Documentos de Académico
Documentos de Profesional
Documentos de Cultura
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OTHER OFFERINGS
Supplementary Courses
In addition to the abovementioned core track programs, other skill-specific courses,
including (but not limited to) Arabic for Diplomats, Tajweed (recitation), Newspaper Reading,
Calligraphy, Grammar Intensive, Vocabulary of the Qur'an, and Arabic Poetry are available
at extra cost, subject to demand. Private Tutoring is also an opportunity that many students
take advantage of in order to advance and refine their skills while they're here.
Ammiya
As a popular complement to our core programs, Ammiya (Levantine | Jordanian Dialect)
classes are offered in the evenings. This supplementary course is crafted to help students
master local, everyday language usage, so that they feel better integrated into their regional
surroundings, living and working among native Arab speakers in any setting. Ammiya is a
recognized as a necessary facet of any students progression towards that coveted, native-like
language proficiency.
If you are interested in this course, you may send an email query to Student Services at
info@qasid.com to receive information about the next available class. Or, you can visit our
website feature article which has more details as well. Registration is usually open during the
first couple of weeks of each term. And, on average, classes meet twice a week for six weeks
during the fall, winter, and spring quarters, and three times a week for four weeks in the
more compressed, summer term.
Advanced Course Modules
Students who have achieved a higher level of fluency and want a deeper exploration of the
language, to learn how to teach Arabic, or to focus on using their language skills to unlock,
review, and translate texts, will also find a home at Qasid. Advanced instruction modules are
custom designed and are subject to demand. Among the most popular are Historical
Readings, Teaching Arabic Grammar and Morphology to non-Native Speakers, and
Advanced Classical Texts.
CLASS FORMAT
Each core program class meets for four teaching-hours per day (one teaching hour being 50
minutes), five days per week, over a period of nine weeks during the summer quarter, and
three teaching-hours per day, five days per week over the course of twelve weeks during the
fall, winter, and spring quarters. English is the predominant language of instruction for both
MSA and Classical Level 1 lessons and in mid level, Classical grammar courses. While Arabic
itself or a mix of English and Arabic are used throughout other Qasid curricula. Classes are
conducted in a comfortable, institute setting with students seated along custom-made, Ushaped tables that are ideal for collaborative discussion. Every student, whether in Level 1 or
5, is encouraged and expected to actively participate in class, which promotes our programs
emphasis on developing a student's ability to converse in Arabic.
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ADMINISTRATION
Qasid's administration takes a proactive role in the academic development of each student in
three main ways:
1. Skills assessment and class placement exam (described below); and
2. Open-door meeting policy with faculty and staff. These meetings are an opportunity to
regularly "check in", specifically with the Student Services Director, throughout the term to
assure that individual issues are resolved and course objectives are being realized; and
3. A full-throttle evaluation of the course, staff, and administration, addressing all aspects of
life at Qasid, both inside and outside of the classroom. Qasid prides itself on cultivating a
360-degree review culture. And accordingly, the staff spend several days pouring over these
evaluations, and developing specific plans to address common and highlighted concerns in a
timely manner.
TUITION
Youll likely find Qasid considerably less expensive than most European and North
American university-based Arabic programs, while also being among the more costly of
Mideast-based institutes. The underlying reasons for this latter circumstance are two-fold:
first, maintaining higher quality (teachers, curriculum, administration) requires a higher
operating budget, and second, rather than nickel & diming students (such as touting a low
tuition price, but then charging extra for numerous essential services), Qasid instead offers a
comprehensive tuition package, which includes the following:
Student registration;
Modern Standard Arabic and|or Classical Arabic courses
All instructional materials for MSA Levels 4 and 5, and Classical Arabic Levels 1 to 5
(Textbooks for MSA Levels 1 to 3 are not included in the tuition because those texts
are not regularly available in Jordan and will cost less in your home country);
Complementary airport welcome and Qasid shuttle service from the airport to the
student's place of accommodation, and return ride to the airport from their Amman
residence for their outbound flight from Jordan;
Orientation outing to heritage sites in scenic Northern Jordan;
Facilitating travel visa extensions from a 30-day visitor pass to a 3-month visa (US,
Canadian, and European passport holders), and then renewals up to six months;
Complimentary use of our wireless, Wi-Fi internet network and terminals on
campus. Students are also invited to bring their own Wi-Fi-ready laptop.
Further, details about tuition costs, payments, deadlines, refunds, and discounts for core
track courses and supplementary courses, can be found within the Pricing and Payments
document on Qasids website under the Admissions menu. For the latest information on
scholarships and financial aid opportunities, please visit Qasids website or contact
Admissions directly at admissions@qasid.com.
ACADEMIC PLACEMENT
Predicating their actual entry to a course, admitted students who are either entirely new to
Qasid or who are returning after a hiatus of more than one year are required to take:
Copyright 2014 Qasid Arabic Institute . Academic Program Information . 2014 Nov 09 . Page 4 of 6
1. A written entrance exam (which takes approximately 2 to 3 hours for mid to advanced
students, and far less time for beginning students); and
2. An oral interview with instructors.
For new students, the combination of the two, abovementioned evaluations will be the
determining factor in their course level placement. While for students returning after a leave
of a year or more, their past performance with Qasid and their experience with Arabic since
their previous enrollment will be taken into account as well. Those alumni coming back to
the institute after being gone one year or less are not required to take a placement exam, and
will instead be placed in the course level relative to their past performance at Qasid.
COURSE ADVANCEMENT
Grading Metric
Qasid quantifies student progress as a numeric grade percentage rather than using a
conventional, letter-grading scale. This provides a clear communication of student acuity
with a particular Qasid course level, while also accommodating interpretation into alternate
grading systems in use by other institutions when transferring academic credit.
Given the intensive nature of Qasids core program, we have consistently found that a high
level of functional proficiency is required for success at subsequent course levels. Thus, as a
prerequisite to advance from one course to the next, each student must have attained a
minimum grade of 70% in the prior level. It should also be noted that attendance is taken
into consideration when assessing a students final grade, per the details outlined in Qasids
Student Policy Agreement on the institutes website under the Admissions menu.
Attendance is Essential
Your success at Qasid is dependent upon many factors. And, as weve seen time and time
again, the greatest of those (and the one to which most others contribute) is your class
attendance. Taking advantage of Qasids instructional expertise is the primary reason that
youre coming to Jordan, which should make your consistent participation in the classroom a
paramount priority.
The obvious detriments of missing class sessions, in whole or in part, will not only impact
you, but will negatively affect your classmates as well. Considering Qasids intensive
curricula, even one or two absences can put you far behind. And the distraction of your
arriving late and|or leaving the classroom early slows everyones pace and disrupts the flow
of thought while you rustle about, getting yourself situated. So your promptness and regular
presence then become a matter of responsibility and respect to your instructor, to your
peers, to the language, and to yourself.
To thus encourage your optimal attendance and promote the greatest results in advancing
your Arabic skills, weve put together a detailed list of attendance policies which can be
found in Qasids Student Policy Agreement on the institutes website under the Admissions
menu. We hope that these will motivate your learning while properly setting expectations for
both the flexibility we can provide and the commitment that we ask of you in return, in order
for you to progress. We trust that youll see the rewards for yourself and your fellow
students.
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ORIENTATION SESSION
AND
A R R I V A L |D E P A R T U R E T I M I N G
It is best not to arrive more than 2 weeks before the term commences. And we strongly
recommend that each student arrive at least a couple of days before the orientation to settle
into their new accommodations and dispense with the effects of jet lag. We also consider it
just short of mandatory that everyone arrive no later than 24 hours before the orientation
session itself to avoid distractions during their introduction to the Institute. The formal
orientation includes placement exams, a presentation about foreign study acclamation, a
discussion of institute policies, visa registration, and an engaging tour of historic sites across
Northern Jordan.
