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16 Feb, 2018

Middlebury Interactive Languages and Qatar Foundation partner to boost Arabic speakers in U.S.

HERNDON, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE) – 2018-02-08 —Middlebury Interactive Languages has received a grant from the Qatar Foundation International (QFI) to provide up to thirteen student scholarships for the 2018 Arabic Summer Academy at St. Michael’s College in Burlington, VT.

The four-week immersion program provides high school students with the opportunity to accelerate Arabic language learning and cultural understanding leveraging the renowned Middlebury College developed Language Pledge®.

The partnership is designed to increase the pipeline of Arabic speakers in the United States. Arabic is the fifth most spoken world language and has been designated as a “critical language” by the U.S. Department of State, meaning a robust pipeline of fluent speakers is critical to national security and economic prosperity.

“The Arabic Summer Academy is a one-of-a-kind language learning experience,” said Amy Kluber, Middlebury Interactive’s Director of Summer Language Academies. “The Arabic Academy’s faculty is composed of native and fluent Arabic speakers who have lived, worked, and studied abroad and have deep connections with the Arabic language and culture.”

The QFI grant provides funding for up to eight full scholarships and five partial scholarships for deserving students interested in studying Arabic. To be eligible, students must qualify for financial aid and be able to continue their Arabic studies after participating in the Arabic Academy. Students with financial need are encouraged to apply before the March 21 deadline.

U.S.-based students can request QFI scholarship forms to apply for the academy, which runs from June 24 to July 20, 2018. Visit the 2018 Arabic Academy Summer Language Immersion Program page to download the application. Send the completed application to Academies@middleburyinteractive.com.

About Qatar Foundation International

Qatar Foundation International (QFI), LLC, inspires meaningful connections to the Arab world by creating a global community of diverse learners and educators, connecting them through effective and collaborative learning environments inside and outside the classroom. QFI’s vision is of a world that embraces and respects diversity, values lifelong learning, and empowers individuals to take action to shape their future. QFI is a grant-making organization and a convener of thought leaders on issues related to global and international education, open education and education technologies. QFI’s programmatic areas are Arabic language and Arab culture and Youth Engagement.