Home page
ع
Resources for Current Students, Faculty and Staff
Webmail Directory Catalog Banner Canvas Moodle
Primary Navigation Background
Quick Links / AUC Directory, Faculty Directory

Eligibility, Application and Selection Process

  1. Academics
  2. Center for Advanced Arabic Study in Cairo (CAASIC)
  3. Eligibility, Application and Selection Process

To apply for CAASIC or CASA@AUC programs, applicants must complete an application form and submit an electronic portfolio that includes the following documents. 

Important Note:

For the Fulbright Arabic Language Study Grants at CAASIC program, applicants must first be accepted by CAASIC. Once accepted, they can proceed to apply for Fulbright. ِ

1. The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Examination Results: Applicants must submit their scores in the following four skills after taking ACTFL exam: reading, listening, writing, and oral proficiency. The test results, dated no more than three months before submission, must demonstrate an advanced level of proficiency. 

To take the ACTFL exam, access the Language Testing International testing platform. For Arabic exam instructions, click here Arabic Exams Instructions

For technical support during the exam, email [email protected].

2. Statement of Purpose: In terms of content, it is important to highlight both your commitment to the Arabic language and MENA studies, as well as how you plan to use Arabic after the program in alignment with your academic background in the international politics and economics fields. While an interest in becoming an Arabic teacher is not required, you should articulate how Arabic will play a role in your future plans. (250-300 words). 

3. References: Three English/Arabic references are required—two from previous language instructors and one from an academic professor who can evaluate the applicant's overall academic performance.

4. Transcripts: Official transcripts from all academic institutions attended.

5.  A copy of your passport

6. Two recent photos

7. Results of a recent comprehensive medical examination by a physician


Visas

To enter Egypt, you must obtain a tourist entry visa from the Egyptian government. These may be obtained at any Egyptian embassy or consulate in your home country. After arriving in Cairo and registering at AUC for full-time enrollment, international students will apply for a student residence visa. This second visa requires a study approval by the Egyptian government that can take four to six weeks. To speed up the process, submit the International Student Data Form and a photocopy of your passport information page at the time you apply for admission.

For all visa matters, check the Visa Matters page and read carefully all details for your information.
 

Assessment of the Applicant’s Portfolio

  1. The chair of the Department of Arabic Language Instruction (ALI) forms the CASA@AUC selection committee, which includes the ALI chair, CASA@AUC executive director, two senior instructors, and two external experts from partner universities.
  2. Upon receiving ACTFL results, the committee sets the eligibility cutoff score. Applicants who meet or exceed this score have their portfolios reviewed by the committee two weeks before the evaluation meeting. Each portfolio component—ACTFL score, statement of purpose, recommendations, and transcripts—is rated out of 10 points. The statement of purpose must reflect a long-term commitment to Middle East Studies and an interest in teaching Arabic.
  3. Applicants are ranked based on total scores, and selections are made accordingly. 
  4. CASA@AUC then notifies all applicants, confirming acceptance for those selected. 
  5. Once confirmations are received, preparations begin, including gathering travel details, issuing ID numbers, arranging housing, setting up emails, offering visa guidance, and scheduling orientations.
  6. An Egyptian Colloquial Arabic (ECA) placement interview is also arranged.


Exit Exam

All CASA@AUC scholars, as CAASIC students, are required to take an end-of-year ACTFL exit exam. This exam does not replace regular quizzes or end-of-semester assessments (exams, presentations, projects and others) for each class.