The American University in Cairo

Overview

The Master of Arts in Teaching Arabic as a Foreign Language (TAFL) at The American University in Cairo (AUC) equips you with the skills necessary to effectively teach Arabic to non-native speakers. The program emphasizes applied linguistics, language pedagogy, and research-informed practices. You can choose between a thesis option or a comprehensive exam route, with coursework designed to cover essential aspects of second language acquisition and specialized Arabic teaching methodologies.

• Degree: Master of Arts (MA) in Teaching Arabic as a Foreign Language (TAFL)
• Credits / completion options: 30 credit hours with a thesis or 36 credit hours with a comprehensive exam
• Delivery: Graduate coursework at The American University in Cairo (AUC) (course format may vary)
• Focus areas: Arabic language pedagogy, second language acquisition, sociolinguistics, applied research methods, assessment, and intercultural competence
• Language of instruction: English
• Application: Online application for graduate studies; application fee required

What you'll study

The program's core coursework provides a solid foundation in language analysis, learning theories, and Arabic-specific teaching practices. Students must complete either a thesis or a comprehensive exam as part of their degree requirements.

• Principles of Linguistic Analysis
• Second Language Acquisition
• Methods of Teaching a Foreign Language (focusing on Arabic)
• Research Methods in Applied Linguistics
• Sociolinguistics
• Seminar on Challenges Facing AFL Teachers

Electives (examples) may include:

• Language variation
• Material development (designing and adapting teaching resources)
• Teaching culture and intercultural competence
• Assessment for language learning
• Teaching language skills: reading, writing, speaking, and listening
• Pragmatics

Capstone / final requirement (choose one):

• Thesis route: 30 credit hours including a thesis
• Comprehensive exam route: 36 credit hours including a written and oral comprehensive exam

Practicum and applied learning opportunities are integrated into the program, allowing students to engage in classroom observation and teaching practice within AUC’s Arabic language instruction environment, fostering reflective teaching and receiving feedback from experienced educators.

Entry requirements

The program does not specify any GRE or GMAT requirements. Additionally, there is no minimum GPA mentioned in the available information.

Career prospects

Graduates of the TAFL program can pursue various career paths, including teaching Arabic in schools, universities, and language institutes worldwide. Additionally, they may find opportunities in educational administration, curriculum development, and language assessment, as well as roles in cultural exchange programs and international organizations.