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Teaching Arabic as a Foreign Language (TAFL) - MA

Program Overview

AUC Master of Arts in teaching Arabic as a foreign language (TAFL) is a distinctive degree program with few counterparts in other American Universities. The master’s degree consists of either 30 credit hours and a thesis or 36 credit hours and a written and oral comprehensive exam. Required courses cover the following topics: principles of linguistic analysis, second language acquisition, methods of teaching a foreign language focusing on Arabic, sociolinguistics, methods of research, and challenges facing Arabic as a foreign/second language teachers. In addition, the program also offers electives that focus on specific aspects of Arabic language and language teaching like: language variation, material development, teaching culture and intercultural competence, assessment, teaching the various language skills (reading, writing, speaking, and listening), and pragmatics. 

TAFL Program Banner of students working in group in class

Degrees and Admission Requirements

Non-native speakers of Arabic and holders of university degrees with specializations other than Arabic language or Islamic studies must demonstrate that their proficiency in Arabic is adequate for study in the program through an Arabic language entrance exam and an interview offered by the TAFL program.

Instructors 

Our MA program for teaching Arabic as a foreign language boasts instructors with extensive expertise and qualifications in the field. They possess advanced degrees in Arabic linguistics, extensive teaching experience, and a deep understanding of language acquisition and language variation. Their competitive advantage lies in their expertise as teachers of Arabic as foreign language, their awareness of innovative teaching methods and their commitment to creating engaging and immersive learning experiences to all participants in the program.

 

Fellowships

Applicants to TAFL program could apply for TAFL teaching fellowships specifically tailored for students of this program. Recipients of this fellowship are waivered from payment for their courses, receive a stipend, and are allowed to teach several hours parallel to the number of hours for which they received their fellowship. 

Applicants may also apply for other forms of financial support available to all AUC applicants.

 

The TAFL program at AUC not only provided me with the fundamentals of teaching and linguistics, but it also provided me with practical experience as a fellow student by giving me the chance to observe AFL classes, assist teachers in their classes and teach.

Mona Azam, MA '19

Being at AUC is like being in the middle of a bridge between two worlds. I have had the opportunity to learn under the tutelage of classical Arabic teachers from the prestigious Dar al-Ulum and from Westerners. AUC gave me the unique chance to teach Arabic and apply the theory I was learning in class on the same day.

Jean Druel, MA '06

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