HAYYA NATAKALLAM: PREPARING STUDENTS FOR INTERNATIONAL MOBILITY PROGRAMME IN SAUDI ARABIA
Gambang, 7 September 2024 – Fifteen students from the Ulul Albab Programme recently completed an online Arabic language course, Hayya Natakallam, designed to prepare them for their upcoming international mobility programme in Madinah, Saudi Arabia. The course, which focused on Ammiyah (colloquial Arabic), aimed to enhance students’ linguistic skills in preparation for real-world interactions during their two-week stay.
The online session was led by Rosjuliana Hidayu Rosli, Senior Arabic Language Teacher at the Centre for Modern Languages, and took place from 9:00 PM to 10:30 PM via Zoom. With her expert guidance and approachable teaching style, she helped the students build confidence and improve their conversational Arabic. Her supportive instruction created a positive learning environment, helping the students feel prepared for their immersion experience in Saudi Arabia.
As part of the international mobility programme, the students will participate in the Talaqqi Al-Quran Reading Course at the historic Nabawi Mosque in Madinah, where they will study the Quran using the Madaniah method—a traditional approach focused on precise recitation. This immersive experience is designed to strengthen both their Arabic proficiency and their connection to the Quran.
In addition to the Quranic studies, the students will attend a specialized workshop at the Islamic University of Madinah, one of the world’s foremost institutions for Islamic studies. Their trip will conclude with an Umrah pilgrimage in Makkah. The two-week journey is set to begin on 25 September 2024.
This international mobility programme is part of the Malaysian government’s initiative to internationalize higher education, aligning with Strategic Pillar 2 of the Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE). It seeks to enhance Malaysia’s global reputation for academic excellence, offering students unique opportunities to engage deeply with the Arabic language and Islamic culture in its historical context.
Zulfa Kurnia Umani, Programme Coordinator and PhD student, has played a pivotal role in leading this initiative. Her dedication to academic excellence and her passion for education have ensured a meaningful and enriching learning experience for the participants. The programme not only enhances the students’ understanding of Arabic but also deepens their engagement with Islamic teachings through a culturally immersive environment.
Upon their return, the students will bring valuable insights into Arab culture and Islamic heritage, serving as ambassadors of knowledge and fostering greater understanding between cultures.
Prepared by: Rosjuliana Hidayu Rosli
