MODERN STANDARD ARABIC PROGRAM
The MSA Arabic Program takes you from having zero experience in the language to a high advanced level of fluency according to the ACTFL standards. It comprises of five levels that brings you mastery over the four language skills (reading, writing, listening & speaking) such that students develop balanced and confident command of the language. It also equips you with grammar topics, practice with real texts and practical situations for those interested in living or working in an Arab country, or those whose occupational field intersects journalism, media, diplomacy and relief work.
WHAT IS THE MSA PROGRAM?
Our Online Modern Standard Arabic program is taught over five core levels to move students towards mastery in Arabic.
The first three levels of the track follow normal undergraduate curricula, each level equivalent to an entire year of university Arabic. Currently, the base text is the now standard al-Kitaab series (2nd Edition), ensuring a smooth transition for those continuing studies at their home institutions. Levels 4 & 5 provides advanced students with an opportunity to further enhance their language skills through dealing with a variety of topics in media Arabic & contemporary issues in Arab society. Topics include Media Arabic, Readings in International Relations, Human Rights, Nationalism, Women’s Rights, and Economics.
Overview:The MSA Foundations Program takes you from having zero experience in the language to a high novice level of understanding. It comprises of three courses that brings you to mastery over reading, writing and saying Arabic letters, and equips you with foundational grammar topics to be able to communicate topics about oneself, family and daily life issues.
Prerequisites:Â None required.
Required Textbook: Georgetown University Press’s Al-Kitaab fī Taʿallum al-ʿArabiyya Book 1 (2nd Edition)
Course Description: The course begins teaching the Arabic alphabets and letters and then with chapter 1 of the first book of Georgetown University Press’s Al-Kitaab fī Taʿallum al-ʿArabiyya and completes up to chapter 2. There are six specific learning goals in MSA 101.
Number of Sessions: 10 private 1-on-1 sessions
Sessions per Week: 1 (1 class hour session)
Course Duration: 10 Weeks
There are four specific learning goals in MSA102. Matching objectives to each of these goals are detailed in the syllabus, found here. The course begins with chapter 3 of the first book of Georgetown University Press’s Al-Kitaab fī Taʿallum al-ʿArabiyya and completes up to chapter 7.
Number of Sessions: 10 private 1-on-1 sessions
Sessions per Week: 1 (1 class hour session)
Course Duration: 10 Weeks
There are four specific learning goals in MSA103. Matching objectives to each of these goals are detailed in the syllabus, found here. The course begins with chapter 8 of the first book of Georgetown University Press’s Al-Kitaab fī Taʿallum al-ʿArabiyya and completes up to chapter 12.
Number of Sessions: 10 private 1-on-1 sessions
Sessions per Week: 1 (1 class hour session)
Course Duration: 10 Weeks
Overview: The Intermediate MSA Program takes you from having novice-high level of experience in the language to mid-intermediate level of understanding according to ACTFL standards. You will begin to read and listen to both simplified texts as well as read Arabic news. You will also continue to learn basic Arabic grammar and morphology and learn to access Arabic material on your own using an Arabic dictionary.
Prerequisites: Students must have successfully completed Level 1 online or on-site, or completed at least one year of formal Arabic at a college/university.
Required Textbook: Georgetown University Press’s Al-Kitaab fī Taʿallum al-ʿArabiyya Book 1 & 2 (2nd Edition)
Course Description: This course begins with Book 1 begins at Chapter 13 and goes to the end of Chapter 17 of Georgetown University Press’s Al-Kitaab fī Taʿallum al-ʿArabiyya Book 1.
Number of Sessions: 10 private 1-on-1 sessions
Sessions per Week: 1 (1 class hour session)
Course Duration: 10 weeks
Course Description: This course begins with Book 1 begins at Chapter 18 and goes to the end of Chapter 2 of Georgetown University Press’s Al-Kitaab fī Taʿallum al-ʿArabiyya Book 2.
