MELSI addresses a dire need in higher education in this country:  

instruction in understudied languages which include some of the most commonly spoken languages in the world today (for example, Arabic is the 5th most common).

The languages of the Middle East are typologically diverse, belonging to various different language families, and they represent some of the most ancient and fascinating cultures.

These are also languages deemed “critical” by the US government, spoken in an area of vital importance in the world  today. However, very few universities offer instruction in these languages.

This summer, students can choose to study from among the following languages spoken in the Middle East.  Courses are offered inperson and online.