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. ِ
Applicants should submit the following to [email protected] copying [email protected]
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.
For taking the ACTFL exam, access the Language Testing International testing platform. For Arabic exam instruction, please click here Arabic Exams Instructions
For technical support during the exam, email [email protected].
2. Statement of Purpose: A clear articulation of the applicant's interest and their commitment to Arabic language and Middle Eastern studies (250 words or fewer).
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 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, visit this link and read carefully all details for your information.
Assessment of the Applicant’s Portfolio
- 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.
- 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 interest in teaching Arabic.
- Applicants are ranked based on total scores, and selections are made accordingly.
- CASA@AUC then notifies all applicants, confirming acceptance for those selected.
- Once confirmations are received, preparations begin, including gathering travel details, issuing ID numbers, arranging housing, setting up emails, offering visa guidance, and scheduling orientations.
- 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 etc...) for each class.