Foreign students discover Lebanese life and culture through SINARCSummer institute provides participants with unforgettable experienceBy Leila Diab Special to The Daily StarFriday, August 05, 2005
BEIRUT: For foreign students interested in Arabic language and Lebanese culture, participating in the Summer Institute for Intensive Arabic Language and Culture (SINARC) program has proved an unforgettable experience. According to the institute's director, Dr. Mimi Milki Jeha, SINARC is a six-week intensive language and culture program that allows students to completely immerse themselves in the life and culture of Lebanon.
The schedule includes morning classes in Modern Standard Arabic as well as afternoon classes in Lebanese dialect. Students also have opportunities to attend lectures about Lebanese politics, the Arab-Israeli conflict, Arab feminism, and other relevant topics. The program operates under the auspices of the Lebanese American University.
Outside of class, SINARC coordinates weekend trips to Syria and the cedars. Shorter excursions to Byblos, Beiteddine and Sidon are also part of the program.
"When they leave, the students will have hiked the highest mountains, swum in the deepest seas, gone as far east as Palmyra - and will leave here speaking Arabic fluently" said Jeha.
While 120 students were initially admitted to the program, 55 opted to enroll this year, while the remainder deferred - many citing security concerns.
This summer's participants have been grouped into six classes divided into beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. Many participants come from the most prestigious universities in the U.S., including Duke, Princeton and Harvard. There are also Europeans, Iranians and Canadians of all ages and professions.
On campus, the atmosphere among students and teachers is one of respect and camaraderie. Brigitte Rosas, who lives in Greece, said her teacher, "Professor Bazzi, gave us the taste to learn and continue Arabic."
The instructors seemed to share the same sentiment. Wafaa Kays, who teaches the advanced class, explained how rewarding it has been to see students come to class on their own initiative, without the pressure, and show genuine interest in the language.
Although most students spoke highly of their overall experience, some foreigners pointed out the drawbacks of being a stranger among the Lebanese.
Hafeez Dhalla, a Canadian student of Indian descent who attends Duke University in the U.S., said: "I almost don't feel welcome in most of the places we go." He explained that due to his darker complexion, when he and other students go out, Lebanese approach him assuming that he is a service employee. Dhalla also noted that people's stares sometimes made him uncomfortable.
Nevertheless, for the most part the students felt that they had truly benefited from the program, and many did not want to leave.
"This fabulous program helped me make my decision to study in Lebanon," said German student Tamar Neuwirth from the beginner's class. She is now enrolled to study psychology at AUB.