Why Study Arabic at Iowa?

The Arabic Studies minor includes language, culture, and literature courses, while the Department's exciting French-Arabic Major track offers a unique opportunity to study Franco-Arabic cultures.

Students study abroad in Egypt, Jordan, or Morocco. On campus, they enjoy a range of co-curricular events, including a film series, lectures with visiting authors, opportunities to practice their Arabic in conversation hours with faculty and students, and working with the Arabic peer tutor. Recent alumni have received prestigious awards like the CLS and the Fulbright Scholarship, as well as exciting job opportunities in a range of fields, from business, to working with NGOs, to translation.

A mask-wearing instructor pointing to a lesson on the Arabic language.

Arabic Courses

Browse available language and culture courses available for students.

Sacks of beans and spices in a market.

Cultural Activities and Events

Find celebrations, activities, exhibitions, and other events to connect with and enhance social development with members of the community.

Stacks of highly colorful and decorated bowls

Language and Culture Resources

As a means of communicating values, beliefs and customs, language has an important social function and fosters feelings of group identity and solidarity. It is the means by which culture and its traditions and shared values may be conveyed and preserved.

View of the Mosques of Sultan Hassan and Al-Rifai in Cairo, Egypt

Study Abroad

The program encourages students to study abroad to develop their linguistic and intercultural competencies. The University has several opportunities to select from.

A young female student studying the Arabic language on her laptop.

Student and Alumni Voices

Hear testimonials directly from the students and alumni of the program.

Faculty Specializing in this Area

Asma Ben Romdhane, Ph.D.

Lecturer

Yasmine Ramadan, Ph.D.

Associate Professor
Academia Website