SABLA
Sabla is an intensive language and cultural immersion program for American undergraduate and graduate students. Each summer, students from across the U.S. can study Arabic at SQCC on scholarship.
The word Sabla in Omani Arabic dialect refers to a place in each community where people gather and receive hospitality. Sabla also serves as a meeting place to discuss important public issues.
The Sabla program aspires to be a hub bringing together students from across the U.S. for a dynamic linguistic and cultural exchange. The program hopes to enable students to become active learners and to form a community to cultivate a lifelong Arabic language learning experience.
Program Overview
The program is an intensive summer language experience designed to benefit current university-level students and recent graduates. Courses are offered at four different levels: Advanced Beginning, Low Intermediate, High Intermediate and Advanced. The program emphasizes the instruction of Modern Standard Arabic or MSA (fusha).
The Sabla program runs for five weeks each summer, from Monday to Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Experienced instructors use a proficiency-based approach that emphasizes all five skills: listening, speaking, reading, writing and grammar. Arabic is the main language of instruction. Classes are held in technologically advanced classrooms. The program offers formal instruction in a language that is enriched by immersion in an authentic cultural context. Cultural activities include weekly lectures on topics related to Arab history, society, and culture with a special focus on Oman.
The program includes:
- Integrated weekly cultural events, including music presentations and movie screenings
- Attending lectures conducted in Arabic featuring guest speakers
- Trips to acquaint students with the magnificent Middle Eastern heritage on display in museums and libraries across D.C.
- Visits to Middle Eastern restaurants
- Submit completed application form and supporting materials via this website.
- Resume
- Essays
- Write an essay, in English, that discusses how participation in the Sabla Program at SQCC will help you accomplish your future goals. How do you plan to incorporate Arabic language study into your academic and/or career plans? (300-500 words)
- Write an essay, in Arabic, introducing yourself to the Arabic program staff, including a discussion of your personal and professional interests and goals. (175 words)
- Two letters of recommendation, including one from an Arabic instructor
- Unofficial transcripts
We are not accepting Applications for 2023
- CURRENT college, university enrolled student, recent graduates considered, SQCC Academic Year Program students with good standing considered.
- Participants must be 19 years of age and up.
- All applicants are required to have completed at least two semesters of Arabic at a college or university in the United States by the start of the program.
This academic scholarship covers the cost of classes only. Students will be responsible to pay for their airfare ticket to D.C., accommodation, and food, excursions (most museums in D.C. are free to the public) and any other miscellaneous living expenses for the duration of their stay in Washington, D.C.
Students are required to purchase textbooks. Additional teaching materials will be supplied by instructors at no cost to students.
Accommodation
Students must make their own arrangements at a hotel, hostel, or private home in D.C. Reservations should be made in advance before arriving to D.C. for class. SQCC does not provide housing. Students must arrange for their own housing.
Insurance
All insurance coverage including medical, life, accident etc. is the responsibility of the student. Please note that students will be required to provide proof of valid medical insurance with their application.
Sabla Summer Arabic Language Immersion Dates 2023
Sabla 2023 Cancled
Sample weekly programs
A sample weekly schedule would look like this for in person instruction ONLY:
Time |
Mon |
Tues |
Wed |
Thurs |
10:00-10:50 |
Class |
Class |
SQCC Library Visit |
|
11:00-11:50 |
Class |
Class |
Class |
Class |
12:00-12:50 |
Lunch |
Lunch |
Excursions |
Lunch |
1:00-1:50 |
Class |
Class |
Cultural Workshops/Lectures |
|
2:00-3:00 |
Class |
Conversation Club |
Arabic Movie/Competitions |
Courses
- Advanced Beginners
- Low Intermediate
- High Intermediate
- Advanced
Contact
For questions or assistance email [email protected]
Due to unforeseen circumstances, the SABLA Program will likely not be held this year, 2024.