# Center for Arabic Study Abroad @AUC (CASA@AUC)
**Source**: https://www.aucegypt.edu/academics/CASA
**Parent**: https://www.aucegypt.edu/academics/arabic-language-instruction
CASA@AUC is a competitive immersion program for advanced learners, offering rigorous instruction in Arabic language complemented by cultural engagement to achieve near-native fluency.
## **CASA@AUC: A Legacy of Excellence**
The Center for Arabic Study Abroad (CASA) was founded at AUC in 1967 through the collaboration of American universities committed to offering intensive Arabic language and cultural studies for advanced students and academics. Since then, the program has graduated over 1,500 accomplished scholars and professionals.
The CASA program, recognized as a leading immersive Arabic-language initiative, provided American students with a full year of intensive Arabic study and cultural immersion, led by AUC’s esteemed faculty. Over time, it gained a reputation for producing graduates with highly sought-after language skills, propelling them into influential roles across professional and academic fields.
Today, maintaining the same standards of excellence it has built over more than a half century, AUC manages the CASA@AUC program independently under the Center for Advanced Arabic Study in Cairo (CAASIC), which also oversees a variety of advanced language programs.
[More About CASA@AUC](https://www.aucegypt.edu/about-casaauc)\
### Important Announcement
The Department of Arabic Language Instruction (ALI) at The American University in Cairo (AUC) announces the release of the 2026 -2027 applications. Applications are open for serious, advanced Arabic language learnersfrom all parts of the world. **Applicants are advised to carefully read the**[**Eligibility, Application and Selection Process**](https://www.aucegypt.edu/academics/CAASIC/eligibility-application-and-selection-process)**before submitting their applications.**
**Deadline for Application:** April 6, 2026.
**Acceptance letters will be sent out in the last week of April**.
### **How to Apply**
To complete your application, follow these two essential steps:
- **Step 1: Fill out the application form.** Click the [**Apply Now**](https://www.applyweb.com/forms/auccasa) button below to complete the official AUC application.
- **Step 2: Submit your electronic portfolio.** Use [**this form**](https://forms.gle/uPavuYvXxyrHtvBt8) to upload your required documents, including:
- ACTFL examination results (reading, listening, writing and oral)
- Statement of Purpose (500 words)
- Official transcripts and passport copy
- Medical examination results and photos
**Note:** This electronic portfolio ensures your documents reach the program coordinators directly.
[Apply Now](https://www.applyweb.com/forms/auccasa)
- ### 1,500
CASA students studied at AUC
- ### 5,400
International students studied Arabic at AUC
- ### 1,967
Center for Arabic Study Abroad opened
/
## Notable Alumni
[More Notable Alumni](https://www.aucegypt.edu/academics/casa/notable-alumni)
### Todd Mostak (CASA '10)
CEO and Founder, MapD
### Margaret Litvin (CASA '11)
Associate Chair, Department of World Languages and Literature Associate Professor of Arabic and Comparative Literature, Boston University
### David Bonderman (CASA '69)
Businessman; Philanthropist; Chairman and Founding Partner, TPG
[More Notable Alumni](https://www.aucegypt.edu/academics/casa/notable-alumni)
## Highlights
### CASA@AUC in the Palace
Students in the Center for Arabic Student Abroad (CASA@AUC) program are back to taking classes in AUC’s oldest building, the historic palace...
[Learn More](https://www.aucegypt.edu/news/casaauc-palace)
### CASA@AUC in the Palace
Students in the Center for Arabic Student Abroad (CASA@AUC) program are back to taking classes in AUC’s oldest building, the historic palace...
[Learn More](https://www.aucegypt.edu/news/casaauc-palace)
- [CASA Alum Documents Egypt's Historic Soundscape](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCJ3nGlc5o0)
- [CASA@AUC Student Discusses Life in Cairo](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZ3XK2b1RoA&t=8s)
## Support CASA@AUC in Cairo
Widely recognized as the world's premier, full-immersion, Arabic-language program, CASA@AUC has trained more than 1,500 undergraduates, graduates and professors, who now occupy senior academic positions around the world and hold leading roles in the U.S. Department of State, international nongovernmental organizations and the private sector.
- [Support CASA@AUC](https://aucegypt.networkforgood.com/projects/45237-casa)
Colette Ghunim ('YAB 13)
Documentary Filmmaker; Digital Media Associate, Skill Scout
> I immersed myself, absorbing Arabic and the Egyptian culture. Not only was I able to meet some of my best friends and become proficient in Arabic, but my own core beliefs in life's purpose dramatically transformed.
Ben Wedeman (YAB ’81)
Senior International Correspondent, CNN
> For people in the Middle East, and Egypt in particular, being friendly and polite is taken for granted. You walk down the street here and exchange more niceties in a morning than you do in a year in other places.
## Related Links
- [Arabic Language Intensive Program (ALIN)](https://www.aucegypt.edu/academics/arabic-language-instruction/arabic-language-intensive-program)
- [Arabic Language Intensive Program for Professionals and Diplomats (ALID)](https://www.aucegypt.edu/academics/arabic-language-instruction/intensive-arabic-for-diplomats)
## Contact Us
### Shahira Yacout
CASA Co-Director\
[yacout@aucegypt.edu](mailto:yacout@aucegypt.edu)
### Azza Hassanein
Executive Director\
[azzah@aucegypt.edu](mailto:azzah@aucegypt.edu)
### Hany Serafeen
Program Officer\
[casa@aucegypt.edu](mailto:casa@aucegypt.edu)