Frequently Asked Questions

• I have never studied Arabic before. Am I eligible to apply for the program?
• How many students are accepted into your program each year?
• Can I apply to the program if I am a current student at The University of Mississippi? Can I transfer from other schools to the Arabic Program?
• Can international students apply to the Arabic Program?
• Do I need to attend the pre-freshman year summer program?
• How big are classes? Do students get individual attention?
• Can I major in another discipline in addition to studying Arabic?
• Can graduate students be admitted into the program?

FAQ

Q: I have never studied Arabic before. Am I eligible to apply for the program?

Yes! In fact, a majority of the students who enter our program have no background in Arabic. We want students with a strong desire to achieve a high proficiency in Arabic, regardless of language background.

Q: How many students are accepted into your program each year?

A: The Arabic Language Program generally accepts between 10 to 15 students each year.

Q: Can I apply to the program if I am a current student at The University of Mississippi? Can I transfer from other schools to the Arabic Program?

A: Yes, this may be possible in principle, though each case must be considered on its own merits. Keep this in mind: all students admitted into the program are expected to achieve the Superior proficiency level, which we estimate to take five years of study for students starting with no previous knowledge of Arabic.

Q: Can international students apply to the Arabic Program?

A: International students may apply to the Arabic Language Program but are not eligible to receive scholarships from U.S. Government funds.

Q: Do I need to attend the pre-freshman year summer program?

A: It depends on your level of Arabic when accepted into the program. All students who have never studied Arabic before are required to participate in the summer program. The Academic Director of the Arabic Program will place heritage learners and those who have studied Arabic in high school at the appropriate level, with some beginning their studies at the University in late June and others beginning in the fall semester. Students who begin their study of Arabic with no prior preparation in the fall semester may subsequently be invited to join the funded program but face a much shorter time in which to achieve Superior proficiency and complete their baccalaureate studies in five years.

Q: How big are classes? Do students get individual attention?

A: The Flagship Program accepts between 10 to 15 students per year, but academic classes are not expected to expand beyond 15 students and are usually smaller. Because of the small class sizes, there are ample opportunities for individual consultation with all Arabic instructors teaching the courses.

Q: Can I major in another discipline in addition to studying Arabic?

A: Of course! In fact, the Arabic Language Program encourages students to major in the field they hope to pursue as a career. Students in the program have majored in areas such as linguistics, international studies, journalism, chemistry, chemical engineering, history, and public policy.

Q: Can graduate students be admitted into the program?

A: No. At this time, only undergraduate students are considered for admission into the funded program.

 

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