Academic Year 2021 - 2022
Aldiyar Zhientaev, Kazakhstan
Why I chose Qatar University?
After graduating from a French institute, I thought for a very long time where to continue my studies and what to do. For the past few years, I have devoted myself to the study of languages, international relations and international law.
With a lot of help and advice from my family, I decided to enroll in an Arabic language program and start learning this amazing language.
My Experience in Arabic Program and life in Qatar.
First of all, I want to say that I have heard a lot about Qatar as a country with a rich culture, I was and even now I am very amazed of the rapid development of this country on the world stage.
Upon arrival in Doha, and then on the Qatar University campus, I was delighted with the beauty of the city and the incredible architecture of the buildings. With the help of the teachers, their creative lessons and the personalized approach to each student, learning Arabic is truly a pleasure. Most of all, I am glad that attention is paid to frequent speaking and reading practice and because of these, over time, you start to get used to Arabic speech and improve your language skills.
Life itself at Qatar University is very eventful, there is a huge number of various conferences and events where you can take part. In addition, the university is doing everything to make life easier for students.
As a result, I want to say that the Arabic program is an incredible and rich experience that you will remember all your life.
Amina Khadijah Busko, UK
I decided to join the ANNS course for the sole purpose of getting to improve my Fusha, as I already speak spoken Arabic fluently. Sadly, classical Arabic and the ability to speak it is a dying art. And it truly is just that, a form of painting with words and a depth of expression that can’t quite be explained until you learn it.
As a child, Arabic didn’t mean much to me because I learned it so naturally, but I reached a point in my life where I realized the importance of classical Arabic, and so I decided to join the ANNS course. It was an interesting time, as it was the Spring of 2020 and the Covid-19 pandemic had just begun.
The course was online for the first year and at the time, although I thought I wouldn’t be able to learn very much, I was amazed at how efficient and engaged all of my teachers were. I learned so much during that year, and I enjoyed it so much I enrolled for the following year as well. The thing to keep in mind here is that not only does the course provide a safe, educational and stimulating environment to speak classical Arabic in, it also greatly helps your way of thinking, expression and articulation. The cultural side of things is very heavily focused on, and although these are things you cannot simply pick up in a classroom, the level of understanding and diversity in the classroom means that you learn these things naturally, purely as a byproduct of being in the environment.
Overall, I would honestly recommend this course to anyone interested in studying Arabic, at any level. The teachers are some of the most passionate and intelligent people I’ve ever met in the sphere of Arabic language, and I personally have noticed such a huge improvement in my use of the language.
Carlos Manuel, Cuba
My experience at the University of Qatar has been one of the best in my life. Having the opportunity to learn Arabic in a country like this is undoubtedly a great opportunity for improvement and learning. The professors are of unbeatable quality, the various forms of learning that they put into practice make it easy for us – students - to learn the Arabic language.
The organization and the speed with which all the situations that require it are resolved is truly amazing.
As a Latino student I am currently in a very special moment. Learning a new language is always a great experience but even more so when you can learn this language in a country like Qatar and in a University like the University of Qatar. The student residences have an unmatched quality and the ability to share experiences with students of various nationalities is very enriching.
Having obtained this opportunity means a lot to me, to my social life and to my professional life, so I am very grateful to you for this great opportunity.
Irina Gribuka, UK
During my course, I benefited from a variety of teaching and learning styles, including interactive lessons, small-group works and dialogues. Various types of assessment were used. Exams and essays were a significant part of this, but some modules included presentations. Communication and assistance from teachers was included, however, independent study was also a crucial part of education, and this allowed me to expand my vocabulary and start to express my point of view on various themes in Arabic.
A distinguishing trait of the teachers was their ability to delegate a multicultural group of students who were on their journey of learning the Arabic language. Initially, during the programme I progressed with mastering the language in a context which allowed me to prepare for real-life situations and improve my confidence. I was facing new vocabulary on a daily basis, and sometimes it was overwhelming. That said, after a couple of weeks of immersion into Arabic culture, history, religion and etiquette it became ordinary.
Consequently, studies at Qatar University appeared to be a valuable experience during which I gradually enhanced my linguistic skills from 0+ level. Lastly, the course was definitely worth signing up for as not only did it open the window into the Eastern world but introduced me to open-minded people.
Ditmira Lani, ANNS 2013
Why I chose Qatar University?
I found out about this specific program as I was searching in internet where to find a good Arabic program. I read the reviews, found it interesting, and applied. When I received the news that I was admitted, I was really happy that I was chosen, but at the same time I had to take into consideration that now it was real. I was going to spend an important moment of my life in the program and in Qatar, a country that I knew few about. It was an important decision to make, and not a simple one for academic and personal reasons. My background is in Political Science and International Relations (IR), (not in languages, although I speak correctly four languages) so it looked enough absurd to whoever I spoke about the decision that I had made, that now at this moment of my life, I had decided to learn Arabic from scratch, but I had my reasons, and I pursued in my aim... with caution obviously. Well, the experience turns out to be just Outstanding!!!
My Experience in Qatar University and Arabic Program!
I have been studying abroad since long time now, in several countries and great universities, but I am completely enthusiastic about the outcome. The teaching quality is highly efficient and professional, the best I have ever seen for teaching a language at the university, partly because is concentrated partly because the professors are highly prepared, passionate and energetic. The program is intensive and challenging, you need to struggle a lot to catch up if you are a beginner but after the initial frustration there is indeed a very positive feeling in progressing so fast and such in a short period. The satisfaction you have from being in the program is the best part for me, but at the same time, living in Doha has turned out to be a complete new and nice experience. My colleagues among the international students are interesting, with a rich personal and academic background, and everyone contributes in being part of an environment which is at the same time stimulating and friendly.
