Successful students of the Arabic STARTALK program at VMI will be able to demonstrate level appropriate (ACTFL novice) proficiency.  All accepted applicants to the program receive a scholarship that covers all tuition costs pending program funding. The scholarship does not cover room and board.

The dates for the program will be June 22, 2021 - July 16, 2021.

This program is designed for students with little to no prior knowledge of Arabic.  Successful students of the Arabic STARTALK program at VMI will be able to demonstrate level appropriate (ACTFL novice) proficiency. While face-to-face instruction is the preferred method of instruction, the program may alternatively use online instruction due to the status of the ongoing pandemic. More details will be made available closer to the commencement of the program.

All accepted applicants to the program receive a scholarship that covers all tuition costs pending program funding.   The scholarship does not cover room and board.

NOTE: Only current college students are permitted to reside in barracks.  Student residing in barracks are required to purchase a VMI meal plan.  Students living off-post are not eligible to purchase a VMI meal plan.  If you have any questions please contact MAJ Hicham Assaoui assaouih@vmi.edu or MAJ Jason Schroepfer at schroepferjw@vmi.edu or 540-464-7241.

• Open to rising high school juniors, seniors and college students (incoming VMI rat class not permitted to participate in STARTALK)
• Participants receive 3 hours of college credits for Arabic 102 (AR-102)
• Program Topic: Exploring the Madina "city"
• Duration: Four Weeks
• Successful completers will be able to communicate in real-world situations like bargaining in the market, reading authentic simple ads and menus, and writing short autobiographies among other skills
• They showcase proficiency at the end of the program by undergoing individual interviews based on Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) benchmarks
• All expenses covered field trip to an authentic Arab restaurant, if conditions allow.

Priority Admission Application Deadline for Summer 2021: March 19, 2021

Final Admission Application Deadline for Summer 2021: May 2, 2021