About the Center for Arabic Study Abroad

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Arabic logo for CASA program

The Center for Arabic Study Abroad (CASA) offers advanced level training in Arabic language and culture to qualified American students at the Qasid Arabic Institute in Amman, Jordan as well as the Arab American Language Institute (AALIM) in Meknes, Morocco.

Learn how to apply

CASA Program Updates

CASA 2024-2025 Call for Applications
The applications and accompanying instructions for CASA I, II, and III in Amman, Jordan and Meknes, Morocco have been posted. If you are interested in applying, please visit and review the Applicants section for further information on the process. 

PLEASE NOTE:
We are saddened by the challenges to study abroad that the pandemic has caused, but ​the CASA fellows' health and safety remain our priority. The CASA funding from the U.S. Department of Education ​allows the program to operate in Jordan only and does not allow travel to Egypt at the moment. It is important for you to know that CASA and ​its home, the University of Arizona, have not approved and do not endorse the program at the American University in Cairo (AUC) which currently refers to itself as CASA or as CASA@AUC. Should you pursue AUC’s program, you will be doing so at your own risk, without the endorsement or support of CASA or the University of Arizona.

The Center for Arabic Study Abroad (CASA) was established in 1967 to offer intensive advanced Arabic language training at the American University in Cairo, Egypt. Since its inception, CASA has trained more than 1,700 upper level undergraduates, graduates, and professors specializing in various areas of Middle Eastern Studies. CASA alumni have defined U.S.-Middle East relations for the last half-century through their work in the U.S. State Department, academic institutions, and the private sector.

CASA is currently administered at the University of Arizona by a U.S. Director, Sonia Shiri, and Program Coordinator, Sarah Stoll. The CASA program is currently being held at the Qasid Arabic Institute in Amman, Jordan under the guidance of the Executive Director Dr. Khaled Abu Amsha.  In 2024-2025, CASA will have an additional program location at the Arab American Language Institute in Morocco (AALIM) in Meknes, Morocco.

CASA is represented by a Consortium of American universities and colleges who serve a vital role in directing various academic, financial and administrative aspects of the CASA programs.

CASA receives its primary funding from the United States Department of Education, under the Fulbright-Hays--Group Projects Abroad Program and relies on the generosity of donors who support advanced Arabic education to sustain operations into the future.

  • 2017-2018 Annual Report (AUC)
  • 2016-2017 Annual Report (QASID)
  • 2015-2016 Annual Report (QASID)
  • 2014-2015 Annual Report (QASID)
  • 2013-2014 Annual Report (QASID)
  • 2012-2013 Annual Reports (AUC)
  • 2011-2012 Annual Report (Cairo)