The importance of language learning is now being more recognized in education policies. And the importance of Arabic as the 5th most spoken language in the world is also being recognized. Yet Arabic language is not a mainstream offering and, therefore, not a realistic option for students in primary and secondary schools outside of the Arab world.

The goal of this symposium is to bring partners and potential partners together to network, share, and to better understand the current context and players; identify synergies; and articulate opportunities for collaboration and growth. Over two days, with approximately 40 policy makers, academics, and practitioners from the language education and Arabic fields, this symposium will allow for structured dialogue on key issues and examine the practice and needs of teaching Arabic as a modern foreign language in schools.

QFI has operated for over 10 years primarily in North America and the United Kingdom. More recently, QFI has entered Europe with programming in Germany and Italy but is still a relatively new player in this region. Leveraging QFI’s experience working with the various aspects of the teaching and learning of Arabic, this first symposium brings together key stakeholders across Europe and the United Kingdom who are working on Arabic, or languages.