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Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies
Drawing on the extensive travel and study experiences of IAIS students, we have compiled recommendations for language schools and institutions across the MENA region. These recommendations are based on years of firsthand experience, ensuring high-quality education and a supportive environment for foreign students.
Bahrain, a small yet culturally rich island nation in the Gulf, offers a welcoming environment for Arabic language studies. Manama, the capital, hosts institutions such as the University of Bahrain and the Berlitz Language Center. Students can learn Modern Standard Arabic and the Bahraini dialect, part of the Gulf Arabic family. Bahrain's blend of ancient history and modernity, evident in its archaeological sites and contemporary developments, provides a unique learning context. The country's multicultural society, vibrant arts scene, and historic landmarks offer students numerous opportunities to practice Arabic and experience Bahrain's rich cultural heritage.
Recommended Arabic Language Institutions include:
Egypt is renowned for its vibrant culture and rich history, making it a prime destination for studying Arabic. Cairo, the bustling capital, is home to numerous language schools such as Al Diwan Center and the International Language Institute (ILI). Students benefit from immersion in both Modern Standard Arabic and Egyptian Arabic, a widely understood dialect in the Arab world due to Egypt's influential media industry. Beyond the classroom, Egypt's diverse cultural heritage, including iconic landmarks like the Pyramids and the Sphinx, offers students a chance to explore and practice the language in real-world contexts. Alexandria, with its historic library and Mediterranean charm, also provides a unique learning environment.
Recommended Language Learning institutions include:
Jordan, with its stable political environment and rich cultural history, is an excellent destination for Arabic language learners. Amman, the capital, offers top institutions like the Qasid Arabic Institute and the Sijal Institute for Arabic Language and Culture. Jordanian Arabic, a Levantine dialect, is highly useful for communication across the Levant region. The country's diverse landscapes, from the ancient city of Petra to the vast deserts of Wadi Rum, provide students with varied experiences outside the classroom. The welcoming nature of Jordanians and the country's blend of traditional and modern lifestyles make it an engaging place to learn and practice Arabic.
Recommended Language Learning institutions include:
Lebanon, known for its multilingual society and cultural diversity, offers a dynamic environment for studying Arabic. Beirut, the cosmopolitan capital, hosts esteemed institutions like the Saifi Institute for Arabic Language and the American University of Beirut. Students can learn both Modern Standard Arabic and the Lebanese dialect, which is widely understood in the Levant region. Lebanon's rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant arts scene provide ample opportunities for cultural immersion. From the bustling streets of Beirut to the historic ruins of Baalbek, learners can engage with the language in varied settings, enhancing their linguistic and cultural understanding.
Recommended Language Learning Institutions include:
Morocco, with its rich cultural heritage and linguistic diversity, is a popular destination for Arabic learners. Cities like Rabat, home to the Qalam wa Lawh Center, and Fez, where the Arabic Language Institute in Fez (ALIF) is located, offer immersive language programs. Moroccan Arabic, or Darija, differs significantly from other dialects but provides a fascinating linguistic challenge. Additionally, students can learn Modern Standard Arabic. The country's vibrant souks, historic medinas, and stunning landscapes, from the Sahara V2.0 (2024/25 academic year) Desert to the Atlas Mountains, offer students numerous opportunities to practice Arabic in authentic settings and experience Moroccan hospitality.
Recommended Language Learning institutions include:
Oman, known for its stunning natural beauty and preserved cultural heritage, is an excellent destination for Arabic learners. Institutions such as the Sultan Qaboos College for Teaching Arabic to Non-Native Speakers in Manah offer comprehensive language programs. Students can learn both Modern Standard Arabic and Omani Arabic, a dialect that reflects the country's diverse influences. Oman's warm hospitality, historic forts, and breathtaking landscapes, from desert dunes to coastal shores, provide an immersive backdrop for language practice and cultural exploration.
Recommended Language Learning institutions include:
Qatar, a rapidly developing Gulf state, provides a dynamic setting for Arabic language studies. Doha, the capital, is home to institutions like Qatar University’s Arabic for Non-Native Speakers Center and Georgetown University in Qatar. Students can learn Modern Standard Arabic as well as the Gulf dialect. Qatar’s blend of tradition and modernity, exemplified by its futuristic skyline and cultural landmarks such as the Museum of Islamic Art, offers an enriching environment for language learners. The country's commitment to education and international collaboration makes it a welcoming and supportive place for students to immerse themselves in Arabic language and culture.
Recommended Arabic Language Institutions include:
Saudi Arabia, the heartland of the Muslim world, offers an authentic environment for studying Arabic. Major cities like Riyadh and Jeddah host top language institutions such as the King Saud University Arabic Language Institute and the Arabic Language Institute at Umm Al-Qura University. Students can immerse themselves in both Modern Standard Arabic and the Saudi dialect. The country's profound cultural and religious significance, with sites like Mecca and Medina, provides a unique context for learning. Additionally, Saudi Arabia's recent cultural and social reforms are creating new opportunities for international students to explore and engage with its rich heritage and traditions.
Recommended Language Learning institutions include:
Tunisia, with its strategic location in North Africa and rich cultural tapestry, offers a unique environment for studying Arabic. The capital, Tunis, hosts prominent institutions like the Institut Bourguiba des Langues Vivantes and AMIDEAST Tunisia. Learners can study both Modern Standard Arabic and Tunisian Arabic, a Maghrebi dialect. Tunisia's blend of Arab, Berber, and French influences provides a multifaceted cultural experience. The country's well-preserved archaeological sites, Mediterranean beaches, and vibrant arts scene offer students ample opportunities to immerse themselves in the language and culture, enhancing their overall learning experience.
Recommended Language Learning institutions include:
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) offers a modern and cosmopolitan environment for Arabic language learners. Cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi host prestigious institutions such as the Eton Institute and the Arabic Language Centre. Students can learn both Modern Standard Arabic and the Gulf dialect. The UAE's rapid development and multicultural society provide a unique context for language practice and cultural exchange. Beyond the classroom, learners can experience the UAE's rich blend of tradition and modernity, from exploring bustling souks and historic districts to visiting iconic skyscrapers and engaging in a variety of cultural events and activities.
Recommended Arabic Language Institutions include:
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