About QFI
About QFI
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QFI’s Mission
Qatar Foundation International (QFI) is committed to advancing the value of teaching and learning Arabic as a global language.
QFI’s Vision
QFI’s vision is to ensure the sustainability and growth of Arabic language education.
QFI aims to accomplish this through developing, supporting and collaborating within the Arabic education ecosystem to ensure Arabic will continue to be rooted in evidence-based principles and practices.
QFI's Impact
To maximize impact on the entire Arabic language ecosystem, QFI focuses upon the following outcomes in each of the four areas of long-term success:
QFI supports research-informed programs that teach Arabic in a communicative way and are engaging, student-centered, and proficiency-based while promoting its academic, cultural, and career benefits.
QFI promotes research that informs the rationale and best practices for including Arabic language in classrooms.
QFI supports Arabic educators at all stages of their careers by increasing professional development and certification opportunities and fostering a connected community, making Arabic teaching a more viable and attractive profession.
QFI strives to be the leading force in Arabic language education, by promoting plurilingualism, linguistic diversity, and language learning.
Why Arabic Matters
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Despite its global significance, the Arabic language remains underrepresented as an in-school classroom offering relative to other global languages.
While there is a growing need for multilingualism in an increasingly global workforce, there is a decline in language learning at the university level.2
To counter this trend, QFI prioritizes support of Arabic language learning as early as possible to expand access for those with the greatest need, and to offer opportunities to accrue the large number of hours needed to acquire proficiency.
How QFI Fills the Gap
QFI's Research
QFI is committed to enhancing the availability of research to bridge the gap between theory and practice in Arabic language education.
We prioritize advancing a comprehensive research agenda identifying five focus areas that support the rationale for the inclusion of Arabic in schools, which helps schools build sustainable, research-informed programs.
QFI’s Research Agenda focuses on the teaching and learning of Arabic in schools, citing five focus areas:
- Arabic as a Global Language,
- Teacher Pipeline,
- Teaching About Arab Culture,
- Motivations to Include Arabic in School Offerings, and
- Students.
By supporting research and sharing findings, we provide the language education field with valuable insights into best practices to drive impactful change in the classroom and beyond.
QFI Research in 2024
QFI's Programs
QFI collaborates with education agencies, regional leaders in world languages, school districts, and school-level coordinators interested in introducing Arabic into schools.
Our efforts include:
- Connecting these leaders with in-school Arabic programs that demonstrate best practices, and
- Facilitating connections with language specialists to develop research-informed resources and tools that promote program growth.
Additionally, we can provide start-up or matching funding on a sliding scale each year to schools that are financially committed to adding Arabic to their curricula.
QFI also gives teachers access to professional development, certification opportunities, and resources aligned with world languages standards that enhance their teaching practices throughout their careers.
We offer primary and secondary students more opportunities to learn Arabic, engage with Arab culture, and earn language credentials to encourage continued learning and support future career goals.
QFI Programs in 2024
Snapshot of some of QFI's program partners:
Together, let’s shape the future of Arabic education by:
Together, let’s shape the future of Arabic education by:
At QFI, we are dedicated to expanding access, empowering educators, and creating more opportunities for students to learn Arabic.
By fostering a global community of Arabic learners and supporting a strong network of professional teachers, we are positioning Arabic as a vital world language. Through research and evidence-informed programming, we ensure that Arabic instruction in schools remains relevant, sustainable, and accessible for the next generation.
Email: arabic@qfi.org
Connect with QFI
Visit our website to learn more about QFI, including news, grants, research, and resources for teachers and students. Tap the icons in the top corner of the page to connect with us on social media.
Arabic Educator Bulletin
Sign up for the Arabic Educator Bulletin to receive updates on everything related to Arabic language education at the primary and secondary levels.
QFI's Podcast
All Things Arabic! Join us as we dive into the vibrant world of Arabic language education, sharing resources, interviews with experts, success stories, and discussions of hot topics in the field.