qasid institute program overview

Copyright 2014 Qasid Arabic Institute . Academic Program Information . 2014 Nov 09 . Page 1 of 6

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ACADEMIC PROGRAM INFORMATION

OVERVIEW The Qasid Program is an intensive, multi-term course tailored for non-native speakers and heritage learners wishing to excel in Arabic. It is designed with busy professionals and students in mind, aiming to teach the equivalent of a years worth of university-level Arabic in just under three months in each of our winter, spring, and fall quarters, and in just nine weeks during our Summer Intensive. Five core levels of instruction as well as supplementary and advanced studies modules are offered, focusing on the specific needs of beginner, intermediate, and advanced students. The "Classic Four" skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking are taught systematically in classrooms that rarely exceed eight students, giving each individual a considerable amount of attention. Instructors are widely regarded as exceptional, and the curriculum blends a tried-and-true program with innovative techniques to insure an optimal learning experience for each student. Students may either arrange with their respective academic departments to review their transcripts and receive credit, or may receive standardized university credit through California State University for Modern Standard and Classical Levels 1 through 5, (each level yielding twelve university credits). See the Pricing and Payments document for the associated fees involved. Classes take place at our recently expanded 8,000 square foot facility on University Street in Sports City, Amman, Jordan. The Institute is located in the Sony building (where Sony houses its largest showroom in Jordan), and is within walking distance of Mukhtar Mall, one of the most well known shopping centers in Amman. Within the five-story mall are numerous specialty shops, an electronics and appliance outlet, and a grocery store, a dozen eateries and cafes, a bowling alley, and amusement center for children. Also within easy reach of the Institute are other shopping, art and cultural centers, sports and gym facilities, and bookstores. It is an ideal location for those desiring to immerse themselves in the lively, hustle-bustle of one of the most dynamic capital cities in the Arab world. Admission to the Qasid program is competitive. And so, while applications are generally accepted until two weeks prior to each term, early registration affords the best chance of admittance. Applications are available exclusively online at Qasids website, which may require submitting your current resume, a writing sample, and academic transcripts.

CORE PROGRAMS The Academic Program is divided into two primary tracks, Classical and Modern Standard. Incoming students have the option to apply to either, or portions of each, both of which provide training at the beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels.


Classical Arabic Program Within the Academic Program, Classical Arabic refers primarily to the language of the Qur'an, and secondarily to the various texts and works that are directly inspired by both its form and content. At the intermediate and higher levels, students receive direct exposure to Islamic legal, theological|philosophical, and mystical texts from the classical and medieval periods. The first four levels are foundational in that they focus on linguistic mobility, meaning equipping a student with the necessary skills in grammar and morphology (nahw and sarf), and to excel in the reading, understanding, analyzing, translating, and interpreting of classical texts. This is in addition to Classic Four skills development necessary for advanced to intermediate fluency. Level 5 then represents a unique milestone in the students Arabic development, as they transition from the task of learning the language to using it as a tool to access classical texts. This level is comprised of rotating, proprietary studies modules focusing on both classical and contemporary subject matter. Among these mini-modules (each usually two weeks in length) are Rhetoric (Balagha), Scriptural Exegesis, Poetry (pre-Islamic and classical), Psychology, Literary Criticism, Islamic History, Theology, Prophetic History, Speech Presentation (Khutba), and Terminology of Sacred Law (Shariah) and Prophetic traditions (Hadith). The books we utilize are all authentic, original, classical texts, which itself is evidence of the advanced level reached by Qasid students after fifteen short months, especially for those who come with absolutely no knowledge of the language. And those who have a previous background in Arabic are likely to complete the program in even less time. Modern Standard Arabic Program Modern Standard refers to the standard literary and communicative language of the Middle East and North Africa, recognized as one of the UN's six official languages. It is the common medium for nearly all formal communication, both printed and spoken. And, as the official language of all Arab countries, it provides the most versatile tool for those interested in living or working in an Arab country, or those whose professional field intersects with any aspect of the Arab world. Levels 1 through 3 of the MSA track follow normal undergraduate curricula, each level equivalent to an entire year of university Arabic. Currently, the base text is the now standard al-Kitaab series, ensuring a smooth transition for those continuing studies at their home institutions. All four language skills are emphasized from the outset such that students develop a balanced, confident command of the language. Actual texts are introduced early on in the program, helping students become fully functional outside the classroom. Levels 4 and 5 provide advanced students with an opportunity to further enhance their language skills through rotating modules dealing with a variety of topics. Topics include Media Arabic, Readings in International Relations, The Arabic Novel and Short Story, Poetry, Literary Criticism, and Economics. No language acquisition materials are used other than the authentic books and audio segments used by Arab university students. And thus, graduating students will find themselves well equipped to engage the majority of Arab society, culture, and literature with ease.


OTHER OFFERINGS Supplementary Courses In addition to the abovementioned core track programs, other skill-specific courses, including (but not limited to) Arabic for Diplomats, Tajweed (recitation), Newspaper Reading, Calligraphy, Grammar Intensive, Vocabulary of the Qur'an, and Arabic Poetry are available at extra cost, subject to demand. Private Tutoring is also an opportunity that many students take advantage of in order to advance and refine their skills while they're here. Ammiya As a popular complement to our core programs, Ammiya (Levantine | Jordanian Dialect) classes are offered in the evenings. This supplementary course is crafted to help students master local, everyday language usage, so that they feel better integrated into their regional surroundings, living and working among native Arab speakers in any setting. Ammiya is a recognized as a necessary facet of any students progression towards that coveted, native-like language proficiency. If you are interested in this course, you may send an email query to Student Services at [email protected] to receive information about the next available class. Or, you can visit our website feature article which has more details as well. Registration is usually open during the first couple of weeks of each term. And, on average, classes meet twice a week for six weeks during the fall, winter, and spring quarters, and three times a week for four weeks in the more compressed, summer term. Advanced Course Modules Students who have achieved a higher level of fluency and want a deeper exploration of the language, to learn how to teach Arabic, or to focus on using their language skills to unlock, review, and translate texts, will also find a home at Qasid. Advanced instruction modules are custom designed and are subject to demand. Among the most popular are Historical Readings, Teaching Arabic Grammar and Morphology to non-Native Speakers, and Advanced Classical Texts.

CLASS FORMAT Each core program class meets for four teaching-hours per day (one teaching hour being 50 minutes), five days per week, over a period of nine weeks during the summer quarter, and three teaching-hours per day, five days per week over the course of twelve weeks during the fall, winter, and spring quarters. English is the predominant language of instruction for both MSA and Classical Level 1 lessons and in mid level, Classical grammar courses. While Arabic itself or a mix of English and Arabic are used throughout other Qasid curricula. Classes are conducted in a comfortable, institute setting with students seated along custom-made, U-shaped tables that are ideal for collaborative discussion. Every student, whether in Level 1 or 5, is encouraged and expected to actively participate in class, which promotes our programs emphasis on developing a student's ability to converse in Arabic.


ADMINISTRATION Qasid's administration takes a proactive role in the academic development of each student in three main ways: 1. Skills assessment and class placement exam (described below); and 2. Open-door meeting policy with faculty and staff. These meetings are an opportunity to regularly "check in", specifically with the Student Services Director, throughout the term to assure that individual issues are resolved and course objectives are being realized; and 3. A full-throttle evaluation of the course, staff, and administration, addressing all aspects of life at Qasid, both inside and outside of the classroom. Qasid prides itself on cultivating a 360-degree review culture. And accordingly, the staff spend several days pouring over these evaluations, and developing specific plans to address common and highlighted concerns in a timely manner.

