Montana Arabic Summer Institute (MASI) 2013: June 17 to July 12

Sponsored by the National Security Agency (NSA), the Arabic Studies Program will offer intensive Arabic to high school students in summer 2013. MASI 2013 will offer two levels:

• Level 1 (for new students with no previous knowledge of Arabic), and
• Level 2 (for students who took MASI in previous summers and for students who have studied introductory Arabic in high school - e.g., Arabic FLAP students).

Students will develop/improve Arabic language skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing) and cultural knowledge in a fun and academic environment. Upon successful completion, students will receive five college credits.

The grant will cover tuition fees and textbooks. Each student will receive a T-shirt and a USB flash drive. Seats will be limited (25 students in both levels).

Flyer

Please feel free to DOWNLOAD and distribute this flyer (Format: PDF; Size: 8.5"X11").

Before You Apply

MASI is a four-week federally-funded intensive summer program that is open to US citizens and green card holders only. Instruction starts at 9 am and ends at 2 pm -- see schedule. In addition, students are expected to dedicate about two hours everyday for homework assignments. Daily attendance is critical to meet the goals of the program. If you are below 18 years of age, you cannot apply without approval from your parent(s)/guardian(s).

Application

Applying to MASI is a simple process!

1. Fill out the appropriate form:
   • Level 1
   • Level 2
2. Write a short essay (one page in MS Word; 1" margins, 12 point font, Times New Roman, Single-spaced). In your essay, address the following questions:
   • Why do I want to study Arabic? [Tell us: how will it help you in your studies, career, etc.?]
   • Why do I deserve a seat in the program? [Seats are limited; why should we choose you?]
3. Include a letter of recommendation:
   • Level 1: the letter needs to be from one of your teachers, preferably a foreign language teacher.
   • Level 2: we prefer to read a letter of recommendation from your Arabic language teacher. If this is not possible, from another foreign language teacher of yours. NOTE: Former MASI students who are now applying for Level 2 DO NOT need to submit a recommendation letter; just send the essay after you have applied online.
     
4. Once you have the essay (MS Word) and recommendation letter (PDF), name each file in the following format: Firstname_Lastname (for example: John_Smith.docx and John_Smith.pdf). Then, attach the two documents in an email and send it to: khaled.huthaily@umontana.edu.
5. That's it; wait till you hear from us in an email by May 31st.

If you have questions during the process of applying, please feel free to email or call (see contact information below).

Deadline: Friday, May 24th, and keep in mind, SEATS ARE LIMITED!!!

Consent Forms

MASI is a STARTALK program that is funded by a grant from NSA through the National Foreign Language Center (NFLC) at the University of Maryland. One of the NFLC’s jobs is to collect information about participants. To collect this information, NFLC surveys all participants. The surveys ask about language learning experiences and attitudes about language learning. NFLC will use the answers to these questions to make future STARTALK programs and language programs across the country better.

• for students under 18: Consent forms (hard copy) to be filled out by parents
  • Consent Form and Cover Letter
  • How to Complete Your STARTALK Consent Form
• for students 18 and over: Consent forms (hard copy) to be filled out by students
  • Consent Form (Non-Minor) and Cover Letter
  • How to Complete Your STARTALK Consent Form

Please bring the signed forms with you no later than the 2nd day of the program, i.e., June 18th.

Meet the Team

• Administrators
  • Dr. Khaled HUTHAILY, Head of Arabic Studies Porgram & Project Director
  • Mr. Brian LOFINK, Associate Director for International Events and Campus/Community Collaborations, Office of International Programs
• Instructors
  
  • Ms. Amal AL-MISBAHI: M.Ed. Candidate (Curriculum and Instruction), UM
  • Dr. Khaled HUTHAILY: Head, Arabic Studies Program, UM
  • Mr. Brendan WORK: Head Arabic Teacher at Missoula County Public Schools
• TAs
  • Ms. Morgan AZEKA, UM student of Arabic
  • Mr. Connor SEIDENSCHWARZ, former UM student of Arabic

Contact

• Dr. Khaled Huthaily
• Phone: (406) 243-6602
• E-Mail: khaled.huthaily@umontana.edu