RIYADH: The King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language has welcomed 50 non-native Arabic-speaking students for the second Linguistic Immersion program.
Held at the academy’s Riyadh headquarters, the program includes people from 20 countries and introduces two new tracks, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
Building on the success of the 2023 edition in Jeddah, which attracted more than 100 learners from 34 countries, the eight-week program aims to enhance participants’ Arabic skills for cultural and tourism purposes.
Students will gain a deep understanding of the language through an immersive experience focused on integration into Saudi society, the SPA reported.
The initiative aligns with the academy’s mission to promote Arabic globally and supports Saudi Arabia’s Human Capability Development Program.
Participants were selected through a precise admission process to ensure they met the criteria for the flagship initiative.
Divided into two tracks, the program caters to different learning needs. The tourism track equips 25 students, tourists and visitors with practical skills to navigate real-life scenarios in Arabic while exploring Saudi culture through field visits and training.
The cultural track targets university students and language center participants, enhancing their linguistic proficiency in a comprehensive learning environment.
The program follows the “Cultural Arabic” and “Touristic Arabic” courses, based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages at the B1 level. This enables participants to communicate effectively in Arabic across various contexts.
Using a communicative approach, the institute integrates grammar and syntax within skill-based, interactive activities. Learning is supported by group work, audio-visual material and reading resources.
Structured around an advanced curriculum, the program combines classroom lessons with cultural activities, such as hosting experiences with Saudi families, national celebrations like Founding Day and National Day, and weekly cultural trips.
