OVER THE PAST 5 YEARS
DLS trains hundreds of Arabic students every year in many dialects at all proficiency levels, fostering a communal learning environment while tailoring training to each individual student.
OUR TEAM
Our experienced Arabic instructors come from diverse backgrounds, and many have past careers across the Arabic-speaking world. This real-world experience informs their instruction and allows for specialized language training. Our instructors are expertly versed in the ILR FSI and DLPT language proficiency tests, skillfully adapting their teaching methods to accommodate students' proficiency levels and backgrounds.
Our Arabic instructors cover every Arabic dialect and include:
- Career FSI and DLI Arabic instructors (20+ years)
- Army Culture and Foreign Language Advisor
- Anti-corruption investigator for Iraq’s Commission on Public Integrity
- Instructional Designer and Assessment Specialist for DLI
- Yemeni socioeconomics researcher for UNESCO
- Data analyst and reporter for Iraqi News Agency
- Foreign languages professor from the University of Nouakchott, Mauritania
- Physics PhD from Mostaganem, Algeria
- Columnist for Al Jaras magazine in Lebanon
- Practicing attorney in Baghdad, Iraq
- Career government French and Arabic translator/interpreter from Algeria
- Published Arabic poetry and prose author
Student Feedback
“[I had] an amazing instructor. His knowledge of the Arabic language at a college level was astounding. I would seek to work with him again if given the opportunity. [He] truly cares and made me feel comfortable as a student and recognized the ebb and flow of my ability to understand and learn. He adapted his teaching methods to my learning style and really maximized my ability to learn.”
- DLS Arabic student, Anonymous
“My teacher was extremely professional and enthusiastic to teach me and he was a phenomenal teacher in the way he helped me understand the language using cultural and real-world references. He broke down the nuances of the language to me in a way where I could easily digest it, but not only that he was extremely kind and helpful and motivated me to do better! He is the best teacher I have ever had in all of the 4 years I have been studying Arabic and I owe it to him for my increase in confidence of my abilities to maintain and improve my proficiency in the language!”
- DLS Arabic student, Kamari W.
“My instructor was a wonderful teacher and pleasure to work with. He was willing to make the class fun and gave me a really deep insight into Lebanese Culture. He was respectful, kind, and professional day in and day out. He ALWAYS had a positive attitude even the days where I was feeling a bit low energy. He opened my horizons in the language and culture and he is a very positive individual. I enjoyed all the conversations we had and the class only made my love for the language and culture grow! Loved the class thank you!!”
- DLS Arabic student, Anonymous
Events
Students rotate through various stations, engaging in focused sessions with instructors on various topics tailored to their proficiency levels, while being encouraged to embrace and overcome linguistic challenges.
Students immerse themselves in the Arabic language while exploring exhibits showcasing ancient Egypt, Iran, South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Himalayas, and Yemen, having prepared with a vocabulary session and background reading. This hands-on experience deepened their understanding of Middle Eastern history and the world, integrating language learning with cultural exploration.
Watching foreign language films is a captivating and enjoyable way to immerse students in the language and culture, enhancing their listening and comprehension skills while exposing them to the diverse narratives and traditions of the Arab world. This interactive approach to learning fosters a deeper connection with the language through the engaging medium of film.