Doha, 8 March, 2014 - The Language Center at the Translating and Interpreting Institute (TII) of Hamad bin Khalifa University (HBKU) continues to provide expert language training in Arabic, French, and Spanish to members of the Qatari community. This fall, TII's Language Center had the largest number of registered students yet, with 150 students enrolled in the various programs, especially in Arabic courses.

The Language Center recently launched daytime Arabic and Spanish classes for Juniors on Saturdays to accommodate younger students, making the courses more accessible for the student population in the aim of creating lifelong learners. And as a part of its continued growth, the Language Center also has plans to introduce new programs in English and Mandarin by fall of 2014. Interested students are strongly encouraged to register for the upcoming summer semester. The summer course at TII involves a study aboard component for Spanish and French language learners.

Dr. Amal Al Malki, Executive Director of TII commented on the growth of TII's Language Center offerings: "The Language Center at the Translation and Interpreting Institute is growing steadily. The vision and mission of the Institute have been designed carefully and is supported at the highest levels of HBKU and Qatar Foundation."

"The interest of the Qatari community in foreign languages and cultures is simply phenomenal. Our diverse offerings also create an interesting community of participants who learn from each other and enrich each other. We are here to nurture and serve our participants by providing opportunities for learning and exchange", Mounir Ouanaimi. Director of the Language Center at TII also commented.

Classes at TII not only teach students a language but prepare students for a world outside of a classroom by placing a clear emphasis on the integration of language and culture in both learning and teaching.

The Language Center is a core component of TII's mission to build professional linguistic capacity in Qatar and the broader region. HBKU's TII delivers advanced translation and interpreting education, high-level training in a range of languages, and translation and interpreting services that meet and exceed the highest international standards.

About The Translation and Interpreting Institute 
The Translation and Interpreting Institute (TII) is part of Hamad bin Khalifa University. Founded with a remit to build capacity in Qatar and the region and to function as a physical and virtual space within which sophisticated translator and interpreter education, high-level training in a range of languages, and quality translation and interpreting services are delivered to the highest international standards, TII also provides a platform for conducting cutting edge research in the field and is committed to fostering an environment that is supportive of cultural exchange and scholarly excellence.

Led by a distinguished international team of faculty and staff, TII consists of a Postgraduate Studies section, a Research Center, a Language Center and a Professional Services section. It organizes a wide range of international and local events throughout the year, many of which are open to the public.

About Hamad bin Khalifa University
Hamad bin Khalifa University (HBKU), a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, is an emerging research university building upon unique collaborations with local and international partners. Located in Education City, HBKU seeks to provide unparalleled opportunities for scholarship, teaching, discovery, and learning for all of its students through an array of interdisciplinary programs.

HBKU's partners are Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar, Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar, Texas A&M University at Qatar, Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar, Georgetown University School of Foreign Service in Qatar, Northwestern University in Qatar, HEC Paris in Qatar, and University College London Qatar.

© Press Release 2014