Arabic Club :: Mount of Olives

The "Mount of Olives : Arabic Language and Culture Club" is an ASUM recognized group. As a Club, we wanted to make learning about Arabic culture accessible and fun. Club members have a wide range of Arabic language and cultural knowledge. All students and community members are welcome. The Club conducts Arabic conversation tables during the fall and spring semesters on Tuesdays at 7:30pm in UC 330. Students of Arabic practice their Arabic language skills with one another and with native speakers, watch Arabic movies, and learn about the Arabic culture, including music, foods, dances, poetry, history, etc. It is fun and educational. For more information, please write the Club at mountofolives.arabic@gmail.com

Montana Arabic Summer Institute (MASI) 2009: June 22 to July 17

The Central and Southwest Asia Program at The University of Montana will conduct the Montana Arabic Summer Institute (MASI) from June 22 to July 17, 2009. This program is funded by a STARTALK grant administered by the National Foreign Language Center. STARTALK is one of the projects of the National Security Language Initiative to expand foreign language education in under-taught critical languages.

MASI is designed for thirty high school students to study intensive Arabic over a period of four weeks. MASI 2009 is built on the existing UM Arabic teaching resources and experience. The program is directed by Dr. Mehrdad Kia and taught by the UM's Arabic language instructors: Dr. Khaled Huthaily, who is also serving as the curriculum developer, and Mr. Samir Bitar, who is also serving as the outreach co-ordinator.

Students developed the communication skills of at least a novice-mid speaker based on the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). The program familiarizes students with Arabic cuisine, music, poetry, dress, customs, traditions, and body language to develop cultural knowledge.

Successful completion of the MASI 2009 allowed students to receive five college credits from The University of Montana. Each students will receive $100 upon successful completion of the program.

Click HERE to read MASI's flyer. Information about the schedule will be announced on this page soon. If you have specific questions, please contact the program's outreach co-ordinator Mr. Samir Bitar.