Frequently Asked Questions
What is CASA?
The Center for Arabic Study Abroad is an intensive advanced level Arabic program held at its two locations at the American University in Cairo, Egypt and at the University of Damascus, Syria. It is represented by a Consortium of 35 universities and colleges in the U.S.
What programs does CASA offer?
Who is eligible to apply?
Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Applicants for the CASA I summer and full year programs may be graduate students, upper level undergraduate students or between academic degree programs.
How many years of formal Arabic instruction are required prior to applying for the CASA program?
Applicants should complete at least 3 years of formal instruction in Arabic prior to applying to the CASA program.
Does CASA offer beginning or intermediate level courses?
CASA only offers advanced level coursework. It does NOT offer beginning or intermediate level courses in Arabic.
How many hours per week are required in the classroom and for related activities?
Fellows have approximately 20 contact hours per week in the classroom setting. Fellows are expected to devote an additional 25 to 30 hours outside of class for homework and studying.
How do I obtain an application?
Application forms are available on the CASA website, updated each September.
When are applications due?
Applications for the 2010-2011 academic year are due January 8, 2010.
Can my recommender send in a letter via email?
We prefer to receive hard copies of letters via mail but realize that this is not always possible. If a recommender needs to send in a letter via email, the letter must be sent from the recommender's email address.
Can my recommendation letters and transcripts be sent directly to your office?
Yes, letters of recommendation and transcripts may be sent directly to the CASA office. If you are sending separate items, make sure your name is written somewhere.
Will I get a confirmation that my application was received and is complete?
Unfortunately, we do not have the resources to let applicants know that their applications were received. You are welcome to check on your items via email and we will do our best to help verify what we have received. Please be patient as we receive many applications and questions during application season. If the CASA office has time, it will do its best to send an email regarding missing items.
Can you arrange a proctor for me?
It is the responsibility of the applicant to secure a suitable proctor. Please see Proctor & Reference Information for more details.
When is the selection exam?
The selection exam for the 2010-2011 academic year will be administered at various locations around the U.S. and abroad on February 5, 2010. Please note, it is your responsibility to know the date of the exam and to be in contact with your proctor in regards to any details.
When is the oral interview?
For the 2010-2011 academic year, oral interviews will be conducted by telephone after fellows are selected.
When are fellowship decisions announced?
Notifications are sent via email in mid-March.
What factors are considered in the selection process?
The selection committee considers a variety of factors in the decision-making process including but not limited to:
- statement of purpose
- letters of reference
- grades from transcripts
- score on written exam.
How many people applied to CASA last year?
CASA received approximately 162 applications for the 2009-2010 academic year.
How many people were selected for CASA last year?
For the 2009-2010 academic year, CASA offered: 39 full-year fellowships, 5 summer-only fellowships, 4 CASA II fellowships, and 5 CASA III fellowships.
What does the fellowship provide?
CASA fellowships pay: tuition for courses, a modest monthly stipend, roundtrip airfare, and program-sponsored tours and trips.
What expenses do fellows have to pay?
Fellows are expected to pay a program fee, housing costs, living expenses, medical insurance premiums, and costs for passport, visa, HIV test, etc.
What is CASA's source of funding?
CASA is primarily funded by the U.S. Department of Education with additional funding from a variety of other sources.
Can other sources of funding be used in support of CASA studies?
Fellows may use Fulbright, FLAS, NFLI and other kinds of funding for their CASA studies.
