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Office of Education Abroad

Major Advising Page - GIS: Arabic and Islamic Studies

Arabic and Islamic Studies entails an interdisciplinary approach that reflects the complexity of the Arab and Islamic world, offers a basic grounding in Arabic language, and provides a background for advanced professional studies, as well as careers in government or business in the field.

The AIS Program encourages students to study abroad and engage in opportunities that deepen their understanding of the dynamics in the Arab and Islamic world.

Major: Global Intedisciplinary Studies offers students the opportunity to major in Arabic and Islamic Studies. The GIS: AIS major requires that students study abroad for one semester or a summer program with a minimum length of 6-weeks. Majors are strongly encouraged to consider programs in the Arab and Islamic world.

Majors should review  the GIS MAP for additional GIS major information on "Academic Planning" and "Timing" for their study abroad experience.

Minor: Students can also pursue an Arab and Islamic Studies minor. Please contact the Director of the Arabic and Islamic Studies program to discuss the curriculum and how to fit an Arabic and Islamic Studies minor into your Villanova curriculum.

The Arabic and Islamic Studies Program encourages students to consider programs that provide practical experiences. Internships, field work and lab research are wonderful ways to gain hands-on, professional experience. 

Study abroad opportunities are not limited to formal instruction. Consider taking advantage of the unique research, internship, and fieldwork opportunities available in different regions of the world. 

AmidEast -  Currently pending University approval, expected availability for Fall '24

CIEE Amman: Middle Eastern Studies and Advanced Arabic Language Study

IES Abroad - Rabat

School for International Training (SIT) - Study Abroad in North Africa and the Middle East

Looking for more? 
If a program is not listed above, it does not limit your eligibility to study abroad. Visit Passport Villanova to discover other programs. 
 
Course Approval Database 
Students should consult with the  OEA Course Approval Database  to view a full list of pre-approved courses for most programs. The Course Approval Database may not contain updated/new courses and students may need to submit additional courses for review and approval. Programs and universities are continually updating course offerings so and the program’s website will list most accurate course offerings for the planned term abroad.  

Non-VU partner programs under 6-weeks long must require a petition in order to be approved. Contact your OEA advisor for petition information.

AmidEast -  Currently pending University approval, expected availability for Fall '24Critical Languages Scholarship for Arabic

School for International Training (SIT) - Study Abroad in North Africa and the Middle East

Looking for more? 

If a program is not listed above, it does not limit your eligibility to study abroad. Visit Passport Villanova and explore other opportunities.

Course Approval Database 
Students should consult with the  OEA Course Approval Database  to view a full list of pre-approved courses for most programs.  The Course Approval Database may not contain updated/new courses and students may need to submit additional courses for review and approval. Programs and universities are continually updating course offerings so and the program’s website will list most accurate course offerings for the planned term abroad.  

It is important to plan ahead as it is not uncommon for scholarship deadlines to occur much earlier than Villanova or other program application deadlines.

There are many scholarships available for students through Villanova University, our partner programs and other external sources. The OEA can help students with the scholarship search and application process. If a scholarship is found outside of the OEA scholarship page, students should have it reviewed by the OEA to determine if it is a viable option. 

Browse the scholarships opportunities found on the OEA website.