JIRAN جيران

The Student Issue

University language students–especially students of critical languages– have limited opportunities to learn and converse colloquially

The Family Issue

Recently arrived refugee and immigrant families face linguistic, cultural, and social obstacles when they join their new communities in the US

جيران / Jiran

Jiran (جيران) pairs college-level language students with recently arrived families who speak their target language for a summer of language and cultural exchange focused on connecting families with their new community

Jiran (جيران) is a summer language program that pairs intermediate and advanced language students with underserved newcomer families. Jiran focuses on language learning and intercultural competence development. The program allows student participants to progress linguistically, access native speakers from places they cannot study abroad, and experientially learn about challenges facing newcomer families new to the US. Jiran has its roots as an Arabic language immersion program in New Britain, Connecticut. Jiran is currently exploring expanding to additional languages and geographies.

We believe that Jiran (جيران) students and families have valuable linguistic and cultural knowledge to share.

We believe that our students and families can change each others’ lives.

We believe in the power of personal relationships.