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Arabic Intensive Summer Program

The Hashemite University (HU) is on the outskirts of the city of Zarqa, the second largest city after the capital city Amman, with a population of about 1.000.000 inhabitants. Zarqa is located in the north of Jordan about 25 km north east of Amman. With its unique location and small size compared to other overcrowded cities in the region, the city of Zarqa is a great choice for an Arabic study abroad program.

The Summer Arabic program at the Hashemite University (HU) is part of an exchange agreement between the University of Oklahoma (OU) and HU and has been running successfully the past several years (OU program brochure). UMSL students who have completed one or two years of Arabic are invited to participate in this study abroad program. The program provides:

  • Intensive Arabic language instruction of 150 hours: 125 of Modern Standard Arabic and 25 hours in survival colloquial Jordanian
  • Small classrooms with individual attention (maximum of 12 students in each class) to develop their Arabic language skills at the intermediate and advanced levels and beyond.
  • Basic orientation on the country and culture upon arrival
  • At least three field trips arranged by HU
  • Off-campus housing in Amman, arranged by HU

The program will begin on Tuesday, May 20, 2008. Students must arrive in Zarqa on May 19th. Upon successful completion of the 2008 program, students will receive S or U credit, equivalent to 2nd (for intermediate students) or 3rd year Arabic (for advanced students) (6 credits).

Textbooks: Students must buy these books before traveling to Jordan
• Intermediate:
1- Al-Kitab: Part 2
2- Hans Wehr Dictionary
• Advanced:
1- Al-Kitab: Part 3
2- Hans Wehr Dictionary

Credit:
Six credits of Arabic language (transfer credit).*

Intermediate level students will earn credit for Arabic 2101 (5 credits) and Arabic 2190 (1 credit)

Advanced level students will earn 6 credits of 3000-level free elective credit in foreign language.

*Prerequisite: Arabic 1002 for intermediate level, Arabic 2102 for advanced level.

Dates:
May 20-June 30, 2008

Estimated Costs:
Tuition: $865 (participants will receive transfer credit from Hashemite University)
Program Fee*: $2535
Airfare: $1,800 (estimate - students purchase their own airfare)
Meals and Personal Expenses: $1000 (depends on personal habits)

*Includes housing in double room in Amman, two meals per day, transportation to and from HU daily, field trips, weekend activities, library/computer services, escorts, and other incidentals. Does not include airfare, passport, textbook, some meals, and personal expenses.

Application Process:
Students will need to submit the following documents to the Study Abroad Office. Forms are available online or in the Study Abroad Office, 261 MSC. Application is due by February 22, 2008. After approval by UMSL, student will be given additional instructions and forms to complete.

1. UMSL Study Abroad Application Form
2. One letter of reference
3. Transcript (Use study abroad transcript request form)
4. Scholarship application and scholarship essay

Mandatory Pre-Departure Orientation:
All UM-St. Louis students who study abroad are required to attend pre-departure orientation. This session will cover registration and financial aid, credit transfer, travel, health and safety topics, culture shock, and much more. Details and location.