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Study Abroad

Arabic Flagship students have two remarkable opportunities to study abroad during their time with us:

  • Summer in Meknes, Morocco after completing the Intensive Arabic I-VI courses in Austin
  • Full year in Alexandria, Egypt after completing the requirements for a bachelor’s degree at UT

This model, which comprises four years at The University of Texas at Austin and one year overseas, enables students to focus wholly on undergraduate coursework while stateside. This means that business and medical students, for example, can be accommodated without having to take overloads or key subjects while abroad.

Here’s what an AFP student can expect while studying abroad.

  • Fun, challenging classes tailored for Flagship students
  • A rich cultural experience rooted in daily engagement with local students and host family members
  • Accelerated language study and significant proficiency advancements
  • Organized trips to explore the sites of Egypt or Morocco

Summer

Students can spend a summer at the Arab American Language Institute of Morocco (AALIM) when they reach Intermediate-High proficiency in Arabic, generally achieved after the third year of Arabic study at UT Austin.

Summer Program Highlights

  • A full summer program running from early June to early August
  • Intensive, small-group instruction at AALIM
  • Classes in Modern Standard Arabic, Moroccan Darija Colloquial, and Media Arabic
  • Assigned language partners for additional speaking practice
  • Cultural excursions to sites in and around Meknes, Morocco
  • Pre-departure orientation in Washington, DC to ensure adequate student preparation
  • A Resident Director on-site to provide assistance, guidance, and advice to students while abroad
  • Reasonable program fees that cover tuition, room & board, meals, and travel expenses to and from Meknes, Morocco

The summer program in Meknes is an optional, but strongly encouraged component of the AFP curriculum.

Capstone Year

Once a student has completed the requirements for an undergraduate degree, he or she begins the capstone year abroad at one of our two Flagship Overseas Center in Egypt.

It is during the capstone year abroad that AFP scholars make the leap from Advanced to Superior (ie, professional working capacity) proficiency in Arabic.

Capstone Year Highlights

  • A full year program running from early June to late May
  • Advanced language classes as well as discipline-based courses in literature, political science, philosophy, and other fields
  • Cultural excursions to nearby sites in Egypt
  • A coordinated, mandatory internship program with local companies, NGOs, international organizations, or within the university. Past internships have included work with the National Council for Women, the Bibiotheca of Alexandria, and publishing companies and newspapers
  • Pre-departure orientation in Washington, DC to ensure adequate student preparation

Participation in the capstone year program is mandatory for all AFP scholars.

Eligibility & Admissions

In order to be eligible for study abroad, students must meet the following criteria:

  • Undergraduate student
  • US resident
  • In good standing with one of the five Arabic Flagship Programs at the University of Oklahoma, Michigan State University, the University of Maryland, University of Michigan or UT-Austin
  • Summer: Intermediate-Mid proficiency or better in Arabic
  • Capstone: Advanced-Low proficiency or better in Arabic

Students will apply for admission to the Flagship Overseas Program through the American Councils for International Education. The application consists of:

  • Application form
  • Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Statement of purpose
  • Arabic essay
  • Computer-based Arabic exam
  • Oral proficiency interview