Explore Programs in Africa & the Middle East

UArizona programs in Africa and the Middle East allow you to travel to some of the most fascinating locations and immerse yourself in cultures as varied as the landscape. From the deserts of Namibia to the cultural centers of Amman (Jordan) or Meknes (Morocco), from the laid-back metropolis of Gaborone to the furthest reaches of the map, 1,500 miles off the southeast coast of Africa, in Mauritius, there is much to see and study in Africa and the Middle East.

Program Types

Arizona Abroad Locations
Students study abroad at UA locations at partner universities across the world and pay their regular UA tuition. Participants are also registered and billed for international health insurance. Students can choose from a variety of courses at each destination including those taught by on-site UA faculty, partner university courses, and UA i-courses.

Faculty-Led
Programs organized and/or taught by UA professors and staff. Students take classes with other UA students. Participants earn direct UA credit, which means grades received are calculated into the UA GPA. Participants are billed for UA tuition, international health insurance, and a program fee for logistical expenses.

Exchange
Students attend one of UA's partner institutions abroad for a semester or academic year and attend classes with a mix of local and international students. Participants pay the equivalent of UA tuition and earn transfer credit, which does not affect the UA GPA. Participants are also registered and billed for international health insurance. Please note: space is limited on some exchanges, so apply early!

Africa & Middle East Program Search

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Program Name Keyword Search

Gaborone, Botswana

University of Botswana
University of Botswana

Gaborone, Botswana

The University of Botswana (UB) is closely involved in the national development process of Botswana and maintains a rich history of high academic standards and social progressivism. Students on this exchange study with local students on the roughly 15,000 student UB campus. Classes are offered in English across all academic disciplines. Listen to a UA student talking about her experience at the University of Botswana.

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Advising

Program Type: Exchange

Credit Type: Transfer Credit

Level of Study: Graduate, Undergraduate

Minimum GPA: 2.7

Eligibility: Sophomore, Junior, Senior, UA Students

Language of Instruction: English

Coordinator: Amy Chenail
Cairo, Egypt

American University in Cairo
American University in Cairo

Cairo, Egypt

The American University in Cairo is an English language university located just outside of Cairo, the Egyptian capital. UA students on this exchange take classes across disciplines alongside their Egyptian counterparts. Arabic is also available, either as part of a regular class schedule or intensively through the Arabic Language Institute.

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Program Type: Exchange

Credit Type: Transfer Credit

Level of Study: Graduate, Undergraduate

Minimum GPA: 2.5

Eligibility: Sophomore, Junior, Senior, Graduate, UA Students

Language of Instruction: English, Arabic

Coordinator: Amy Chenail
Cairo, Egypt

Arizona in Egypt
Arizona in Egypt

Cairo, Egypt

Egypt's Role in Middle Eastern and Global Contexts

Dates: May 22 - July 8, 2022

This study abroad program explores the cultural, social, intellectual, and political role of Egypt in its regional and global contexts from an interdisciplinary perspective. Using systemic reasoning as a pedagogical method, the students will be taught courses that show the political, social, economic, demographic, and geopolitical connections that have enhanced, but meanwhile undermined, the role of Cairo in regional and global contexts. Students will develop sophisticated understanding of the interconnections between/among concepts such as intellectual thought, identity formation and nationalism, religious diversity, and regional and global politics. Leading scholars from the Al-Azhar University, American University in Cairo, Cairo University, and Ain Shams University will offer students unique classroom experiences that will be aligned with extracurricular enhancements. Also, the program enhances Arabic language proficiency. The learners will be taught Standard Arabic and Egyptian dialect, the most intelligible dialect in the MENA region. This language portion of the program will be a window to understanding contemporary Egyptian culture through language.

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Program Type: UA Faculty-led

Credit Type: UA Direct Credit

Level of Study: Undergraduate

Minimum GPA: 2.5

Eligibility: Junior, Senior, Sophomore, UA and Non-UA Students

Language of Instruction: Arabic, English

Coordinator: Amy Chenail
Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Israel

Arizona in Israel
Arizona in Israel

Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Israel

Imagine spending a month in one of the most fascinating parts of the world, surrounded by thousands of years of history, where ancient and modern coexist in the meeting-place of three of the world's great religious traditions. Time will be split between Jerusalem, one of the most visited cities in the world, and Tel Aviv, a thriving, diverse metropolis. Earn up to 6 credits, including at least 1 UofA Tier II/Gen Ed course.

