Arabic Summer Institute

The Department of Middle Eastern Studies at The University of Texas at Austin is proud to offer the Arabic Summer Institute (ASI), which provides a completely virtual intensive language and culture program for beginning, intermediate, and advanced Arabic students.

With the largest full-time Arabic faculty in the country, more courses at all levels of Arabic, and a thriving events and cultural environment, UT’s Department of Middle Eastern Studies is rated among the best in the country. Our program and our deparment are committed to continually expanding our curriculum to help students meet their academic goals. The Arabic Summer Institute illustrates our commitment to excellence.

Program Details

• Program Dates: June 4-August 17, 2026
• Format: Online (synchronous): M-F from 9:00am-1:00pm CST
• Credit: 10-12 hours of Arabic credit
• Application Launch: January 12, 2026*
• Graduation Requirements: UT-Austin College of Liberal Arts students who complete ASI's Beginner level will have fulfilled the foreign language requirement for graduation.

*If you need to submit an application before January 12 (for funding or other reasons), please contact tyus.welter@austin.utexas.edu

Program at a Glance

• ASI is an intensive ten-week summer program, equivalent to a full academic year.
• ASI offers three tracks of instruction for different levels of ACTFL proficiency: 
  • Beginner (12 credit hours - covers ARA 601C and ARA 611C)
  • Intermediate (12 credit hours - covers ARA 621K and ARA 621L)
  • Advanced (10 credit hours - covers ARA 531K and ARA 531L)
• In addition to coursework, ASI boasts a fully incorporated cultural program with lectures, films, hands-on workshops and guest speakers. Classes and the cultural program are a 21-hour weekly commitment. 
• All sections of the 2026 Arabic Summer Institute will be completely virtual.

High School Students

The Arabic Summer Institute is open to high school students who meet the TSI testing requirements or declare themselves as non-degree-seeking students for the summer. Students may earn dual credit through ASI. For more information, please contact tyus.welter@austin.utexas.edu

Tuition

Tuition for the Arabic Summer Institute is $4,750. This rate covers the 10-12 Arabic credit hours, cultural events, and language partner programming

Funding Opportunities: 

• Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) award - Covers up to $5,000 worth of tuition and $2,500 worth of living expenses. In order to receive a FLAS award, students must attend a member institution and apply through their school.
• Qatar Foundation Summer Scholar Award - High school students only. This one-time award offers up to $5,000 to students who are looking to strenghten their Arabic skills by attending a summer program.
• Industry Arabic Scholarships - Awards $2,000 to support tuition and living expenses for 1-2 students pursuing advanced, immersive Arabic study.

UT-Austin students can apply financial aid to their ASI tuition. 

Questions? Contact Us!

Arabic Summer Institute Staff

Tyus Welter: tyus.welter@austin.utexas.edu
Special Programs Associate, Center for Middle Eastern Studies

Olla Al-Shalchi, ASI director 

Why Study Arabic With Our Arabic Summer Institute?