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Georgia arabic program عربى عربى

Learn Arabic

Bachelor of Arts in World Languages and Cultures, Concentration in Arabic Studies

Format: In person on the Statesboro Campus
Credit Hours: 124

In government, in the field, on social media and in the boardroom, the demand for Arabic-speaking professionals is greater than ever.

Get ready to join the more than 300 million Arabic speakers in the world.

You know learning Arabic not only opens up the world for your career, but it’s also crucial to understanding the social, political and economic dynamics in the world all around us. 

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Why Learn Arabic at Georgia Southern?

  • Become qualified for high-demand jobs such as an intelligence officer, interpreter, foreign service officer and more
  • Discover career opportunities in government, global/online commerce, international nonprofit organizations and more
  • Study abroad in Morocco!
  • Participate in your own independent study opportunities
  • Enjoy small class sizes that include like-minded students with a passion for Arabic and rich campus life
  • Participate in face-to-face, hybrid and online classes
  • Join the award-winning student Model Arab League which will allow you to develop and practice diplomatic, communication and professional skills
  • Gain a deeper understanding of culture, art, politics, music, literature, religion and history

We offer a Bachelor of Arts in World Languages and Cultures with a Concentration in Arabic Studies, or a Minor in Arabic. As the 5th most spoken language in the world and a primary language in over twenty countries, learning Arabic will deliver countless opportunities few others will ever see.

arabic writing on tile

What Can You Do With a Major in Arabic?

Arabic speakers are in high demand in the Western world. If you have achieved fluency or professional working proficiency in Arabic, you will have a leg up in the job market for many different positions such as:

  • Broadcast media manager
  • Consultant
  • Contract or corporate consultant
  • Copy Editor
  • Crypto Language Analyst
  • Development program officer
  • Doctor/nurse
  • Engineer
  • FBI/NSA/CIA agent
  • Foreign service officer
  • Government relations specialist
  • Human intelligence collector
  • Human rights representative
  • Immigration and customs work
  • Intelligence analyst or officer
  • International banking
  • International marketing
  • International relations manager
  • Interpreter
  • Journalist
  • Lawyer or legal assistant
  • Legislator
  • Linguist/Language analyst
  • Military translator or interpreter
  • Museum management
  • National Security Analyst
  • Political risk analyst
  • Professor
  • Public relations
  • Reporter
  • Social media manager
  • Teacher
  • Translator
  • Travel and tourism careers
  • Web development
Madison Stewart, arabic degree student testimonial

Madison Stewart
Degree: Bachelor of Arts, Modern Languages – Arabic; Bachelor of Arts, International Studies – Security & Diplomacy; Minor in Military Science
Career: Commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army in May 2018 and currently attends Flight School at Fort Rucker, AL.

It may seem out of the ordinary that an Arabic language and International Studies major decided to pursue a career in Aviation. While not the most obvious path, it is one that’s opened many doors for me. My foreign language education not only assisted me in getting into Flight School, but it’s connected me to the Aviation community as a whole. People from countries around the world come to Fort Rucker to learn to fly helicopters. I’ve met several international and U.S. Army aviators with similar academic and foreign language backgrounds, trained in school and also by the Army. Their stories and careers serve as a huge inspiration for my own career goals. I am excited for the prospects of continuing my Arabic language education in conjunction with advancing my career as an Army Officer.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates job growth for interpreters and translators will be much faster than average through 2029. – bls.gov

Arabic is ranked on the Power Language Index as the 5th most important language based on: number of native speakers, economic output of native speakers and the importance of the language in world diplomacy. – weforum.org

Nine out of ten U.S. employers report a reliance on U.S.-based employees with language skills other than English. – businesswire.com

Arabic Language Curriculum

Foundation Arabic Courses

  • Elementary Arabic I
    For students who have never studied Arabic. Focus on basic communication skills (understanding, speaking, reading, and writing Arabic) and cultural understanding. Includes laboratory program.
  • Elementary Arabic II
    Continued focus on basic communication skills (understanding, speaking, reading, and writing Arabic) and cultural understanding, with increased emphasis on active use of the language. Includes laboratory program.
  • Intermediate Arabic I
    Building upon communication skills (understanding, speaking, reading, and writing Arabic) and cultural understanding, developed at the elementary level.
  • Intermediate Arabic II
    Continued focus on communication skills and cultural understanding.