Number of Sessions: 10 private 1-on-1 sessions
Sessions per Week: 1 (1 class hour session)
Course Duration: 10 weeks
Course Description: This course begins with Book 2 of Georgetown University Press’s Al-Kitaab fī Taʿallum al-ʿArabiyyabegins at Chapter 2 and goes to the end of Chapter 5.
Number of Sessions: 10 private 1-on-1 sessions
Sessions per Week: 1 (1 class hour session)
Course Duration: 10 weeks
Overview: The Advanced MSA Program takes you from having Mid–Intermediate level of experience in the language to a Intermediate-High level of understanding according to ACTFL standards. You will engage in both scripted and authentic texts so you can enter into the real, and semi-real, contexts in which Modern Standard Arabic is used by native speakers. Students will achieve course goals via in-class discussions, activities, and projects.
Prerequisites: Students must have successfully completed Level 2 online or on-site, or completed at least two years of formal Arabic at a college/university.
Required Textbook: Georgetown University Press’s Al-Kitaab fī Taʿallum al-ʿArabiyya Book 2 (2nd Edition)
Course Description: This course begins with Chapter 6 and goes to the end of the Chapter 8 of the book of Georgetown University Press’s Al-Kitaab fī Taʿallum al-ʿArabiyya Book 2 (2nd Edition).
Number of Sessions: 10 private 1-on-1 sessions
Session per Week: 1 Sessions (1 class hour each session)
Course Duration: 10 weeks
Course Description: This course begins with Chapter 8 and goes to the end of the book of Georgetown University Press’s Al-Kitaab fī Taʿallum al-ʿArabiyya Book 2 (2nd Edition).
Number of Sessions: 10 private 1-on-1 sessions
Session per Week: 1 Sessions (1 class hour each session)
Course Duration: 10 weeks
Course Description: The Connectors: When students complete Book 2 of Al-Kitaab Edition 2 they are on the edge of reaching Advanced-Low proficiency according to ACTFL. This means they are beginning to understand extended discourse and complex academic language. A key to the Advanced Level and communicating reasoned arguments is mastering the connectors that bind language at the paragraph and discourse level. This is what the book The Connectors helps students produce. This course is currently being designed and is not yet on offer.
Number of Sessions: 10 private 1-on-1 sessions
Session per Week: 1 Sessions (1 class hour each session)
Course Duration: 10 weeks
Overview: The Level 4 MSA Media & Issues Program takes you from having Intermediate – High level of experience in the language to a Advanced-Low level of understanding according to ACTFL standards. You will engage in both scripted and authentic texts. This means that you will begin to read and listen to both simplified texts as well as read Arabic news. You will practice all four language skills – Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking through targeted drills and carefully prepared passages.
Prerequisites: Students must have successfully completed Level 3 Online or On-site, or completed at least three years of formal Arabic at a college/university.
Course Description:Â This course covers a wide range of subjects and diverse topics in media, we cover subjects such as: democracy, freedom, human rights, women, the Arab-Israeli conflict, the economy and development and other related topics in the Arab press. These subjects are taught through a wide range of texts and through reading and listening exercises.
Number of Sessions:Â 40 1-on-1 live sessions
Session per Week: 2 Sessions (1 class hour each session)
Course Duration:Â 20 weeks
Course Description: This course covers a wide range of subjects and diverse issues under the topic of issues such as: art, music, freedom, human rights, education, poverty, the environment, nationalism, biographies, famous characters, and literature and others. These subjects are taught through a wide range of texts and through reading and listening exercises.
Number of Sessions:Â 40 1-on-1 live sessions
Session per Week: 2 Sessions (1 class hour each session)
Course Duration:Â 20 weeks
Overview: The Level 5 MSA Media & Issues Program takes you from having Advanced – Mid level of experience in the language to a Advanced-High level of understanding according to ACTFL standards. You will engage in authentic texts – discussing contemporary media issues that enable will him to perform the linguistic functions such as narration, description in the past, present and future, comparison and interview, explanation and interpretation, reasoning, and the like. In additional to that, there are other tasks that bring students closer to the level of excellence, such as assumption, arguments, abstraction, support of opinions, assumption, extensive discussion, and discussion of unusual topics and situations.