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Program Type: UA Faculty-led

Credit Type: UA Direct Credit

Level of Study: Undergraduate

Minimum GPA: 2.75

Eligibility: Junior, Senior, Sophomore, UA and Non-UA Students

Language of Instruction: English

Coordinator: Amy Chenail
Amman, Jordan

Arizona Arabic Flagship - Summer Intensive
Arizona Arabic Flagship - Summer Intensive

Amman, Jordan

The Arizona Arabic Flagship Program guides undergraduate students from diverse majors to professional Arabic fluency (ACTFL Superior, ILR 3). The program’s individualized learning pathways and study plans allow students to rapidly progress in their years of Arabic study at the University of Arizona. All Flagship students are required to complete a Flagship Capstone year of overseas intensive study administered by the American Councils for International Education.

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Advising

Program Type: Other

Credit Type: UA Direct Credit

Level of Study: Undergraduate

Minimum GPA: 3.0

Eligibility: Junior, Senior, UA Students

Language of Instruction: Arabic

Coordinator: Amy Chenail
Amman, Jordan

Arizona in Jordan
Arizona in Jordan

Amman, Jordan

*Available 2023, updates coming soon!*

The Arizona in Jordan program is an eight-week summer program based in the Jordanian capital of Amman, a Middle Eastern metropolis bustling with cafés, restaurants, shops, and nightlife. Amman is a hub of Arab life and along with its cosmopolitan atmosphere it makes for an ideal location to experience Arabic-language and Middle Eastern studies immersion.

(Please note: the application link below is for the Center for Middle Eastern Studies program run in collaboration with the School of Middle Eastern and North African Studies. This application link is not for the UA Arabic Flagship program).

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Program Type: UA Faculty-led

Credit Type:

Level of Study: Graduate, Undergraduate

Minimum GPA: 2.5

Eligibility: Graduate, Junior, Senior, Sophomore, UA and Non-UA Students

Language of Instruction: Arabic, English

Coordinator: Amy Chenail
Meknes, Morocco

Arizona Arabic Flagship - Capstone Overseas
Arizona Arabic Flagship - Capstone Overseas

Meknes, Morocco

The Arizona Arabic Flagship Program guides undergraduate students from diverse majors to professional Arabic fluency (ACTFL Superior, ILR 3). The program’s individualized learning pathways and study plans allow students to rapidly progress in their years of Arabic study at the University of Arizona. All Flagship students are required to complete a Flagship Capstone year of overseas intensive study administered by the American Councils for International Education. The Capstone year includes a summer session and two semesters of study. Through immersion in a native-speaking environment, the Flagship Capstone year provides a life-changing experience to Flagship scholars and helps Flagship students reach professional language fluency.

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Advising

Program Type: Other

Credit Type: UA Direct Credit

Level of Study: Undergraduate

Minimum GPA: 3.0

Eligibility: Junior, Senior, UA and Non-UA Students

Language of Instruction: Arabic

Coordinator: Amy Chenail
Meknes, Morocco

Project GO in Morocco
Project GO in Morocco

Meknes, Morocco

Project GO is a nationwide program providing training in selected strategic languages for ROTC students at 18 universities in the United States. The University of Arizona is proudly one of the few to provide Arabic language and culture training, and the only member institution to offer Project GO Advanced for Arabic language training. Project GO is coordinated by the School of Middle Eastern North African Studies (MENAS) and draws upon this department's expertise. MENAS cooperates with the leadership of each ROTC service branch represented at UA, to include the Army, Air Force, and Naval ROTC programs. Project GO accepts applications from all members of UA's ROTC community and beyond.

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Advising

Program Type: Other

Credit Type: UA Direct Credit

Level of Study: Graduate, Undergraduate

Minimum GPA: Varies

Eligibility: Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior, UA and Non-UA Students

Language of Instruction: Arabic, English

Coordinator: Amy Chenail
Multi-city, Multi-country

Doing Business In and With Africa
Doing Business In and With Africa

Multi-city, Multi-country

Immerse yourself in the rich and vibrant cultures of Botswana and South Africa while learning about one of the world's largest emerging markets! Students will have opportunities to meet with and learn from government officials, stock market representatives, and local faculty. In addition, students will practice building and using the cultural competency skills that are crucial to successfully navigating the increasingly interconnected world of business.

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Advising

Program Type: UA Faculty-led

Credit Type: UA Direct Credit

Level of Study: Graduate, Undergraduate

Minimum GPA: 2.5

Eligibility: Freshman, Graduate, Junior, Senior, Sophomore, UA and Non-UA Students

Language of Instruction: English

Coordinator: Amy Chenail
Multi-city, Namibia

Desert Ecology and Conservation Biology
Desert Ecology and Conservation Biology

Multi-city, Namibia

This program provides an opportunity to conduct hands-on field experience while learning about different ecosystems, their conservation status and management options within the Namibian context. Students experience Namibia’s extraordinary natural beauty by visiting field research stations, reserves, national parks and conservation organizations.

