniak, Marjahn Goodman, Katie Lamb, Fifi Wang, Sherlyn Chen, Christina Gordon, Andrew Hanna, Mika Chmielewski, Shaylyn Carey, Samuel Northrup, Elena Makansi, Umar Farooq, Emily Rodger, Lindsay Jodoin, Aaron Langley, Margaret Christ, Simon Galperin, Javaughn Flowers, Elena Ruyter, Caitlin Trotter, Lauren Kardos, Allison Korbey, Cara Lane-Toomey, Mattie Lanz, Katrina Potts, Yunqi Yang, Shante Fencl, Shino Yoshen, Eleanor Easton, Matthew Kuehl, Jessy Hampton, Eli Philip, Shaheena Shahid, Kevin Pruyn.


STUDY ABROAD IN THE ARAB WORLD TIMELINE

I will not follow where the path may lead, but I

will go where there is no path, and I will leave a trail.

– Muriel Strode

Study Abroad in the Arab World Timeline

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Dec - Apr April June June - July August December

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May - Oct October November Nov - Dec January May

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Oct - Mar March May Apr - July May - July June - Aug

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Nov - Dec

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America-Mideast Educational and Training Services, Inc.2025 M Street, NW

Suite 600 Washington, DC 20036Phone: 202-776-9658

Email: [email protected]/abroad

amideast education abroad catalog 2016-17

Documents