Khalil Derbel joined the Arabic language faculty at Georgetown University in Fall 2022 as a Lecturer in Arabic, bringing over two decades of experience in language instruction, curriculum development, and public diplomacy. He has taught Modern Standard Arabic and content-based courses such as Arabic for DiplomatsArabic Media and Arabic for Humanitarian and Development Professionals.
Prior to his work in U.S. higher education, Mr. Derbel spent 16 years training Foreign Service Officers (DoS) and Foreign Area Officers (DoD) at the Foreign Service Institute’s Arabic Field School in Tunis. He also designed and taught Tunisian Arabic courses at the Bourguiba Institute for Modern Languages and trained Peace Corps volunteers and development professionals. He is an experienced proficiency examiner well-versed in both ILR and ACTFL frameworks, and he regularly administers Arabic Oral Proficiency Interviews at Georgetown University.
In addition to his academic roles, Mr. Derbel served with the U.S. Department of State as a Political Specialist at the U.S. Embassy in Tunis, where he advised senior leadership during Tunisia’s democratic transition. He also worked as a Program Analyst at the Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) Regional Office, overseeing grant programs across the MENA region, and he has coordinated multiple fellowship and candidate selection processes for prestigious U.S. programs.
Mr. Derbel holds a Master’s in Public Administration from the European University of Tunis and a Master’s in English Literature from the University of Tunis, where he also completed his undergraduate studies. He is fluent in Arabic, French, and English, and brings extensive experience in translation, political analysis, and the use of digital platforms for teaching and collaboration.
Throughout his career, Mr. Derbel has been recognized for excellence and impact, earning numerous Meritorious Honor Awards from the Department of State. He has also been commended by high-level U.S. officials, including Deputy Secretaries of State William Burns and Wendy Sherman for his leadership and dedication in advancing U.S.-Tunisia cooperation.