The Yemen College of Middle Eastern Studies (YCMES) has played a leading role in the education of foreigners in Yemen for more than two decades. Founded in 1989, the Yemen Language Center (YLC) was the first institution in Yemen devoted to teaching Arabic as a foreign language.  In 2006, the YLC became the Yemen College of Middle Eastern Studies, a non-profit college accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education.

In addition to the Program in Arabic Language (PAL), the YCMES offers a study-abroad Program in the Contemporary Middle Eastern Studies (PCMES) modeled on US and European academic standards. These English language seminars provide Summer 2010 students with the chance to study the Literature, Politics, Economics, and Anthropology of the Middle East with American and Yemeni professors who are experts in their fields. All PCMES courses are overviewed by Honorary Dean Dr. Steve Caton from Harvard University. Courses are all taught in a seminar setting in order to encourage maximum student/teacher interaction whereas weekly “academic lab” provides students the opportunity to use their knowledge in the field!

The YCMES is the first and only fully accredited program in Yemen and students are able to transfer course credits to their home university.
The YCMES principally hosts students from North America, Europe, and Asia, and is open to all qualified individuals wishing to seek a greater knowledge of the Contemporary Middle East.
Thousands of students worldwide have studied at the YCMES:

• The facilities are excellent.  Modern classrooms, up-to-date living facilities, 24 hour in room internet access, 24/7 guard service, etc. are all in accordance with Western standards.
• The teaching is exceptional. PAL teachers are all experienced and trained in teaching Arabic as a second language.  No class is larger than 8 students and most students can receive private lessons on request. PCMES courses are taught by university professors and combine seminar setting with “academic lab” in order to provide students the opportunity to use their knowledge in the field!
• Sana’a is a perfect laboratory for learning Arabic because it is extremely safe, very affordable, welcoming, and the population is entirely Arabic speaking.
• The YCMES provides weekly trips and cultural activities so that students learn outside the classroom, experience the full richness of the Yemeni society, and actually get to know the culture and the people they are living with.
• The cost of YCMES programs, in comparison to other programs in the Europe, North American, the Middle East, and North Africa, is extremely competitive.

Students and Faculty Members meeting the following requirements are encouraged to apply for the YCMES Summer 2010 scholarship !

Students:

1. Never studied in Yemen before
2. Be enrolled in a university program (2nd year of B.A. and above) at the time of application
3. Be enrolled in an Arabic language course or in a Middle Eastern Studies program at the time of application

Faculty Members:

• Never studied in Yemen before
• Be interested in studying Arabic or the Middle East for academic purposes

In order to apply for a YCMES Summer 2010 scholarship, please download the scholarship application form (see side box) and submit it by email to ycmes@ycmes.org. The following supporting documents are required along with the duly completed and signed application form:

• One-page personal statement explaining your Arabic language experience and interest in the Middle East, your expectations regarding your stay at the YCMES and your motivations to apply for this scholarship.
• b. For Students: one or two references from teachers that have personally taught you either in Arabic or a Middle Eastern subject ; For Faculty Members: a recommendation letter from the Head of your department.

Applications submitted after deadline, as well as incomplete applications, will not be accepted.

The names of the scholarship recipients will be announced 6 weeks prior to the beginning of the requested term (check the side box for specific application deadlines and scholarship announcememt dates).