AFS Intercultural Programs - Tunisia High School and Gap-Year Programs

  Tunisia

• Other Cities in Tunisia: 
Tunis

Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Short Summer Program: Jun. 2010 - Jul/Aug 2010

Description: Extending from the luxuriant Mediterranean seacoast to the arid Sahara, Tunisia is a North African Muslim nation that has strong ties to the Middle East. While family life can be quite traditional, and social rituals are deeply rooted in Arabic culture, Tunisia is one of the most westernized Arab countries. Greek, Phoenician, Egyptian, Roman, Arab, Ottoman, and European cultures all contribute to the multi-ethnic population, rich cuisine, and variety of traditions. AFS host family placements are located in and around Tunis.

Highlights: Live with a host family in this North African nation and study Arabic this summer. This is an intensive one month program designed to give you an introductory course in Arabic at the internationally known Bourguiba School for languages. Every week, you'll receive approximately 25 hours of formal instruction, as well as participate in cultural activities. Then practice what you've learned with your host family and the community. Read, write, and talk in Arabic, learn about Tunisian culture, and see the country, including its beautiful beaches, Sahara Desert, Roman ruins, museums, and historic sites.

By the end of the program, participants will have attained a beginner's level of communication in Arabic, learned to read and write basic Arabic, gained direct insight into Tunisian and Islamic traditions and cultures, learned about the rich historical and cultural heritage of Tunisia, and hopefully gained insight into how cultures interact and influence each other. Participants in this program will receive approximately 100 hours of Arabic language instruction (5 hours per day, 5 days per week for 4 weeks) through a professional language school.

This program does accept recent high school graduates.

Cost in US$: Short Summer Programs (USD 7,250)

This Program is open to American Participants.

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview Required
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

AFS Intercultural Programs/USA's Mission Statement: AFS Intercultural Programs is an international, voluntary, non-governmental, non-profit organization that provides intercultural learning opportunities to help people develop the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to create a more just and peaceful world. AFS Intercultural Programs is a leader in intercultural learning and offers international exchange programs in over 50 countries around the world through independent, not-for-profit AFS organizations, each with a network of volunteers, a professionally staffed office, and headed up by a volunteer board.

Year Founded: 1947