Introduction to the International Language Institute (IBA)

INTRODUCTION

1.1: The INTERNATIONAL LANGUAGE INSTITUTE, abbreviated as IBA, was established on 16th Muharram 1440 / 26th September 2018 with the appointment of an ILA Coordinator.

1.2: IBA operates directly under the Chief Executive of the Sultan Ismail Petra International Islamic College (KIAS).

1.3: IBA is tasked with providing education in the world’s major international languages, focusing on modules in Arabic, English, Malay, Mandarin, and language translation and reference activities.

VISION

To become the leading international language institute in the region.

MISSION

To empower individuals with a divine foundation to master international languages, exploring various fields and skills to lead Islamic civilization.

MOTTO

Motto

Leading International Languages

Slogan

Your Language Companion

GOALS

3.1. To enhance knowledge and skills in the world’s major international languages through holistic language learning.

3:2. To become the primary reference center for international language learning and translation.

3.3. To expand academic and intellectual networks through the internationalization of languages in the Nusantara, Asia, the Middle East, and Western Europe.

ROLES & ACTIVITIES

4.1. To provide international language courses, particularly Arabic, English, Malay, and Mandarin, for everyone, including assisting KIAS students, students who wish to further their studies abroad, government or private sector employees, and the public who want to improve their language skills.

4.2. To offer several programs that provide intensive instruction in Arabic, English, Malay, and Mandarin to international students seeking university admission or for personal or professional use through qualified and experienced instructors.

4.3. To function as a translation center handling matters related to translation, interpretation, and knowledge transfer at national and international levels.

INSTITUTE PHILOSOPHY AND POLICIES

5.1. To identify and respect the desires of students to provide effective language learning services to enhance language skills.

5.2. To provide language services based on the standards of relevant authorities, both domestically and internationally.

5.3. To offer lifelong language education.

5.4. To provide and deliver international language skills and expertise training for instructors through training, courses, and expertise exchange domestically and internationally.

5.5. To conduct translation and reference activities professionally and to the highest standards.

SCOPE OF SERVICES

7.1 Academic expertise services for all major world languages, focusing primarily on Arabic, English, Malay, and Mandarin language modules and translation and reference activities.

TYPES OF LANGUAGE COURSES OFFERED

8.1. Two types of language courses are offered according to curriculum suitability and needs:

(i). Short-Term Courses (1 to 3 months)

(i.ii) Middle Eastern Arabic Language Course

This 2- or 3-month course is offered for students preparing to study in the Middle East, such as at Al-Azhar University in Egypt, Zaytuna University in Tunisia, and the Islamic University of Madinah.

These courses are typically offered from June to August and are ideal for STAM or SPM graduates.

(i.ii) Advanced Arabic Language Course

A 2- or 3-month course preparing students for diploma or degree programs at local colleges or universities, such as KIAS, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), and Islamic Science University of Malaysia (USIM).

These courses are typically offered from June to August and are ideal for SPM graduates.

(i.iii) Advanced English Language Course

A 2-month course offered twice a year, preparing students for diploma or degree programs at local colleges or universities such as KIAS, IIUM, and USIM.

These courses are typically offered from June to August and June to September and are ideal for SPM graduates.

Additionally, English language teaching methods courses for teachers are offered for 2 months, funded by external sponsors and facilitated by IBA.

(ii). Weekend Courses

Language weekend courses are held on
Fridays or Saturdays, involving study hours between 20 to 40 hours over 2 to 4 months.

Courses offered include:

(a) Arabic for the public, such as
Communicative Arabic, Arabic for Worship, and Quranic Arabic.

(b) English for the public, such as
Communicative English and Basic English.

(d) Malay for non-Malaysians who have
limited understanding or fluency in Malay.

(iii). Workshops and Seminars

IBA also offers and conducts workshops and seminars related to the empowerment of international languages as needed

ADVANTAGES

The unique environment of “Serambi Mekah” in Kelantan and KIAS fosters an excellent setting for moral development.
Strong support from the Kelantan State Government to establish Kelantan as an international language education center.
Adequate international language experts.
Adequate facilities, including hostels, classrooms, lecture halls, language labs, and studios for short courses of 2-4 months.
On-campus hostels that are convenient and cost-effective, providing better control.
Low tuition fees due to affordable management costs, such as lecturer allowances and hostel fees.
Over 15 years of experience in running public courses, demonstrating KIAS’s advantage in offering education.

CONCLUSION

IBA is ready to provide international language learning services to meet future customer needs. The entire community is encouraged to take advantage of IBA’s expertise in exploring the world of languages.

Prepared by: Dr. Mohd Azhar Abdullah (Director of IBA)