Arabic

Arabic SLI 2027 - Level 1 and Level 2 - In Person

The University of Virginia Arabic Program is pleased to announce its intensive summer language program offered through the Summer Language Institute (SLI). This summer, we are offering Arabic Level 1 and Level 2. 

Students can choose between Level 1 and Level 2, depending on their previous experience with Arabic.

Arabic Level 1 students will learn the equivalent of two semesters of Elementary Arabic: ARAB 1016 (ARAB 1010) and ARAB 1026 (ARAB 1020), for a total of 8 credits.

 Arabic Level 2 students will learn the equivalent of two semesters of Intermediate Arabic: ARAB 2016 (ARAB 2010) and ARAB 2026 (ARAB 2020), plus an introduction to Levantine Colloquial (1 credit), for a total of 9 credits.

Upon successful completion of level 1, students will be well prepared to enter a rigorous 200/2000-level course offered at UVA or another university. Upon successful completion of Arabic level 2, students will be well prepared to enter a rigorous 300/3000-level course offered at UVA or another university. Undergraduates, graduate students, professionals, and rising junior and senior high school students are welcome to apply.

To attend Arabic Level 2, students must test out of ARAB 1026 (ARAB 1020) or its equivalent through a placement test after submitting their application. For more information about this requirement, please email the program director, Bilal Humeidan.

Participation in Level 1 - ARAB 1016 - does not require any placement tests.

Level 1 — Elementary Arabic — 8 Credits

ARAB 1016 (ARAB 1010) & ARAB 1026 (ARAB 1020)

Level 1 is designed for students beginning their study of Arabic and provides the equivalent of the first two semesters of Arabic. Students will develop a strong foundation in Modern Standard Arabic while building their skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

Level 1 introduces students to the formal variety of Arabic used in media, academia, and professional settings. Through interactive activities, real-life communication, and authentic materials, students will gain the foundation needed for further study and more confident use of Arabic.

Level 2 – Intermediate Arabic - 9 credits

ARAB 2016 (ARAB 2010), ARAB 2026 (ARAB 2020) and ARAB 2266 (and Levantine Colloquial Arabic)

Level 2 is designed for students who have completed approximately two semesters of Arabic or have equivalent prior experience. It builds on the skills students have gained in prior semesters or through previous study, helping them expand their vocabulary, strengthen their grammar, and develop greater fluency.

This course will focus on mastering grammar, including more complex structures, acquiring and expanding vocabulary, and developing reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills through presentations and interviews. These objectives are achieved through intensive oral/aural practice using audio and video materials. In addition to working on all language skills, special attention will be given to Arabic morphology and syntax. The course also intends to introduce students to the Levantine colloquial Arabic variety by focusing on basic vocabulary and expressions used in daily life. 

Why Study Arabic?

Studying Arabic at the University of Virginia will give you the ability to communicate with more than 330 million people in the world and prepare you for an adventure of discovery in the Arab world—a cradle of civilization and birthplace of monotheistic religions. The Arabic language also unlocks the door to a wealth of diverse literature (including fiction, science, philosophy, and religion) composed over the past 16 centuries. Unlike most modern languages, after completing 200-level courses, you will be able to access texts dating back a millennium and a half!

Unlike most summer Arabic programs, which focus exclusively on Modern Standard Arabic, the Arabic SLI combines instruction in Classical Arabic and Colloquial Levantine. This innovative curriculum is based on the belief that colloquial and classical studies are mutually reinforcing. That is, the study of colloquial at once promotes a deeper understanding of classical and unlocks the subtle layers of cultural meaning that permeate everyday life in the Arabic-speaking world.

 Pedagogy and Philosophy

The Arabic Summer Language Institute provides an intensive, student-centered learning environment where students develop practical communication skills and build confidence using Arabic. From the beginning of the program, students engage with the language through interactive activities, classroom discussions, presentations, and tasks that reflect real-life situations.

Our teaching emphasizes communicative competence: the ability to use Arabic clearly, appropriately, and effectively in a range of contexts. Students develop their skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking while building a strong understanding of Arabic grammar and vocabulary. Authentic materials and meaningful communication help students connect what they learn in the classroom with how Arabic is used beyond it.

Cultural understanding is integrated throughout the curriculum. Students explore the history, traditions, and contemporary realities of the Arab world while learning how culture shapes communication. This integrated approach helps students develop not only linguistic proficiency but also the cultural awareness needed to communicate respectfully and effectively across different settings.

We also encourage students to become independent, lifelong language learners. By developing effective learning strategies and engaging actively with Arabic inside and outside the classroom, students build a foundation for continued study and future language development.

What students say about Arabic SLI: 

I loved the program. I felt like I absorbed a lot of new material and was able to advance my understanding of Arabic. The professors were fantastic. They were very organized, attentive and energetic and seemed to truly care about our progress with the language.

The program was challenging but rewarding! I saw incredible improvement in multiple language skills and made meaningful progress in the language in a short period of time. The professors were engaging and supportive, and they really made it a fulfilling experience.

Required Textbook: 

• Brustad, Al-Batal & Al-Tonsi. (2004). Alif Baa, an Introduction to Arabic Letters and Sounds, Second Edition.
• Brustad, K., al-Batal, M., & al-Tonsi, A. (2004). Al-Kitaab fii Ta’allum al-‘Arabiyya, Part I, Second Edition.

Tentative Daily Schedule:

The program meets five days a week.

Class Schedule for Level 1 - Classes are held Monday through Friday:

• Morning session: 10:00 am–12:00 pm
• Afternoon session: 1:00 am–3:00 pm

Class Schedule for Level 2 - Classes are held Monday through Friday:

• Morning session: 10:00 am–12:15 pm
• Afternoon session: 1:15 am–3:15 pm

Check all the available options before applying

Students are strongly encouraged to register for the full 8-week program. The option to apply for either the first or second half is also available. The table below provides information on the available options.

2027 Costs

All students in SLI programs (including the non-credit option) must pay:

• Institute Fee - non-refundable: $90
• Comprehensive Fee: $516 (In-State) - $576 (Out-of-State)
• Tuition: Tuition depends on the number of credits the student is enrolled in. Check tuition costs on the SLI Program Fee webpage below, and contact us at vera.abbate@virginia.edu with any questions.

This is not a residential program. For information about housing and meal plans, please refer to the following resources:

• For housing information and costs, visit UVA Summer Session Housing.
• For meal plan options and pricing, visit UVA Dining Meal Plans.

Contact Information: 

Department of Middle East and South Asian Languages and Cultures