Late Arrivals
For late-arriving students, placement exams will still be given, and a shortened version of the
orientation proceedings may take place as time permits. But this will be of secondary priority
given the intensive nature of the academic schedule. Please be respectful of your colleagues
by doing your utmost to honor the time requirements and recommendations specified above.
Early Departures
Qasids course schedule attempts to align with the vacation dates of various other academic
standards primarily from the US, Canada, and the UK recognizing the university
quarter system and semester system for public and private institutions. Having said this, we
acknowledge that the schedule will nevertheless not accommodate every students needs.
And as such, we are committed to working with students who stay for 85% or more of each
term in arranging for early and take-home final exams. If you foresee the need for special
scheduling, please note this on your application so that arrangements may be discussed in
advance.
Airport Transit
For your initial arrival, Qasid can bring you from the airport to your residence at any hour,
day or night. We also can arrange a return ride to the airport for your departure flight at the
end of your stay. You may visit the Admissions menu on our website home page for the
latest application form to request our airport shuttle services.
To be eligible, if you are attending the winter, spring, or fall terms, we must receive your
itinerary confirmation within 1 week of your actual arrival date. And for the summer term,
this deadline is 2 weeks in advance. Another stipulation is that this service is only provided
between 1 week prior to the first day of orientation and 2 weeks after the last class of the
student's final term. Airport transport for intermittent trips taken during the student's
attendance at Qasid (a six month visa renewal excursion, for example) is the student's
responsibility.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Email:
Website:
Mail:
Campus:
Phone:
info@qasid.com
www.qasid.com
P.O. Box 961329 . Sport City . 11196 . Amman . Jordan
22 Queen Rania Street . Amman . Jordan
+962 6 515 4364 or within Jordan 06 515 4364
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P ROGRAM D ATES
OVERVIEW
Qasid runs three concurrent curricula year-round:
Core Programs
Private Tutoring
Diplomat | Corporate | Group Studies
CORE PROGRAMS
Each term consists of 165 to 174 hours. Fall, winter, and spring quarters are 11 to 12 weeks
in length (2.5 teaching hours per day), while the summer term is 9 weeks (3.3 teaching hours
per day). Each of the core, Modern Standard Arabic and Classical Arabic classes are offered
during each of these four terms, while advanced and supplementary courses are available
subject to demand. Our most current academic schedule is outlined as follows:
2014 Fall
Orientation: 2014 Sep 01 to 04
Classes: 2014 Sep 07 to Dec 09
2015 Winter
Orientation: 2014 Dec 29 to 31
Classes: 2015 Jan 04 to Mar 17
2015 Spring
Orientation: 2015 Mar 21 to 23
Classes: 2015 Mar 24 to Jun 08
2015 Summer
Orientation: 2015 Jun 14 to 17
Classes: 2015 Jun 18 to Aug 20
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PRIVATE TUTORING
Though Qasid's year-round academic schedule was created to complement those of US
universities, we recognize that the timing will nevertheless be less than ideal for busy
professionals and students whose university schedules don't coincide with ours. Some will
want more a more intensive concentration of hours, while others may want a complete
emphasis on either the sciences or skills; for this reason we offer private tutoring.
Private tutoring is offered year-round on a by-request basis. Tuition rate per teaching hour
ranges between $30 to $50, depending on the course timing and if a student partner is
involved. Please keep the following points in mind:
Private lessons may be held in the days or evenings depending upon instructor
availability
Content can follow our core program curriculum or be custom-tailored
Customized courses can focus on purely language, language applied to specific texts, or
both
Students interested in enrolling for private tutoring should complete an online
admissions application form, select "Private Tutoring", and then await a response from
the Admissions Committee
Prospective students wishing to explore this option further may review the related section of
the Pricing and Payments document, and|or email us at admission@qasid.com.
DIPLOMAT | CORPORATE | GROUP STUDIES
These customized academic programs have the same full-flexibility as the private tutoring
option described above and can start or end anytime of the year. Coinciding the start date
with one of our Core Program start dates, however, will reduce the overall tuition costs.
Prospective groups wishing to find out more should contact us at admissions@qasid.com.
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P RICING
AND
P AYMENTS
OVERVIEW
The Qasid Institute strives to provide the greatest personal and educational value through various
discounts, work|study arrangements, and a limited number of scholarship and financial aid
awards. At first glance, Qasid may appear considerably less expensive than most European and
North American university-based Arabic programs, while also being among the more costly of
Mideast-based institutes. The underlying reasons for the latter observation are two-fold: first,
maintaining higher quality (teachers, curriculum, administration) requires a higher operating
budget than regional norms, and second, rather than nickel & diming students (such as touting
a low tuition price, but then charging extra for numerous essential services), Qasid instead offers
a comprehensive tuition package, which includes the following:
Student registration;
Modern Standard Arabic and|or Classical Arabic courses;
All instructional materials for MSA Levels 4 and 5, and Classical Arabic Levels 1 to 5
(Textbooks for MSA Levels 1 to 3 are not included in the tuition because those texts are
not regularly available in Jordan and will cost less in your home country);
Complimentary airport welcome and Qasid shuttle service from the airport to the
student's place of accommodation, and return ride to the airport from their residence for
their flight home from Jordan;
Orientation outing to heritage sites in scenic Northern Jordan;
Facilitating travel visa extensions from a 30-day visitor pass to a 3-month visa (US,
Canadian, and European passport holders), and then renewals up to six months;
Complimentary use of our wireless, wi-fi internet network and terminals. Students are
invited to bring their own wireless-enabled laptop.
Introduced initially herein then, are Qasid's base tuition rates for its core academic programs, and
a range of options for receiving discounts, both of which are in effect for the 2014 winter quarter
onward. Because these amounts were updated on 2013 Jul 24, all students who applied before
this date will be held to the previous rates. The current fees for onsite Private Tutoring are
presented after the discount tables, followed by information on how deposits, payments, and
refunds are handled. The tuition for Supplementary Courses, Advanced Course Modules, is
generally between 150 and 200 Jordanian dinars per course, although the actual costs for these
offerings and for Diplomat|Corporate|Group Study packages do vary. So it is best to contact
Qasid Admissions for the most current information. Admissions may also be sought for further
information on work|study and scholarship or financial aid opportunities.
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CORE PROGRAMS
This section outlines the present tuition rates for Qasid's Modern Standard Arabic and Classical
Arabic core programs. And since students come to Qasid to improve their language skills (rather
than their acumen in math), weve simplified the many discount permutations into three
categories relative to whether you are applying alone or along with others.
Starting at a base rate of $2645 per term, within each category are two pricing tables meant to
provide incentives for success through ongoing studies at a personal pace. The first table
addresses the need for flexibility in fitting your Arabic studies around other obligations in life,
showing discounts for continuing with Qasid even if the time for consecutive courses is not
available at the moment. For those able to make a longer commitment, however, the secondary
tables then show additional discounts relating to successive terms that are paid collectively in
advance. Note that in either case though, when there is a hiatus taken between terms the cost for
subsequent terms will be determined by the related tuition rate currently in effect on the date that
Qasid receives your re-enrollment email request or online application.
All amounts are presented in US dollars, and the discount percentages are only intended as
convenient approximations for your reference. Actual invoice amounts for each term will be
based upon the dollar figures listed in the relative, Cost per term column. Also, pay careful
attention to the deposit, payment deadline, and refund policies below as they relate to the
eligibility for tuition discounts.