TUITION Youll likely find Qasid considerably less expensive than most European and North American university-based Arabic programs, while also being among the more costly of Mideast-based institutes. The underlying reasons for this latter circumstance are two-fold: first, maintaining higher quality (teachers, curriculum, administration) requires a higher operating budget, and second, rather than nickel & diming students (such as touting a low tuition price, but then charging extra for numerous essential services), Qasid instead offers a comprehensive tuition package, which includes the following:

Student registration; Modern Standard Arabic and|or Classical Arabic courses All instructional materials for MSA Levels 4 and 5, and Classical Arabic Levels 1 to 5

(Textbooks for MSA Levels 1 to 3 are not included in the tuition because those texts are not regularly available in Jordan and will cost less in your home country);

Complementary airport welcome and Qasid shuttle service from the airport to the student's place of accommodation, and return ride to the airport from their Amman residence for their outbound flight from Jordan;

Orientation outing to heritage sites in scenic Northern Jordan; Facilitating travel visa extensions from a 30-day visitor pass to a 3-month visa (US,

Canadian, and European passport holders), and then renewals up to six months; Complimentary use of our wireless, Wi-Fi internet network and terminals on

campus. Students are also invited to bring their own Wi-Fi-ready laptop. Further, details about tuition costs, payments, deadlines, refunds, and discounts for core track courses and supplementary courses, can be found within the Pricing and Payments document on Qasids website under the Admissions menu. For the latest information on scholarships and financial aid opportunities, please visit Qasids website or contact Admissions directly at [email protected].

ACADEMIC PLACEMENT Predicating their actual entry to a course, admitted students who are either entirely new to Qasid or who are returning after a hiatus of more than one year are required to take:


1. A written entrance exam (which takes approximately 2 to 3 hours for mid to advanced students, and far less time for beginning students); and 2. An oral interview with instructors. For new students, the combination of the two, abovementioned evaluations will be the determining factor in their course level placement. While for students returning after a leave of a year or more, their past performance with Qasid and their experience with Arabic since their previous enrollment will be taken into account as well. Those alumni coming back to the institute after being gone one year or less are not required to take a placement exam, and will instead be placed in the course level relative to their past performance at Qasid.

COURSE AD VANCEMENT Grading Metric Qasid quantifies student progress as a numeric grade percentage rather than using a conventional, letter-grading scale. This provides a clear communication of student acuity with a particular Qasid course level, while also accommodating interpretation into alternate grading systems in use by other institutions when transferring academic credit. Given the intensive nature of Qasids core program, we have consistently found that a high level of functional proficiency is required for success at subsequent course levels. Thus, as a prerequisite to advance from one course to the next, each student must have attained a minimum grade of 70% in the prior level. It should also be noted that attendance is taken into consideration when assessing a students final grade, per the details outlined in Qasids Student Policy Agreement on the institutes website under the Admissions menu. Attendance is Essential Your success at Qasid is dependent upon many factors. And, as weve seen time and time again, the greatest of those (and the one to which most others contribute) is your class attendance. Taking advantage of Qasids instructional expertise is the primary reason that youre coming to Jordan, which should make your consistent participation in the classroom a paramount priority. The obvious detriments of missing class sessions, in whole or in part, will not only impact you, but will negatively affect your classmates as well. Considering Qasids intensive curricula, even one or two absences can put you far behind. And the distraction of your arriving late and|or leaving the classroom early slows everyones pace and disrupts the flow of thought while you rustle about, getting yourself situated. So your promptness and regular presence then become a matter of responsibility and respect to your instructor, to your peers, to the language, and to yourself. To thus encourage your optimal attendance and promote the greatest results in advancing your Arabic skills, weve put together a detailed list of attendance policies which can be found in Qasids Student Policy Agreement on the institutes website under the Admissions menu. We hope that these will motivate your learning while properly setting expectations for both the flexibility we can provide and the commitment that we ask of you in return, in order for you to progress. We trust that youll see the rewards for yourself and your fellow students.


ORIENTATION SESSION AND ARRIVAL|DEPARTURE TIMING It is best not to arrive more than 2 weeks before the term commences. And we strongly recommend that each student arrive at least a couple of days before the orientation to settle into their new accommodations and dispense with the effects of jet lag. We also consider it just short of mandatory that everyone arrive no later than 24 hours before the orientation session itself to avoid distractions during their introduction to the Institute. The formal orientation includes placement exams, a presentation about foreign study acclamation, a discussion of institute policies, visa registration, and an engaging tour of historic sites across Northern Jordan. Late Arrivals For late-arriving students, placement exams will still be given, and a shortened version of the orientation proceedings may take place as time permits. But this will be of secondary priority given the intensive nature of the academic schedule. Please be respectful of your colleagues by doing your utmost to honor the time requirements and recommendations specified above. Early Departures Qasids course schedule attempts to align with the vacation dates of various other academic standards primarily from the US, Canada, and the UK recognizing the university quarter system and semester system for public and private institutions. Having said this, we acknowledge that the schedule will nevertheless not accommodate every students needs. And as such, we are committed to working with students who stay for 85% or more of each term in arranging for early and take-home final exams. If you foresee the need for special scheduling, please note this on your application so that arrangements may be discussed in advance. Airport Transit For your initial arrival, Qasid can bring you from the airport to your residence at any hour, day or night. We also can arrange a return ride to the airport for your departure flight at the end of your stay. You may visit the Admissions menu on our website home page for the latest application form to request our airport shuttle services. To be eligible, if you are attending the winter, spring, or fall terms, we must receive your itinerary confirmation within 1 week of your actual arrival date. And for the summer term, this deadline is 2 weeks in advance. Another stipulation is that this service is only provided between 1 week prior to the first day of orientation and 2 weeks after the last class of the student's final term. Airport transport for intermittent trips taken during the student's attendance at Qasid (a six month visa renewal excursion, for example) is the student's responsibility.

CONTACT INFORMATION Email: [email protected] Website: www.qasid.com Mail: P.O. Box 961329 . Sport City . 11196 . Amman . Jordan Campus: 22 Queen Rania Street . Amman . Jordan Phone: +962 6 515 4364 or within Jordan 06 515 4364

Copyright 2014 Qasid Arabic Institute . Program Dates . 2014 Nov 09 . Page 1 of 2

PROGRAM DATES

OVERVIEW Qasid runs three concurrent curricula year-round: Core Programs Private Tutoring Diplomat | Corporate | Group Studies

CORE PROGRAMS Each term consists of 165 to 174 hours. Fall, winter, and spring quarters are 11 to 12 weeks in length (2.5 teaching hours per day), while the summer term is 9 weeks (3.3 teaching hours per day). Each of the core, Modern Standard Arabic and Classical Arabic classes are offered during each of these four terms, while advanced and supplementary courses are available subject to demand. Our most current academic schedule is outlined as follows:

2014 Fall Orientation: 2014 Sep 01 to 04 Classes: 2014 Sep 07 to Dec 09

2015 Winter

Orientation: 2014 Dec 29 to 31 Classes: 2015 Jan 04 to Mar 17

2015 Spring

Orientation: 2015 Mar 21 to 23 Classes: 2015 Mar 24 to Jun 08

2015 Summer

Orientation: 2015 Jun 14 to 17 Classes: 2015 Jun 18 to Aug 20

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PRIVATE TUTORING Though Qasid's year-round academic schedule was created to complement those of US universities, we recognize that the timing will nevertheless be less than ideal for busy professionals and students whose university schedules don't coincide with ours. Some will want more a more intensive concentration of hours, while others may want a complete emphasis on either the sciences or skills; for this reason we offer private tutoring. Private tutoring is offered year-round on a by-request basis. Tuition rate per teaching hour ranges between $30 to $50, depending on the course timing and if a student partner is involved. Please keep the following points in mind: Private lessons may be held in the days or evenings depending upon instructor

availability Content can follow our core program curriculum or be custom-tailored Customized courses can focus on purely language, language applied to specific texts, or

both Students interested in enrolling for private tutoring should complete an online

admissions application form, select "Private Tutoring", and then await a response from the Admissions Committee

Prospective students wishing to explore this option further may review the related section of the Pricing and Payments document, and|or email us at [email protected].

DIPLOMAT | CORPORATE | GROUP STUDIES These customized academic programs have the same full-flexibility as the private tutoring option described above and can start or end anytime of the year. Coinciding the start date with one of our Core Program start dates, however, will reduce the overall tuition costs. Prospective groups wishing to find out more should contact us at [email protected].

