Immersive Arabic Learning: Moses' Transformative Experience in Jordan

An Opportunity

Moses, a 2023 Summer Scholar Award winner had the opportunity to strengthen his Arabic language skills while taking classes through an immersive three-week summer program in Jordan.  

Moses’s Consistent Commitment to Arabic

Moses initially decided to learn Arabic because it seemed like a beautiful language—and it interested him the most out of all the language offerings at his high school. He acknowledged that not everyone in the U.S. has the unique opportunity to study Arabic and expressed gratitude that his school offered it. 

When Moses learned about the Summer Scholar Award and the opportunity to study Arabic in Amman, Jordan, he jumped at the chance. The idea of being immersed in a new country while advancing his language skills deeply appealed to him. 

Accelerating Arabic Through Immersion

The three weeks Moses spent in Amman at the Sijal Institute dramatically accelerated his Arabic learning. By taking intensive classes and being fully surrounded by the language, his progress skyrocketed. “My experience at Sijal deepened my Arabic knowledge twofold. I never understood the Arabic present tense or the jadhar root system before, which were both fascinating and important,” Moses explained. 

He also shared how the daily structure of the program supported language development. “Every day we would have school from 9 to 3:30, and there was a fair amount of homework after that. Then, at night we would go out and get food, visit markets, or explore museums. I really took full advantage of being in a different place—I tried new things, ate new foods, learned new recipes, and practiced Arabic to the maximum.” 

This immersion gave Moses the confidence to use Arabic in real-world situations, something a traditional classroom alone couldn’t offer. 

Learning Arabic Through Conversation

Moses reflected, “The three-week homestay in Amman felt like more than a year's worth in Arabic class. Even though my Ustaazah in the U.S. had taught me all about the hospitality, the tea, and the traditions, it was something else to experience it firsthand.” 

His favorite part of the trip was living with his host family and exploring different parts of the city. He found himself absorbing Arabic from everyday interactions—Uber rides, shopping trips, and casual conversations. These experiences helped him pick up common phrases and understand the rhythm of conversational Arabic. 

The Trip’s Impact

Attending the immersion program was a transformative experience for Moses on his language learning journey. The educational exposure and hands-on practice significantly improved his Arabic skills, making him feel more connected to the language. 

“It was a really meaningful trip, and it definitely made me even more interested in learning the Arabic language. I think that in college, I would like to study in the Middle East because of this experience,” Moses shared. 

He also offered advice for fellow Arabic learners: “My advice is to stay connected with the language as much as possible and practice speaking, listening, and reading Arabic every day. It’s important to seek out opportunities to use Arabic in real-life situations.” He believes that language learning becomes most effective when you consistently engage with the language outside the classroom. 

Moses highlighted how immersion in real-life experiences helped him learn: "The more you expose yourself to the language—whether by listening to Arabic music, reading Arabic books, or interacting with Arabic speakers—the faster you'll improve.” This hands-on practice in authentic environments helped him significantly advance his skills. 

Moses urges students interested in learning Arabic to explore the opportunity that the Summer Scholar Award provides, as it played a key role in advancing his language skills. This one-time award supports current Arabic students in high school/secondary school who are looking for additional opportunities to strengthen their Arabic by attending a summer Arabic program. The program's balance of formal lessons and real-life practice helped him improve his Arabic skills in a short time outside of the school year. If you’re looking to strengthen your Arabic, consider applying for the Summer Scholar Award here.