About the Prince Alwaleed award
The Prince Alwaleed Award can be used for one of two primary purposes:
- Study of Arabic at an Institution in Arabic-speaking Countries: An immersive environment invaluable for language acquisition, providing students with the chance to practice their language skills in real-life situations, engage with native speakers, and gain a deeper understanding of the cultural nuances that cannot be fully grasped in a classroom setting.
- Travel to the MENA Region for Dissertation Research: This funding enables students to gather primary data, access resources that are not available outside the region, and conduct interviews or fieldwork that are critical for their research projects. This hands-on experience is crucial for producing high-quality, original research that contributes to the academic field of Arab and Islamic Studies.
The Prince Alwaleed Award provides Exeter students with a range of benefits to aid them in both their academic experience at university and further afield:
- Enhanced Language Skills: Immersive experiences are among the most effective methods for language learning. By using the award to spend time in Arabic-speaking environments, students can practice and refine their Arabic language skills, achieving a higher level of proficiency that can greatly benefit their future careers.
- Cultural Competence: Living and studying in Arabic-speaking countries assists students in developing a deeper cultural awareness and global sensitivity. This experience is invaluable for those who aspire to work in international fields such as diplomacy, international business, or global non-profit organisations.
- Research Opportunities: For those conducting research, the ability to travel to the MENA region and access local resources is invaluable - this is a reflection of the University of Exeter’s standards of excellence, with 94% of our research recognised as having international impact and 60% with world-leading impact.
- Professional Development: The experiences and skills gained through this award greatly enhance a student’s resumé and make them more competitive in the graduate job market. Employers greatly value the kind of international experience and language proficiency that recipients of the Prince Alwaleed Award can demonstrate.
Recommended Institutions and Language Schools
Drawing on the extensive travel and study experiences of IAIS students, we have compiled recommendations for language schools and institutions across the MENA region. These recommendations are based on years of firsthand experience, ensuring high-quality education and a supportive environment for foreign students.
Bahrain
- Berlitz Language Center – Manama
- Eton Institute – Manama
- Teach Bahrain – Manama
Egypt
- Ahlan Egypt - Alexandria and Cairo
- Arabeya Arabic Language Center - Cairo and Giza
- Kalimat Language & Cultural Center – Cairo
Jordan
- Qasid Arabic Institute – Amman
- Ali Baba International Center – Amman
- Sijal Institute for Arabic Language and Culture – Amman
- Modern Language Center – Amman
Lebanon
- Saifi Institute for Arabic Language – Beirut
- American University of Beirut (AUB) Arabic Program –Beirut
- Lebanese American University (LAU) Arabic Program – Beirut
- Institut Français du Liban – Beirut
Morocco
- Qalam wa Lawh Center – Rabat
- Al Akhawayn University Arabic Language Institute – Ifrane
- Arabic Language Institute in Fez (ALIF) – Fez
- American Language Center – Rabat
Oman
- Sultan Qaboos College for Teaching Arabic to Non-Native Speakers – Manah
- Noor Majan Arabic Institute – Muscat
Qatar
- Doha Institute for Graduate Studies – Doha
- Georgetown University in Qatar Arabic Program – Doha
- Hamad Bin Khalifa University – Doha
Saudi Arabia
- King Saud University Arabic Language Institute – Riyadh
- Arabic Language Institute for Non-Native Speakers (ALI) at Umm Al-Qura University – Mecca
- King Abdulaziz University Arabic Language Institute – Jeddah
- Arabic Language Academy in Riyadh – Riyadh
Tunisia
- Institut Bourguiba des Langues Vivantes – Tunis
- Taa Marbouta – Tunis
- Institut Français de Tunisie – Tunis
United Arab Emirates
- Eton Institute – Dubai
- Abu Dhabi Language Centre – Abu Dhabi
- American University of Sharjah – Sharjah
- Berlitz Language Center Khalidiya - Abu Dhabi
