Program in Arabic Language

The Program in Arabic Language (PAL) was the first private institution in Yemen dedicated exclusively to teaching Arabic as a foreign language. This has afforded our students the opportunity to learn Arabic in a much more effective, stimulating setting. Located in the capital city of Sana'a, the PAL has served the needs of international students, researchers, and the resident expatriate community since 1989. Recently, in 2007, the PAL became the first and only fully-accredited Arabic program for international students in Yemen. With the YCMES license from the Ministry of Higher Education, university students have a much easier time transferring credit back to their home institutions.

The PAL's Arabic Language Learning Program is open to students of all ability levels, with program lengths from five weeks to one year. The program costs cover instruction, supplemental Arabic language learning materials (Al-Kitaab textbook is available for purchase at the YCMES library for $65), visa extension services, transportation to and from Sana'a International Airport, cultural and historical day trips outside of Sana'a, round-trip airfare, internet usage, meals, housing and lectures on Arab history and culture. These additional activities serve to dramatically enhance the Arabic language learning experience

Standard instructions consists of either 4 hours of group classes or 2 hours of private tutoring a day, depending on total enrollment and individual student level, ascertained through the use of standardized placement exams. Although the school is often crowded during summer, all classes are capped at 8 students to create a more intimate learning environment conducive to language learning. Classes are held Saturday through Wednesday with breaks given during official Yemeni holidays.

Upon graduation the YCMES provides a certificate of completion, provided the student passes his examinations. Examinations consist of a mid-term exam, an end-of-the-term exam, regular class assignments and class participation. Students are required to obtain a total score of +70 (highest score possible: 100) in order to pass.

Enrollment in the intensive language programs is limited to eight students per class, although class size is frequently smaller. The YCMES attempts to preserve the smallest class sizes possible in order to maximize the student-teacher interaction and to personalize course work to the students’ individual interests and abilities.

Languages other than Arabic are not permitted during the lesson, except at the elementary level when students have not yet acquired sufficient vocabulary to understand grammar and vocabulary explanations in Arabic. Even in these instances, the teacher will use only as much English as is absolutely necessary. The PAL strongly believes that students develop language skills more rapidly and effectively if they are completely immersed in Arabic from the outset of their studies. Outside of the classroom, students are encouraged to communicate among themselves in Arabic and to make social contacts, which provide an opportunity to practice their language skills with native speakers.

Adjustments to improve the curriculum are discussed during weekly meetings between the teaching staff and the Director. Furthermore, an annual review takes place to evaluate the effectiveness of the teaching system, course materials and administration, and guest lecturers often give workshops to introduce new teaching techniques. For example, the YCMES/PAL has hosted Peter Abboud and Aman Attieh in the past to offer its teaching staff lessons and lectures in teaching Arabic as a foreign language and pedagogy. This process is aided by instructor input and extensive student feedback, collected verbally and by means of a detailed course evaluation form, which each student completes at the conclusion of the term.

The Program in Arabic Language is organized around a set of basic objectives and a core curriculum designed by the teaching staff for every level of instruction offered.

The program is divided into three basic levels of instruction: Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced. At the Elementary level, approximately 90% of total class time is organized according to this curriculum, with the remaining 10% left to the design of the individual teacher. In the Intermediate and Advanced levels, approximately 80% of total class time is structured according to the curriculum, while the remaining 20% is jointly planned by the teacher and the students, incorporating student interest in specific subjects or areas of study. In the past, for example, this discretionary time has been spent studying Yemeni music and poetry, readings on Islam, Middle Eastern politics, the architectural history of Yemen, as well as other topics. Students are equally responsible for these materials and for the grammar and vocabulary taught in the structured section of the program.

In addition to regular quizzes and other class assignments, there are two major examinations during each term: the mid-term examination and cumulative final examination. Students must obtain a total grade of +70 (out of a 100 possible) in order to receive the official Certificate of Program Completion.

Level 1: Elementary

The elementary level is intended for students with little or no prior exposure to Arabic. Participants will learn to read and write using the Arabic alphabet, and acquire the skills needed to conduct simple conversations concerning daily needs. Students begin building a vocabulary base and are introduced to basic grammar and syntax structures. By the end of level one, students should be able to satisfy routine social demands and limited work requirements.

Level 2: Intermediate

Students entering the intermediate level should be able speak clearly, converse on limited subjects, and read and write simple texts. This level emphasizes techniques for reading, research and composition in Arabic, as well as advanced conversational skills. Audio-visual and published materials are introduced to reinforce listening and reading comprehension. Students gain increased confidence in grammar and syntax and concentrate on expanding their vocabulary base. At the end of this level, students should be able to speak, read and write confidently on various subjects, including: politics, religion, economics and culture.

Level 3: Advanced

Advanced participants should be able to speak with confidence and clarity in most situations, and be capable of reading and writing on differing subjects with relative ease. The advanced level emphasizes overall reading comprehension, advanced writing skills, translation techniques and continued vocabulary acquisition. In addition to texts introduced for class work and home study, course material may also reflect the individual needs and interests of the advanced student. Participants who successfully complete this level should possess Arabic skills acceptable for academic or professional use.

Instructors for the Program in Arabic Language (PAL) are all Yemeni, both male and female, with educational backgrounds in language or a related field. The PAL is proud of the collective experience of its Arabic teaching staff, ranging from 5 to 23 years, ensuring continuity in the PAL teaching philosophy. To encourage improvement and rejuvenation of the program, the PAL regularly invites guest Arabic pedagogy lecturers, such as Peter Abboud and Aman Attieh, to lead workshops for its teachers. All teachers place the greatest emphasis on developing a student's ability to speak and comprehend Arabic by listening to native speakers.

The Program in Arabic Language (PAL) is the Arabic language department of the Yemen College of Middle Eastern Studies (YCMES) which is accredited by the Yemeni Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research. The YCMES is expanding its partnerships and relationships with over 75 universities worldwide, most notably in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. Each university agreement differs, and for transfer credit information, please contact your university’s Registrar’s Office and/or Arabic language department.

In order to issue the appropriate Certification of Credit to the student's home university, the YCMES stipulates that all students requesting academic credit successfully complete both the midterm and final examinations. Each 100-hour term allows to validate a maximum of 6 course credits.

For more information on university relations with the YCMES, please contact the main YCMES office at ycmes@ycmes.org.