Last summer a reporter from the Chronicle of Higher Education enrolled in the Arabic School. The beginning level is designed for students with no prior knowledge of Arabic. During the first two weeks, students sign a modified pledge to use Arabic exclusively.
Instructors use English as a medium to facilitate communication in class.
Outside of class, beginning students abide by the full Language Pledge. From the first day of classes, students are exposed to authentic reading and listening materials. They engage in functional activities, often in small groups, necessary to their survival in the school community and later on in an Arab setting. Students at the elementary level are introduced to the use of Arabic computer software and to listening materials in digitized form. Reading assignments from Arabic sources on the Internet are also a feature of this level.