Named Al-Wāḥa, or "the oasis," the Arabic Language Village is for young people ages 8-18 interested in exploring the richness and diversity of Arabic language and culture.

Learning Arabic

You'll be exposed to dialects from many lands. Each region that speaks Arabic uses their own version. Depending where your counselors are from, you may hear Egyptian, Levantine, Gulf or North African dialects used at Al-Wāḥa. But you'll also learn ModernStandard Arabic as the foundation of your studies.

Try the credit program!

For high school students, the four-week intensive credit program is ideal, especially if you want to pursue Arabic studies after high school. In addition to oral proficiency, you'll also study reading and writing and receive a transcript for one full year of Arabic language credit.

Activities

Come and explore the wealth of Arab traditions and culture through the food, songs, sports, skits and storytelling offered at Al-Wāḥa. At Al-Wāḥa the volleyball court in front of the beach is just too fun to pass up and the view of the water from everywhere in the Village makes you want to jump into the lake as the summer days heat up! At night you can enjoy campfire songs and stories as you watch the sunset over the water.

You can try soccer, canoeing, swimming, backgammon, chess or belly dancing. Make bracelets or try a cooking activity. Tie dye a t-shirt and try new crafts like woodburning. You can celebrate Adonese Ashtarut and Eid. There are always a lot of new things to try.

During your stay at the Village, you will learn about Arab cultures and their influence on the modern world. You will also have the opportunity to discuss current issues of importance that affect the environment and understanding among countries.

Visit the Al-Wāḥa Village Production Page from last year to see more photos!

Food

Get ready for such delicacies as shwarma, tabouleh, or hoummous and of course baklava for dessert. After eating fresh oranges, pomengranates, dates and figs for snack time, you'll be craving them even after you've gone back home. Spices from North Africa and the Arab countries will have your mouth watering! You'll eat family style around the table, except for special occasions where you dine on cushions around low tables the Middle Eastern way.