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Arabic Project GO

Welcome to Project Global Officer (Project GO) in Arabic

urban Oman

Project Global Officer provides full scholarships to qualifying ROTC students from Virginia Tech and other universities for the summer study of Arabic language and culture. The immersive, seven-week language program in Oman is open to students who have completed at least one year (or 2 semesters) of Arabic. Students earn 6 credit hours, which count towards fulfilling the Arabic minor/major at Virginia Tech. In addition, students participate in conversation partnerships with Omani native speakers, go on excursions across Oman, and attend cultural events and workshops.

Project GO is focused on improving the language skills, regional expertise and inter-cultural communication skills of future military officers.  Students of all majors are encouraged to apply.

 

About VT-OMAN [Overseas Program]

Students in Oman photographed during a hike

Total Students: 10

Program Dates: May 13, 2024 - July 4, 2024.

Location: Nizwa, Oman

VT in Oman is an immersive, faculty-led program designed to enhance the students’ proficiency in Arabic language and cultural competency through structured classes, conversation partnerships, excursions, seminars, and cultural activities.

Project GO Students attend language classes four hours each day, taught by a local instructional team. Classes follow the proficiency-based approach, while integrating reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Students complete 150 contact hours (6 credits) over the course of 6 weeks.

Outside the classroom, students work with Omani language partners, conversing in Arabic and engaging in local cultural activities. Students also participate in guided workshops, such as calligraphy and pottery-making, and attend seminars about cultural practices in Oman. In addition, students visit Omani families in their homes, which gives them the opportunity to practice their speaking skills, while gaining insight into the lived realities of Omani family life.

Reminders

Only completed and submitted student applications to the national Project GO central application system will be considered for a Project GO scholarship. To apply, please go to: rotcprojectgo.org

Students are required to have completed one year (two semesters) of Arabic language study in order to be eligible for an overseas study scholarship for VT-Oman.

The program will provide selected students with a scholarship offering full funding for program tuition/fees, lodging, meals, travel to/from the study location on a U.S. Flag carrier, books, insurance, and visa. The scholarship may not include personal spending money, personal travel, costs for obtaining a passport, medication or inoculations, or expenses for dependents.

Important Dates

The following are important dates to remember throughout the scholarship application process. There may be additional deadlines related to the VT’s Global Education Office. Please check with Project GO’s coordinator, Mrs. Rhonda Pennington (contact information below) as questions arise.

  • Study Abroad Scholarship Application Due: January 18, 2024
  • Study Abroad Notification Day: February 20, 2024
  • Military Career & Mentoring Webinar: October 12, 2023 @2:30pm-4:30pm EASTERN. Click here for registration link.
  • Student Webinar 1 - Application Q&A: October 18, 2023 @3:00pm EASTERN. Covers what is Project GO, eligibility criteria, and includes an application walkthrough and Q&A session. Click here for the registration link.
  • Student Webinar 2 - Application Q&A: December 7, 2023 @3:00pm EASTERN. Recaps the content of the first webinar and provides tips on finalizing the application and includes a Q&A session. Click here for the registration link.

If you have any questions or need help, please contact:

Rhonda Pennington
Project GO Coordinator
540-231-9160
rwills@vt.edu

Dr. Nadine Sinno 
Associate Professor 
Director of Arabic Program
Co-PI, Project GO
nadine7@vt.edu