University of St Andrews

At a glance

Located in Amman, the capital of Jordan, the Qasid Arabic Institute is one of the leading centres for Arabic language learning in the Middle East. Qasid is well-known for its intensive programmes in Classical and Modern Standard Arabic, experienced teachers and smaller class sizes. Learners benefit from a well-rounded linguistic experience, and covering topics across Arabic history, media and contemporary culture. The Institute also offers classes for students interested in the Jordanian Arabic dialect, Ammiya, to help them explore the local culture.

Qasid is based an ideal location for immersion in the culture of Amman, one of the Middle East’s most dynamic cities. The Institute is in the Sport City district, home to the national football stadium and sports facilities, and close to the Mukhtar Mall, one of Amman’s best known shopping and entertainment centres.

Established : 2001
Student Population : 400

Website and links

Website : Qasid Arabic Institute

Who can go

Students on degree programmes in the following subject areas may apply to study abroad during their Junior Honours year at Qasid Arabic Institute:

• Arabic and Persian

Semesters Available

• First Semester

Levels Available

• UG

Note: Joint Honours students may only apply for a full year abroad if BOTH subjects are listed above. Joint Honours students applying for one semester must seek permission from both Schools.

Study abroad coordinator

Each School has a designated Study Abroad Coordinator.

Your studies abroad

Partner Course Catalogue : Classes meet for three classes per day, five days per week. Each class lasts around fifty minutes. The academic programme is divided into two tracks: Classical Arabic and Modern Standard Arabic.

In order to determine your current level of Arabic, you will sit for a placement test held at the beginning of the academic year in September. This consists of a written entrance exam and an oral interview with the course instructors. More information can be found on their webpage.

See our Credits and Modules Abroad webpage for information on the number of credits we expect students to take at our partner institutions. St Andrews expects students to attend all classes as part of their programme abroad. Assessment methods may vary across partners and could include class participation, continuous assessment in the form of homework and final exams. All courses must be agreed with your Study Abroad Coordinator. See our academic information webpage for further details, as well as information about credit and grade conversion.

Application and selection

This is a School Abroad programme.

Places available

Places available : 5

Places available may vary from year to year depending on the exchange balance. Numbers for the following academic year will be confirmed at the information meeting.

Getting there and getting around

Qasid offers a free airport shuttle service to and from Queen Alia International airport on the main arrival and departure dates. The journey takes around 45-60 minutes. You should fill in the Airport Shuttles Arrangement form on the Qasid website.

The Qasid Arabic Institute is located in a commercial complex, in the Sport City district. The Institute is just off Queen Rania Street (University Street), one of Amman’s main roads, and is well-served by taxis and public transport.

Accommodation

Qasid offers students places in its managed accommodation, and some help with Independent Housing. The University of St Andrews submits a group housing form and you must help us to complete this.

Qasid Housing is in shared self-catering apartments with other Qasid students. The Qasid accommodation is usually located in the Sports City district, within 15 minutes’ walk of the Institute. Shared rooms and different types of private rooms are available. Staff at the Qasid Institute match housemates based on a questionnaire. Each apartment building usually has a porter. There is a Qasid Housing Care team at the Institute and an after-hours support service.

Independent housing is also available. Qasid can provide some initial direction and assistance, but you would be responsible for finding and securing this accommodation.

Further details can be found on the institute's webpage. Please note that St Andrews is unable to guarantee housing at any of our partner institutions.

Please note that St Andrews is unable to guarantee housing at any of our partner institutions. Guidance on finding accommodation abroad is available on the Global Office webpage.

Student services and orientation

Information about student life can be found on Qasid’s webpage.

Orientation Week at Qasid addresses topics relating to city life in Amman, and gives an overview of the academic programme. There are also diagnostic language tests. Staff usually organise a lunch and a student trip to one of Jordan’s most popular tourist destinations, such as the Ajloun Castle, the Amman Citadel or Roman sites.

Please be aware that student support services will be different across all of our partner universities.