SINGLE APPLICANT
1 STUDENT
For individuals applying independently, the options are quite straight forward. The more you
study, the more you save.
Cost
per term
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
Discount
Cost savings
per term
Not applicable
Not applicable
2%
3%
4%
5%
$ 55
$ 80
$ 105
$ 130
Cost
per term
Discount
Cost savings of
terms combined
2
3
4
5
$ 2540
$ 2515
$ 2485
$ 2460
$ 5080
$ 7545
$ 9940
$ 12300
4%
5%
6%
7%
$ 210
$ 390
$ 640
$ 925
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Two to three students paying for one term at a time (Amounts shown per student)
Term
Cost
per term
Discount
Cost savings
per term
1st
$ 2515
5%
$ 130
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
$ 2515
$ 2485
$ 2485
$ 2485
5%
6%
6%
6%
$ 130
$ 160
$ 160
$ 160
Two to three students prepaying for multiple terms (Amounts shown per student)
Number
of terms
Cost
per term
Discount
Cost savings of
terms combined
2
3
4
5
$ 2485
$ 2460
$ 2435
$ 2405
$ 4970
$ 7380
$ 9740
$ 12025
6%
7%
8%
9%
$ 320
$ 555
$ 840
$ 1200
APPLICANT ENSEMBLES
4 TO 8 STUDENTS
In appreciation to those who informally bring multiple friends or colleagues together, Qasid
extends a lower tuition to ensembles of four to eight individuals applying at the same time for the
same term or terms.
It should be recognized that this offer is differentiated from groups formally coordinated by a
university faculty or administrative representative, and from diplomatic, corporate, or NGO
organizations looking for customized, multi-student programs. As mentioned in the OVERVIEW
above, these arrangements should be made by contacting Qasid for alternative tuition pricing
options, as these packages can offer additional benefits and services for their distinct patronage.
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Important note !
As with duo and trio pricing, all applicant ensemble co-applicants MUST identify themselves and
each other on their respective applications, or they will NOT be eligible for the discounted rate.
Also, see the REFUNDS AND TUITION ADJUSTMENTS section herein to learn about situations in
which the number of co-applicants changes from an original, discount agreement.
Four to eight students paying for one term at a time (Amounts shown per student)
Term
Cost
per term
Discount
Cost savings
per term
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
$ 2485
$ 2485
$ 2460
$ 2460
$ 2460
6%
6%
7%
7%
7%
$ 160
$ 160
$ 185
$ 185
$ 185
Four to eight students prepaying for multiple terms (Amounts shown per student)
Number
of terms
Cost
per term
Discount
2
3
4
5
$ 2460
$ 2435
$ 2405
$ 2380
$ 4920
$ 7305
$ 9620
$ 11900
7%
8%
9%
10%
Cost savings of
terms combined
`
$ 370
$ 630
$ 960
$ 1325
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ACADEMIC CREDIT
Students may either arrange with their respective academic departments to review their
transcripts and receive credit, or may receive standardized university credit through California
State University for Modern Standard and Classical Levels 1 through 5, (each level yielding twelve
university credits).
The transfer of credits can be facilitated for a fee of $50 USD per credit, with a four credit
minimum. To be eligible for this service, students must apply and prepay the accompanying costs
in full within the first month of their attendance. Once Qasid has submitted the transfer request
to the student's home institution, the student then follows up with the registrar there to ensure its
completion.
PRIVATE TUTORING
Personalized, one-on-one tutoring (or two-on-one for a student pair), either as its own class or as
a complement to the core programs or other Qasid courses, is available throughout the year.
Private tutoring classes must be specifically requested and spaces are very limited, so it is best to
register in advance. Those who sign up for at least 1 teaching hours per day for the entire term,
and prepay a deposit equal to 25% of the total cost for the term, may consider their class
confirmed. And for others, although we may not be able to confirm until the first week of the
term itself, you should preregister for your space if you are interested. To learn the details of how
to apply for this service, you may visit the Admissions menu on Qasid's website to review the
document titled Application Submission Instructions.
The current costs for private tutoring, given an actual "teaching-hour" of 50 minutes, are:
$40 USD per teaching-hour between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM for individuals during the
winter, spring, and fall terms
$50 USD per teaching-hour before 8:00 AM and after 4:00 PM for individuals during the
winter, spring, and fall terms, and any time of day during the summer term or in between
terms.
$60 USD per teaching-hour for a pair of students during any term at any time of day.
Scholarships, standard discounts, and refunds do not apply to this tailored service. However,
applicants may inquire about specialized Diplomat|Corporate|Group Study tutoring programs.
These curricula are custom designed to provide optimal value and relevance to each individual or
organization, and thus have rates that will vary from those listed here.
DEPOSITS
After, and only after, your core program enrollment has been accepted, it is necessary to make an
initial, non-refundable, tuition deposit of $350 USD. Students who sign up for at least 1
teaching hours of private tutoring per day for an entire term are required to send a deposit of
25% of the total cost of all requested tutoring hours for the term. The only other deposit to be
aware of is a 25 JD amount due for the Ammiya, supplementary course. Please see the section
below regarding the deadlines for remitting these payments.
Either the deposit itself OR the entire tuition amount may be paid up front. If you plan on
sending the full tuition, please contact Admissions to receive a formal invoice. Simply inform
them of how many terms you plan to attend and mention by name any other applicants with
whom you are registering, so that we can apply the proper discount rate.
Copyright 2013 Qasid Arabic Institute . Pricing and Payments . 2013 Aug 19 . Page 5 of 10
Important reminder !
Do NOT send any money prior to receiving official notification of your enrollment acceptance,
because Qasid is not obligated to refund deposits. We also advise all applicants NOT to make
any travel commitments prior to receiving their enrollment acceptance notice.
DEPOSIT AND TUITION DEADLINES
The advance payment of tuition deposits and tuition itself makes it possible for Qasid to
accurately plan and deliver the best learning experience for each student. To understand the
necessary timing of payments, and the consequences of being late, you may refer to the following
policies:
Deposit due dates
To secure their admission, new students and those returning after a hiatus of any length between
terms must remit their tuition deposits within 2 weeks after the date on their enrollment
acceptance notice. This includes tuition deposits for core program courses and private tutoring,
and is applicable to students enrolling under any type of payment agreement. The 25 JD deposit
for the Ammiya course is required prior to taking the placement exam for that course. Contact
Student Services for specific exam dates, as they differ from term to term.
Students presently attending Qasid on a one-term-at-a-time payment basis who wish to extend
their enrollment can secure their reservation for the coming term by registering and remitting
their core program tuition deposits no later than four weeks prior to the last class day of their
current term. Continuing students planning to take private tutoring in the coming term will need
to pay the related tuition in full prior to the first class session, and are not required to make a
deposit.
In accordance with our first-come first-served policy, Qasid reserves the right to give precedence
to students who meet their deposit deadlines. Failure to do so could result in the student being
put on an admissions waiting list, and possibly forfeiting their participation for that upcoming
term. The enrollment of any course lacking a fully paid deposit by one week before the first day
of Orientation will be automatically placed in this pending status.
Tuition due dates
Every course must be paid in full before the first class day of its respective term. And in order to
receive a prepay discount for multiple terms, the total payment for ALL terms must be received
in full on or before the fifth class day of the first term that is to be attended. Qasid reserves the
right to prohibit a student from attending any course for which the tuition is not paid in full.
Late payment options
If you anticipate being unable to pay your deposit and|or tuition on time, please notify
Admissions as soon as possible to make alternative arrangements. We are not opposed to making
special provisions in extenuating situations.