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Advising

Program Type: UA Faculty-led

Credit Type: UA Direct Credit

Level of Study: Graduate, Undergraduate

Minimum GPA: 2.5

Eligibility: Freshman, Graduate, Junior, Senior, Sophomore, UA and Non-UA Students

Language of Instruction: English

Coordinator: Amy Chenail
Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Tanzania

Critical Issues in Global Health and Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WaSH)
Critical Issues in Global Health and Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WaSH)

Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Tanzania

*Available 2022, updates coming soon!*

The Critical Issues in Global Health and Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WaSH) program provides an opportunity for students to learn about global health issues within the context of a developing country. This course will prepare students to work in developing countries especially in limited-resource settings in the field of health and water, sanitation and hygiene (WaSH). This course describes WaSH approaches for adoption of long-term behavior change to address global health challenges and explores low-cost technologies to improve access to WaSH. The program includes 5 weeks of lectures, field research, service learning opportunities and rotations in healthcare districts on the mainland and the big island of Zanzibar, Tanzania.

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Advising

Program Type: UA Faculty-led

Credit Type: UA Direct Credit

Level of Study: Graduate, Undergraduate

Minimum GPA: 2.75

Eligibility: Graduate, Junior, Senior, Sophomore, UA and Non-UA Students

Language of Instruction: English

Coordinator: Amy Chenail
Istanbul, Turkey

Arizona in Turkey
Arizona in Turkey

Istanbul, Turkey

Turkish language and cultural experience.

Dates: June - August 2022 (exact dates tbd)

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Advising

Program Type: UA Faculty-led

Credit Type: UA Direct Credit

Level of Study: Graduate, Undergraduate

Minimum GPA: 2.5

Eligibility: Junior, Senior, Sophomore, UA and Non-UA Students

Language of Instruction: English, Turkish

Coordinator: Amy Chenail
Istanbul, Turkey

Boğaziçi University
Boğaziçi University

Istanbul, Turkey

Boğaziçi University is one of the most respected public universities in Turkey. Its beautiful, park-like campus is located on a hill overlooking the Bosphorus Strait, or Boğaziçi in Turkish, giving the university its name. All classes are offered in English and students study alongside their Turkish counterparts in every class. Check out this video to get a glimpse of how your day might look like studying at Boğaziçi University.

More Information

Advising

Program Type: Exchange

Credit Type: Transfer Credit

Level of Study: Undergraduate

Minimum GPA: 2.75

Eligibility: Sophomore, Junior, Senior, UA Students

Language of Instruction: English

Coordinator: Amy Chenail

Africa & Middle East Program Search

Advanced options

Program Name Keyword Search

Gaborone, Botswana

University of Botswana
Cairo, Egypt

American University in Cairo
Cairo, Egypt

Arizona in Egypt
Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Israel

Arizona in Israel
Amman, Jordan

Arizona Arabic Flagship - Summer Intensive
Amman, Jordan

Arizona in Jordan
Meknes, Morocco

Arizona Arabic Flagship - Capstone Overseas
Meknes, Morocco

Project GO in Morocco
Multi-city, Multi-country

Doing Business In and With Africa
Multi-city, Namibia

Desert Ecology and Conservation Biology
Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Tanzania

Critical Issues in Global Health and Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WaSH)
Istanbul, Turkey

Arizona in Turkey
Istanbul, Turkey

Boğaziçi University

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Study Abroad Students

"As an art student, I wanted to be in a city that was surrounded by art and there is no better place for this than Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance."

Anna Petronella

Santa Reparata International School of Art

Florence, Italy

"Study abroad helped me identify my deepest passions in the field of Latin American Studies – urban development and environmental protection – and develop the application of photography to these subjects."

Bryn Sharp

Arizona in Viña del Mar

Viña del Mar, Chile

"If there's a program that really speaks to you, do it! Traveling abroad gives you a greater sense of your place in the world."

Christy Fierros

Climate Justice

Longo Mai, Costa Rica

"I chose the Research in Munich study abroad program because it had a great balance of traveling throughout Europe and gaining technical knowledge and experience in the engineering field."

Edward Monteverde Jr.

Research in Munich

Munich, Germany

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What is amAZing about Africa and the Middle East?

Only 28 miles wide and 40 miles long, Mauritius is packed with diverse culture, crystal waters, and spellbinding waterfalls; it’s no wonder Mark Twain fell in love with this tiny island nation!
Want to explore one of the oldest deserts in the world? You can achieve this in Namibia while viewing amazing wildlife, like elephants and rhinos, and the largest population of cheetahs in the world!
Learn Arabic in Morocco while enjoying amazing food such as couscous – the national dish - and tagine. Or visit Jordan for mansaf, a traditional dish of the nomadic tribes.
Tanzania is home to the tallest mountain in Africa – Mount Kilimanjaro – and national parks make up nearly 30% of the country.
The world-famous Okavango Delta is home to an amazing amount of wildlife, just one of the many reasons to visit Botswana, where the largest elephant population in the word roams.

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