The South Asia, Middle East, North Africa Program
The South Asia, Middle East, and North Africa (SAMENA) Program offers two distinct tracks: Hindi and Arabic. The Hindi Track, focused on South Asia, and the Arabic Track, focused on the Middle East and North Africa, train students to analyze the cultural, economic, and geopolitical dynamics shaping each region. Through intensive language study, interdisciplinary coursework, and international immersions, students gain the cultural fluency and strategic insight to to become innovative leaders across these regions and beyond.
Choose from
ARABIC – HINDI
ARABIC
In addition to language, what do I study in the Arabic Track?
Topics of study are highlighted below in relation to the Lauder Institute’s four geopolitical themes. This is not a complete list, nor is this how the courses are structured. These topics will be covered during the 2-year degree, and in the target language of Arabic. Syllabi are subject to change.
Strategic Decision-Making in a Multipolar World
Examine how MENA states balance rivalries between major geopolitical actors through soft power diplomacy, diversified partnerships, mediation strategies, and South–South cooperation. Analyze examples of how Gulf states, Egypt, and Morocco operate as cross-regional connectors influencing trade, investment, and cultural exchange.
Data-Driven Societies and Economies
Explore how fintech, mobile banking, and digital governance are driving economic transformation across MENA amid ongoing digital-access gaps. Examine how MENA states prioritize investment in AI, robotics, and cloud technologies. Using Dubai as a case study, learn how retailers in the Gulf are integrating AI, data labs, and omnichannel tools to accelerate growth.
Economic Inclusion and Development
Examine how EU–Tunisia migration arrangements position Tunisia as a transit and migration management zone, shaping the country’s economic and social conditions. Learn how human trafficking networks targeting Sub-Saharan migrants influence long-term development in labor-dependent sectors.
Resource Management and Interdependencies
Analyze how MENA states such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE compete for critical minerals in Africa and influence energy markets through OPEC+. Evaluate how governance gaps, corruption, and institutional weaknesses affect resource management and supply-chain reliability.
HINDI
In addition to language, what do I study in the Hindi Track?
Topics of study are highlighted below in relation to the Lauder Institute’s four geopolitical themes. This is not a complete list, nor is this how the courses are structured. These topics will be covered during the 2-year degree, and in the target language of Hindi. Syllabi are subject to change.
Strategic Decision-Making in a Multipolar World
Examine India’s role in the evolving world order through relations with China, SAARC countries, the US, and the Middle East across defense, trade, and diplomacy. Assess how the India–China border dispute and negotiations over shared transboundary resources shape national security.
Data-Driven Societies and Economies
Analyze how technological change in India and its ambitions to become an AI hub are reshaping its labor markets, institutions, and social values. Evaluate the digital divide through the lens of UPI-based digital currency and gendered access to mobile technology. Assess the government’s Smart City scheme in the context of digital integration and AI-driven urban governance.
Economic Inclusion and Development
Examine India’s economic trajectory since Independence. Study migration from Partition to the present, including the impact of immigration laws on identity and belonging. Evaluate India’s progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals since their adoption in 2015, including poverty reduction, financial inclusion through the Jan-Dhan Yojana, and equitable access to essential services.
Resource Management and Interdependencies
Analyze how India pursues climate action through Quad collaboration and its engagement with IPCC climate findings. Assess how India’s solar energy transition shapes innovation, jobs, and sustainability. Using river governance as a case study in resource management, examine the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan and river-linking debates in South India.
Ravi Patel
Arabic Track
“Being part of the Arabic Program has given me the tools and confidence to deeply engage with the MENA region. Our summer immersion brought the language to life, from thoughtful classroom discussions and corporate visits to daily interactions. One of the benefits of the small program size is that we are supported by a dedicated faculty who bridge our specialized classroom learnings with our Wharton ambitions.”
Dina Daas
Arabic Track
“The Arabic program has been instrumental in strengthening my linguistic and cultural competencies in the MENA region. Having grown up speaking informal Arabic, the program enabled me to refine my language skills and engage with business-related topics with greater sophistication. In addition, my summer immersion provided valuable insight into the regional business landscape, an experience that has proven invaluable to my career pursuits.”
Abhi Chadha
Hindi Track
“The Hindi program, with its immersion in New Delhi, small-format language education, and connection with the University of Pennsylvania’s South Asia Studies department, has deepened my understanding of the forces shaping modern India today. What’s more, I’ve developed a deeper understanding of my own culture, built relationships that I hope to keep with me, and explored the academic concepts that most fascinate me about India.”
Saumya Goyal
Hindi Track
“After entering the program with conversational Hindi but no formal training, Lauder’s immersive format provided the structure and confidence for me to progress quickly in the language. Summer immersion in India deepened my cultural and historical understanding while equipping me with the fluency needed to engage meaningfully in professional and business contexts.”
Language Requirements
For admission, applicants must test at the Advanced-Low level or above on the OPI in their Target Language. Those who attain Superior level during their degree may take School of Arts and Sciences (SAS) electives in lieu of Lauder Institute (INTS-Language and Culture) courses.
Degree Requirements
Lauder Institute students need 14 credit units (CUs) to graduate with a Masters in International Studies. Program of Concentration courses account for 5 CUs. Learn more about our curriculum structure and the specific requirements for degree completion.
Are You Ready?
Are you ready to take your career to the next level with the Lauder Institute joint-degree? Get in touch with our admissions team or click below to sign up for an admissions info session.