PAYMENT METHODS
Qasid currently accepts three forms of payment, including cash in US dollars or the equivalent in
Jordanian dinars (the current exchange rate is approximately 1 USD to .708 JOD), wire transfer,
or credit card (VISA or MasterCard). Please note that a 4% surcharge will be added to all online
credit card transactions by the payment processor, while credit card payments made in person, at
the Qasid campus in Amman, will incur a 2 % surcharge by the credit lender. The institute
also accepts MasterCard payments by phone (but is unable to do so with other cards), which will
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similarly incur this latter, credit lender service charge of 2 %. You may contact Qasid
Admissions with any other questions about credit card payments, while the protocols for
performing wire transfers are explained in full detail below.
WIRE INSTRUCTIONS
Perhaps the most common form of student payment is via electronic, or "wire", transfer between
banks. Please note that because your bank and any intermediate, corresponding bank will likely
withhold a commission for their services, you will need to send a total amount equal to the actual
deposit or tuition PLUS your estimated commission fees in order for us to receive the required
funds in full. This transaction cost can typically be anywhere from $10 to $40 per bank,
depending on the banks regulations, so contact your bank for more information. In the event
that Qasid does not receive the full amount, the remaining balance will be included in a
subsequent invoice. However, Qasid covers the fee that its own bank charges for receiving funds,
which is variable but never exceeds $5 USD. So subsequent invoices for under paid deposits will
only be issued if the amount that arrives is below $345.
In addition, once you have initiated the transfer, you must email Qasid Admissions with a
transaction, reference, or confirmation number along with name of the student(s) for whose
enrollment the funds are intended. This will allow us to verify that the deposit or tuition has
indeed reached us within the deadline. This email is especially important if the person under
whose name the transfer is made differs from your own (or the student(s) on whose behalf the
funds are being sent). We cannot guarantee that you will receive credit for the payment if we
cannot validate for whom it has been made.
Two tables are provided below, with all the information you should need to complete wire
transfers.
WIRING INFORMATION FOR SENDING US DOLLARS
Qasid's Bank
Name of Beneficiary
Account number
Name of Bank
ARABJOAX100
Reference Section
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Correspondent Bank
Correspondent Bank Name
Zurich, Switzerland
Rest assured that these tables supply far more information than what most banks need for
outgoing wire transfers. It is shared, however, for the sake of completeness. By far the most
important numbers are:
The two Swift codes (both for the Arab Bank and correspondent bank), and
Qasids account number
Your bank should be readily able to perform this transaction, regardless of which country the
transfer is initiated from. If your bank has any difficulties understanding the information we've
provided, as always, please email Qasid Admissions for assistance.
REFUNDS AND TUITION ADJUSTMENTS
Knowing that conditions occasionally arise that lead students to change their academic plans,
Qasid allows tuition refunds under certain circumstances and within certain limits. The following
policies have thus been established to balance this consideration with the need for the institute to
meet its essential operating costs and commitments.
Refunds will be issued according to one of the following methods:
Online credit card payments will be reimbursed as a credit to the card with which the
relative payment was made. Original transaction fees will not be refunded.
On site credit card payments (including those taken by phone) will be reimbursed as cash
in either US dollars or Jordanian dinars, per Qasids discretion depending on the
situation. Original transaction fees will not be refunded.
Wire transfer payments will be reimbursed through a reciprocal wire transfer, or with
cash in either US dollars or Jordanian dinars, per Qasids discretion depending on the
situation. The responsibility for related bank fees will be negotiated at Qasids discretion.
Cash payments will be reimbursed in the same cash currency with which they were
originally made, unless Qasid agrees to other arrangements.
In lieu of the monetary refunds mentioned above, a student also has the option of maintaining an
equivalent credit in their account with Qasid which may be applied towards future payments to
the institute.
Please keep in mind too, that unless otherwise noted, all students to whom a new tuition discount
rate applies due to changes in their enrollment plans will be respectively either refunded or
invoiced for the difference between the original and currently most applicable new rates. And any
refund or withdrawal scenario not described herein will be subject to review by Qasid
Admissions on a case by case basis.
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upcoming, and all subsequent terms, will be refunded, minus the $350 deposit associated with the
upcoming term.
Withdrawals from Supplementary Courses and|or Advanced Course Modules
Regarding the majority of Supplementary Courses and Advanced Course Modules other than
those mentioned below for any student who prepays and then withdraws before the first day of
class, 100% of their tuition will be refunded. However, no refunds are given once the first day of
class has commenced. Qasid will also provide a full refund for any class which is cancelled due to
the minimum quota of 4 enrolled students not being reached during registration.
As an exception to those general bounds, for all applicants to Ammiya courses, 100% of their
related tuition and deposit will be refunded if the minimum quota of 6 students is not reached
during registration. Also, if an enrolled student withdraws from an Ammiya course any time up
to and including the second day of class, they are entitled to have 100% of their tuition refunded,
minus the 25 JD deposit. Then, from the third class day onward, no refunds will be issued.
Withdrawals from Personalized Supplementary Courses
Courses which involve the dedicated scheduling of one instructor to one student necessarily
require a more exacting approach to cancellations. Thus, refunds in part or in whole for Tajwid,
Conversation Partner, and Private Tutoring courses will only be granted if the institute is notified
before the first day of classes relative to each.
Within that time limit then, students who withdraw from Tajwid or Conversation Partner courses
may receive a 100% tuition refund. While a student who withdraws from their individual, Private
Tutoring course before their first class session is entitled to a 100% tuition refund, minus the
25% deposit, if applicable.
In the case of a student pair in a Private Tutoring agreement, if one student withdraws prior to
the first day of class, the remaining students tuition will revert to the current, individual student
rate. To facilitate this when the full tuition has already been paid, Qasid will refund the
withdrawing student 50% of the total tuition, and invoice the remaining student the difference
between the two rates for the term. If one student withdraws on or after the first class session,
the withdrawing student will receive no tuition refund, and the remaining students tuition will
not be affected. Regardless of when one of two students withdraws, the matter of the deposit will
be handled on a case by case basis, relative to how the students originally shared the cost of that
payment.
Copyright 2013 Qasid Arabic Institute . Pricing and Payments . 2013 Aug 19 . Page 10 of 10
U NIVERSITY C REDIT
OVERVIEW
Qasid Arabic Institute is pleased to be distinguished by the accreditation of its courses
through the California State University at San Bernardino, CA. This applies to all five levels
of Qasids Modern Standard Arabic and Classical Arabic programs, along with all of its
Supplementary Course offerings, including Ammiya and Tajwid.
Students have the option, at the beginning of each quarter, to enroll in up to 12 credits, at a
per-credit cost which can be found in the Pricing and Payments document on our website. They
will then be registered at Qasid and Cal State (SCUSB) simultaneously. Upon successful
completion of the course, the grade will appear on the students university transcripts as
CSUSB Arabic language credit. Those interested in this opportunity should consult their
institutions registrar to ensure that credits are transferable. You may also email Qasid for
more information.
Also, a students home institution may grant them credit directly, as many universities
recognize studies completed at Qasid. Students should inquire with their registrar for more
details. Other schools may require the student to write an equivalency or proficiency exam
upon returning.
CREDIT VIA TESTING EQUIVALENCY
The vast majority of students who have completed a session at Qasid handily pass their
proficiency exams. We also advise and assist students whose goal is to test out of certain
requirements or prerequisites in one of two ways:
1. Upon successful completion of the course, we will issue a formal letter to the home
institution (university or otherwise) detailing the objectives met by the end of the course.