Prerequisites: Students must have successfully completed Level 4 Online or On-site, or completed at least four years of formal Arabic at a college/university.
Course Description:This course covers a wide range of subjects and diverse issues under the topic of Media & the Press such as: democracy, freedom, human rights, women, the Arab-Israeli conflict, the economy and development and other related topics in the Arab press. These subjects are taught through a wide range of texts and through reading and listening exercises.
Number of Sessions: 40 private 1-on-1 sessions
Session per Week: 2 Sessions (1 class hour each session)
Course Duration: 20 weeks
Course Description: This course covers a wide range of subjects and diverse issues under the topic of issues such as: art, music, freedom, human rights, education, poverty, the environment, nationalism, biographies, famous characters, and literature and others. These subjects are taught through a wide range of texts and through reading and listening exercises.
Number of Sessions: 40 private 1-on-1 sessions
Session per Week: 2 Sessions (1 class hour each session)
Course Duration: 20 weeks
“The approach Qasid employs in teaching its students is a functional and effective method. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a deeper understanding of Arabic.”
“The weekly sessions with my instructor make a tremendous difference. I always feel uncertain about producing language, or my grasp of concepts. Those sessions are helpful and encouraging. They give practice in producing language and practicing the concepts that are extremely helpful.”
HOWÂ IS THE MSA PROGRAM STRUCTURED?
The MSA program leverages the full power of a solid, academically-designed curriculum of pre-recorded media (video, text, quizzes) and combined with private 1-on-1 live sessions. What you’ll receive:
10 WEEK COURSES
Working at an average pace, students typically can complete the equivalent of 1 university quarter’s worth of Arabic. This means that after 3 (10 week) sessions you’ve completed the equivalent of 1 year of university Arabic.
PRIVATE 1-ON-1 SESSIONS
You get one class hour/50 minute live session (ONE ON ONE) per week with your instructor. Get personalized, one-on-one instruction with Qasid’s faculty without leaving the comfort of home.
DEDICATED LMS
Get access to our Qasid-branded Learning Management System (LMS) during the 10 week enrollment period; the LMS contains the entire MSA curriculum (hundreds of videos, PDFs, quizzes, etc.)
ACADEMIC MENTOR
On top of your live 1-on-1 instructor, you also have an Academic mentor that will guide you through learning online and overcoming any learning challenges you face to get you to achieve your goals faster.
STUDENT SUPPORT
Although your classes are 1-on-1 with your instructor, you’ll get access to in our private, student-only community, you’ll be able to post your questions to your fellow students.
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION
At the end of successfully completing each level get an offical Qasid-branded Certificate. We will send you a digital and hard-copy upon request so you can add to your academic and professional credentials.
EASE OF SCHEDULING
You no longer have to worry about trying to fit your schedule into a Qasid-determined once-per-week group time.With 1-1 sessions, your instructor will have multiple times for you to choose from, and you select one that works for you. This radically simplifies timing, and helps to increase the odds that you’ll be able to make each and every live session.
MORE TIME FOR YOU
A session with 10 other students means that you need to “share” the instructor’s attention and time. When it is just you, 100% of that time is yours. The benefits increase exponentially.
FULL ATTENTION & FOCUS ON YOU
One-on-one means that your instructor can zero in on precisely the language issues and challenges that YOU are having, not what 15 others are having.
WORK AT YOUR OWN PACE
Finally, 1-1 allows you to move at a pace that works for you. Move faster or slower as you and your instructor determine is best for where you’re at. Busy week at work? No problem – slow things down. Found extra time this month? Fantastic – move ahead at lightning speed.Â
“What differentiates the Qasid experience for me is the balance between independent online study and the intensity of a traditional classroom experience.  My weekly coaching sessions complement the online curriculum by lending accountability to my studies, which I’m grateful for. Theses sessions also lend very practical applications and allow me to make myself vulnerable with my new language, which I find critical to the learning process. I am happy in my progression and content in the knowledge that I can continue to grow within the Qasid framework for a long time to come…”
“Qasid isn’t just another way of self study…Within less than a year, i could have a basic Arabic conversation with my teacher during the live session. I could read and write Arabic within a few months!! I am still amazed by this. The flexibility of online learning is fabulous. I can have holidays with the family, be a mother to my children etc. and still learn Arabic.”
