ZAYTUNA ARABIC PREP PROGRAM
The MSA Zaytuna Arabic Prep Program prepares Zaytuna applicants from having zero experience in Arabic to a high novice level of fluency according to the ACTFL standards. This program prepares you for Zaytuna’s Arabic Proficiency Test, a requirement for international applicants. It comprises three courses that bring you competency in the four language skills (reading, writing, listening & speaking) learned in chapters 1–12 of Al-Kitaab (2nd Edition).
WHAT IS THE MSA PROGRAM?
Our Online Modern Standard Arabic prep program is taught over three courses to prepare students for Zaytuna’s Arabic Proficiency Test.
The first three courses of the track follow normal undergraduate curricula, each level equivalent to an entire year of university Arabic. The base text for this program is the al-Kitaab series (2nd Edition), ensuring a smooth transition for those continuing studies at their intended institutions.
Overview: The MSA Foundations Program takes you from having zero experience in the language to a high novice level of understanding. It comprises three courses that bring 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
“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 weeks) sessions you’ve completed the equivalent of 1 year of university Arabic.
PRIVATE 1-ON-1 SESSIONS
You get one 45 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 completing each level get an official 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 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 moths!! 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 the 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 on board 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!