Copyright 2013 Qasid Arabic Institute . Pricing and Payments . 2013 Aug 19 . Page 1 of 10

PRICING AND PAYMENTS

OVERVIEW The Qasid Institute strives to provide the greatest personal and educational value through various discounts, work|study arrangements, and a limited number of scholarship and financial aid awards. At first glance, Qasid may appear considerably less expensive than most European and North American university-based Arabic programs, while also being among the more costly of Mideast-based institutes. The underlying reasons for the latter observation are two-fold: first, maintaining higher quality (teachers, curriculum, administration) requires a higher operating budget than regional norms, and second, rather than nickel & diming students (such as touting a low tuition price, but then charging extra for numerous essential services), Qasid instead offers a comprehensive tuition package, which includes the following:

Student registration; Modern Standard Arabic and|or Classical Arabic courses; All instructional materials for MSA Levels 4 and 5, and Classical Arabic Levels 1 to 5

(Textbooks for MSA Levels 1 to 3 are not included in the tuition because those texts are not regularly available in Jordan and will cost less in your home country);

Complimentary airport welcome and Qasid shuttle service from the airport to the student's place of accommodation, and return ride to the airport from their residence for their flight home from Jordan;

Orientation outing to heritage sites in scenic Northern Jordan; Facilitating travel visa extensions from a 30-day visitor pass to a 3-month visa (US,

Canadian, and European passport holders), and then renewals up to six months; Complimentary use of our wireless, wi-fi internet network and terminals. Students are

invited to bring their own wireless-enabled laptop. Introduced initially herein then, are Qasid's base tuition rates for its core academic programs, and a range of options for receiving discounts, both of which are in effect for the 2014 winter quarter onward. Because these amounts were updated on 2013 Jul 24, all students who applied before this date will be held to the previous rates. The current fees for onsite Private Tutoring are presented after the discount tables, followed by information on how deposits, payments, and refunds are handled. The tuition for Supplementary Courses, Advanced Course Modules, is generally between 150 and 200 Jordanian dinars per course, although the actual costs for these offerings and for Diplomat|Corporate|Group Study packages do vary. So it is best to contact Qasid Admissions for the most current information. Admissions may also be sought for further information on work|study and scholarship or financial aid opportunities.


CORE PROGRAMS This section outlines the present tuition rates for Qasid's Modern Standard Arabic and Classical Arabic core programs. And since students come to Qasid to improve their language skills (rather than their acumen in math), weve simplified the many discount permutations into three categories relative to whether you are applying alone or along with others. Starting at a base rate of $2645 per term, within each category are two pricing tables meant to provide incentives for success through ongoing studies at a personal pace. The first table addresses the need for flexibility in fitting your Arabic studies around other obligations in life, showing discounts for continuing with Qasid even if the time for consecutive courses is not available at the moment. For those able to make a longer commitment, however, the secondary tables then show additional discounts relating to successive terms that are paid collectively in advance. Note that in either case though, when there is a hiatus taken between terms the cost for subsequent terms will be determined by the related tuition rate currently in effect on the date that Qasid receives your re-enrollment email request or online application. All amounts are presented in US dollars, and the discount percentages are only intended as convenient approximations for your reference. Actual invoice amounts for each term will be based upon the dollar figures listed in the relative, Cost per term column. Also, pay careful attention to the deposit, payment deadline, and refund policies below as they relate to the eligibility for tuition discounts.

SINGLE APPLICANT 1 STUDENT

For individuals applying independently, the options are quite straight forward. The more you study, the more you save.

One student paying for one term at a time

Term

Cost per term

Discount

Cost savings per term

1st $ 2645 Base rate Not applicable Not applicable

2nd $ 2590 2% $ 55 3rd $ 2565 3% $ 80 4th $ 2540 4% $ 105 5th $ 2515 5% $ 130

One student prepaying for multiple terms

Number of terms

Cost per term

Total cost for number of terms

Discount

Cost savings of terms combined

2 $ 2540 $ 5080 4% $ 210 3 $ 2515 $ 7545 5% $ 390 4 $ 2485 $ 9940 6% $ 640 5 $ 2460 $ 12300 7% $ 925


APPLICANT DUOS AND TRIOS 2 OR 3 STUDENTS

To encourage individuals to bring friends or colleagues who share the common goal of learning Arabic, and to assist couples or families, Qasid offers reduced tuition for two or three applicants who apply together at the same time for the same term or terms. Important note ! Co-applicants MUST identify themselves and each other on their respective applications, or they will NOT be eligible for the discounted rate. Also, see the REFUNDS AND TUITION ADJUSTMENTS section herein to learn about situations in which the number of co-applicants changes from an original, discount agreement.

Two to three students paying for one term at a time (Amounts shown per student)

Term

Cost per term

Discount


1st $ 2515 5% $ 130 2nd $ 2515 5% $ 130 3rd $ 2485 6% $ 160 4th $ 2485 6% $ 160 5th $ 2485 6% $ 160

Two to three students prepaying for multiple terms (Amounts shown per student)

Number of terms

Cost per term


Discount


2 $ 2485 $ 4970 6% $ 320 3 $ 2460 $ 7380 7% $ 555 4 $ 2435 $ 9740 8% $ 840 5 $ 2405 $ 12025 9% $ 1200

APPLICANT ENSEMBLES

4 TO 8 STUDENTS In appreciation to those who informally bring multiple friends or colleagues together, Qasid extends a lower tuition to ensembles of four to eight individuals applying at the same time for the same term or terms. It should be recognized that this offer is differentiated from groups formally coordinated by a university faculty or administrative representative, and from diplomatic, corporate, or NGO organizations looking for customized, multi-student programs. As mentioned in the OVERVIEW above, these arrangements should be made by contacting Qasid for alternative tuition pricing options, as these packages can offer additional benefits and services for their distinct patronage.


Important note ! As with duo and trio pricing, all applicant ensemble co-applicants MUST identify themselves and each other on their respective applications, or they will NOT be eligible for the discounted rate. Also, see the REFUNDS AND TUITION ADJUSTMENTS section herein to learn about situations in which the number of co-applicants changes from an original, discount agreement.

Four to eight students paying for one term at a time (Amounts shown per student)

Term

Cost per term

Discount


1st $ 2485 6% $ 160 2nd $ 2485 6% $ 160 3rd $ 2460 7% $ 185 4th $ 2460 7% $ 185 5th $ 2460 7% $ 185

Four to eight students prepaying for multiple terms (Amounts shown per student)

Number of terms

Cost per term


Discount


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2 $ 2460 $ 4920 7% $ 370 3 $ 2435 $ 7305 8% $ 630 4 $ 2405 $ 9620 9% $ 960 5 $ 2380 $ 11900 10% $ 1325

HALF PROGRAM PRICING

Due to the unique instructional design of the Modern Standard Arabic and Classical Arabic programs, it is possible to offer portions of particular courses independently at reduced tuition rates. This option is possible exclusively for Modern Standard Arabic Levels 4 and 5, and Classical Arabic Levels 2 through 5. And it must be pre arranged prior to a student beginning an applicable course. Students wishing to focus on half (1 of the 3 daily hours) of the abovementioned courses (perhaps only the grammar segment of a Classical Arabic course, for example), may do so at a tuition rate equivalent to 65% of the relative, standard or discounted amount. A combination of one half of a course from each program would then return to the relative tuition of one full course. And for those amply motivated and disciplined who wish to take on one full program along with half of the other, may do so at a rate equal to 150% of the tuition for one program.

SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AID

For the latest information on scholarships and financial aid opportunities, you may visit Qasids website or contact Admissions at [email protected].


ACAD EMIC CREDIT Students may either arrange with their respective academic departments to review their transcripts and receive credit, or may receive standardized university credit through California State University for Modern Standard and Classical Levels 1 through 5, (each level yielding twelve university credits). The transfer of credits can be facilitated for a fee of $50 USD per credit, with a four credit minimum. To be eligible for this service, students must apply and prepay the accompanying costs in full within the first month of their attendance. Once Qasid has submitted the transfer request to the student's home institution, the student then follows up with the registrar there to ensure its completion.