HOW AM I GOING TO LEARN?
Each course is filled with step-by-step training videos, done-for-you worksheets, exercises, and quizzes. You’ll watch and learn from your computer, tablet or mobile device. Our goal is to make your online learning experience as easy and effective as possible.
Module Based Video Training
For every topic, we have a module that is released every time your progress with the course on our learning management system website. Each Module is filled with lively and informative grammar presentations that detail key grammar concepts covered in the course, resource lists, and homework designed to help you put everything you’re learning to use.
Self-Paced Grab and Go Lessons
You’re busy—we get it. Our goal is to make your learning experience as easy and enjoyable as possible. Each of our core training videos is short, only 10 to 25 minutes long, and can be played on your computer or downloaded to your tablet or smartphone and watched on the go.
Weekly Homework/Assignments
For every topic, we have multiple assignments, quizzes and learning exercises to help you put everything you’re learning to use. We’ve chosen the best and most relevant examples to help you apply grammar topics to appropriate texts.
Mastery Exercises and Assignments
For every new grammar topic presented in Al-Kitab, we have a series of online quizzes and assignments, giving you an ability to directly assess your understanding of the concept at hand. On top of that, we have a mastery component to each topic for students who want to master the topic at hand and excel at each point in their study.
“In the US, there are not a lot of great online Arabic programs. Qasid really provided everything I was looking for– reading, writing, speaking, and listening. I also wanted 1:1 practice with speaking. I want to also learn the very basics (ie. the alphabet) and have a good, solid foundation to start from.”
“I chose Qasid because the curriculum seemed sound and it could work with my schedule…My Arabic has improved a lot. I can listen to news and read articles with relative ease. I have a long way to go, but getting clarity on the difference between ammiya and fusHa and the grammatical points has been a huge huge gift.”
WHAT IF I HAVE A QUESTION?
Our online programs includes dynamic support structures to keep you on track every step of the way.
QASID ONLINE SUPPORT
As always, we’re here to serve you. If you have technical issues or are simply having a challenge you need help with, write help@qasid.com and we’ll be happy to take care of you.
ACADEMIC MENTORING
At the beginning of the program, we hold an academic orientation call to get students onboard with how our online learning platform works and how to stay motivated to get your Arabic goals achieved.
OFFICE HOURS
Throughout your program, we hold “Office Hours” calls during the weeks to tackle your toughest questions and keep you inspired, energized and taking action.
COMMUNITY
In our private, student-only community, you’ll be able to post your questions to your fellow students. With a global community by your side, questions are rarely left hanging!
“Many programs unfortunately are grammar based and have teachers lacking qualifications for teaching Arabic as a Second/Foreign Language to North American ‘ajaamis/students, according to ACTFL standards; additionally most ‘un-trained’ teachers will teach according to how they learn, and Qasid is aware of the varying learning styles of students. With Qasid Online, I am actually using the language and progressing in the four language skills for different registers (MSA, and I am beginning to access some Classical based texts, and it is helping a little with ECA by understanding MSA) I am positive and excited because it meets my short and long term goals of being able to communicate with family, friends, and understand media, along with being able to study Classical Arabic sources.”
100% MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE
You Can Test Drive One Week of the MSA Program, 100% Risk Free.
Our mission is to help you achieve a high level of fluency in Arabic and realize your full potential so you can accomplish your academic or professional goals. That’s why we invite you to take the first week of our program risk-free. If you don’t feel we’ve delivered on our promise within those Modules, we’ll happily refund 100% of your money.
GET STARTED WITH THE MSA PROGRAM
Click on the button below to enroll into our online MSA program. Courses starts immediately after a placement exam.
