Arabic language studies at GVSU offers students the opportunity to learn a major foreign language spoken in a large region of the world. Arabic is officially the language of 22 countries and has been a critical tongue in history and diplomacy. Through the Arabic program, students will learn Modern Standard Arabic (formal Arabic) and Levantine Arabic, a dialect spoken in the Levant region (Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine).

This curriculum allows students the ability to communicate both professionally and casually with native Arabic speakers. Through cultural competency and Arabic language studies, students will be prepared to actively engage on a study abroad trip or converse with the growing population of Arabs and Arab-Americans in the United States.

Skills that Employers Want!

• Learn to speak the language of a major region in the world
• Develop cultural awareness and competency
• Discover the cultural richness of the Arabic language
• Develop critical thinking skills
• Develop Communication and writing skills
• Learn a language that the US State Department identifies as a Critical Language  

Fun Facts

• Arabic is the official language of 22 countries
• As the language of Islam, Arabic is used by more than 1 billion Muslims
• Arab scientist invented the number 0
• Arabic contributed many words to English, such as cotton, giraffe, alcohol, and algebra.
• The Arab world incorporates not only the largest deserts, but also some of the longest rivers, oldest civilizations and the tallest building in the world, Burj Dubai

Sample Job Titles

• Professor/Teacher
• Language Analyst
• Islamic Financing expert
• Refugee Support Staff
• Foreign Affairs Journalist
• Translator/Interpreter
• Security Advisor
• NGO worker
• Arab World and Middle East Consultant