PRIVATE TUTORING

Personalized, one-on-one tutoring (or two-on-one for a student pair), either as its own class or as a complement to the core programs or other Qasid courses, is available throughout the year. Private tutoring classes must be specifically requested and spaces are very limited, so it is best to register in advance. Those who sign up for at least 1 teaching hours per day for the entire term, and prepay a deposit equal to 25% of the total cost for the term, may consider their class confirmed. And for others, although we may not be able to confirm until the first week of the term itself, you should preregister for your space if you are interested. To learn the details of how to apply for this service, you may visit the Admissions menu on Qasid's website to review the document titled Application Submission Instructions. The current costs for private tutoring, given an actual "teaching-hour" of 50 minutes, are:

$40 USD per teaching-hour between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM for individuals during the winter, spring, and fall terms

$50 USD per teaching-hour before 8:00 AM and after 4:00 PM for individuals during the winter, spring, and fall terms, and any time of day during the summer term or in between terms.

$60 USD per teaching-hour for a pair of students during any term at any time of day. Scholarships, standard discounts, and refunds do not apply to this tailored service. However, applicants may inquire about specialized Diplomat|Corporate|Group Study tutoring programs. These curricula are custom designed to provide optimal value and relevance to each individual or organization, and thus have rates that will vary from those listed here.

DEPOSITS

After, and only after, your core program enrollment has been accepted, it is necessary to make an initial, non-refundable, tuition deposit of $350 USD. Students who sign up for at least 1 teaching hours of private tutoring per day for an entire term are required to send a deposit of 25% of the total cost of all requested tutoring hours for the term. The only other deposit to be aware of is a 25 JD amount due for the Ammiya, supplementary course. Please see the section below regarding the deadlines for remitting these payments. Either the deposit itself OR the entire tuition amount may be paid up front. If you plan on sending the full tuition, please contact Admissions to receive a formal invoice. Simply inform them of how many terms you plan to attend and mention by name any other applicants with whom you are registering, so that we can apply the proper discount rate.


Important reminder ! Do NOT send any money prior to receiving official notification of your enrollment acceptance, because Qasid is not obligated to refund deposits. We also advise all applicants NOT to make any travel commitments prior to receiving their enrollment acceptance notice.

DEPOSIT AND TUITION DEADLINES

The advance payment of tuition deposits and tuition itself makes it possible for Qasid to accurately plan and deliver the best learning experience for each student. To understand the necessary timing of payments, and the consequences of being late, you may refer to the following policies: Deposit due dates To secure their admission, new students and those returning after a hiatus of any length between terms must remit their tuition deposits within 2 weeks after the date on their enrollment acceptance notice. This includes tuition deposits for core program courses and private tutoring, and is applicable to students enrolling under any type of payment agreement. The 25 JD deposit for the Ammiya course is required prior to taking the placement exam for that course. Contact Student Services for specific exam dates, as they differ from term to term. Students presently attending Qasid on a one-term-at-a-time payment basis who wish to extend their enrollment can secure their reservation for the coming term by registering and remitting their core program tuition deposits no later than four weeks prior to the last class day of their current term. Continuing students planning to take private tutoring in the coming term will need to pay the related tuition in full prior to the first class session, and are not required to make a deposit. In accordance with our first-come first-served policy, Qasid reserves the right to give precedence to students who meet their deposit deadlines. Failure to do so could result in the student being put on an admissions waiting list, and possibly forfeiting their participation for that upcoming term. The enrollment of any course lacking a fully paid deposit by one week before the first day of Orientation will be automatically placed in this pending status. Tuition due dates Every course must be paid in full before the first class day of its respective term. And in order to receive a prepay discount for multiple terms, the total payment for ALL terms must be received in full on or before the fifth class day of the first term that is to be attended. Qasid reserves the right to prohibit a student from attending any course for which the tuition is not paid in full. Late payment options If you anticipate being unable to pay your deposit and|or tuition on time, please notify Admissions as soon as possible to make alternative arrangements. We are not opposed to making special provisions in extenuating situations.

PAYMENT METHODS

Qasid currently accepts three forms of payment, including cash in US dollars or the equivalent in Jordanian dinars (the current exchange rate is approximately 1 USD to .708 JOD), wire transfer, or credit card (VISA or MasterCard). Please note that a 4% surcharge will be added to all online credit card transactions by the payment processor, while credit card payments made in person, at the Qasid campus in Amman, will incur a 2 % surcharge by the credit lender. The institute also accepts MasterCard payments by phone (but is unable to do so with other cards), which will


similarly incur this latter, credit lender service charge of 2 %. You may contact Qasid Admissions with any other questions about credit card payments, while the protocols for performing wire transfers are explained in full detail below.

WIRE INSTRUCTIONS Perhaps the most common form of student payment is via electronic, or "wire", transfer between banks. Please note that because your bank and any intermediate, corresponding bank will likely withhold a commission for their services, you will need to send a total amount equal to the actual deposit or tuition PLUS your estimated commission fees in order for us to receive the required funds in full. This transaction cost can typically be anywhere from $10 to $40 per bank, depending on the banks regulations, so contact your bank for more information. In the event that Qasid does not receive the full amount, the remaining balance will be included in a subsequent invoice. However, Qasid covers the fee that its own bank charges for receiving funds, which is variable but never exceeds $5 USD. So subsequent invoices for under paid deposits will only be issued if the amount that arrives is below $345. In addition, once you have initiated the transfer, you must email Qasid Admissions with a transaction, reference, or confirmation number along with name of the student(s) for whose enrollment the funds are intended. This will allow us to verify that the deposit or tuition has indeed reached us within the deadline. This email is especially important if the person under whose name the transfer is made differs from your own (or the student(s) on whose behalf the funds are being sent). We cannot guarantee that you will receive credit for the payment if we cannot validate for whom it has been made. Two tables are provided below, with all the information you should need to complete wire transfers.

WIRING INFORMATION FOR SENDING US DOLLARS

Qasid's Bank

Name of Beneficiary

The Jordanian American Language Academy Queen Rania Street Sports City, Amman 11196 Jordan

Account number

0125 257949 9 510

Name of Bank

Arab Bank PLC University Street Branch P.O. Box 963200 Postal Code 11196 Amman, Jordan

Swift Code | BIC

ARABJOAX100

Reference Section

Please put something to the effect of: Tuition deposit from [Student name] or Tuition total from [Student name]


Correspondent Bank

Correspondent Bank Name

Credit Suisse Bank

Correspondent Bank Address

Zurich, Switzerland

Swift Code | BIC

CRESCHZZ80A (Note that the second to last character is the digit '0' and NOT the letter 'O'.)

Rest assured that these tables supply far more information than what most banks need for outgoing wire transfers. It is shared, however, for the sake of completeness. By far the most important numbers are:

The two Swift codes (both for the Arab Bank and correspondent bank), and Qasids account number

Your bank should be readily able to perform this transaction, regardless of which country the transfer is initiated from. If your bank has any difficulties understanding the information we've provided, as always, please email Qasid Admissions for assistance.

REFUND S AND TUITION ADJUSTMENTS

Knowing that conditions occasionally arise that lead students to change their academic plans, Qasid allows tuition refunds under certain circumstances and within certain limits. The following policies have thus been established to balance this consideration with the need for the institute to meet its essential operating costs and commitments. Refunds will be issued according to one of the following methods:

Online credit card payments will be reimbursed as a credit to the card with which the relative payment was made. Original transaction fees will not be refunded.

On site credit card payments (including those taken by phone) will be reimbursed as cash in either US dollars or Jordanian dinars, per Qasids discretion depending on the situation. Original transaction fees will not be refunded.

Wire transfer payments will be reimbursed through a reciprocal wire transfer, or with cash in either US dollars or Jordanian dinars, per Qasids discretion depending on the situation. The responsibility for related bank fees will be negotiated at Qasids discretion.

Cash payments will be reimbursed in the same cash currency with which they were originally made, unless Qasid agrees to other arrangements.

In lieu of the monetary refunds mentioned above, a student also has the option of maintaining an equivalent credit in their account with Qasid which may be applied towards future payments to the institute. Please keep in mind too, that unless otherwise noted, all students to whom a new tuition discount rate applies due to changes in their enrollment plans will be respectively either refunded or invoiced for the difference between the original and currently most applicable new rates. And any refund or withdrawal scenario not described herein will be subject to review by Qasid Admissions on a case by case basis.