2. For students who have a need to cover specific areas in their core book (the now-standard
Al-Kitaab series, for example), help can be provided privately through additional tutoring,
depending on the nature of the material itself. For example, students who have finished Year
1 of al-Kitaab can take our core course and complement this with focused private tutoring
for 1 hour per day over the summer. They can then return to university in the fall, test out of
Year 2 altogether, and begin the Year 3 program, having thus saved an entire year of Arabic
study and related tuition costs.
Copyright 2013 Qasid Arabic Institute . University Credit . 2013 Nov 14 . Page 1 of 1
___________________________________________________________
a new student;
an alumni returning to the institute after more than one year, or;
an alumni returning after your recent attendance less than a year ago, or;
a current student in Amman who intends to continue into the coming term?
While reading, please keep in mind that when discussing our core programs, we are referring
to the Modern Standard Arabic and Classical Arabic curricula.
Section 4 then begins with discussions on Private Tutoring, Supplementary Courses and
Advanced Course Modules, and Diplomat|Corporate|Group Study packages. The
remainder of the document explains further details of your submission, including directions
for how to prepare and transmit all supporting materials, making deposits, expedited
applications, incomplete applications, and lastly, a few pertinent comments on your
enrollment acceptance.
All applicants, regardless of academic relationship with Qasid, should be sure to review
Section 4 to understand those important factors.
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Applicants in any situation not mentioned above should contact Qasid Admissions for
advice on handling recommendations.
Recommendation letters may be prepared by the following means:
Qasid alumni applying to re-enroll for any classes more than 1 year after their most recent
attendance at the institute should first complete the online application for Returning
Students available through the 'Apply Now' tab on Qasids website at www.qasid.com. After
submitting that form, applicants then need to forward their most current rsum|curriculum
vitae (MS Word document or PDF).
SECTION 3 | RECENT STUDENTS AND CURRENT STUDENTS
Students applying to return to Qasid less than 1 year after the end of their most recent
attendance, and those presently attending Qasid courses who intend to continue their
enrollment or add an additional course, should complete the respective, online application
for Recent Students or confirmation for Current Students or available through the 'Apply
Now' tab on Qasids website located at www.qasid.com. No supplementary information
needs to be sent.
SECTION 4 | SUBMISSION PROTOCOLS AND PARTICULARS
Private Tutoring Considerations
Personalized, one-on-one tutoring (or two-on-one for a student pair), either as a class on its
own or as a supplement to the core program, is available throughout the year. After students
receive their enrollment acceptance, those who sign up for at least 1 teaching hours per day
(given a teaching hour of 50 instructional minutes) for the entire term, must prepay a
deposit equal to a percentage of the total cost for the term. See the Pricing and Payments
document for the most current deposit amount and deadlines for its remittance. Once this is
received, students may consider their class confirmed.
A deposit is not required for those apply for fewer tutoring hours per day. And by default,
such classes may not be confirmed until the first week of the term itself. Because space is
limited though, pre registration is still advisable, in order to tentatively reserve a time slot.
Please also know that while Qasid makes every effort to cater to your preferred class timing,
depending on the circumstances of any given term, everyones ideal arrangements may not be
available. Each applicant thus agrees to comply with Qasids proposed schedule upon
acceptance.
Enrolling in Supplementary Courses and Advanced Course Modules
These elective classes are reserved for students presently attending Qasid and do not require
an online application process or relative supporting materials. Students may register for these
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classes on campus with Student Services, as they become available. See the Pricing and
Payments document for the most current costs and deadlines.
Diplomat|Corporate|Group Studies
If you are interested in having Qasid tailor a specific study package for your organization,
inquiries may be sent directly to admissions@qasid.com.
Transmittal
All supporting information and tutoring requests are to be delivered together as attachments
to a single email submission if possible. Exceptions would include letters of recommendation
that are sent by employers or professors themselves. The destination email address of
admissions@qasid.com, is to be used for all submissions. And the subject heading of the
email should be:
[ Applicant name ] Enrollment Application for 2014 [ Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall ]
Sample: Jon Doe Enrollment Application for 2014 Fall
Once all supporting documents are received, applicants not currently attending Qasid should
allow up to 2 weeks for a response regarding their potential acceptance. And current students
may hear back from Admissions in less time.
Deposits
Regarding any deposit payment, you should not forward any funds before your enrollment
has been officially accepted. Deposits are generally non-refundable, but see the Pricing and
Payments document under the Admissions menu on Qasid's website for the latest details.
Expedited Application Processing
Requests for expedited application processing should be sent to Qasid Admissions in an
independent email detailing the reason.
Incomplete Applications
Admissions and enrollment eligibility generally require the proper submission of both an
online application form and the relative supporting documents. Applications will not be
reviewed until all of the necessary information has been received. Qasid Admissions may
remind applicants of impending deadlines, but it is ultimately the applicants responsibility to
submit their materials within the necessary time frames.
Acceptance Decisions
The Qasid Admissions Committee, whose decisions are final, is solely responsible for
judgments of an applicants acceptance to the institute. And, in accordance with standard
university procedures, the reasons for rejected applications may not be provided.
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Copyright 2014 Qasid Arabic Institute . www.qasid.com . Student Policy Agreement . 2014 Nov 09. Page 1 of 7
Once you receive your enrollment confirmation, the tuition deposit is to be remitted within 2 weeks. This
payment can be facilitated through instructions found in the Pricing and Payments document. If you are
unable to pay the deposit in advance of your arrival in Jordan, then notify Admissions and be prepared to
pay with a valid credit card or acceptable currency in cash on the first day of Orientation. Qasid retains
the right to prohibit entrance to courses for which tuition has not been paid in full.
2.2 Refunds
Unlike most schools in this part of the world, we offer select refunds because we stand behind our work.
We recognize that after all that is said and done over email and through phone contact between us, you
may decide Qasid is not the right place for you after you arrive. Therefore, we give students an
introductory, trial period to determine whether they would like to continue on. If at any time during the
first five days of core program classes you feel that Qasid is not the place for you, you are eligible to
withdraw from a course and receive up to 50% of your related tuition, minus the $350 deposit.
This does not apply to tuition for the majority of Supplementary Course, however, which is nonrefundable in most cases once the first day of classes has begun. The exception to this rule are the
Ammiya courses, from which students may withdraw up to the second class day and receive a 100%
tuition refund, minus the 25 JD deposit. The complete details of Qasids refund policies should be
reviewed in the Pricing and Payments document, again, located in the Admissions menu on Qasids website.
Admission into classes will only be granted after Qasids refund policies are acknowledged, along with
your agreement to comply with the institutes other key rules and regulations outlined herein. To
complete the first of these requirements, please print and sign your full name, and add todays date here,
indicating your understanding and full acceptance of Qasids refund policies.
First and last name
Signature
Date
3. A STUDENTS PUBLIC PRESENCE
3.1 Overview
Despite what is implicit in many media reports, the Middle East is a very diverse region, and Jordan itself
is no exception. Despite a relative homogeneity of ethnicity, one finds a range of religious and cultural
attitudes: some are conservative, and others are anything but.
With this in mind, Qasid has set some policies and guidelines by which we hope to respect the various
backgrounds of our student body, faculty, and staff, and the people who are hosting us in their country.
Although it is inevitable that some will find these too liberal while others will consider them restrictive,
we feel we've struck a fair balance and hope all members of the Qasid community will respect the
following guidance.
