ABIC 01 – Arabic Language in Jordan (Semester Program)
Ali Baba International Center (ABIC) is an Arabic Language Institute situated in the heart of Amman, the vibrant capital of Jordan. The Center offers year-round Arabic language immersion programs designed to provide a comprehensive cultural and linguistic experience. A typical Semester program includes three core components: (1) an intensive Arabic language course, (2) comfortable, student-friendly accommodation, and (3) a dynamic schedule of extracurricular activities and guided tours to Jordan’s most renowned historical and cultural sites.
(I). Program Academics
Number of Hours: The program delivers a total of 320 contact hours over a 16-week period. Instruction is provided five days a week, with four hours of class time each day, totaling 20 teaching hours per week. This schedule results in approximately 80 instructional hours each month.
Text Books: The instructional materials at ABIC are primarily drawn from two internationally recognized textbooks—Al-Kitaab and Al-Asas—and are further enriched with a range of supplementary resources and interactive activities.
Topics and Content: The course emphasizes all key language skills, including listening, speaking, pronunciation, reading, writing, vocabulary, grammar, and interactive activities. Course content is tailored by the instructor to match the students’ proficiency level and specific language needs. At the intermediate and advanced levels, instruction covers a broad range of topics, including Arabic media, politics, and contemporary issues in the Arab world, among others.
Official Credit Transfer and Equivalency: This program is typically equivalent to at least 16 credit hours at most credit-based universities. ABIC issues official transcripts at the end of each academic term and can provide supporting documentation to help home institutions facilitate direct credit transfer. As a general guideline, one credit hour is granted for every 15 to 20 contact hours completed at ABIC.
(II). Accommodation Options
ABIC offers a range of housing options to suit different preferences, including private apartments, shared apartments, and homestays with local Jordanian families. All accommodations are conveniently located near the Center and are easily accessible by foot or a short taxi ride. For more information about each option, please visit our
Accommodation Page.
(III). Cultural Engagement: On-Campus Events and Off-Campus Trips
Each week, ABIC organizes a variety of engaging extracurricular activities, both on-campus and off-campus, designed to enhance students’ cultural immersion and language learning experience. These activities range from interactive workshops and cultural events to guided trips across Jordan. A sample of these activities is listed below. To explore photos and videos from past events, please visit our
Activities Gallery Page.
On-Campus Activities: A variety of cultural experiences are offered on-site, including Arabic calligraphy workshops, henna design sessions, colored sand bottle art, traditional Jordanian lunch days, and cultural open house events. These activities provide hands-on engagement with Arab traditions and customs.
Off-Campus Trips: The program includes three organized day trips every month:
A guided tour of downtown Amman with a traditional Jordanian breakfast (Week 1)
An unforgettable visit to the ancient city of Petra (Week 2)
A combined trip to Jerash and Ajloun, exploring Roman ruins and scenic hilltop castles (Week 3).
(IV). Scholarships and Financial Support
Students are encouraged to apply for external funding opportunities such as the Boren Awards, Fulbright Program, Fund for Education Abroad, Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, FLAS, and others. ABIC also offers partial financial aid to eligible students.
(V). Registration and Admission
Enrolling in the program is simple and streamlined. To apply, please follow the provided instructions carefully and complete the application form in full to ensure timely processing. For registration details and to begin your application, visit our
Registration Page.
(VI). Student Testimonials
Student feedback plays a vital role in helping us enhance our programs and services. Testimonials are collected in two formats: written statements and recorded video messages. To view past testimonials, please visit our
Testimonials Page.
(VII). Related Programs
Ali Baba International Center (ABIC) offers a range of additional programs designed for college students, instructors, and administrators. To view the full list of available options, please visit the
ABIC College Programs page.