American University of Beirut

YALLA NE7KIE ARABIC PROGRAM

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​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Mar7aba!

The Office of International Programs' Yalla Ne7kie Arabic Program was launched to provide the international AUB community (students, faculty, and staff) with the basics of the Lebanese dialect and a peak into Modern Standard Arabic. The sessions are held in a non-academic setting and are more about creating an informal cultural exchange between native Arabic speakers and international students.

Our vision is to boost the knowledge of Middle Eastern and Lebanese cultures. We want them to create good memories of their time in our country and enjoy the region’s beauty and cultural richness. 

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Joining the Yalla Ne7kie Arabic Program as an International Student

The application to join the Yalla Ne7kie Arabic Program for the 2025-26 Fall term will be available during the welcome week in August. 

How Did It Start?

To be able to help International Students with their Arabic language barriers, Batoul Al Ghafari, one of our Mastercard Foundation Scholars and a former mentor in the OIP Mentor Program,  initiated the Yalla Ne7kie Arabic Program. This program has helped many members of the AUB community feel included in their new environment and it has made their journey at AUB one they will never forget. The program’s notable success drove the Office of International Programs to adopt it and ensure its continuity. Indeed, it is AUB where ideas flourish and turn into sustainable programs.

Becoming a Chat Pal​

Current AUB students – Are you interested in meeting and sharing your Arabic language skills with international students from all around the world? Our chat pals are AUB students who are highly motivated to transmit their culture and customs to other AUB international students. 

Recruitment for the Fall 2025-26 term is now closed. Please check back soon for information on how to apply for the S​pring 2025-26 term.
As of 2025-26 Fall, Chat Pals are required to also be mentors in order to join the program. Please click here ​to learn more about the OIP Mentor Program. 


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