Summer Institute for Intensive Arabic Language and Culture at Lebanese American University

The Summer Institute for Intensive Arabic Language and Culture (SINARC) is a multi-faceted language and cultural immersion program that welcomes students from all over the world. In operation for over 14 years, SINARC has quickly become a top choice for Arabic language learners looking not only to improve their language skills but also to gain an understanding of the cultural and social dynamics in the region.

The SINARC program is hosted each year at the Lebanese American University (Beirut Campus), one of the premier institutions of higher education and research in Lebanon and the region. The campus situated in the heart of the Lebanese capital provides students a unique perspective on Lebanese culture and daily life.

SINARC offers courses in Arabic language and culture at various levels of proficiency. Each level provides twenty hours per week of intensive classroom instruction, including five hours per week of Lebanese Dialect. Formal language instruction is enriched by immersion in an authentic cultural context. Cultural activities include weekly lectures on topics related to Arab and Lebanese politics, history, society, and culture. In addition, students partake in a series of excursions to historical, cultural and tourist sites throughout Lebanon and Syria.

Program Dates:

The six-week Summer program (June 23 – August 1, 2014) offers five courses: Elementary, Upper Elementary, Intermediate, Advanced and a two-credit Lebanese dialect course. A separate eight-credit course in Intensive Lebanese Dialect will be offered provided there is sufficient enrollment.

Summer Program Cost:

Tuition ($310 per credit) — $2,480
Room (double occupancy)* — $1,000
Excursions (transportation, entrance fees, one overnight stay) — $265
Total $3,745

*Note: Single occupancy in LAU dorms is $500 extra, depending on availability.

Meals and round trip travel to Beirut, books, and supplies are not included.

Round-trip tickets to Beirut cost approximately U.S.$ 1,200 from New York and approximately U.S.$ 600 from Europe. We urge participants to make travel plans as early as possible in order to take advantage of discounted prices. Participants are required to purchase comprehensive health insurance, unless they can provide evidence of comparable coverage. Emergency health insurance for coverage over the duration of the program may be purchased through LAU upon arrival for $80.

Transportation for arrival and departure between Beirut International Airport and LAU-Beirut is provided to SINARC students free of charge. Additional transportation needs within Lebanon are the responsibility of students. Taxi and bus services are reasonably priced in Lebanon.

NON-REFUNDABLE CLAUSE: Please note that there will be no refunds on program fees after the start of the session, unless the program is canceled by the university.

How to Apply:

A SINARC 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.

Summer 2014 SINARC Application (.pdf)

Students should submit completed applications to Megan Geissler at the National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations (contact coordinates below) for forwarding to Lebanese American University. Applications are due May 16, 2014.

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