About Arabic Language Flagship
Proud to be one of three Arabic Flagship programs in the US.
Arabic Language Flagship
Arabic Language Flagship is a federally-funded intensive language program that combines extensive study abroad with immersive classroom instruction and dynamic extracurricular activities to achieve professional fluency and a high level of cultural competency. Flagship students enjoy personalized advising, small class sizes and one-on-one instruction.
Students must complete an application for the flagship program after being admitted to UM. The flagship program begins with an intensive pre-freshman summer and culminates in the "Capstone year" abroad, for which students receive extensive scholarship funding. Students pursue a second major in a subject of their choice, and graduate with secure careers in a diverse array of fields including international business, law, economics, journalism, government work, intelligence and the US military.
The University of Mississippi is proud to be one of only three Arabic Flagship programs across the country!
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Non-Flagship Arabic Major or Minor
Students may major or minor in Arabic without participating in the Arabic Language Flagship program. Learn more about studying Arabic without being in the Flagship program.
(Non-Flagship) Arabic Major or Minor
Our Arabic Language Community
Emma Lane (2023) hiking at the Dana Reserve in Jordan.
Students participate in a calligraphy workshop in Howry Hall.
Jared Herrin (2020) with host family in Jordan.
Students studying in the Grove on campus.
Charlotte Armistead (2021) visited Petra as part of her study abroad excursion.
Our students enjoy presenting at the annual Arabic and Chinese Showcase whereby they demonstrate their language skills in creative ways.
Students take excursions into the Sahara Desert as part of their Morocco study abroad.
Students in the Arabic and Chinese Flagship enjoy fellowship in the Grove on football game days in the fall semesters.
Welcome from the Flagship CoDirectors
We are thrilled to invite you to explore the opportunities our nationally recognized program offers to undergraduate students passionate about mastering Arabic—a language of rich cultural significance, critical global importance, and countless professional opportunities. At the University of Mississippi, we take pride in fostering a dynamic and inclusive learning environment that not only emphasizes linguistic proficiency but also deep cultural understanding. Whether you are a beginner or have previous experience with Arabic, our comprehensive curriculum, immersive study abroad experiences, and individualized mentorship will empower you to achieve professional-level fluency.
Our program is more than a language course—it is a transformative journey designed to prepare students for careers in government, business, education, and beyond. From hands-on engagement with expert faculty to cultural events, specialized clubs, and collaborative projects, our students form a supportive community that nurtures personal growth and professional development. We look forward to welcoming you to our program and helping you build the skills and confidence to thrive in today’s interconnected world.
Warm regards,
Drs. Allen Clark and Don Dyer
Co-Directors of UM Arabic Flagship Program
arabic@olemiss.edu
(662) 915-1190
Leadership and Support
Allen Clark
- Associate Professor of Modern Languages
Donald Dyer
- Associate Dean for Faculty & Academic Affairs and Distinguished Professor of Modern Languages
Emma Lane
- Project Coordinator
Meet the Faculty
Allen Clark
- Associate Professor of Modern Languages
Emad Gerges
- Instructor in Arabic
Charles Joukhadar
- Assistant Professor of Arabic
Ahmed Mansour
- Instructor in Arabic
Yasmine Sedeek
- Instructor in Arabic
Asmaa Shehata
- Assistant Professor of Arabic
Institute of International Education
The Language Flagship is a federal source of funding for the UM Arabic Language Flagship, which has changed the way Americans learn critical languages and funds programs in numerous strategic languages throughout the country. UM is proud to be among the few Arabic Flagship programs in the United States.
Adapted from the Language Flagship program website.
The Language Flagship program is designed for undergraduate students pursuing any major to graduate with professional-level proficiency in a Flagship language. Students gain a unique college experience that is focused on global engagement, professional skills and language proficiency, community, and service.
The Language Flagship is a federally funded initiative that offers 19 language programs at higher education institutions across the United States to help undergraduate students take their place as the next generation of global professionals with professional-level proficiency in critical languages such as Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Persian, Portuguese, and Russian. At the end of the program, the Language Flagship sponsors a year-long Overseas Capstone program for students to use their language skills in a wide variety of formal and informal settings.
The Language Flagship experience includes:
- Enrolling in a U.S. college or university with a Language Flagship program
- Pursuing any major
- Gaining professional-level proficiency in a critical language (Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Persian, Portuguese, Russian)
- Instant community on-campus
- Cultural immersion activities
- Individualized language tutoring/language partners
- Summer immersion opportunities
- Capstone year overseas (homestay or local roommate experience, direct enrollment in courses, cultural immersion, and complete professional internship)
- Becoming a global professional
- Alumni networking opportunities
Disclaimer: The Language Flagship is a public/private partnership sponsored by the National Security Education Program (NSEP) of the Department of Defense and administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE). The contents of this website do not necessarily reflect the position or policy of the Government or IIE and no official Government or IIE endorsement should be inferred.
Our Community
A Place That Ever Calls
Located 70 miles from Memphis and surrounded by the natural beauty of Northern Mississippi, Oxford boasts thriving music, art, and literary scenes along with great restaurants. UM's athletics provide many opportunities to watch and participate in sports—and one of the world's best tailgating parties.
With everything Oxford has to offer, it's no wonder USA Today named Oxford as one of the Top Six College Towns in the Nation.
Come see why.