At Iowa, Arabic is more than a language—it's a journey into culture, community, and career readiness.

Arabic sets you apart. Choosing to study Arabic signals intellectual curiosity and a readiness to take on new challenges—qualities that stand out in college applications, scholarships, and competitive programs. It shows initiative and a commitment to engaging with the world in a meaningful way.

Arabic opens career opportunities. Proficiency in Arabic is highly sought after in fields such as business, diplomacy, journalism, health care, and public policy. Even a basic knowledge of Arabic can enhance your ability to communicate effectively and build strong relationships in professional and cross-cultural settings.

At Iowa, Arabic language and literature go beyond the classroom. As part of the larger Department of Languages, Linguistics, Literatures, and Cultures, our courses emphasize linguistic proficiency while immersing students in the historical, literary, and cultural contexts that shape the Arabic-speaking world. Small class sizes, faculty mentorship, and interdisciplinary learning opportunities help you develop the skills to navigate diverse perspectives and global challenges.