Level 1:Foundations
- 3 Core Courses
- Private 1-on-1 Sessions
- Access to Digital Library
- Official Certificate
Level 2:Intermediate
- 3 Core Courses
- Private 1-on-1 Sessions
- Access to Digital Library
- Official Certificate
Level 3:Advanced
- 2 Core Courses
- Private 1-on-1 Sessions
- Access to Digital Library
- Official Certificate
Level 4:Media & Issues
- 2 Core Courses
- Private 1-on-1 Sessions
- X
- Official Certificate
Level 5:Media & Issues
- 2 Core Courses
- Private 1-on-1 Sessions
- X
- Official Certificate
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We’ve answered your most frequently asked questions here about whether the MSA Arabic program is right for you. We’ve pledged to always be honest with you, and We’ll tell you whether this course is right for you or not.
GENERAL
You do not need to have previous knowledge of Arabic to join the MSA Arabic Program. We’ll take you from knowing nothing, teach you the Arabic Letters and take you to a high level of fluency in the language.
“I’m busy and I have kids”. We tried the MSA Program with people of different ages, locations, and skill levels. Age makes no difference in learning and speaking Arabic using our curriculum and teaching methodology online. And we’ll show you how to learn even if you have big commitments like a family or a full-time job.
We can’t promise you specific results from your studies in a specific timeframe. Nobody can. And you shouldn’t trust anyone who does. Here’s why: We all begin at different levels of sophistication, experience, and skill. We all have different backgrounds. It would make no sense to promise “one size fits all” results just to get you to like me. In fact, we’d rather be honest about the challenging nature of this material, which is why I added lifetime access and ongoing support. If you’re deliberate, methodical, and follow the action steps, you will see results. And looking back, 1-2 years from now, the amount of time you invested will pale in comparison to the recurring rewards you’re accruing.
No, and please don’t join the program. We’re not looking for people who want to get fluent in 3 months because when you’re desperate you give-up quickly without putting in the hard work.
This is like a regular university course in that it covers the similar material and aims to produce similar proficiency results. It is unlike a regular university course in that it is online, and students are expected to put in more study time than a regular university course, precisely because it is online. Moreover, because of the online nature of the course, there are significantly more resources available to students, including additional self-reference quizzes, worksheets, activities, and a sizeable library of videos available for reference 24/7.
ABOUT THE MSA PROGRAM
This is the only course that has been built with experience of teaching 10,000+ paying students, over 10+ years. It is the only online Arabic course that covers the entire process to starting from absolute nothing and getting to a high level of fluency. Moreover, because of the online nature of the course, there are significantly more resources available to students, including additional self-reference quizzes, worksheets, activities, and a sizeable library of videos available for reference 24/7. Myths that online Arabic is “Arabic-lite” should be put to rest immediately. Those of you that persevere, however, will be amply rewarded with proficiency levels and comfort with the language that may have previously seemed unattainable.
As a Qasid Online student, you will have an academic mentor to help guide you throughout your program of study. An academic advisor also available to you along with the support you will receive from your faculty and Dean. Qasid uses a combination of technology and social networking to offer all students personalized support aimed at degree completion, career advancement, and lifelong learning.
Qasid Online also offers 24/7 technical support, any time of the day or night, any day of the week, by helping with everything from retrieving a lost password to solving an Internet connection problem.
The MSA program leverages the full power of a solid, academically-designed curriculum of pre-recorded media (video, text, quizzes) and combined with 1-1 live sessions. Practically you do the work at home, work or while you’re commuting and once a week you show-up for your 1-on-1 sessions to practice your Arabic with a live native instructor and get your questions answered.
This is NOT a live, in-person program, so you can get started immediately. That also means you don’t have to spend money to fly to a different country and take time away from your family. The MSA Program lets you complete this material from the comfort of your own home, at your own pace. And since all videos are transcribed and downloadable in multiple formats, you can even learn during your commute. The course comes with lifetime access, so the vocab, grammar points, and resources in this course will always be available whenever you need them.
5-10 hours per week. The more time you put in, the faster you’ll see results. You can also access the material to listen to on your phone, or watch the grammar videos — whatever’s easiest for you. 5 hours is our recommendation, but because MSA Program comes with a lifetime access, you can go faster or slower if you want.