Core program withdrawals before the 1st day of class For students paying for core program courses one term at a time who withdraw from Qasid before the first day of a class for which they have already paid, a portion of that terms tuition will be refunded equal to the paid amount minus their $350 deposit. If a student withdraws from the initial term of a multi-term agreement before classes begin, and does not plan to continue under a new agreement, they will be refunded 100% of the paid tuition amount for all terms, minus the $350 deposit for that first term. It may be possible to continue under a new agreement, subject to availability and the approval of Qasid Admissions. For withdrawals before the first class day of the second or other subsequent term of a multi-term agreement, see the subsection below, titled CORE PROGRAM WITHDRAWALS FROM SUBSEQUENT TERMS 4 WEEKS BEFORE THE LAST CLASS DAY. The abovementioned rules apply to students studying either independently or as co-applicants in a multi-student discount agreement. If, however, due to co-applicant withdrawals, the minimum number of students in a multi-student agreement does not remain to begin the first term for which they were collectively enrolled, the original, multi-student discount is rendered void for all students of that agreement for that term. The remaining co-applicants tuition will then return to the currently most appropriate rate for that term, according to the number of co-applicants that remain and relative to the original payment type being one-term or multi-term if applicable. Core program withdrawals between the 1st and 5th days of class Students paying one term at a time who withdraw from Qasid between the first and fifth day of a class for which they have paid in full, up to 50% of that terms tuition will be refunded, as determined by Qasid administration, minus the $350 deposit. For students withdrawing in this period having prepaid a multi-term discount agreement, the same policy will apply to the current term, while all subsequent terms will be refunded in full. These rules pertain to students studying independently or as co-applicants in a multi-student discount agreement. If within this time frame, however, due to co-applicant withdrawals, the minimum number of students in a multi-student agreement do not remain for a given term for which they were collectively enrolled, the original, multi-student discount for that term is still honored for the co-applicants who stay. Their tuition rate will be adjusted to the currently most appropriate rate for subsequent terms according to the number of co-applicants that remain as of the next terms first class day, and relative to the original payment type being one-term or multi-term if applicable. Also, for either payment type or student quantity agreement, between the sixth class day and four weeks prior to the last day of class, no refund of that particular terms tuition or deposit will be issued. But 100% of the tuition for all subsequent terms of a multi-term agreement will be returned. And the tuition adjustment rules for co-applicants outlined in this subsection will still apply. Core program withdrawals from subsequent terms 4 weeks before the last class day No later than four weeks prior to the last class day of their current term, and relative to their one-term or multi-term payment type, all continuing students are required to respectively either register and pay a deposit for, or confirm their anticipated attendance for, the upcoming term. As of this date forward, all continuing students are subject to the refund and tuition adjustment guidelines outlined above, with the exception of those in a multi-term agreement who confirm their continued attendance and then withdraw. In that instance, 100% of the tuition for the


upcoming, and all subsequent terms, will be refunded, minus the $350 deposit associated with the upcoming term. Withdrawals from Supplementary Courses and|or Advanced Course Modules Regarding the majority of Supplementary Courses and Advanced Course Modules other than those mentioned below for any student who prepays and then withdraws before the first day of class, 100% of their tuition will be refunded. However, no refunds are given once the first day of class has commenced. Qasid will also provide a full refund for any class which is cancelled due to the minimum quota of 4 enrolled students not being reached during registration. As an exception to those general bounds, for all applicants to Ammiya courses, 100% of their related tuition and deposit will be refunded if the minimum quota of 6 students is not reached during registration. Also, if an enrolled student withdraws from an Ammiya course any time up to and including the second day of class, they are entitled to have 100% of their tuition refunded, minus the 25 JD deposit. Then, from the third class day onward, no refunds will be issued. Withdrawals from Personalized Supplementary Courses Courses which involve the dedicated scheduling of one instructor to one student necessarily require a more exacting approach to cancellations. Thus, refunds in part or in whole for Tajwid, Conversation Partner, and Private Tutoring courses will only be granted if the institute is notified before the first day of classes relative to each. Within that time limit then, students who withdraw from Tajwid or Conversation Partner courses may receive a 100% tuition refund. While a student who withdraws from their individual, Private Tutoring course before their first class session is entitled to a 100% tuition refund, minus the 25% deposit, if applicable. In the case of a student pair in a Private Tutoring agreement, if one student withdraws prior to the first day of class, the remaining students tuition will revert to the current, individual student rate. To facilitate this when the full tuition has already been paid, Qasid will refund the withdrawing student 50% of the total tuition, and invoice the remaining student the difference between the two rates for the term. If one student withdraws on or after the first class session, the withdrawing student will receive no tuition refund, and the remaining students tuition will not be affected. Regardless of when one of two students withdraws, the matter of the deposit will be handled on a case by case basis, relative to how the students originally shared the cost of that payment.

Copyright 2013 Qasid Arabic Institute . University Credit . 2013 Nov 14 . Page 1 of 1

UNIVERSITY CREDIT

OVERVIEW Qasid Arabic Institute is pleased to be distinguished by the accreditation of its courses through the California State University at San Bernardino, CA. This applies to all five levels of Qasids Modern Standard Arabic and Classical Arabic programs, along with all of its Supplementary Course offerings, including Ammiya and Tajwid. Students have the option, at the beginning of each quarter, to enroll in up to 12 credits, at a per-credit cost which can be found in the Pricing and Payments document on our website. They will then be registered at Qasid and Cal State (SCUSB) simultaneously. Upon successful completion of the course, the grade will appear on the students university transcripts as CSUSB Arabic language credit. Those interested in this opportunity should consult their institutions registrar to ensure that credits are transferable. You may also email Qasid for more information. Also, a students home institution may grant them credit directly, as many universities recognize studies completed at Qasid. Students should inquire with their registrar for more details. Other schools may require the student to write an equivalency or proficiency exam upon returning.

CREDIT VIA TESTING EQUIVALENCY The vast majority of students who have completed a session at Qasid handily pass their proficiency exams. We also advise and assist students whose goal is to test out of certain requirements or prerequisites in one of two ways: 1. Upon successful completion of the course, we will issue a formal letter to the home institution (university or otherwise) detailing the objectives met by the end of the course. 2. For students who have a need to cover specific areas in their core book (the now-standard Al-Kitaab series, for example), help can be provided privately through additional tutoring, depending on the nature of the material itself. For example, students who have finished Year 1 of al-Kitaab can take our core course and complement this with focused private tutoring for 1 hour per day over the summer. They can then return to university in the fall, test out of Year 2 altogether, and begin the Year 3 program, having thus saved an entire year of Arabic study and related tuition costs.

Copyright 2013 Qasid Arabic Institute . Application Submission Instructions . 2013 Nov 18 . Page 1 of 4

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APPLICATION SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

INTRODUCTION We certainly appreciate the value of your time in applying for enrollment at Qasid. To make the process as efficient as possible, we offer this set of guidelines as a means to preview our application protocols, and to serve as a reference when preparing your submission. Please read through the directions thoroughly, and conscientiously abide by each request, in order to ensure that the processing of your application proceeds smoothly. The primary requirements are presented here in the first three sections, correlating to the academic relationship that you have with Qasid at the time that you apply. Are you:

1. a new student; 2. an alumni returning to the institute after more than one year, or; 3. an alumni returning after your recent attendance less than a year ago, or; 4. a current student in Amman who intends to continue into the coming term?

While reading, please keep in mind that when discussing our core programs, we are referring to the Modern Standard Arabic and Classical Arabic curricula. Section 4 then begins with discussions on Private Tutoring, Supplementary Courses and Advanced Course Modules, and Diplomat|Corporate|Group Study packages. The remainder of the document explains further details of your submission, including directions for how to prepare and transmit all supporting materials, making deposits, expedited applications, incomplete applications, and lastly, a few pertinent comments on your enrollment acceptance. All applicants, regardless of academic relationship with Qasid, should be sure to review Section 4 to understand those important factors.


