Methodology
In teaching Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), the program uses the communicative language approach, which includes the use of multimedia with a focus on the variety of the language used throughout the Arabic speaking world, especially in print and electronic media, and in educational and academic settings, as well as other aspects of daily life. The program offers a number of courses designed to develop all skills; i.e. listening, speaking, reading, writing, media Arabic, modern literature, and classical literature. In addition to formal classes, the program organizes monthly excursions and cultural activities around Doha where Arabic is used. Trips to museums, the Al Jazeera television studios, and recreation sites are an integral part of the program. Student participation in these curricular and extracurricular activities links the language acquired in class to the larger Qatari and Arab contexts.
Faculty
The program employs a number of full-time Qatar University faculty with academic credentials and varied experience in teaching Arabic to non-native speakers. Classes are small, with an average of 10-15 students in the Beginning and Intermediate levels, and approximately 10 in the Advanced level.
Students
Students in the Arabic for Non-Native Speakers Program come from extremely diverse backgrounds. Some seek Arabic language skills for the religious reasons, while others maintain a cultural or academic interest in Arabic. The program serves future scholars, teachers of Arabic and the Islamic Sciences, journalists, diplomats, employees of Non-Governmental Organizations or cultural programs, and many others. Each year, number of ANNS students are accepted into other departments at Qatar University upon completion of the program, including Arabic Language, Computer Science, and Business. The program maintains associations and agreements with public and private sector organizations throughout the world to admit a limited number of students nominated by these organizations. including for example Georgetown Univesity, Jakarta Government University, various embassies in Qatar, and the Islamic Foundation of the United Kingdom.