Al-Ameen Summer Arabic Program at Al-Azhar University, Cairo Egypt

Methodology

The summer Arabic program at Al-Azhar is designed to improve students' ability in reading, writing, speaking and oral comprehension of classical (fus-haa) Arabic. Extensive homework, writing assignments, rote memorization, classroom conversations, grammar drills and consistent interaction with a native speaker are the primary modalities used to enhance each student's Arabic language proficiency.

During classes, students are expected to “live the language” by only communicating in Arabic. While in Egypt, students are also strongly encouraged to engage in self-directed co-curricular activities that provide them with opportunities to use their Arabic language skills for communicative tasks. As four weeks is a short period of time for non-native speakers to learn Arabic, the intent is give students basic confidence, tools and fundamentals for continuing the study of Arabic when they return home.

Teachers

The Teachers of the Intensive Arabic Immersion and Qur'an Program are handpicked by the Al Ameen head teacher in consultation with Al-Ameen Associates and Al Azhar University. Therefore, they are not Al-Azhar faculty but are college graduates who are specially trained to teach Arabic to non-native speakers.

Once selected, teachers must pass a written exam and demonstrate proficiency in the classroom setting in teaching fus-haa Arabic Once the best of the teachers are selected they go through a training program aimed at familiarizing them with this Program’s curriculum and methodology.

Al-Ameen Associates makes great effort to insure that the students who enter the Intensive Arabic Immersion and Qur'an Program have only the best teachers.

Student Placement Assessments

There are three assessments:

1. Self – Based on questions on the application.
2. Phone- Students identified as above beginners are given an over the phone assessment by faculty who call them from Cairo.
3. Cairo-Once students reach Cairo they will be given written and oral assessments by faculty and once they are in the classroom, teachers pay close attention for the first 2 days to make sure everyone is in their proper placement.

Note: Al-Ameen reserves the right to make the final decision regarding student placements.

Please remember the following:

1. This schedule is subject to modification this year.
2. Al Azhar is a religious institution. Therefore modest/proper dress is expected while in attendance: No shorts, tight clothing or see-through fabric for all students. Women should cover all except face hands and feet.
3. Class attendance is expected unless you are ill or have some other emergency.