Summer Intensive Program

Study Arabic language and culture this summer
for 4 weeks and earn 4 credits!

June 9 - July 4, 2025
Deadline to Apply: May 20, 2025
 

View what SINARC is about!

Welcome to LAU’s SINARC Arabic Language and Culture Program, a unique and immersive experience designed to propel your language proficiency to new heights. This four-week program is structured to provide an intensive learning environment.

We have a team of highly qualified and experienced faculty members who specialize in teaching Arabic as a second language. These educators bring a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and passion for teaching Arabic, and we are confident that they will significantly enhance the learning experience for our students.

One of the program’s key strengths is its tailor-made approach, which allows students to shape their curriculum based on individual interests and gives them a sense of ownership in their learning journey. The program seamlessly blends online and on-campus components, following a hybrid model that caters to diverse learning preferences. This customization ensures a targeted and engaging learning experience for all.

Our program centers on authentic materials, enabling students to apply what they learn in class in their day-to-day interactions. This practical approach enhances language acquisition by connecting theoretical knowledge to real-world situations. While this program draws on existing Arabic language textbooks, it goes beyond traditional methods by integrating content that focuses on everyday cultural, political, economic, and societal topics. More than just a language course, SINARC provides holistic language training that pushes students to engage with and understand the intricacies of Arabic culture.

Extracurricular activities complement the coursework, giving students the chance to encounter Lebanese history and traditions first-hand. These activities are designed to immerse participants in a multi-faceted learning process in which linguistic and cultural understanding are of equal importance. By moving beyond the classroom, students gain a deeper appreciation for the Arabic language and the context in which it is spoken.

The essence of this program lies in its commitment to fostering a comprehensive learning experience. By encouraging students to understand, evaluate, criticize, and create in both the language and culture milieu, the program aims to develop more than just proficient speakers, but rather individuals who can successfully navigate the complexities of the Arab world.

Join us in this transformative experience, where language acquisition is not just a skill but a gateway to a profound understanding of Arabic culture.

Program Details

• 4-week intensive Arabic course accompanied by a full immersion program
• A combination of MSA and Lebanese dialects accompanied by a full immersion program
• Structure: 4 weeks in person in Beirut
• Dates: June 9 to July 4, 2025 
• Three levels offered: beginner, intermediate and advanced.
  For intermediate and advanced we will be offering content-based MSA related to Middle East studies, journalism, social media in times of conflicts.
• Number of credits earned: 4 credits (3 credits MSA and 1 credit dialect)
• Total number of hours: 60 divided into 15 hours per week

Cost

Non-refundable deposit: $400 (paid by May 20 and will be deducted from the total payment) 

Tuition ($400 per credit)	1,600
Student Association Fee	200
School Personal Accidents & Insurance Policy	15
TOTAL (USD)	$1,815

Housing

Housing accommodations at the LAU off-campus dormitories for participants is available. Below are the details regarding the cost and arrangements:

• Accommodation Type: Off-campus dormitories at LAU.
• Cost: for a shared room 1680$, for single room 2,520$
• Facilities Included:
  • Furnished rooms
  • Access to common areas
  • Basic utilities (electricity, water, internet)
  • Security services

Participants interested in the LAU off-campus housing can confirm their reservation by sending an email to residencehall.beirut@lau.edu.lb

Courses 

Elementary Arabic

Introduction to the Arabic Alphabet

• Learn to read, spell, write, and pronounce each letter using the LAU Arabic for Beginners online course.
• Introduction to FusHa (Modern Standard Arabic) and Lebanese colloquial.
• Cultural topics to provide students with essential tools for understanding their surroundings at a beginner’s level.

Exploring Basic Conversational Topics

• Discuss basic conversational topics, including seasons, days of the week, months of the year, and basic everyday situations.
• Emphasis on practical communication skills to enable students to interact with basic information.

  Intermediate Arabic

Survival Skills in the Community

• Informal communication topics such as ordering food, getting a taxi, food, and clothes shopping, and renting an apartment in Lebanese colloquial.
• FusHa version focuses on discussing trending topics in social media, history, politics, etc., based on students’ interests.

Enhancing Formal Communication

• Develop skills to express oneself orally and in writing in formal situations. Engage in conversations about formal subjects, improving proficiency in both FusHa and Lebanese colloquial.

Advanced class

• Encourage students to choose topics of personal interest.
• Conversational focus on breaking language barriers and discussing trending topics, current events, and personal interests.
• Emphasis on speaking and listening skills to enhance overall language proficiency.
• Integration of both social media and traditional sources for discussions.
• Development of advanced conversational abilities for students to navigate complex linguistic and cultural scenarios.

The program structure ensures a gradual progression from foundational language skills to advanced conversational proficiency. It combines formal and colloquial Arabic and tailors content to students’ individual interests. The goal is to equip participants with practical language tools for effective communication and engagement with diverse cultural contexts.

Extracurricular Activities: Immersing in Arabic culture at LAU.

Cultural lectures

• Engage in lectures delivered by well-known speakers, scholars, and experts in Arabic culture, history, and contemporary issues.
• Explore a diverse range of topics, including linguistics, social dynamics, and current events, enhancing students’ contextual understanding.

Concerts and performances

• Attend live music concerts featuring traditional Arabic music and contemporary performances, providing a sensory experience of the rich cultural heritage.

Movie nights

• Enjoy movie screenings showcasing Arabic cinema, offering insights into storytelling, language nuances, and cultural subtleties.

Lebanese Dance Workshop

• Participate in traditional Lebanese dance training sessions, learning popular dances such as Dabke. Immerse in the rhythm and movements that reflect the cultural identity of Lebanon.

Culinary Workshops

• Learn to cook iconic Lebanese dishes, including Tabbouli, Fatoush, Hummus, and more. Culinary workshops offer a hands-on experience to connect with the local flavors and culinary traditions.

Tourist Excursions

• Explore Lebanon’s renowned tourist destinations, both historical and contemporary. Visits to landmarks, such as the ancient ruins of Byblos or the vibrant streets of Beirut, provide cultural context to classroom learning.

Interactive language exchange

• Engage in language exchange activities with native Arabic speakers, creating opportunities to practice conversational skills in authentic settings.

All extracurricular activities are thoughtfully designed to complement the academic curriculum and deepen participants’ cultural experiences. These events aim to provide students with an authentic taste of the language and its culture, fostering a holistic understanding of the Arab world. Through this immersive approach, students not only learn in the classroom but also actively engage with the vibrant and dynamic aspects of Arabic culture.