Established in 2009, Zaytuna College holds the distinction of being America's first accredited Muslim liberal arts college. Nestled amidst the natural beauty of Berkeley, California, this intellectual hub promotes a broader understanding of the world through a rigorous course offering that focuses on the Islamic sciences and Arabic. Funded by a vibrant community that cherishes cross-cultural dialogue and service to others, Zaytuna unlocks doors to a rich heritage embedded in ethical insights and intellectual traditions worldwide. With an eye on honing ethical leaders for future, this college enrich participation in civil dialogue and better nurturing of our shared human condition.
One distinctive benefit Indian students can draw from Zaytuna lies in its dedication to cultivating a profound understanding of the Islamic intellectual tradition. In addition, the academic environment encourages students to connect personally with their educators, promoting a deeper understanding of course materials. At Zaytuna, students are expected to ponder, question, and explore different intellectual territories, a perfect match for the Indian philosophy of 'Jigyasa' or inquisitiveness. Moreover, the values-driven approach of the college resonates with the Indian way of life, presenting an enticing opportunity for young Indian minds to grow both acadically and spiritually. This college further assures a vibrant, inclusive community that prides itself on celebrating pluralism while being firmly rooted in the traditions and principles of Islam. Thus, Zaytuna offers a journey that seamlessly blends discovery and tradition, resonating well with the multicultural ethos ingrained in Indian students.
Zaytuna College, nestled in the scenic landscape of Berkeley, California, is a unique institution of higher education rooted in Islamic scholarly traditions. It sets out to craft pathways for nurturing professional, intellectual, and spiritual leaders who can effectively engage with contemporary challenges while remaining deeply connected to their traditional roots. Merging timeless ethical values with 21st-century exigencies, Zaytuna College stands as a beacon in the academic landscape, particularly for those seeking an education infused with moral integrity.
Zaytuna College's academic programming is designed to foster a deep understanding of the Islamic tradition and to enable engagement with broader cultural and intellectual dynamics of the present times. It offers undergraduate degree programs that provide a multidimensional perspective on Islamic theology, law, and philosophy, along with critical insights into modern social, political, and scientific landscapes. The erudite faculty, boasting expertise across diverse fields, collaborates closely with students, fanning the flames of inquiry and innovative thinking. This synthesis of traditional Islamic learning with contemporary understanding makes Zaytuna College notable among comparable educational institutions.
Students at Zaytuna College come from broad-ranging backgrounds, enriching the campus life with vibrant diversity and mutual intellectual enrichment. For international students, the college promises an immersive learning experience, where they craft their own narrative of growth in an environment that values individuality, cultural integrity, and intellectual curiosity. Particularly for students hailing from India, the exchange of knowledge and ideas provides an exceptional opportunity to gain distinctive insights into Islamic and broader humanities studies.
When it comes to scholarships and financial aid, Zaytuna College stands out with its generous support to deserving students. International students are eligible for financial aid, assisting them in overcoming potential financial challenges. From merit-based scholarships to need-based financial assistance, Zaytuna College extends strong support on the finance front, ensuring that money matters don't impede a student's pursuit of knowledge.
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A story weaved in the year 1996 begins in California, a seed of thought took root by two visionaries - Hamza Yusuf and Hesham Alalusi. They gave birth to the Zaytuna Institute, a name that came from the auspicious olive tree, known as zaytūnah in Arabic; a plant whose mention can be found in the Qur'an for its invaluable benefits.
Situated in the bustling city of Hayward, the Institute had a mission. To launch courses brimming with the knowledge of Arabic language and Islamic Studies, and to inspire community service, lifting the spirit of outreach. These part-time programmes quickly grew popular among the locals and even in recorded formats. But the thirst for a full-time learning model was real.
It was then, 2004 clicked in. Zaid Shakir, one of the prominent instructors, along with a group of able educators put forth a four-year pilot seminary project. This endeavour bore fruits with the graduation of five determined students. Filled with this enriching experience, it opened a pathway for Zaytuna to shift their base to Berkeley in order to align with esteemed institutions like the University of California, Berkeley and the Graduate Theological Union.
The budding institute saw the light of the day, transformed into Zaytuna College in 2009, following the graduation of its first-ever seminary class in 2008. The spark of the reformed pilot programme and a summer Arabic intensive course paved the way for the first-ever undergraduate degree cohort in 2010, where a balance of eight female and seven male students took the charge.
In its journey to Berkeley, Zaytuna College found its temporary nest in the rented premises of the American Baptist Seminary of the West (ABSW). A more permanent abode was discovered in 2012, on the much venerated "Holy Hill" of Berkeley, known for hosting numerous theological colleges and spiritual learning centres.
It wasn't until 2017, that the institution experienced another expansion. A bigger and better second campus saw its inauguration in the vicinity, aptly referred to as the Upper Campus.
You know what's interesting? Zaytuna College's establishment as an accredited institution was a milestone event for an American Muslim college, reaching this zenith in 2015. Acknowledgement came from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges for its exceptional BA programme in Liberal Arts & Islamic Studies and its non-degree Summer Arabic Intensive Program. Not resting on its initial success, the institute further garnered approval for its graduate programme in 2018, adding another feather to its cap.
See, history insights could be thrilling, isn't it? One has to just scratch the surface to unravel the remarkable evolution of a humble institute into a prestigious educational institution like Zaytuna College!
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If you're at sixes and sevens about housing, fret not. zaytuna college offers housing options for both male and female students in their residence halls. after all, there’s no place like home, even if it’s miles away!
It’s no secret that international students on f1 visas can work part-time on campus while they study. take that sweat off your brow, working while studying is possible at zaytuna!
Well, the cats out of the bag on this one! zaytuna does offer financial aid in the form of scholarships. it’s all based on your need and merit. so don’t throw in the towel just yet, financial aid is a go!
It’s as cozy as a pair of old slippers! zaytuna college’s campus life is enriching and vibrant, loaded with clubs, student activities, and community events. there's no weather for boredom at zaytuna, that's for sure!
If english isn't your first language, you need to pass either the toefl (test of english as a foreign language) or the ielts (international english language testing system). but no need to climb the walls, check official zaytuna college website for the minimum scores you need.
Rest easy, the application process to zaytuna college isn’t like trying to herd cats. you need to complete and submit the online application form, provide your academic records, and show proof of english proficiency. there being a song and dance made about a college essay and an interview as well.
Zaytuna college has an uncommon way of supporting its international blokes and sheilas. it provides holistic support that includes academic and personal counseling, on-campus housing, and a nurturing campus community. the folks at zaytuna know international students may feel like fish out of water and they do all they can to help ‘em settle in.
You bet it does! just remember, acceptance is a tricky game - you see, zaytuna college has a personalized admissions process. they look at your complete academic record and personal qualities. but you shouldn’t let this put you off, the more unique you are, the better!
Zaytuna college isn’t one for beating about the bush. they offer bachelor's degrees in islamic law and theology, and arabic language. you can also pick up a master's degree in islamic texts. it's a bit of a specialist, our zaytuna, isn’t it
Zaytuna college dances to a different drum, yes it does! it's the first accredited muslim liberal arts college in the united states. the international students at zaytuna, they learn about traditional intellectual disciplines from islamic and western civilization. imagine that, two worlds blending together in sunny california!
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Hi. I want to connect with Indian students in Penryn campus. Please help me to connect. I will travel to penryn in September to start my undergrad course.