SECTION 1 | NEW STUDENTS All individuals applying to Qasid for the first time must complete the online application for New Students available through the 'Apply Now' tab on Qasids website at www.qasid.com. After this, the following steps should be taken, depending on what courses youve selected: Applying for Core Programs Those new to Qasid who enroll in any of the core programs must additionally forward all four supporting documents listed here:

1. Current rsum|curriculum vitae (MS Word document or PDF) 2. Recent academic transcript (A scanned image at 150 DPI of an official or unofficial

copy, or a web link to the source copy) 3. Writing sample (The applicants choice of topic, written in either English or Arabic,

with a maximum length of two pages, and sent as an MS Word document or PDF) 4. Letters of recommendation (See details here below)

Applying for Private Tutoring Only New students who have applied for private tutoring ONLY, are asked to additionally send their current rsum|curriculum vitae (MS Word document or PDF) and one letter of recommendation (See details here below). No other materials are necessary. Letters of Recommendation Applicants new to Qasid who are either presently attending another academic institution or have graduated within 1 year of submitting their application to Qasid, will need to have written recommendations prepared by professors with whom they have studied. As mentioned above, for those applying for private tutoring ONLY, a single letter of recommendation is required. While in all other cases, applicants in this category are required to send two letters. If youre an applicant whose studies have included Arabic, then the single letter or the first of the two letters must come from one of your Arabic professors. Any second letters would then ideally come from another professor of Arabic or a course related to your career or major field of study associated with Arabic. For example: Middle Eastern Studies, diplomacy, development, security, or religious studies. Although, if that is not possible, then from any professor within your major field of study. Each letter should discuss your academic abilities, as well as your suitability to successfully study abroad in an intensive, immersion environment. First time applicants to Qasid who are not presently attending an academic institution or have graduated more than 1 year prior to submitting their application, are only required to send a single letter of recommendation. This may be prepared by their current or most recent employer, and should include the dates of the applicant's employment period, describe the capacity in which the applicant worked, and provide the employers opinion of the applicants suitability to succeed in an intensive, study abroad, language immersion program. And as a reminder, students currently attending Qasid, or those applying to return after an absence of any length, are not required to submit letters of recommendation.


Applicants in any situation not mentioned above should contact Qasid Admissions for advice on handling recommendations. Recommendation letters may be prepared by the following means:

Letters printed and hand signed on official, company or academic institution

letterhead may be scanned at 150 dpi to create a legible, digital copy (JPG or PDF). Employers and professors may compose and send their letters directly as an email

message addressed from their official, company or institutional email accounts.

SECTION 2 | STUDENTS RETURNING AFTER MORE THAN 1 YEAR Qasid alumni applying to re-enroll for any classes more than 1 year after their most recent attendance at the institute should first complete the online application for Returning Students available through the 'Apply Now' tab on Qasids website at www.qasid.com. After submitting that form, applicants then need to forward their most current rsum|curriculum vitae (MS Word document or PDF).

SECTION 3 | RECENT STUDENTS AND CURRENT STUDENTS Students applying to return to Qasid less than 1 year after the end of their most recent attendance, and those presently attending Qasid courses who intend to continue their enrollment or add an additional course, should complete the respective, online application for Recent Students or confirmation for Current Students or available through the 'Apply Now' tab on Qasids website located at www.qasid.com. No supplementary information needs to be sent.

SECTION 4 | SUBMISSION PROTOCOLS AND PARTICULARS Private Tutoring Considerations Personalized, one-on-one tutoring (or two-on-one for a student pair), either as a class on its own or as a supplement to the core program, is available throughout the year. After students receive their enrollment acceptance, those who sign up for at least 1 teaching hours per day (given a teaching hour of 50 instructional minutes) for the entire term, must prepay a deposit equal to a percentage of the total cost for the term. See the Pricing and Payments document for the most current deposit amount and deadlines for its remittance. Once this is received, students may consider their class confirmed. A deposit is not required for those apply for fewer tutoring hours per day. And by default, such classes may not be confirmed until the first week of the term itself. Because space is limited though, pre registration is still advisable, in order to tentatively reserve a time slot. Please also know that while Qasid makes every effort to cater to your preferred class timing, depending on the circumstances of any given term, everyones ideal arrangements may not be available. Each applicant thus agrees to comply with Qasids proposed schedule upon acceptance. Enrolling in Supplementary Courses and Advanced Course Modules These elective classes are reserved for students presently attending Qasid and do not require an online application process or relative supporting materials. Students may register for these


classes on campus with Student Services, as they become available. See the Pricing and Payments document for the most current costs and deadlines. Diplomat|Corporate|Group Studies If you are interested in having Qasid tailor a specific study package for your organization, inquiries may be sent directly to [email protected]. Transmittal All supporting information and tutoring requests are to be delivered together as attachments to a single email submission if possible. Exceptions would include letters of recommendation that are sent by employers or professors themselves. The destination email address of [email protected], is to be used for all submissions. And the subject heading of the email should be: [ Applicant name ] Enrollment Application for 2014 [ Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall ] Sample: Jon Doe Enrollment Application for 2014 Fall Once all supporting documents are received, applicants not currently attending Qasid should allow up to 2 weeks for a response regarding their potential acceptance. And current students may hear back from Admissions in less time. Deposits Regarding any deposit payment, you should not forward any funds before your enrollment has been officially accepted. Deposits are generally non-refundable, but see the Pricing and Payments document under the Admissions menu on Qasid's website for the latest details. Expedited Application Processing Requests for expedited application processing should be sent to Qasid Admissions in an independent email detailing the reason. Incomplete Applications Admissions and enrollment eligibility generally require the proper submission of both an online application form and the relative supporting documents. Applications will not be reviewed until all of the necessary information has been received. Qasid Admissions may remind applicants of impending deadlines, but it is ultimately the applicants responsibility to submit their materials within the necessary time frames. Acceptance Decisions The Qasid Admissions Committee, whose decisions are final, is solely responsible for judgments of an applicants acceptance to the institute. And, in accordance with standard university procedures, the reasons for rejected applications may not be provided.

Copyright 2014 Qasid Arabic Institute . www.qasid.com . Student Policy Agreement . 2014 Nov 09. Page 1 of 7

STUDENT POLICY AGREEMENT

INTRODUCTION

This document is meant to articulate some of the more important guidelines though by no means exhaustive that Qasid requires of its students. While other matters are discussed during orientation, and though you may see similar matters mentioned in other materials that we make available, the administration feels that from the point of view of transparency and setting fair and appropriate expectations, the topics addressed herein are significant enough to communicate in some detail before classes begin. If you feel anything is unclear or needs additional elaboration, please feel free to contact us at [email protected].

1. POLITICS

1.1 Regional context

We are visitors in a country that, when compared to other nations in the Middle East, is very accommodating and welcoming. At the same time, Jordan is, like most developing countries, politically sensitive. What that means is this: Dont come abroad brimming over with an interest in politics and a game plan for worldwide revolution, etcetera. Please refrain from political discussions while youre here, and appreciate the fact that were all here as guests in a country far away from home which has differing sensibilities than we may otherwise be accustomed to.

2. FINANCES

2.1 Payments

Qasid currently accepts three forms of payment, including cash in US dollars or the equivalent in Jordanian dinars, wire transfer, or credit card (VISA, MasterCard, and American Express). A comprehensive review of how these formats are processed is available in the Pricing and Payments document accessible from the Admissions menu on Qasids website.

The most important payment to prioritize will be your non-refundable, $350 tuition deposit. Meeting this requirement will maintain your eligibility for housing assistance and airport shuttle service, and ensure that your enrollment is not forfeited.

However, do NOT send any money prior to receiving official notification of your enrollment acceptance, because Qasid is not obligated to refund deposits. We also advise all applicants NOT to make any travel commitments before receiving their enrollment acceptance notice.


Once you receive your enrollment confirmation, the tuition deposit is to be remitted within 2 weeks. This payment can be facilitated through instructions found in the Pricing and Payments document. If you are unable to pay the deposit in advance of your arrival in Jordan, then notify Admissions and be prepared to pay with a valid credit card or acceptable currency in cash on the first day of Orientation. Qasid retains the right to prohibit entrance to courses for which tuition has not been paid in full.

2.2 Refunds

Unlike most schools in this part of the world, we offer select refunds because we stand behind our work. We recognize that after all that is said and done over email and through phone contact between us, you may decide Qasid is not the right place for you after you arrive. Therefore, we give students an introductory, trial period to determine whether they would like to continue on. If at any time during the first five days of core program classes you feel that Qasid is not the place for you, you are eligible to withdraw from a course and receive up to 50% of your related tuition, minus the $350 deposit.