This answer varies for each student. There are many factors that influence how long it will take. Depending on the program, some students are able to complete 3 courses every year — others more than 3 courses. For example, our MSA Program contains a total of five levels, each course being 10 – 20 weeks at length. You are not required to take courses back-to-back as soon as you complete them. You could complete a course, take a short break for 2 – 3 weeks, then continue on to the next course thereafter. You should choose a program that best fits your schedule and your life circumstances.
When you sign-up you will be assigned a personal coach/instructor. One-on-one means that your instructor can zero in on precisely the language issues and challenges that YOU are having, not what 15 others are having.
1-1 allows you to move at a pace that works for you. Move faster or slower as you and your instructor determine is best for where you’re at.
No. Our Programs lets you complete the material from the comfort of your own home, at your own pace. And since all videos are transcribed and downloadable in multiple formats, you can even learn during your commute. The course comes with lifetime access, so the vocab, grammar points, and resources in this course will always be available whenever you need them.
There is no set class time. Your live sessions are scheduled based on your availability and our instructors availability in Amman, Jordan. Once we’ve agreed on a time, we can meet as often as once a week or more. As for your course materials, they can be accessed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We recommend logging on 3 – 4 times a week for two hours or more to stay engaged with the class discussion boards and the course materials.
ENROLLMENT AND REGISTRATION
All students entering into the program will be required to take a placement exam that will test students on their previous Arabic knowledge and ability. The exam will be reviewed by our academic team and students will be assigned to one of the six courses in the program. The exam is a diagnostic test and not a pass/fail exam.
Whether you’ve studied some Arabic or not, all students entering into the program will be required to take a placement exam that will test students on their previous Arabic knowledge and ability. You do not need to have previous knowledge of Arabic to join the MSA Arabic Program
The exam will be reviewed by our academic team and students will be assigned to one of the levels the program. The exam is a diagnostic test and not a pass/fail exam.
No, these courses are open to the general public, regardless of where you live. However, students must hold a high school diploma, or the equivalent, in order to register. No special visas are necessary for international students.
Since the nature of our program is a hybrid of self-paced materials and 1-on-1 private sessions, the MSAÂ Program is open throughout the year for registration. The courses start when you complete your registration .
After you have completed your payment, you will need to go through the following steps:
- Take an online placement quiz.
- Wait for your placement quiz to be reviewed and you to be placed appropriately in one of the three courses
- Book an orientation session with your academic instructor.
- Gain access to your online platform and book your 10 live 1-on-1 sessions.
- Get ready for your first class
The placement test is a diagnostic exam, so don’t worry there is no pass/fail at the end of it. You will be given a series of multiple choice questions and you will also be required to give us a recording of your answers in Arabic.
TUITION/PAYMENTS/DISCOUNTS
Each level consists of 3 courses. Each course is $495 USD. For instance MSA Foundations consists of MSA101, MSA102 & MSA103. MSA101 is $495, MSA102 is $495, and MSA103 is $495. You are not required to register for all 3 courses at once.
We stand by this course with a 100% money-back guarantee. Because we extensively tested it, we know the course works. Try the first week and decide if it’s right for you. However — and this is important — only join if you intend to follow the action steps. This course is not simply to consume information. It’s designed for you to take action. If you ask for a refund, we will require you to tell us what aspects of the program you didn’t deliver.
Please note that all pricing is in US dollars (USD).
TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
Your assignments are submitted electronically through your online classroom environment — just like you would turn them in to your professor on campus.
Any internet-enabled device (computer, iPad, phone, etc.) and a high-speed internet connection for your live 1-on-1 sessions.
CREDITS, GRADES & TRANSCRIPTS
Qasid Online courses can be taken for a grade and credit, but that credit cannot be applied toward a degree at the moment. It may be possible to apply that credit toward a degree program at another college or university, depending on that institution’s academic policies.
At the successful completion of an entire program, you will receive a certificate of completion from us.
Students can request for an official transcript at the end of their course by emailing online@qasid.com.