The CLS Program in Nizwa, Oman is hosted by the Noor Majan Arabic Institute (NMAI). The institute offers an interactive learning experience in an encouraging environment. Throughout the summer, students use all the opportunities the program provides to challenge themselves to grow their Arabic language skills to the highest levels while gaining valuable insight into Oman’s unique culture.

Students participate in an average of fifteen hours per week of formal language instruction. Classes focus on the major skills of Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) including grammar, pronunciation, reading, writing, and listening comprehension, and the Omani dialect. Over the course of just eight weeks, students can expect to cover the equivalent of one year of Arabic instruction at the university level.

In addition to formal classwork, students meet each week with language partners in one-on-one sessions to practice their growing Arabic skills in a more relaxed environment. An additional benefit of the language partner portion of the program is that students gain greater insight into Omani cultural norms and customs. Students live in the NMAI dormitories throughout the program in double occupancy apartments with access to a shared kitchen, living, and bathroom space. On select weekends, students visit their language partner’s family. This unique experience helps students to further understand Omani social norms, family dynamics, and the culture of hospitality.

As part of the program, students participate in co-curricular activities and excursions to both broaden and deepen their understanding of Omani culture and history. In the past, students have had the opportunity to visit historical sights and learn about sustainable tourism, participate in a cooking workshop, and practice Arabic conversation skills at local markets, as well as attend cultural activities with members of the host community.