Arabic Flagship Program
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I eligible to apply?
To be eligible, you must be a full time UT student in good standing, with some experience of studying Arabic.
You must be a US citizen or permanent resident.
I am not a UT student, can I still apply?
You must be accepted for admission to UT to be eligible for our program. If you are a transfer student, you must first gain UT acceptance. The AFP recruits students three times annually, so you will be able to apply once you have started your studies here.
What level of funding can I expect?
During the academic year, students are fully funded for any Arabic Language courses they take, and any courses they take which are taught in Arabic.
For study abroad, the AFP will provide flights, a modest living stipend, and full tuition for the summer program and the full year program you do in Alexandria, Egypt.
How good does my Arabic have to be?
You may be at any level of Arabic, provided that you have studied it or are enrolled in first year Arabic.
I am graduating within a year, am I still eligible?
We expect a commitment of between 3 and 5 years. You must be able to reach Superior level Arabic, which takes approximately 5 years. For this reason, a senior in first year Arabic would not be a good match for our program.
Do I have to be a Middle Eastern Studies or Arabic major?
No, the AFP accepts students from any major and is particularly interested in applicants that come from other disciplines such as business, engineering, journalism, natural sciences, and social sciences.
I am a graduate student, am I eligible?
No, the AFP is aimed at undergraduate students. As a graduate student you should look for funding such as the FLAS, TAships, and UT Graduate Fellowships are available for graduate students. For more information on available graduate funding, please see this website: http://www.utexas.edu/cola/depts/mes/arabic/financial_aid/
Can I study abroad with the Arabic Flagship Program?
If you are in the program, and are at the appropriate level (Intermediate-High minimum), yes you are eligible. If you are at a lower level or not an Arabic Flagship fellow, you are not eligible but you can enroll in the UT Arabic intensive summer program.
Do I have to study abroad if I am in the program?
Yes, it is expected that students commit to one summer and one full year abroad as part of the program. If you are not able to meet this requirement, this program is not the best match for you.
I am a native speaker of Arabic, am I eligible to apply?
It depends on your level of proficiency in Arabic. If you speak and read Arabic fluently and are already at or above the Superior level, this is not the best match for you. However, if your level is in the Intermediate to Advanced range of proficiency, you are welcome to apply.
Is there an after graduation service requirement?
No. AFP students do not have a service commitment on graduation, although there are many government opportunities available to our graduates.
How can I apply to the Arabic Flagship Program?
Download the application form from http://www.utexas.edu/cola/depts/mes/arabic_flagship/admissions/. Complete it, and then deliver it, with your complete UT transcripts and your teacher recommendation to:
Chelsea Sypher, AFP Program Coordinator
University of Texas at Austin
1 University Station, F9400
Austin, Texas, 78712-0527
Alternatively, you may hand-deliver it to reception, West Mall Building, Sixth Floor.
Who can I contact for more information?
Please call Chelsea Sypher at (512) 471 3283 or email utflagship@austin.utexas.edu with any further queries.