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Arabic Summer Institute

College of Liberal Arts

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The Department of Middle Eastern Studies at The University of Texas at Austin is proud to offer the Arabic Summer Institute (ASI), an immersive intensive language program that allows students to complete a year of Arabic training in one summer. Participating students will convene on UT-Austin's main campus to undergo a comprehensive learning experience--including cultural activities, language partnerships, and community events--that offers so much more than a typical classroom environment. 

ASI classes are available at the Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced levels. 

Program at a Glance

  • Dates: June 3-August 16, 2027
  • Format: In-person
  • Class schedule: M-F from 9:00am to 1:00pm CT
  • Credit offered: 10-12 hours (varies based on level)
  • Tuition: $4,750
  • Application launch: November 9, 2026
  • Application deadline: April 14, 2027 

 

"I have loved being a part of the Arabic Summer Institute. In just five weeks, I have been able to obtain a large, conversational vocabulary in Arabic. Also, our professors often take time to help us understand the cultural, religious, and political complexities of the Arab world so we can better understand the backgrounds of those with whom we wish to communicate."

- 2026 ASI student

 

  • Courses and Credit

    ASI offers three tracks of instruction, each of which cover two semesters of UT-Austin Arabic classes: 

    • Beginner (Intensive Arabic I and II): 12 credit hours
    • Intermediate (Intensive Arabic III and IV): 12 credit hours
    • Advanced (Intensive Arabic V and VI): 10 credit hours

     

    You can find information for each section on our Curriculum and Classes page. 

  • Who is Eligible?

    ASI is open to undergraduate, graduate, and incoming college students from all institutions, as well as professionals who wish to strengthen their Arabic skills. For those joining at the Beginner level, no language experience is required!

    Unsure how your background fits in? Schedule a chat with a member of our team! 

  • Tuition & Funding

    Tuition for the Arabic Summer Institute is competitively priced at $4,750. 

    Funding Opportunities for UT-Austin Students: 

    • Arabic Flagship Program: Summer tuition awards are available to students enrolled in the Arabic Flagship Program. Apply on the AFP website! 
    • Title IV Financial Aid: UT students may apply remaining 2026-27 financial aid funds to their ASI tuition. Please contact Texas One Stop for guidance. 

     

    Funding Opportunities for All Students: 

    •  Industry Arabic Scholarships - Awards $2,000 to support tuition and living expenses for 1-2 students pursuing advanced, immersive Arabic study.

     

    ASI can accept most forms of external funding. Generally speaking, we've found that students have the most success obtaining grants/awards from their home institutions. We're more than happy to provide any documentation necessary for the acquistion of third-party funds. 

  • Incoming College Students

    2027 high school graduates may participate in this year's Arabic Summer Institute! ASI provides a unique opportunity for incoming college students, allowing them to get a headstart on college classes and, in many cases, to complete their foreign language requirement for graduation before setting foot on campus. 

    Want to learn more? Please contact tyus.welter@austin.utexas.edu

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Why Study Arabic With Our Arabic Summer Institute?

 

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FAQs

  • How does housing work?

    Students are responsible for coordinating their own summer housing in Austin. While we are not able to provide housing ourselves, we're happy to support your search as best we can! Below, you'll find a list of vetted Austin resources (coming soon)

  • What dialects do we teach? 

    Our Arabic programs begin with a foundation in Modern Standard Arabic (MSA). As students progress, they may specialize in a dialect of their choosing. Most commonly, we teach Levantine, Egyptian, and Moroccan Arabic, though we have resources for others as well. 

  • How do I apply?

    To apply for the 2027 Arabic Summer Institute, please complete our free application form (live November 9). You'll find more details on our application page. 

  • Can I join for half the summer? 

    Yes! While we encourage students to enroll for the entire summer if possible, they may sign up for the first or second session only. Students who do this will receive half of the listed credit hours (5-6) and pay half the listed tuition ($2,375). 

    As with our standard enrollment process, students registering for the second session of an ASI course must demonstrate proficiency in the skills covered in preceding courses to be admitted. NOTE: Students applying to both summer sections will be given priority over those only applying to one. 

  • What are the cultural activities?
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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 department are committed to continually expanding our curriculum to help students meet their academic goals. The Arabic Summer Institute illustrates our commitment to excellence.

Questions? Contact Us!

Arabic Summer Institute Staff

Tyus Welter, Special Programs Associate, Center for Middle Eastern Studies

Olla Al-Shalchi, ASI director