Teaching Arabic as a Foreign Language (TAFL) The American University in Cairo

Overview

Teaching Arabic as a Foreign Language (TAFL) from The American University in Cairo is a distinctive degree program with few counterparts in other American Universities. The master’s degree consists of either 30 credit hours and a thesis or 36 credit hours and a written and oral comprehensive exam. Required courses cover the following topics: principles of linguistic analysis, second language acquisition, methods of teaching a foreign language focusing on Arabic, sociolinguistics, methods of research, and challenges facing Arabic as a foreign/second language teachers. In addition, the program also offers electives that focus on specific aspects of Arabic language and language teaching like: language variation, material development, teaching culture and intercultural competence, assessment, teaching the various language skills (reading, writing, speaking, and listening), and pragmatics. 

Career

• Internships and student exchanges: The program collaborates with educational institutions that offer Arabic language instruction abroad specifically Leiden University in the Netherlands. Students have the opportunity to intern at this institution as teachers, and as students taking courses that address their academic interests. Students also have the opportunity to join exchange programs that AUC has agreements with, giving them the opportunity to study for one semester or academic year in academic institutions around the world.
• Classroom Observations: Students have the chance to observe experienced Arabic language teachers in real classroom settings. This allows them to learn different teaching techniques, classroom management strategies, and effective ways to engage students.
• Teaching Practicum: The program includes a teaching practicum component where students have the opportunity to teach Arabic to non-native speakers. This takes place in Arabic Language Instruction program in AUC. Students get to reflect on their teaching experience and receive feedback and guidance from veteran AFL instructors to improve their teaching skills.
• Research Projects: Students are encouraged to conduct research projects related to Arabic language teaching. This could involve designing instructional materials, developing innovative teaching methods, experimenting with and exploring specific aspects of Arabic language acquisition, or exploring new tech tools used for teaching.
• Collaborative Projects: The program facilitates collaborative projects where students work together on language teaching initiatives. This could involve creating teaching resources, organizing language exchange programs, or replicating second language acquisition experiments.