Status
Research Completed
Qatar Foundation International (QFI), in collaboration with the Institute of International Education (IIE), has published Mapping Arabic Language Education: A Global Landscape Study of Policy and Practice, the global report of the Study of Arabic Language Programs (SALP).
The report provides one of the first cross national examinations of how Arabic is taught, supported, and implemented across non- Arab geographies. By bringing together comparable research across multiple countries, it addresses a longstanding gap in the field and offers new insight into the realities shaping Arabic language learning around the world.
The study examines Arabic language education in six countries: Canada, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Drawing on qualitative and quantitative data, it explores how programs are structured, how Arabic is taught to school- aged learners, what pathways exist for teacher preparation, and how national policies and local conditions shape access and implementation.
Launched in October 2024 and published in June 2026, SALP was developed through country level research teams and a comparative global research process led by IIE in collaboration with consortium partners. The study documents both promising practices and persistent challenges across different education systems.
Its findings offer resources for educators, researchers, program leaders, and policymakers working to improve Arabic language education. The report can help inform decisions about program development, curriculum planning, teacher preparation, research priorities, and policy approaches that support more accessible and sustainable Arabic language learning.
By mapping the current landscape and identifying areas for future action, the report helps build a stronger foundation for Arabic language education globally. It points to the importance of continued investment in research, educator support, institutional partnerships, and data collection to help the field grow over time.