The Persian (Farsi) Program at SAIS offers classes at the Novice and Intermediate levels. Novice courses provide students with the foundations of the Persian (Farsi) sound system, alphabet, word formation, elementary grammar structure and basic conversation and listening skills. Students at the Intermediate level are gradually exposed to authentic materials dealing with topics in international affairs through speaking, listening, reading and some writing.

To fulfill the Persian (Farsi) language requirement, students are required to reach the Intermediate-Mid level of proficiency in speaking and listening and the Intermediate-High level of proficiency in reading.