LANGUAGE PROGRAM
The Arabic Language Institute offers non-credit and credit university courses in the Arabic language at various levels for students whose mother tongue is not Arabic. The institute aims to meet the increasing demand to learn the Arabic language.
As an AAA-accredited institution recognized by the Lebanese Ministry of Higher Education, MEU welcomes degree-seeking students from other accredited colleges and universities who wish to enrich their education through a semester-abroad or year-abroad experience. Students may combine Arabic language study with cultural courses while continuing to earn transferable academic credit toward their degree programs, subject to approval by their home institution.
Students have the option of enrolling in either an academic Arabic course for university credit or a non-credit program in colloquial Lebanese Arabic. Students who wish to gain an introduction to the Arabic language while earning university credit may enroll in Arabic for Beginners, which introduces the fundamentals of Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), or al-fuṣḥā—the standardized literary form of Arabic used throughout the Middle East and North Africa in education, media, government, and formal communication.
Students who choose the non-credit program will develop practical communication proficiency in Lebanese Arabic, which will enable them to build relationships and engage confidently in everyday situations. This program follows the Growing Participatory Approach (GPA) which is based on the natural process of first-language acquisition. With this approach, learners acquire the language through meaningful interaction and active participation.
In addition to Arabic language courses, MEU offers a variety of complementary courses in Middle Eastern history, culture, and religion, providing students with a deeper understanding of the region and its people.
With more than 30 nationalities represented within the MEU community, students enjoy a rich multicultural environment that fosters meaningful cross-cultural friendships and global perspectives. Living in the Middle East further broadens students’ understanding of the region’s history, cultures, and traditions. For those studying the Bible, this setting offers valuable geographical and cultural context, while also providing firsthand insight into the unique opportunities and challenges of mission in the Middle East.
In addition to language classes and service-oriented activities, students have numerous opportunities to explore Lebanon’s rich cultural and historical heritage through organized excursions to iconic destinations such as Baalbek, Tyre, Sidon, Harissa, Byblos, the Jeita Grotto, and the famous Cedars of Lebanon. Students may also participate in optional international trips to Cairo, Egypt; Petra, Jordan; Istanbul, Türkiye; and Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, further enriching their educational and cultural experience.
MEU is directly affiliated with Adventist Colleges Abroad (ACA), a consortium administered by the offices of the North American Division (NAD) of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Students enrolled at any of the universities in consortium may participate in the program while remaining enrolled at their home institutions.
Prospective students who are not enrolled at an ACA consortium institution may either apply through a participating consortium school or apply directly to MEU for admission.
Admission requirements for students applying through ACA are available on the ACA website. All other applicants should follow MEU’s standard admissions procedures and requirements when applying for admission.
As soon as safety conditions permit, ACA Lebanon will reopen with an enhanced program that includes Arabic language courses as well as a variety of interdisciplinary offerings, such as Biblical Archaeology, History and Culture of the Arabs, Principles of Biblical Illustration, and Cross-Cultural Engagement in the 10/40 Window, among others. These courses are designed to provide students with a deeper understanding of the region’s history, culture, and mission context while complementing their language studies.
If you have any question about the program or application, our team is here to help you.
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