About ANNS

The Arabic for Non-Native Speakers Center (ANNS) – Languages, Communication and Translation Cluster, College of Arts and Science – is a language center that offers an intensive Arabic Language Courses to international students whose mother tongue is not Arabic.

Annually, the Center offers six levels of language proficiency, which correspond to A1- C2 levels (CEFR). Applicants to the ANNS Center are enrolled as self-funded students or nominees from educational or cultural institutions that have signed agreements with Qatar University

Since its establishment in 2006, the Center has been a major platform for achieving the university's goals in promoting the Arabic language, building strong academic, cultural and research relations with various educational institutions, and improving cooperation with its regional and international partners. The ANNS center has signed more than 30 agreements and MoUs with various international and local academic and non-academic institutions among which are: Kyiv National University (Ukraine), Al Jamia Al Islamiyya (Kerala, India), University of Darussalam (Indonesia), Jakarta Government University (Indonesia), University of Sarajevo (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Sakarya University (Turkey), Marmara University (Turkey), Russian Mufti's Council, Hifzul Quran Organization (Ghana), The Islamic Foundation (United Kingdom), Qatar Embassy in Moscow, Vietnam Embassy in Doha, etc.

History, Vision, Mission & Objectives

History

The ANNS center was founded as an academic unit within the Arabic Language Department (CAS) by University regulation 7, enacted by the University President in 1986. In 2006, the Center began to operate as an independent department – Arabic Programme - with its own mission, vision, and objectives. In 2015 the Arabic Programme was transformed into the Arabic for Non-Native Speakers Center.

Vision

The ANNS strives to become a world-leading center in teaching Arabic to non-native speakers. Its priority is to promote Arabic and to build strong cultural relations with people all over the world.

Mission

The ANNS center aims to provide an outstanding opportunity to learn the Arabic Language for Non-Native Speakers who are coming from various language, cultural and religious background. It employs innovative teaching methods and technologies to ensure that its students achieve the highest possible results. As well, it makes great effort to encourage research in the field of teaching Arabic to non-native speakers.

Objectives

To offer an intensive Arabic language course to non-native speakers.
To offer core courses to Qatar University students whose mother tongue is not Arabic.
To offer tailored courses to satisfy the needs of various professional groups: diplomats, academics, bank workers, medical workers, etc.
To provide consultation and assistance to various educational institutions (both in Qatar and outside) in preparing and developing academic programmes and curricula for teaching Arabic to non-native speakers.
To promote interaction with other universities, institutes, and research centers that focus on teaching Arabic to non-native speakers.

Curriculum and Extra-Curricular activities

The ANNS center focuses on teaching Modern Standard Arabic (MSA). It applies a number of modern teaching strategies such as communicative approach, learner-centered education, digitally enriched education, etc. The courses offered at the Center aim to develop all communicational skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing; as well as to provide wide knowledge of Arabic literature and culture.

In addition to its intensive academic programme, the Center organizes monthly excursions and field trips to various well-known places in Doha, which possess cultural and educational significance: Qatar National Museum, Museum of Islamic Art, Qatar National Library, Al Jazeera television company, Qatar Radio Station and many others.

Candidates

Arabic language teachers (non-Arabs) who wish to improve the language skills.
Students (non-Arabs) whose major is the Arabic language and literature.
Students (non-Arabs) who specialize in international relations, diplomacy, Middle East Studies, religious studies.
International applicants who want to learn Arabic for their personal goals.
Members of the expatriate community in Qatar who wish to learn Arabic for social and communicative purposes.
Foreign instructors at Qatar University who wish to learn Arabic to communicate with their colleagues and students.

Courses Overview

The Arabic language programme lasts one-academic year and consists of two academic terms: Fall Term and Spring Term. During one term, a student can complete one language level. Upon completing the academic year – given all requirements met - a student receives a language certificate, which states the language proficiency level completed and the grade received.

The ANNS center focuses on teaching Modern Standard Arabic (MSA). It implements a wide range of modern teaching strategies: communicative approach, learner-centered education, digitally enriched education, etc. Courses offered at the Center aim at developing all communicative skills (speaking, listening, reading, writing) in addition to providing wide knowledge of Arabic literature (classic and modern) and culture.

At the beginning of an academic year, all students have to sit for a placement test. The placement test covers all language skills (reading, listening, writing, speaking) and aims at determining the language level of new students.

Course Overview

How to apply

Applicants to the Arabic for Non-Native Speakers Center are required to apply Online through the QU online Admission Application.

To view eligibility requirements, required documents, admission timeline, online admission application, please visit the International Students' website.