<p>I just returned from a trip to Morocco and I thought that my Arabic was pretty good before I went. I took the language placement test and was able to place out of two courses. But I now realize that I was able to handle grammar and book junk but when it actually came to speaking, I needed a lot more study!!! So I am thinking about not moving into the course the test says I am ready for and instead taking a lower course, what should I do?</p>
<p>I think a lot of people opt for a lower class and get bored with it, but Arabic probably has a steeper learning curve than Spanish or French. Does GW offer a conversational Arabic course that you could take? I know they do for upper levels, but I’m not sure about your level.</p>
<p>Will they give you credit if you take a class below the level you should be placed into? You should check that out before you adjust your schedule.</p>
<p>You may be able to come up to the level of the rest of the class once you are in it for the semester. I would talk to an Arabic professor at GW of a class you plan to take and consult on which class would be best for you. Also, remember that most people who learn languages in an academic setting (as opposed to natively by ear) are better at writing/reading and may have trouble with speaking, so how you compare to other non-native speakers at GW and how you compare to Moroccans in speech could be VERY different.</p>
<p>Thanks everybody for the advice. I’m going to track down an Arabic prof at CI, since I wasn’t able to reach anyone by phone or email.</p>