This does not apply to tuition for the majority of Supplementary Course, however, which is non- refundable in most cases once the first day of classes has begun. The exception to this rule are the Ammiya courses, from which students may withdraw up to the second class day and receive a 100% tuition refund, minus the 25 JD deposit. The complete details of Qasids refund policies should be reviewed in the Pricing and Payments document, again, located in the Admissions menu on Qasids website.

Admission into classes will only be granted after Qasids refund policies are acknowledged, along with your agreement to comply with the institutes other key rules and regulations outlined herein. To complete the first of these requirements, please print and sign your full name, and add todays date here, indicating your understanding and full acceptance of Qasids refund policies.

First and last name

Signature

Date

3. A STUDENTS PUBLIC PRESENCE

3.1 Overview

Despite what is implicit in many media reports, the Middle East is a very diverse region, and Jordan itself is no exception. Despite a relative homogeneity of ethnicity, one finds a range of religious and cultural attitudes: some are conservative, and others are anything but.

With this in mind, Qasid has set some policies and guidelines by which we hope to respect the various backgrounds of our student body, faculty, and staff, and the people who are hosting us in their country. Although it is inevitable that some will find these too liberal while others will consider them restrictive, we feel we've struck a fair balance and hope all members of the Qasid community will respect the following guidance.

3.2 Social Interaction

As a rule of thumb, it is better to err on the side of conservatism. Many members of Jordanian society, both Muslim and Christian, hold very traditional views on the limits of gender interaction, and so it's often wisest to follow the other's lead. Men should not extend their hands to women and vice versa. If someone of the opposite gender extends their hand to you or attempts some other sort of physical greeting, you may either return the greeting or politely decline, according to your comfort. Do not be surprised if you meet many different types of people in this regard.


3.3 Dress Code

While in the building within which Qasid is situated, students (both male and female) are expected to abide by the following clothing tenets: pants and skirts must be ankle length, and shirts|tops must reach the neck and elbows. Tank-tops, muscle shirts, shorts, high hem skirts and the like may not be worn. If one peruses common travel guides (Lonely Planet, Rough Guide), similar prescriptions (or even stricter!) may be found. While we can only expect such attire to be maintained while in Qasids building, it is generally recommended to dress in a manner that does not attract undue attention no matter where you are in the region.

3.4 Local Variants of Dress

Youll notice that many of the locals themselves dont adhere to the dress standards articulated above, and some past students have expressed surprise at this. Dont be surprised. People traveling halfway around the world will be held to a more exacting measure, so this double-standard is something that should be accepted with grace.

3.5 Photo and Film Consent

As you have likely seen from visiting our website or thumbing through an institute brochure, Qasid communicates through the use of photography and video productions featuring students on campus and in cultural outings around Jordan. Members of our Multimedia Production group make periodic classroom visits and attend off-campus excursions with the students and staff to capture this content.

So wed like to make you aware of this necessary aspect of our outreach efforts, and let you know that this is the only purpose for which this imagery will be used. And, we agree in advance that if you ever happen to see your picture in Qasids promotions and prefer not to appear in such a context, just let us know and well promptly remove your image.

4. HEALTH, TRAVEL & SAFETY

4.1 Extant Health Conditions

To ensure that we can accommodate your needs throughout your stay, it is crucial for us to know of ANY health condition you have (emotional, mental, or physical) which may affect your mobility or your studies here at Qasid, whether inside the classroom or out. For instance, due to rigid, pharmaceutical import restrictions there can be difficulties getting certain medications into Jordan, and the countrys civic infrastructure is not well equipped for wheel chair access. And, under the stress of intensive studies and the unfamiliarities of living in a foreign land, some health matters can be exacerbated. Please then, indicate here any health issue that you have which is prudent for Qasid to be aware of. This information will be maintained in the strictest confidence within your student file.

4.2 Emergency Contact Information You, your family, and friends have entrusted us with your well being, and we honor this privilege by taking a sensible view of the factors surrounding this topic while youre with us at Qasid. Thus, as one precaution, we will ask here for you to provide a name, phone number, and email address that we may use to reach a key contact of yours at home, in case of an emergent situation.


First and last name

Phone number

Email address

4.3 Travel Restrictions

As a rule, travel to Iraq, Syria, Israel, and|or Palestine is not permitted while one is living in Qasid housing. A casual glance at the evening news and travel warnings from the State Department is enough to provide a sound rationale for this caution. Even independent of those reasons though, we also have a responsibility to respect the Kingdom's national security interests and the sensitivities of local Jordanians who inherently, and with good cause, live with a heightened awareness of the region's complex, sociopolitical dynamics. The point here is that we are not in a Middle East theme park, and although we remain very safe in person and place here in West Amman, the situation in neighboring places is, sadly, significantly different. If you feel you have an extenuating circumstance that warrants an exception to this precaution, please contact us to discuss possible options.

4.4 Permitted Travel

Visits to countries besides those mentioned in 4.3 are considered unrestricted, per your personal discretion, unless the status of their internal security becomes an issue noted in the U.S. Embassy website travel warnings. Given our access to solid information about security and safety matters from local authorities, we request that you consult us prior to making travel arrangements. We also recommend that all students register with their respective embassy in Amman upon their arrival, to keep abreast of their most current advisories.

4.5 Visa Letter Requests

As a rule, Qasid will not write a letter to any embassy requesting a visa on behalf of a student.

4.6 Travel Absences

No absences for recreational travel are permitted during the academic term. Based on a wealth of past experience, students playing catch-up will slow down their classmates, not to mention impact the overall quality level of the class, which is guaranteed to deteriorate.

4.7 Liability Release

As an integral component of the cultural immersion experience that Qasid offers, the institute sponsors multiple campus events and recreational|educational field trips to sites around Jordan each term. Although we take due precautions to ensure no incidents occur, each student is ultimately responsible for their own well being while on these trips or while on the campus itself. Thus, as a standard policy we require each student to acknowledge Qasids indemnity from liability for any issue that arises regarding their mental, physical or emotional health during their participation in any event hosted by the institute, whether at or away from the campus locale.

5. ACADEMICS

5.1 Grading Metrics

Qasid quantifies student progress as a numeric grade percentage rather than using a conventional, letter- grading scale. This provides a clear communication of student acuity within a particular Qasid course level, while also accommodating interpretation into alternate grading systems used by other institutions when transferring academic credit.


Given the intensive nature of Qasids core program, we have consistently found that a high level of functional proficiency is required for success at subsequent course levels. Thus, as a prerequisite to advance from one course to the next, each student must have attained a minimum grade of 70% in the prior level. It should also be noted that attendance is taken into consideration when assessing a students final grade.

5.2 Attendance is Essential

As weve seen time and time again, the most essential factor for a students success at Qasid is their class attendance. To thus encourage your optimal participation and promote the greatest results in advancing your Arabic skills, weve prepared the following attendance policies. We hope that it will motivate your learning while properly setting expectations for both the flexibility we can provide and the commitment that we ask of you in return, in order for you to progress.

5.3 Core Program Absences and Tardiness

Absences for any reason, meaning a student missing an entire, individual (80 minute) class session, and tardiness, meaning a student arriving late to or leaving a class session early by 10 minutes or more, will be recorded by the instructor on a daily basis.

Up to 6 individual class session absences are allowed before Qasid reserves the right to begin deducting 2% from a students final grade for each class session missed thereafter. And every 3 instances of tardiness will be counted as 1 individual class session absence.

In the occurrence of a students absence or tardiness, irrespective of cause, Qasid instructors are not obligated to review any missed lesson material in the class or outside of class. The student is solely responsible to attain any missed lesson material, instructions, or assignments.

For anticipated and legitimate, but unavoidable, absences due to medical, professional, visa renewal issues, and the like, students are required to give advance notice via email to the instructor, copying (cc) the Director of Student Services as well. For emergency situations in which such notification is not practical, students are requested to contact their instructor and the Director of Student Services as soon as is feasible. This provision, not only a matter of policy, also facilitates any local assistance that the institute may be able to provide. Extraordinary circumstances, such as a death in a students immediate family, or other similarly unanticipated, serious, and time consuming events will be handled on a case by case basis.

