| by Nandini Jani

People

A girl in the Arabic School Talks about her experience.

It was a long day of intensive studying, as one may suspect, Arabic is not an easy language to learn; but knowing that my professors were eagerly waiting to teach me brought me back to the classroom every time.

8-week Arabic Immersion Program

When applying for the 8-week immersion program, I knew it was going to be a challenge. However, it was only after the second full day of classes that I really understood what I had gotten myself into.

“It’s not too late to do something else,” my sister said, concerned by the exhaustion on my face. “La” I responded, reflecting on the idea that I was only tired because I was learning so much, and also was hesitant to say more and break my commitment to the Language Pledge after only two days. 

Studying at the Middlebury Language Schools is strenuous and demanding.

The many hours spent in class combined with at least three hours of homework per night, in addition to tutoring sessions makes every day a long day. The program requires students to come to class prepared to make mistakes and motivated to pursue the study of language regardless.

This understanding is a prerequisite for any student to succeed at Middlebury.

Nonetheless, if students understand their motivations behind learning the target language, the faculty and professors at Middlebury will ensure the development of strong linguistic capabilities and retention without fail.  

Arabic School Professors

My professors at the Arabic School worked around the clock to provide me with personalized support and timely feedback. I was strongly encouraged to ask every question that crossed my mind, express any concern I was feeling in regard to how the class was being conducted, and ask for help from whoever I felt most comfortable with. 

I felt so privileged to have three professors with their own unique teaching styles come together and modify their lesson plans according to the needs of their students.

We used photos, music, PowerPoints, and films to supplement the lessons and drills from our textbook. The professors always went above and beyond to produce their own handouts which were full of relevant and easy-to-understand examples.

It became a recurring theme where professors wanted students to succeed more than the students wanted themselves to succeed.

That created the most extraordinary learning environment full of support, encouragement, and progress. 

Arabic School Goals

When I started the program, I informed my professors that I wanted to develop a strong competency in speaking the language in addition to writing and reading it.

Professor Amjad took this into consideration as he worked with me throughout the program.

In efforts to help me achieve my goals, he sought out opportunities to give me the platform I needed to believe in myself the way he and all of my other professors believed in me.

After about four or five weeks in the program, he encouraged me to participate in the Arabic School’s annual Poetry Night.

Initially, I was shocked because I didn’t think I was skilled enough to present alongside students far more knowledgeable and experienced than I. I was so surprised that my professor had considered me for the opportunity despite my minimal experience with the language. 

Professor Amjad responded to my concerns by reminding me that I have been immersed in the Arabic language and culture nonstop for weeks and opportunities like these would help me develop the same confidence in speaking as natives.

He acknowledged how hard I had already been working, spent additional time with me in office hours to work on new vocabulary and tone for the poem, and continued to seek out more opportunities for me after the presentation.

Studying Arabic at the Middlebury Language Schools

Studying at the Middlebury Language Schools is an extraordinary experience because the professors set you up for success.

If you come in ready to learn, they prepare you to walk out with the confidence to teach others. So yes, the days are long, but when reflecting on how much learning happens each and every day, students can’t help but want to continue. 

There will often be moments where you feel as if the program is too difficult or as if you are not good enough.

But I can say with confidence that the community at Middlebury will help manage these concerns throughout the duration of the program and afterward.

I am so grateful for everything I learned about the Arabic language and culture at Middlebury and also for the professors whom I learned it from. I look forward to spending more summers at the Arabic School in the future!