Life in Qatar
The Qataris we have met, and the Arab world we have been introduced at has welcomed us in the best way. I can never stress what a wonderful hospitality we have found among people in this country and how much I appreciate it. Everywhere we have gone, and been people have demonstrated to be genuinely nice, and there is always something to do if you ever get homesick of if you are keen to discover new things, Doha is an important art city, something I personally appreciate a lot, there are interesting theatres, ballets, museums and exhibitions that you just can't miss seeing and visiting as part of your journey of life in Qatar. Although the society may be considered conservative compared to western societies, I have never personally faced any problem, respect of the traditions is needed, but at the same time being focused on the great chance you have to achieve your goal is helpful to overcome any possible cultural shock or unpleasant experience.
Amanda Propst
ANNS '09
University of Arizona '08, Near Eastern Studies, Linguistics, Classics
"Studying at Qatar University in the Arabic Program for Non-Native Speakers has been a singular educational experience, both inside the classroom and out. I had little idea of what to expect from my life in Qatar--reading articles about Doha and its unprecedented economic and social expansion and browsing travel books barely hints at the subtleties of living here.
Doha is at once multi-faceted and traditional, a growing metropolis and a crowded village.
Studying with the Arabic Program at Qatar University offers a structured, exemplary curriculum divided into courses by subject with professors who are versed in formal and informal second-language acquisition methodology.
Not to be overshadowed is the benefit of studying with students from nationalities as diverse as their personalities; with many similar language-learning establishments in the Middle East and the world catering to one nationality in particular, this program stands out in its national diversity. Daily frustrations of students facing cultural barriers and confusing processes give way to increased understanding and appreciation. The fall semester finished with me looking forward to beginning again in the spring."
Stephanie Jacquet
"The Arabic for Non-Native Speakers Program offers the opportunity to improve in Arabic with an interesting interactive learning.
I had already started to learn Arabic in France, but the courses focused on grammar and writing, only.
This Program proposes a fair balance between listening, writing and speaking. The intensity of the courses allows students to improve fast, to get an efficient Arabic vocabulary and to start to speak Arabic after only few weeks even if they are complete-beginners.
Moreover, studying in an international environment with students who come from many different countries and cultures, as well as with teachers who are very available and concerned is really appealing, motivating and enriching from my perspective."
Dylan Parkes
"As far as academics and progress go, I have loved my time here in this program. It has been incredible having four doctorate level professors teach me the Arabic language".
I attended a prestigious university in the States and still don't believe that I received as much attention or support or that I worked with this many faculty of such high accomplishment at one time.
I feel I have progressed great leagues in my language study here despite the tendency of the external Qatari society to prefer English over Arabic, or Amiya over Fusha.
The structure of my classes and the material has been excellent. My only caveat to future students would be that they should be prepared to plan and organize their entertainment outside of school.
The size of the faculty does create a warm and intimate environment, but they are simply shorthanded when it comes to planning and being able to execute extracurricular activities, not through any fault of their own. The program has and, I imagine, will be an incredibly beneficial and rewarding experience, one that I will cherish for a long time."
Leva Kajokaite
Lecturer at Vilnius University and Anthropologist at the National Institute for Health, Migration, and Poverty in Rome, Italy.
" I am deeply convinced that the experiences at Qatar University were crucial for my professional career: it significantly contributed not only to my skills of Arabic language, but were key in cultural and social understanding of Qatari reality, which resulted to be an enormous advantage for my further studies."
Pablo Augusto Relly, ANNS 2013
Why I chose Qatar University?
It took me a little while to be able to apply for the program Arabic for Non-Native Speakers from Qatar University. Being from a country with continental size, there was a need to reach personally the Qatari Embassy in the capital of Brazil, BrasÕlia, which is far away from the region I am from. With some paper work behind me, it was time to gather other documents - the list of documents is clear and leaves no doubts - to formally put my application together.
With the application sent, it was time to await the following procedures, or any kind of communication coming from Qatar University - be sure to check your inbox frequently and make sure the emails from the university do not land in the "spam" folder and remain unread. It may happen and could jeopardize the efforts made so far.
After going through the first phase, being interviewed and accepted to join the program, some waiting takes places and probably a period of anxiety hits some of the students. In this period, International Students Section at Qatar University provides us with necessary information about issues concerning the trip to Qatar - so no need for panic and constant emailing. Of course that since the first days involving the application until the day of arrival in Qatar, it is a long time, but normal to situations alike.
Life in Qatar
Upon arrival to Qatar, the next phase takes place as some waiting as well. Until we get the permanent visa, some of the steps necessary are not in the hands of the university, so it is important to leave that in mind.
Starting Arabic almost from scratch, the first weeks of classes - mixing speaking, listening, reading, writing and a bit of culture - do develop your language skills. And the professors understand that learning Arabic is not an easy task. It can also be frustrating in some cases, since...well, some people start almost from scratch and have difficulties in dealing with the massive amount of things to be learned. No worries, the professors are truly a helping hand. And the diverse environment, students from different backgrounds, is another plus to the program. It is not only learning a language, but learning some lessons for life as the program goes on.