FAQ

How can tuition payments (including deposits) be made?

Tuition payments should only be made after the student has received a notice of admission to the program by email, not before.

Tuition payments should be made in person with cash in Jordanian dinars only. We don’t accept foreign currency. A friend can also be sent to our office to pay for the student’s behalf.

Alternatively, tuition payments can be made with Visa or MasterCard only in person and at our premises.


Is it possible to study for only one term?

Yes.  Students may study a minimum of one term and maximum of four (more if terms are repeated).  Additionally, it is not necessary to take all terms consecutively.  It is possible to not come for a term, and return for a following term.


Is it possible to begin study in January?

Yes.  All levels are offered during both the fall and spring terms.  Additionally, those who would like to begin the first term of study in June should contact the program office.


Are part-time courses offered?

Part-time courses are offered as requested.  Courses require a minimum of four students and are dependent upon availability of teachers.  The students and teachers will then arrange suitable times and places and the program office will set a cost based upon hours of study and length of course.

Additionally, some returning students may apply to study part-time as a member of a full-time class (only doing part of the curriculum).  Generally, this option is reserved for mothers of young children, people with other specific time commitments, and students in their fourth semester.  Anyone who wishes to apply for this option should speak with the program director.


Can the program office arrange one-on-one tutoring?

Yes.  Several of our teachers give one-on-one lessons.


Can I enter Kelsey Arabic Program from another program of study?

Yes.  Placement exams (25 JOD fee) are available for entrance into an upper-level term.  Because our program focuses on the Jordanian-Palestinian colloquial dialect, and most other programs do not, it can be difficult to gain entry into an upper-level term.  It is strongly recommended to work with a tutor who has knowledge of our materials before the term begins to ensure that the student is well-acquainted with all the material from introductory courses at Kelsey.


I have to be away for a week.  How do I cover material from when I am absent?

Arrangement can be made with a tutor to cover the material before and/or after the absence.  It is strongly recommended that absences be dealt with this way, for the benefit of both the students and classmates.


Are student visas available?

No.  Unless they are able to acquire residency through another means, students should purchase a tourist visa upon arrival.  Consequently, they should apply for an extension after three months and plan to leave the country after six months in order to apply for a new tourist visa.


Do I need to learn to read Arabic script before beginning?

No.  It’s expected that most of our students will not have learned any Arabic before coming.  Most will begin with a transliteration (using modified letters from the Roman alphabet) until they are comfortable with Arabic script.


From where come most of the students?

A large number (around half) come from the United States.  Many also come from Korea, the United Kingdom, Europe, Latin America, Australia and Canada.


Does the program provide for housing?

No.  Incoming students are responsible for their own housing, and are encouraged to make use of any contacts they have in Jordan for assistance.  We often receive housing advertisements, and are happy to relay relevant information to incoming students who inquire.  Those who are looking for a roommate can also request help and we will try to connect suitable people.


Is a home-stay possible?

No, Home stays are not available at this time.


Do I really need to come for registration?

Under most circumstances, yes.  Important things happen at registration.  You need to come some time in the morning of your registration day to purchase your books, receive your schedule, and pay the balance of your course fees.  If it is not possible to come, please purchase your books and pay fees before registration, or send someone else to take care of everything for you.  We are not equipped to manage all of these things, along with everything else, on the first day of class.  A late fee will be applied for those who bring payments on or after the first day of class.