Arabic Language Program Students' Perspectives
2006
"Studying Arabic at SAIS has been a real pleasure for me. While the program is strong on its formal rigor, there is a personal touch to the teaching that helps bring the language to life. I've learned a great deal about the Arabic language while studying here at SAIS, but just as importantly, I've learned a lot about Arab culture and society. At SAIS, Arabic language study is not a dry rote exercise, but a dynamic program that incorporates many aspects of Arab society into the process of language-learning." -Gregory Romero
"One of the best aspects of SAIS is the opportunity to learn from fellow studetns as well the professors. The SAIS Arabic program provides excellent language instruction, while also allowing students the opportunity to bring their interests and studies to the Arabic to the classroom. In this way, the program becomes much more than language study and is an integrated part of the overall curriculum at SAIS."
- Oriana Scherr
"The Arabic program at SAIS provides students with a combination of practical conversational skills and intense grammar and writing. In addition to extensive classroom time in which the students and teacher can interact in Arabic, a variety of outside activities are available to enhance the students' learning process, including tutors, a language lab, and summer course opportunities overseas. The SAIS Arabic program is a great way to gain skills in one of the US Government's "critical needs" languages."
- Molley Miller
"The Arabic program at SAIS offers students a chance to learn one of the world's most difficult but rewarding languages. The professors are from various parts of the Arabic-speaking world, and each of them is committed to deepening students' understanding not only of the language but its culture and history. Learning Arabic requires a lot of work outside of class, but the professors, teaching assistants, and resources of the language lab are ready to assist all students. The Arabic Program at SAIS is a great way gain the proficiency that is so important in today's international careers."
- James Warner
"The opportunity to study Arabic, in addition to my formal classes, is quite useful, especially since there is no added tuition fee for taking a language. The classes are constructive but not constraining. And the instructors are all native speakers of Arabic, which offers students unique insight into the Arabic language as well as Arabic culture."
- Hugh Naylor
"Having taken Arabic at several different places in DC, I can say that my courses at SAIS have been the most rewarding and the most enjoyable. The SAIS Arabic program goes beyond the standard textbooks to incorporate a large speaking component and valuable professional vocabulary. While the classes are demanding, the mood is light which creates a very nice learning environment"
- Evan Huska