3.2 Social Interaction
As a rule of thumb, it is better to err on the side of conservatism. Many members of Jordanian society,
both Muslim and Christian, hold very traditional views on the limits of gender interaction, and so it's
often wisest to follow the other's lead. Men should not extend their hands to women and vice versa. If
someone of the opposite gender extends their hand to you or attempts some other sort of physical
greeting, you may either return the greeting or politely decline, according to your comfort. Do not be
surprised if you meet many different types of people in this regard.
Copyright 2014 Qasid Arabic Institute . www.qasid.com . Student Policy Agreement . 2014 Nov 09. Page 2 of 7
Given the intensive nature of Qasids core program, we have consistently found that a high level of
functional proficiency is required for success at subsequent course levels. Thus, as a prerequisite to
advance from one course to the next, each student must have attained a minimum grade of 70% in the
prior level. It should also be noted that attendance is taken into consideration when assessing a students
final grade.
5.2 Attendance is Essential
As weve seen time and time again, the most essential factor for a students success at Qasid is their class
attendance. To thus encourage your optimal participation and promote the greatest results in advancing
your Arabic skills, weve prepared the following attendance policies. We hope that it will motivate your
learning while properly setting expectations for both the flexibility we can provide and the commitment
that we ask of you in return, in order for you to progress.
5.3 Core Program Absences and Tardiness
Absences for any reason, meaning a student missing an entire, individual (80 minute) class session, and
tardiness, meaning a student arriving late to or leaving a class session early by 10 minutes or more, will be
recorded by the instructor on a daily basis.
Up to 6 individual class session absences are allowed before Qasid reserves the right to begin deducting
2% from a students final grade for each class session missed thereafter. And every 3 instances of
tardiness will be counted as 1 individual class session absence.
In the occurrence of a students absence or tardiness, irrespective of cause, Qasid instructors are not
obligated to review any missed lesson material in the class or outside of class. The student is solely
responsible to attain any missed lesson material, instructions, or assignments.
For anticipated and legitimate, but unavoidable, absences due to medical, professional, visa renewal
issues, and the like, students are required to give advance notice via email to the instructor, copying (cc)
the Director of Student Services as well. For emergency situations in which such notification is not
practical, students are requested to contact their instructor and the Director of Student Services as soon
as is feasible. This provision, not only a matter of policy, also facilitates any local assistance that the
institute may be able to provide. Extraordinary circumstances, such as a death in a students immediate
family, or other similarly unanticipated, serious, and time consuming events will be handled on a case by
case basis.
5.4 Supplementary Course Absences and Tardiness
Because our Supplementary Courses may soon be eligible for transferable academic credit, students
pursuing this option will be held to a minimum attendance standard. In other words, attendance will be
recorded regularly for the entire class, but absences will only have academic ramifications for those taking
the class for credit.
Students wishing to take a Supplementary Course for credit must register their intent to do so with either
the Office Manager or the Director of Student Services no later than the first day of class. Retroactive
credit will not be granted to students who fail to provide this advance notice.
A student may miss up to 2 individual class sessions of a Supplementary Course before Qasid reserves the
right to begin deducting 2% from their final grade for each class session missed thereafter. And every 3
instances of tardiness will count as 1 individual class session absence.
In the occurrence of a students absence or tardiness, irrespective of cause, Qasid instructors are not
obligated to review any missed lesson material in the class or outside of class. The student is solely
responsible to attain any missed lesson material, instructions, or assignments.
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Consequences for anticipated and legitimate, but unavoidable, absences from Supplementary Courses due
to medical, professional, visa renewal issues, and the like, or extraordinary circumstances, such as a death
in a students immediate family, or other similarly unanticipated, serious, and time consuming events will
be handled on a case by case basis.
5.5 Attendance Accommodations for Personalized Supplementary Courses
For Private Tutoring, Tajwid, and Conversation Partner courses, a tardy student will be allowed to
complete the time remaining in their lesson, up to the limit of the 50 minute instructional hour. Although,
a teacher will only wait 10 to 15 minutes in the classroom, after which point a late arriving student will
need to go to the reception desk to inform the teacher of their arrival.
In the case of anticipated and legitimate but unavoidable absences, or lessons missed due to extraordinary
situations, Qasid will attempt to, but is not obligated to reschedule the class sessions. However,
unwarranted lapses in attendance will not be rescheduled.
Students in these personalized courses should inform their teacher and the Director of Student Services
before all anticipated absences. A student will be allowed up to 3 session absences, irrespective of cause,
in which Qasid will offer to make up the class for them. Note, however, that makeup sessions may be
offered with a different instructor, and possibly after regular session hours, or on weekends.
5.6 Impacts to Scholarship Awards and Financial Aid Agreements
Absences and tardiness may also have implications for the fulfillment and continuation of a students
scholarship offer or financial aid support. Visit Qasids website or contact Admissions at
admissions@qasid.com for the latest information on those issues.
5.7 Academic Grade Release
On occasion, Qasid receives requests for transcripts of students academic performance records from
universities or potential employers conducting reviews of prospective candidates. In such circumstances,
we can either forward your transcript information directly, or we can attempt to contact you for your
permission first. Having your advance consent will expedite the delivery, while the time required to attain
your consent will naturally delay the process. However, we are happy to accommodate either method.
5.8 Student Knowledge of English and|or Arabic for Instruction and Administrative Dealings
English is the predominant language of instruction for both MSA and Classical Level 1 lessons and in the
mid level, Classical Grammar courses. While Arabic itself, or a mix of English and Arabic, may be used
throughout other Qasid curricula and in handling administrative matters. To therefore facilitate academic
and administrative dealings, Qasid recommends that students enrolling in Level 1 or Classical Grammar
courses have a working command of English, and|or otherwise have a working command of Arabic.
6. SCOPE
6.1 In General
The topics mentioned above represent some of the more important policy points that Qasid wishes to
communicate to students before they arrive. But, again, they are not meant to be comprehensive. The
information covered in this document supersedes all previous, student policy declarations.
6.2 Policy Updates
As the environment at Qasid is dynamic, the institute reserves the right to add to, delete, or modify the
above policies and procedures. When and where modifications are made, students will be duly apprised,
and expected to comply.
Copyright 2014 Qasid Arabic Institute . www.qasid.com . Student Policy Agreement . 2014 Nov 09. Page 6 of 7
6.3 Interpretation
Finally, Qasid reserves the right to interpret its policies and procedures, both explicit and implied, in a
manner consistent with the institutes goals of providing students with a learning and living environment
that is intellectually rigorous, safe, and respectful of the political, social, and religious context of the
Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
COMPLIANCE
As mentioned previously, your admission into classes will only be granted after you have acknowledged
Qasids student policies, and verified your willing agreement to comply with them. To complete this
requirement please enter your name and todays date here, indicating your understanding and full
acceptance of the institutes rules and regulations outlined herein. This affirmation also includes your
understanding that your failure to abide by the terms mentioned above may result in your suspension
and|or expulsion from Qasid.
First and last name
Signature
Date
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Copyright 2013 Qasid Arabic Institute . www.qasid.com . Pre Departure and Arrival Notes . 2013 Dec 01 . Page 1 of 5
2. Buy a phone. Phones range from 20 JD to 200 JD, depending on features. It is not uncommon for a
student to buy a local phone and then sell it to another, incoming Qasid student before they depart.
Youll also need a SIM card, as described above.
For both of three scenarios, youll need to purchase pre-paid minute cards. These most commonly come
in denominations of 5 JD and 12 JD (plus 50% in tax and fees typically), allowing you to both receive and
make calls.
One thing that all visitors to Jordan have found to be particularly advantageous is that you are not
charged anything for incoming calls; you are charged only for outgoing calls. The implications of this for
keeping in touch with those back home are obvious: You can call family or friends for a quick minute,
and then have them call you back right away. Inexpensive calling cards from North America and Europe
abound; one website that sells a variety of cards is www.nobelcom.com.
