The Center for Arabic Study Abroad (CASA) was established in 1967 to offer intensive advanced Arabic language training at the American University in Cairo, Egypt. Since its inception, CASA has trained more than 1,900 upper level undergraduates, graduates, and professors specializing in various areas of Middle Eastern Studies. CASA alumni have defined U.S.-Middle East relations for the last half-century through their work in the U.S. State Department, academic institutions, and the private sector.
CASA is currently administered at the American Center of Research and directed by Dr. Sonia Shiri (Professor, University of Arizona). The CASA program is currently being held at the Qasid Arabic Institute in Amman, Jordan. As of 2023-2024, CASA has an additional program location at the Arab American Language Institute in Morocco (AALIM) in Meknes, Morocco.
CASA is represented by a Consortium of American universities and colleges who serve a vital role in directing various academic, financial and administrative aspects of the CASA programs.
CASA receives its primary funding from the United States Department of Education, under the Fulbright-Hays–Group Projects Abroad Program and relies on the generosity of donors who support advanced Arabic education to sustain operations into the future.