The languages of learning in USJ are French, Arabic and English. In ILO the language of instruction is Arabic with some French on the level of licentiate, but exclusively Arabic in higher studies.

The instruction in the Institute of Islamo-Christian Studies is in Arabic only. The Institute for Languages and Translation offers instruction in Arabic, French and English in addition to other languages taught in ordinary or intensive sessions.

Crossroad of Cultures

French the main language of instruction

Saint Joseph University is a francophone university. The majority of the courses are taught in French and a good mastery of this language is necessary for following studies.

An aptitude test for French is obligatory for all candidates in their initial registration for the first cycle of studies at USJ:

• no matter what Faculty, School or Institute is concerned, except ILO (Institute of Oriental Letters) and the Institute for Islamo-Christian Studies.
• no matter what title the students may claim (French Bacc, TCF, DELF, French nationality, or affiliation to a country whose official language is French, etc.)

The registration of the student is subject to his prior classification in category A in this test.

Exception:
Students classed in B category, however, can register for the entrance exam in the Faculties of Medicine, Pharmacy, Dentistry, Engineering and the School of Translation and Interpreters. Their admission will be subject to their attaining A level in the aptitude test before the final date for registration.

Why?
1. USJ wants to be sure that the candidates have the minimal aptitude required for following the university courses;
2. USJ also wants to maintain the quality of French in its teaching;
3. USJ wants to allow students to fill any lacunae in their practice of French.

English a must at USJ

The students in Cycle L are obliged to follow courses in English to arrive at a mastery of that language. Also courses in technical English (special terminology) for their specialization are provided in the curriculum.
At the end of the courses the students sit for the “Georgetown University English Proficiency Test.” They will not receive their university diploma unless they reach the NS level (necessary and sufficient) in that test.
The various evaluations are organized by the Center for Living Languages (CEL).

Placement test
Every student enrolled at USJ must present, preferably in the first year or at the latest second year, a “Placement Test” that determines his/her level of English.
Following the test, students are classified according to 5 levels: E, D, C, B, A.
The number of course hours required for each level is set as follows:
Level E (Beginners): 84 hours,
Level D (Low intermediate), 84 hours,
Level C (Intermediate) 84 hours,
Level B (Upper intermediate) 84 hours,
Level A (Advanced) 42 hours.
The passage from one level to another takes place after completing the number of course hours required and having obtained a mark superior or equal to 10/20.
The students having reached level A follow 50 hours of technical English. At the end of this training they are authorized to sit for the “Georgetown University English Proficiency Test” necessary for obtaining the licentiate.

Arabic, a language to acquire at USJ

Arabic language is obligatory in all programs and the students at USJ must obtain 4 credits in subjects taught in Arabic during the licentiate and 2 credits during the Master.
However, dispensations may be granted to students who obtain an exemption from Arabic from the Commission for Equivalence of the Lebanese Ministry of Education and Higher Studies, as well as foreign students or those who lived abroad for several years.

These exceptions are not applicable in the following institutions: Faculty of Law and Political Science (licentiate in law), the Higher Institute in Orthophony and the School for Translation and Interpreters, Beirut.
Note: the instruction at ILO (Institute of Oriental Letters) is given mainly in Arabic.

Learn Arabic at USJ (CREA)

CEL ( Living languages at USJ)

CEL is the Center for the Study of Living Languages at USJ.
It offers courses in French, English, Spanish, Italian, German and Japanese, not only for students at the university but also for the public, young and less young, who want to learn another language or improve their grasp of a language.
A person may, for example, learn or improve his/her French before enrolling at one of the institutions of the university where most of the courses are given in French.
The method and the materials used allow rapid and efficacious learning so as to follow the subjects taught in the Institutes. Then the students can choose another language as an optional subject in their program in accord with the system of university credits.
To reply to the different needs, all the levels are available for all the languages (beginners, intermediate, advanced) and the students may choose courses which vary between 20 hours and 84 hours.
The sessions are either extensive (a semester) or intensive (three weeks).
The intuitive, communicative method and materials create an agreeable atmosphere which the students enjoy.
Note: The students at USJ can enroll in CEL for open optional subjects.

Persian is also an option at USJ
Persian is taught at ILO because of the historical, linguistic and cultural ties existing between Persian and Arabic. These courses are not only for students specializing in Arabic but also anyone interested in the encounter of civilizations, literature and language.
The teaching of Persian is offered as an open optional subject on four levels, each of 3 credits.