Dhofar University is currently host to a group of 60 students from the United States, who are taking an Arabic immersion course for six weeks, from the 27 June to 14 August. The course was requested by the U.S. based 'World Learning for International Development' institution late last year, and tuition is being arranged by the Continuing Education Center (CEC) at DU.  The students receive intensive education in the Arabic language during the day, five days a week, as well as practice and consolidation sessions under the tutelage of specially chosen senior students from DU.  At the outset of the course, the students were divided into classes according to their level of competence in Arabic.  After hours and on weekends, special events and trips have been arranged in order for the students to both practice their Arabic as well as become familiar with the local environment, culture and history.

Students attending regular summer school at DU are enjoying having the American students on campus, especially since the guests are very keen to get to know local students and practice their Arabic skills with them. The students are being accommodated in town, and have been enjoying shopping and strolling through Salalah during their free time.

For many of the students, it is their first time in the Middle East, especially in the Gulf, and they feel that living and studying in Salalah has been a wonderful introduction to Arab culture. They find the atmosphere to be very friendly, the town is easy to get around in, and the weather is pleasant.

This is the second time Dhofar University has been host to an intensive course in Arabic as a foreign language. In early 2007, a course was held for a large group of students from the U.K. The success of both courses gives DU an incentive to develop courses such as these into a permanent program, especially during the Khareef season, when more facilities on the campus are available. In addition, when the new campus is complete, there will also be extensive accommodation available for visiting students.