Money Matters
Please review the Academic Program Information sheet on Qasids website to accurately budget for your stay.
It goes without saying that it is better to bring more than less. ATM machines are located throughout the
city, and can be used to withdraw cash from your US, UK, or Canadian bank account. All three forms of
money withdrawal involve a small commission of as little as % to as much as 2%, individually assessed
by the bank or money changer. At Qasid, we accept credit card (Visa and Mastercard) and cash (US
dollars and Jordanian dinars). We do not accept checks.
Entry Visa
Any US, Canadian, or UK passport holder can get a visa upon arrival, they are given as a matter of course
at the airport, and the process usually takes just a few minutes. If you hold a passport for other than one
of these nationalities, or if youre more comfortable having yours in hand regardless, please inquire about
visa procedures with your local embassy.
If you plan on going to Saudi Arabia (for example, as a Muslim student performing Umra), you should
secure the respective entry visas from your home country before coming to Jordan.
Children
For those with children, it is best to bring with you any specialty items. Although Jordan is generally
well-stocked on general creature-comforts, some of the more uncommon items are marked up quite a bit.
Nurseries and early-education schools such as Montessori are available in Amman.
Health
Jordans health services are considered to be among the best in the Middle East; citizens from Saudi
Arabia, Yemen, Lybia, and Egypt regularly come to Jordan for health care. Though virtually all of the
ubiquitous prescription drugs are available in Amman, bring any items with you that are absolutely crucial
to your well being. We will discuss health, hospitals, and physician contact information extensively during
orientation.
Climate
You can expect to find a relatively dry heat throughout the summer, and temperate falls and spring
seasons. Come ready for hot weather in the summer quarters, while still honoring the dress code advice
we have provided in the Student Policy Agreement.
Winters here can get VERY, VERY COLD, including snowfalls in some years that shut down the city. So
bring a sturdy jacket for these months. Dont be deceived that the Middle East is all about warm deserts
Copyright 2013 Qasid Arabic Institute . www.qasid.com . Pre Departure and Arrival Notes . 2013 Dec 01 . Page 2 of 5
and date palms. The most commonly under-anticipated phenomenon here is that the majority of
buildings, including your residences, are made of concrete, stone, and cinderblock construction, meaning
they are highly effective at transferring frigid, external temperatures to the interior spaces. It is not
unusual for students to claim they feel colder inside than out.
Therefore, Polartec|fleece undergarments, sweaters, and a warm jacket and knit cap will come in very
handy. Otherwise, most anything that youll likely need can be purchased here, but you might want to
bring items of a personal nature, such as flannel bed sheets.
AT THE AIRPORT IN AMMAN
Deboarding
The recently completed, Queen Alia Airport is now open just outside Amman. With that transition
incoming students should find the procedures for processing passenger arrivals rather straightforward.
However, if for any reason, you feel some part of the arrivals routine is being delayed, please call Omar or
Bilal at the numbers given below, to ensure that the driver who is to meet you does not leave prematurely
thinking that youve missed your flight.
Once you deboard the airplane, youll enter the terminal and should see a money exchange near the
immigration stands. There you can exchange a small amount of your cash to Jordanian dinars. We
recommend that you change anywhere from $40 to $100 US, so that youll have pocket money for your
first two or three days. You may inquire with the money changer as to the visa price to ensure you are
getting an adequate minimum of dinars. Normally the visa costs 20 dinars. Youll then take your dinars to
the immigration stand, and present them with your passport and dinars for the visa.
Immigration Control
Keep the information recommended below handy on an index card while in the airport. Answer
immigration officials questions with a smile. Its preferable that you speak in English. If too many
questions are asked, or if they ask you for a reference, take out the card and give to them.
Qasid Arabic Institute
3rd Floor, Sony Building 22
Queen Rania Street
Amman, Jordan
Mr. Omar Matadar
Again, please write the above on an index card, keep on your person, and be ready to give to an
immigration official. But ONLY IF ASKED.
After you clear immigration, you may encounter one more official who will quickly review your passport,
and might ask you about where youre headed. Give the same answers you gave to the earlier immigration
agents, and youll be on your way downstairs to collect you luggage.
Baggage Claim
When you pick up your bags from baggage claim, youll go to towards the customs checkpoint to have
your luggage sent through a scanner. There, a friendly official might ask what you have in your bags, so
just tell them clothes, etcetera. On rare occasion, for those who are bringing laptops or tablet computers,
the official might ask about its price because of customs duties. Tell them that its for personal use, and
youll be on your way. You may need to fill out a form that requires you to bring your device with you
when you leave the country (as proof that you havent sold it and profited from the sale). Again, this
happened once in many, many years.
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If you dont see all of your bags within 30 minutes of your arrival, DONT PANIC. Simply go to your
airline representative or an airport staff member, report your luggage missing and get a receipt for that
notification. Qasid will assist in following up from there. Then call our Director, Omar Matadar, 077
670 3222 (English and Arabic speaker), or his aide, Bilal Abu Amsha 077 760 8442 (Arabic speaker)
immediately, and they will advise you on next steps. If your phone does not have international roaming
capabilities, you may go to the Information Desk for assistance.
Baggage may come slowly, but is seldom very late, and if any pieces are delayed they will eventually be
found. Omar will be waiting to speak with you via phone upon your arrival and Bilal is in charge of
student transportation. They are both aware of your arrival time, and accessible to help you get home
safely and comfortably.
After proceeding through the customs exit point into the main terminal, you should see one of our
drivers near the rental car booths wearing a Qasid badge and holding a placard with the institute logo
and|or your name on it. He should also have a student roster which you should sign to ensure that we
have not missed anyone. Please note that depending on the seasonal, academic term we expect anywhere
from 150 to 350 students to arrive in the few days prior to the orientation. This means you may have an
initial wait of up to an hour and a half while Qasid's drivers are en route between the airport and the city,
or while other students are landing, with whom you will carpool together for the ride into Amman.
Once all is then ready for the final leg of your journey, your home away from home is about 45 to 60
minutes from the airport, depending on traffic and the number of students being shuttled. The driver will
have a letter from a member of Qasids staff welcoming you to the institute and giving a brief overview
about what to expect over the next few days. Omar will call and touch base, and help coordinate calling
your loved ones and letting them know that youve arrived safely. Time permitting, this all happens during
your ride from the airport to your apartment. Youll then be taken to your new residence; for which
details will be included in your arrival letter.
ARRIVING AT YOUR NEW HOME
Immediate Needs
Again, the letter that is given to you by the driver will lay out what to expect in your first 24 hours after
arrival. Among the things included are:
Notes about pre orientation and orientation itself, housing, how to find Qasid, appointment
times to meet staff, who to contact, and the like.
Informational materials on Amman specifically and Jordan in general
Orientation Day
The orientation and placement exams will be held as indicated in previous correspondence. Included in
the orientation package are:
Sight-seeing agenda
General orientation schedule
Slide presentation overview about Qasid
Tips for getting around Amman
Health guidelines and information
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___________________________________________________________
Copyright 2014 Qasid Arabic Institute . Frequently Asked Questions . 2014 Nov 09 . Page 1 of 6
Copyright 2014 Qasid Arabic Institute . Frequently Asked Questions . 2014 Nov 09 . Page 2 of 6
As for essential costs, on the inexpensive end, monthly rent for a 2 bedroom apartment runs
about 600 to 800 JD, which would naturally be divided by the number of students residing
there (in most cases this being two, with each student getting their own room). And note that
those prices reflect a common range for winter, spring, and fall terms. Then on the higher
end, the price of a 3 bedroom flat could be 1000 to 1200 JD per month (... again, divided per
the number of tenants) during the summer quarter. Both of those examples would also
exclude monthly costs for the building custodian, and the utilities of water, electricity,
internet, and heating fuel. Also note that families are given priority to receive the most
affordable residences. Also, a refundable, 150 JD maintenance deposit is due along with the
first months rent prior to moving in.
