Doha: The Language Center at Doha Institute for Graduate Studies celebrated the graduation of the 6th cohort of its Doha Residence Program in Advanced Arabic and Social Studies. The program was offered remotely during the fall term 2021 and proved to be yet another success in online-language learning, through integrating new digital tools and strategies. Over 14 weeks students from Germany, USA, Turkey and Brunei enjoyed intensive language classes in addition to diversified cultural activities such as visits to National Museum of Qatar, Museum for modern art, Qatar National Library, cooking, yoga, calligraphy classes and others.
Through the language-partner initiative, students had the unique experience to engage with Arab students from the DI who speak different dialects and establish long term cultural ties. Students also had the chance to experience an authentic Arabic academic setting through auditing graduate seminars according to their area of interest from the wide range of courses offered in humanities and social studies at DI, as well as discussing with guest speakers and accessing the intellectual events of the DI and the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies.
As one student, Sarah Zweig, says: “I have enrolled in many language programs, but I found none that offers what the Doha Residence Program has: the academic depth, the focus on fluency and the diversity of topics. Those who want to learn Arabic as a global language should join this program”.
“It is wonderful to observe the progress of international students in their ability to use Arabic as a language of knowledge to discuss relevant intellectual issues of the Arab and Islamic studies”, says Dr. Rana Siblini, instructor of the program.
Director of the language Center, Prof. Alaa Elgibali explained that the Residence Program is an important part of the DI's mission to establish, maintain, and nurture intellectual links and two-way dialogues between its students, faculty, and the international learning and research community.