5.4 Supplementary Course Absences and Tardiness

Because our Supplementary Courses may soon be eligible for transferable academic credit, students pursuing this option will be held to a minimum attendance standard. In other words, attendance will be recorded regularly for the entire class, but absences will only have academic ramifications for those taking the class for credit.

Students wishing to take a Supplementary Course for credit must register their intent to do so with either the Office Manager or the Director of Student Services no later than the first day of class. Retroactive credit will not be granted to students who fail to provide this advance notice.

A student may miss up to 2 individual class sessions of a Supplementary Course before Qasid reserves the right to begin deducting 2% from their final grade for each class session missed thereafter. And every 3 instances of tardiness will count as 1 individual class session absence.

In the occurrence of a students absence or tardiness, irrespective of cause, Qasid instructors are not obligated to review any missed lesson material in the class or outside of class. The student is solely responsible to attain any missed lesson material, instructions, or assignments.


Consequences for anticipated and legitimate, but unavoidable, absences from Supplementary Courses due to medical, professional, visa renewal issues, and the like, or extraordinary circumstances, such as a death in a students immediate family, or other similarly unanticipated, serious, and time consuming events will be handled on a case by case basis.

5.5 Attendance Accommodations for Personalized Supplementary Courses

For Private Tutoring, Tajwid, and Conversation Partner courses, a tardy student will be allowed to complete the time remaining in their lesson, up to the limit of the 50 minute instructional hour. Although, a teacher will only wait 10 to 15 minutes in the classroom, after which point a late arriving student will need to go to the reception desk to inform the teacher of their arrival.

In the case of anticipated and legitimate but unavoidable absences, or lessons missed due to extraordinary situations, Qasid will attempt to, but is not obligated to reschedule the class sessions. However, unwarranted lapses in attendance will not be rescheduled.

Students in these personalized courses should inform their teacher and the Director of Student Services before all anticipated absences. A student will be allowed up to 3 session absences, irrespective of cause, in which Qasid will offer to make up the class for them. Note, however, that makeup sessions may be offered with a different instructor, and possibly after regular session hours, or on weekends.

5.6 Impacts to Scholarship Awards and Financial Aid Agreements

Absences and tardiness may also have implications for the fulfillment and continuation of a students scholarship offer or financial aid support. Visit Qasids website or contact Admissions at [email protected] for the latest information on those issues.

5.7 Academic Grade Release

On occasion, Qasid receives requests for transcripts of students academic performance records from universities or potential employers conducting reviews of prospective candidates. In such circumstances, we can either forward your transcript information directly, or we can attempt to contact you for your permission first. Having your advance consent will expedite the delivery, while the time required to attain your consent will naturally delay the process. However, we are happy to accommodate either method.

5.8 Student Knowledge of English and|or Arabic for Instruction and Administrative Dealings

English is the predominant language of instruction for both MSA and Classical Level 1 lessons and in the mid level, Classical Grammar courses. While Arabic itself, or a mix of English and Arabic, may be used throughout other Qasid curricula and in handling administrative matters. To therefore facilitate academic and administrative dealings, Qasid recommends that students enrolling in Level 1 or Classical Grammar courses have a working command of English, and|or otherwise have a working command of Arabic.

6. SCOPE

6.1 In General

The topics mentioned above represent some of the more important policy points that Qasid wishes to communicate to students before they arrive. But, again, they are not meant to be comprehensive. The information covered in this document supersedes all previous, student policy declarations.

6.2 Policy Updates

As the environment at Qasid is dynamic, the institute reserves the right to add to, delete, or modify the above policies and procedures. When and where modifications are made, students will be duly apprised, and expected to comply.


6.3 Interpretation Finally, Qasid reserves the right to interpret its policies and procedures, both explicit and implied, in a manner consistent with the institutes goals of providing students with a learning and living environment that is intellectually rigorous, safe, and respectful of the political, social, and religious context of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

COMPLIANCE

As mentioned previously, your admission into classes will only be granted after you have acknowledged Qasids student policies, and verified your willing agreement to comply with them. To complete this requirement please enter your name and todays date here, indicating your understanding and full acceptance of the institutes rules and regulations outlined herein. This affirmation also includes your understanding that your failure to abide by the terms mentioned above may result in your suspension and|or expulsion from Qasid.

First and last name

Signature

Date

Copyright 2013 Qasid Arabic Institute . www.qasid.com . Pre Departure and Arrival Notes . 2013 Dec 01 . Page 1 of 5

PRE DEPARTURE AND ARRIVAL NOTES

INTRODUCTION Doubtless, youre busy preparing for your journey overseas. To help you better prepare for your departure, as well as give you a clear picture of what you can expect upon arrival, weve put together these brief notes. Some of the points are repeats from earlier correspondences, included for emphasis and as a reminder, but the vast majority of the information is new. Please read and re-read it carefully, and print out a paper copy to keep with you for reference. Should you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions, as always, feel free to send an email our way.

REMINDERS BEFORE YOU DEPART When to Arrive All students are strongly advised to arrive in Amman no more than a couple of days prior to the first day of orientation. Booking your airline tickets as early as possible is the best way to ensure that youre able to reserve flights on the desired dates. Wireless Internet Weve mentioned previously that Qasid is wi-fi (g) capable, and that we provide each student with complimentary access to our network. If you have a laptop or tablet that is wi-fi ready, youre more than welcome to bring it with you to use for communicating with family and friends via email, VOIP, and|or chat. Oh yes and for studying. Mobile phones Having a cell phone while here is highly recommended. It will help with everything from keeping in touch with the Qasid staff and other students, to better navigating and finding places in Amman and beyond that you havent yet visited. As public payphones have more or less been discontinued in Amman, and many landlords dont provide a landline for tenants, students that come in not seeing a need for a cell phone quickly realize the near-necessary nature of getting one, not to mention the numerous advantages that it provides. For those who elect to use a cell phone, there are two options to choose from: 1. Bring your own cell phone. If it is a tri-band|GSM phone and unlocked, all you need is a local SIM card for about 7 JD (1 JD = 1.42 US $; 1 JD = 0.75 UK Sterling), and you're set to go. If the phone is locked (most phones purchased in the US come locked by default), the chances are very good that we can get it unlocked for you through one of the many phone servicers here in Amman. They charge anywhere from 5 JD to 15 JD for this one-time service.

Copyright 2013 Qasid Arabic Institute . www.qasid.com . Pre Departure and Arrival Notes . 2013 Dec 01 . Page 2 of 5

2. Buy a phone. Phones range from 20 JD to 200 JD, depending on features. It is not uncommon for a student to buy a local phone and then sell it to another, incoming Qasid student before they depart. Youll also need a SIM card, as described above. For both of three scenarios, youll need to purchase pre-paid minute cards. These most commonly come in denominations of 5 JD and 12 JD (plus 50% in tax and fees typically), allowing you to both receive and make calls. One thing that all visitors to Jordan have found to be particularly advantageous is that you are not charged anything for incoming calls; you are charged only for outgoing calls. The implications of this for keeping in touch with those back home are obvious: You can call family or friends for a quick minute, and then have them call you back right away. Inexpensive calling cards from North America and Europe abound; one website that sells a variety of cards is www.nobelcom.com. Money Matters Please review the Academic Program Information sheet on Qasids website to accurately budget for your stay. It goes without saying that it is better to bring more than less. ATM machines are located throughout the city, and can be used to withdraw cash from your US, UK, or Canadian bank account. All three forms of money withdrawal involve a small commission of as little as % to as much as 2%, individually assessed by the bank or money changer. At Qasid, we accept credit card (Visa and Mastercard) and cash (US dollars and Jordanian dinars). We do not accept checks. Entry Visa Any US, Canadian, or UK passport holder can get a visa upon arrival, they are given as a matter of course at the airport, and the process usually takes just a few minutes. If you hold a passport for other than one of these nationalities, or if youre more comfortable having yours in hand regardless, please inquire about visa procedures with your local embassy. If you plan on going to Saudi Arabia (fo

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