Standardized model, tract homes, akin to the planned communities in US suburbs are
virtually unheard of in Jordan, which means that each building has its own unique
character, for good and sometimes not. Therefore, if you have a strong penchant for an
apartment with a personalized fit, you may postpone your housing arrangements until you
arrive and are able to see the quality of the residence prior to making a commitment. While
Qasid can assist with this option, the student will be obliged to pay for their own hotel
accommodations during their search. Also, in such cases Qasid is unable to guarantee that
roommates will be available to offset the costs of living.
All applicants should recognize that particularly in the summers housing crunch some
students have expressed concerns about their assigned housing, especially after doing price
comparisons with their peers. With that in mind, we have outlined the above points so as to
clarify the numerous factors beyond our control in the housing process. Please trust that
Qasid is providing this additional service as an added convenience with as much care and
attention to detail as we can.
And finally, it is important to know that the deadline for requesting housing assistance is 4
weeks prior to the first day of Orientation for the relative term. Student applicants who are
interested in Qasid housing must have been admitted to the program on or before the
housing deadline in order to receive housing assistance. Those who would like to arrange
their own housing may submit their academic application for the upcoming term up to two
weeks before the start of the related Orientation to ensure a smooth application review
process. And due to the inevitable complexities of room mate matching and apartment
procurement near the beginning of the term, students should not expect to receive details of
their actual housing assignment until the day that they arrive in Jordan.
For further housing inquiries, please contact Qasids Office Manager, Du'aa, at the email
address of qhousing@qasid.com, or by phoning +962 6 515 4364, and dialing extension 103.
Are home stays an option?
Many students, seeking to improve their conversational fluency, and longing for a first-hand
view of the host culture, may feel that a home stay with a local family the best way to achieve
this. But there are many considerations to take into account when judging if such an
arrangement is best for you.
Home stays can indeed offer advantages, like experiencing full language immersion,
improving one's colloquial dialect, and acquiring an accent. They can also afford an insider's
perspective on regional customs and, sometimes, even lead to lifelong friendships with the
host family. These personal connections may be helpful, too, if one hopes to broaden one's
ties in the region with aspirations for future employment or residency within Jordan or
elsewhere in the Middle East.
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However, home stays do present possible challenges too, which should not be ignored.
Due to the inherently subjective nature of cross-cultural, home stay dynamics, many students
find themselves dealing with one of two extremes. On one hand, they may face a potential
loss of autonomy if the daily norms and traditions of the homes residents impose what the
student deems to be excessive restrictions on their independence. On the other hand, a
student may also find them self being treated too much like a paying guest closer to a
landlord|tenant circumstance if there is a lack of inclusion in the family. A clash of
expectations may also come about if a student anticipates a greater variety of food and
flavors than the modest fare found in many local homes. Also, because Jordanian society can
be somewhat conservative, there may be lifestyle impositions placed upon the student, such
as limitations on bringing guests of the opposite gender to the home, prohibitions on
drinking, and requested modesty of dress. So, all of that to emphasize that, if a student does
opt for home stay accommodations, the rules of the house should certainly be clarified in
advance.
Generally, if this is your first time overseas, or if your proficiency in Arabic conversation is
not yet at least at an intermediate level, we suggest living with roommates of similar interests
or backgrounds for the first academic term in Jordan. We encourage all students though to
consistently strive to immerse themselves in the local culture outside of class times. One of
the best ways for students to do this is by forming friendships with local people that they see
regularly in their neighborhood, or by finding a language partner. If you follow this advice,
after the initial quarter or two, youll likely feel more confident about your growing
knowledge of local mores and your Arabic speaking abilities, and thus be better prepared to
embrace the home stay experience.
How much should I budget for food?
There are many styles and price ranges for food in Amman. Groceries are affordable,
although meat prices may seem relatively high, and small shops, conveniences stores, and
vegetable stands are found on most streets. Larger supermarkets regularly offer deals and
carry a wide selection of international and health conscious foods (but at a higher base price
of course). There are falafel stands (a sandwich usually costs about 30 qirsh) and coffee
shops, as well as Arab and Western style chain restaurants. If you eat out for two meat-meals
a day, you can expect to pay about 150 to 250 JD per person per month. If you cook, the
monthly cost can drop significantly, to perhaps even less than 100 JD per person.
What are some of the other common living expenses in Amman?
Cab rides: Meters currently start at 25 qirsh and will range between 50 qirsh, called a
"nuss", to 2.5 JD for most trips in and around town. Youll find buses and shared
cabs are much less expensive.
Wi-Max or ADSL internet: 25 to 55 JD per household per month (well worth it if
several people live together); wireless is free for Qasid students and at various malls
and coffee shops around town
Cell phone: Many students bring their own phones if they can have them
unlocked, and then buy a SIM card and service plan with a local carrier for a onetime cost of about 10 JD. For most students, the easiest and least expensive
alternative is to purchase a new mobile phone here in Amman, starting at around 20
JD, along with a service plan.
If you are curious about the cost of particular other items, please dont hesitate to ask.
Do I need to apply for a visa?
Most students simply get a one-month visa at the airport upon arrival, which is presently
priced at 20 JD. There is a currency exchange booth at the Amman airport for you to
conveniently acquire local dinars. This entry visa is then extended for two sequential threemonth periods, for a total of six months from ones arrival date. Qasid will assist you with
these two visa extensions and you may ask the staff any of your related questions. Whenever
you travel outside Jordan and return, this procedure begins anew.
Such travel is required prior to the expiration of your six-month visa. So if you are staying
longer than six months, you will need to take a round-trip journey to another country lasting
at least 24 hours. Respecting this deadline is important, for, if you leave any time beyond the
six-month anniversary of your arrival date, you will be fined (currently 1.5 JD per subsequent
day) and possibly have your immigration file flagged. Also, be sure to check with Qasids
administration for any pertinent travel restrictions that may affect your visa related trips.
Keep in mind then, that this travel should also be factored into your budgeting plans. For an
overnight, fun filled weekend in Istanbul, Turkey, airfare will likely be around $400 to $600,
depending on the season, and then food, hotel, and city transportation costs would be added
to that, per your personal tastes. Airfare to Dubai in the Emirates is about the same, while
the on-the-ground costs for that affluent Gulf state would likely be notably higher.
Will Qasid pick me up at the airport?
Yes, we would be glad to do so. For your initial arrival, Qasid can bring you from the airport
to your residence at any hour, day or night. We also can arrange a return ride to the airport
for your departure flight at the end of your stay. Arriving students are required to either opt
in or opt out of this service by completing the Airport Shuttle Arrangements form found online
within the Admissions menu at Qasid's website. And departing students must also use this
form to place their requests.
To be eligible, if you are attending the winter, spring, or fall terms, we must receive your
itinerary confirmation within 1 week of your actual arrival date. And for the summer term,
this deadline is 2 weeks in advance. Another stipulation is that this service is only provided
between 1 week prior to the first day of orientation and 2 weeks after the last class of the
student's final term. Airport transport for intermittent trips taken during the student's
attendance at Qasid (a six month visa renewal excursion, for example) is the student's
responsibility.
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