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Study Abroad for MENA Languages

Can I study abroad and study a MENA language?

Yes! One of the best ways to get proficient in a language and explore, meet different people and and expand cultural interests is to live and study abroad.

Student Perspective

Mara Kelly, Jordan - Summer 2019

"I spent five days a week both learning Arabic in a classroom setting, and applying my language skills in the community through activities such as scavenger hunts in downtown Amman, and learning how to cook local Bedouin food. This gave me the opportunity to not only study the language in-depth but also to practice my Arabic skills with native speakers. I am so grateful for how much I learned about Arabic and Jordan through my summer in Amman, and I hope to visit again in the near future."

When can I study abroad and learn a MENA language?

You can begin exploring possible study abroad options as early as your first year!

Northwestern has an array of semester and full-year programs available to help solidify your Arabic, Hebrew, and Turkish language skills. 

Summer: Northwestern is not affiliated with any MENA languages programs during the Summer term; however, there are options to study abroad on unaffiliated programs for academic credit or participate in non-credit bearing opportunities in the region.

What classes can I take abroad?

MENA languages students are able to take a wide variety of courses abroad, including language, content, and regionally specific classes. You are strongly encouraged to seek advising from a MENA adviser prior to departure in order to understand the program's policy on transferring course credit and to receive help in the selection of courses abroad.

Read more about academic planning and choosing courses abroad.

What type of credit can I get from study abroad?

The MENA Languages Program has carefully designed its courses to ensure optimal learning. It is important that students pay attention to course sequences and prerequisites listed for each course before signing up for a particular course, including and especially courses abroad. 

Returning Study abroad students must  take the appropriate language placement exam before enrolling in any course to make sure that they are placed correctly and are not duplicating course work after having studied abroad. Students can also reach out to  the Director of MENA Languages or any of the instructors in the program for help and /or advice.

If you intend to use MENA language courses to fulfill requirements for the MENA Studies major or minor, courses must be chosen in consultation with Prof, Henri Lauziere, Director of Undergraduate Studies for the MENA Studies Program.

In addition, your Weinberg adviser can help you identify if a distribution requirement could be fulfilled abroad and your GLO adviser can help you identify programs that offer these types of credit.

For more information about transferring credit from study abroad, see the MENA Languages page. 

Suggested Programs for MENA Languages

Interested in other programs in the MENA region or non-major credit? Search for more study abroad options.

Next Steps

Unsure where to start? Check out the Get Started page for some helpful next steps. We also encourage you to meet with your MENA major adviser to discuss your academic course plan and with a GLO adviser to learn more about the programs you're considering.