CIL invites you to learn and grow through study in the Sultanate of Oman, an Italy-sized nation on the Arabian Sea. For years students have found this an ideal setting for their international study, a nation of warm and welcoming people who practice a form of Islam – Ibadhism – that practices tolerance and acceptance of others. CIL provides students with the learning experiences needed to become world citizens.
Comprised of Americans and Omanis with PhD and Masters Degrees, the CIL faculty facilitates experiential education, cultural exchange, and comparative studies to deepen understanding, promote common interests, and explore the shared aspirations of people from different cultures. CIL offers students the chance of a lifetime–the kind of understanding that yields lasting friendship, tolerance and mutual respect.
CIL offers all three levels of Modern Standard Arabic (beginner, intermediate, and advanced), as well as Omani dialect, media Arabic, and skills classes. Arabic is one of the fastest growing languages learned by students in the U.S. Known for its fascinating complexity, it is a language of literature, poetry and elegant calligraphy. Arabic also is a language that encompasses deep and abiding cultural traditions, making its study a rich and rewarding learning experience.
CIL utilizes Al Kitaab fii Taalum Al-Arabiya , Part 1 and 2, as well as other materials developed by the teaching faculty. Arabic instruction at CIL covers media literacy, comprehension, and active use of lughat-al-muthaqqafeen (“educated speech”), as used on Al Jazeera.
All of CIL’s Arabic language classes are taught by native Omani instructors trained in Teaching Arabic as a Foreign Language (TAFL). Students also can elect to enhance language learning through informal sessions with an individual Omani Language Partner (i.e., chatting, shopping at the souk, cooking, going to movies and other local events, such as village weddings).
Scholarship Availability:
The National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations is pleased to offer students a scholarship opportunity for intensive Arabic language study at the Center for International Learning in Muscat, Oman. A limited number of scholarships are available for a semester or summer term, and thus, can be used at virtually any time of the year. Scholarships are issued on a rolling basis throughout the calendar year.
How to Apply:
A scholarship application is available through the link below, can be found on the National Council website , or can be obtained by emailing Megan Geissler at Megan@ncusar.org.
Students should submit completed applications to Megan Geissler at the National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations.
Megan Geissler
National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations
1730 M St. NW, Suite 503
Washington, DC 20036
Email: Megan@ncusar.org
Phone: 202-293-6466