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Find out how to apply to the Arabic Language Flagship Program.

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image of a student holding up a small whiteboard in a classroom and pointing to arabic characters.

Who Should Apply?

The UM Arabic Language Flagship Program is designed to bring undergraduate students (both with and without Arabic-speaking experience) to the Superior proficiency level on the ACTFL scale within a five-year time span. Therefore, our program has a rigorous and fast-paced curriculum designed for diligent students who are dedicated to their studies.

The ideal Flagship applicant:

  • has a strong academic record - previous language study (of any language) is desired but not an absolute requirement
  • understands how Arabic will enhance his/her personal and professional goals
  • is committed to completing the entire Arabic Flagship Program and achieving Superior level proficiency
  • has applied for undergraduate admission to the University of Mississippi

 

Our Current Students

Our current cohorts of students come from across the state and across the country — and you could be one of them! The maps below show the home towns of our current students.

map of he US with pins to indicate the home towns of students

map of Mississippi with pins that indicate the home towns

 

 

 

photo of Emma Lane in her office

Welcome to UM Arabic Language Flagship Program

Salaam y’all! I am the Project Coordinator for the Arabic Flagship program here at the University of Mississippi. I am also a recent graduate of the program, having completed the Capstone year in Morocco in 2023. Afterwards, I received a CASA Fellowship to continue studying Arabic in Amman, Jordan, which I completed in May 2024. I am passionate about the Arabic language, traveling to the Arab world, and studying abroad in general. As your point of contact for the application and admission process, please don’t hesitate to reach out and ask a question, schedule a visit, or just to introduce yourself! For high school teachers (especially language teachers, of any language!) and counselors, I am also available to do classroom visits both in person and virtually, so please reach out at any time. Hotty Toddy!

Emma Lane

Arabic Flagship Project Coordinator

Application Instructions

Ready to get started? Here are some helpful instructions and reminders. 

  1. Apply to UM.
  2. Access the Special Programs & Scholarships application.
  3. Use your admissions application number and date of birth to log in.
    • Having trouble accessing your admissions application number? Contact us at arabic@olemiss.edu!
  4. Navigate to the "Shared Information" tab.
    • First, input the following resume information:
      • Class Rank
      • Extracurricular Activities & Leadership: honors societies, student government, school & community clubs, athletics, the arts, etc.
        • Be sure to indicate areas where you have been an active leader.
      • Community Service: service projects or organizations you have been consistently involved with
      • Honors and Awards: major honors, awards, and accolades that you have received for academic accomplishments, service, leadership, or character
      • Employment and Internships: any employment experience (including internships)
    • Next, answer two essay prompts:
      • Personal Statement: describe your educational aspirations and future career goals (250-word limit)
      • Essay: "Describe a problem you've solved or a problem you'd like to solve–anything that is of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution." (500-700 words)
    • Finally, identify three recommenders:
      • Recommender 1: teacher
      • Recommender 2: guidance counselor or principal
      • Recommender 3: teacher, coach, or employer
    • Information in this tab is shared with all Special Programs you apply to.
  5. Navigate to the "Arabic Language Flagship" tab.
    • Complete the essay: "Please explain your motivation for applying to the Arabic Language Flagship program and why you are a good candidate." (500-700 words)
    • Confirm eligibility by checking the boxes.
    • Click Submit.
  6. Peruse the other Special Programs application tabs, and apply to those that interest you.
  7. Complete the "Freshman Scholarships" tab by the January 10 deadline.
    • Browse available scholarships, and apply to those that interest you. Be sure to indicate eligibility for automatic scholarships for numerous types of students including, valedictorian/salutatorian, student body/council president, Eagle Scout/Gold Award recipient, etc.

Still have an application question? No problem! Email arabic@olemiss.edu for guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Some students do come in with a few years of Arabic study from high school courses or programs such as National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y), but a majority of our incoming freshmen do not have any former experience in the language.

Incoming students with prior Arabic experience will take a placement exam. Most students with four to five years of high school Arabic will test into the second half of Arab 111 (about 3 weeks into the summer) — that’s how strong our program is! Also, our classes are great reviews of grammar that you may have already learned, this program will make your language foundation even stronger!

UM Arabic Flagship takes a wholistic approach to the application review process. Though standardized test scores are taken into consideration, there is no minimum ACT/SAT score required for admission. Similarly, the program has no minimum GPA requirement, though GPA is taken into consideration. Instead, the program weighs a variety of factors including GPA, rigor of coursework, prior study of any language, community involvement, work experience, leadership, writing ability, time abroad (if applicable), future academic and career plans, language aptitude, and ability to succeed in a rigorous academic program, among others.

We will review these cases on an individual basis dependent on academic standing and commitment to all Flagship policies. If this is you, please contact us at arabic@olemiss.edu.

We’ve got answers. Contact our Coordinator Emma Lane at arabic@olemiss.edu.

After acceptance to the University of Mississippi, complete the Special Programs & Scholarships application by January 10. See instructions above!