Additional Arabic Courses

  • ARAB 3030: Selected Topics in Arabic
    • Culture and Conversation
    • Feminism & Arab Women
    • Advanced Method Writing
    • Levantine Dialect I, II and III
    • Arabic Translation
    • Advanced Arabic Composition
    • Moroccan Dialect
    • Arabic Popular Culture
    • Conversation & Composition
  • Arabic Conversation
    Continued development of language competencies (listening, speaking, reading, writing, and culture) with special emphasis on Arabic conversation.
  • Arabic Culture
    Introduction to Arabic culture patterns, behaviors, and monuments. Continued development of language competencies.
  • Commercial Arabic
    Introduction to the language and practices of doing business in the Arab world. Continued development of language competencies.
  • Studies Abroad
    • Speaking I and II
    • Writing I and II

View All Arabic Course Descriptions

Already know some Arabic? View the Language Course Placement Guide.

Minor in Arabic

Having a minor in Arabic will allow you to communicate intra-, inter- and trans-culturally. You’ll be able to adapt to different environments, be more sensitive to diversity and think more critically.

rabat morocco study abroad experience for arabic ba program at georgia southern

Learn Arabic as You Study Abroad in Rabat, Morocco

Morocco is one of the most culturally diverse countries, a location of great historical importance and the home of the famous movie Casablanca. Morocco is an increasingly popular tourist and business destination in North Africa. From the majestic mountains of the Atlas and Rif ranges, to the sun-drenched sands of the Sahara, Atlantic and Mediterranean, Morocco’s natural beauty and cultural richness make it the ideal location to study abroad.

Rabat, Morocco’s capital, offers a combination of modern and traditional and provides a wide range of opportunities for students to experience its culture through art exhibits, music and theater. Throughout the city, you will come across architectural marvels centuries old. You may explore marketplaces established in medieval times and visit museums, palaces and mosques. 

Rabat is an ideal place to learn about the languages, cultures and religions of North Africa and the Arab world. From its towering city walls to its breathtaking Atlantic coastline, the Moroccan capital of Rabat will enchant and inspire you.

Study Abroad Curriculum

  • Six credit hours of lower or upper division courses 
  • A series of assignments, both oral and written
  • As part of your immersion experience, each morning, Monday-Friday, in small groups, you will spend four hours practicing your language skills with native speakers who are trained in teaching their language to foreigners.
Georgia Southern study abroad arabic club program

Arabic Language Clubs, Events and Student Activities

  • Arabic Club
  • Arabic at GS Blog
  • Model Arab League
  • Arabic Conversation Hour
  • Arabic Movie Night
  • Arabic Music Night
  • Arabic Poetry Night
  • Henna Day
  • Cooking Workshops
  • Arabic Coffee Hour
  • Arabic Picnic
  • Arabic Culture Day
  • and many more…

Arabic Language Faculty

Georgia Southern Arabic faculty have many years teaching Modern Standard Arabic as well as various Arabic dialects such as Levantine, Maghrebi and Egyptian. They are genuinely interested in your learning and success, and will provide you with all the tools and support you’ll need during your Georgia Southern learning experience.

Each year, the department of World Languages and Cultures also hosts a Fulbright Teaching Assistant from a different Arab country. These teaching assistants provide amazing opportunities for our students to learn about the linguistic and cultural diversity of the Arab world.

Have Any Questions? Contact Us

arabic lecturer Youssef Salhi

Youssef Salhi
Lecturer of Arabic
Interdisciplinary Academic Building 2071
Email: ysalhi@georgiasouthern.edu
Phone: 912-478-0254

Tuition

For a comprehensive costs and affordability analysis, please visit https://em.georgiasouthern.edu/finaid/costs-affordability/  

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Last updated: 6/27/2022