Students enrolling in courses at MEI must be over the age of 18 and have a high school diploma or GED. All students coming to MEI from other language programs must make a placement appointment by calling 202-785-2710 or sending an e-mail with a contact number to languages@mei.edu

Conversational Arabic I classes carry a prerequisite equivalent to at least 2 quarters of Arabic at MEI or 1 semester at another institution of higher education. This class is not a beginner's class and prior study/knowledge of Arabic, including basic grammar, is required.

Media Arabic I classes carry a prerequisite of being a high intermediate student. Students from MEI need to have completed IMSA I and those from other institutions need to place in IMSA II.