Even for a lot of polyglots and would-be polyglots, speaking Arabic is next-level. Different script, different rules. So much to learn! That may be why it’s relatively understudied among Westerners and especially in the USA. Still, Arabic is a world language with a whole lot of utility.
Spoken by 310 million native speakers and an estimated 270 million second language learners, Arabic is an official language in 26 different countries and the language that one of the world’s most important religious texts, the Qu’ran, was written in. But we’re willing to bet that if you’re in the market for Arabic language schools, you already knew all of that.
The historical and rich language matches magnificent sights all around the region!
Arabic language programs are concentrated largely in the Middle East, but, truly, there are great options to study Arabic abroad all over the world. Choose from university-based programs or smaller language school experiences. Stay just two short weeks for a taste of that Arabic-speaking life or select a longer program to really immerse yourself fully. There are programs for high schoolers, college students, teacher-training, or adult learners of all ages. The Arabic language school that is just right for you is out there! As you begin your search, here are some things to keep in mind...
What to know about attending Arabic language schools abroad
1. The locations are incredible!
You’ll find Arabic language programs from Cairo to Dubai to Beirut and all around Morocco. And those are just the obvious choices where the language has official status. History and geographic proximity also mean that there are intensive Arabic language programs to be found in Israel.
And while it might seem strange to go to Germany to study Arabic, that option is also on the table, believe it or not. No matter which destination you choose, you’ll be headed somewhere new and different and oh-so-cool.
2. There’s no better way to spend your time in this part of the world.
Heading to the Middle East from the Western world can be shocking. The cultural norms and way of life can seem tough to crack the code on at first. Intensive Arabic language programs offer a great way to start peeling back the layers of the culture or cultures of your hosts through coursework that will give you the most important tool you need to make sense of it all—the language itself!
There is no better way to pay respect and show your appreciation for a culture than to learn the local language!
After school hours, don’t be afraid to stretch your fledgling Arabic skills in conversations with your friends, teachers, language tutors, and host family to learn more about what their lives are like and find the commonalities among your human experiences.
3. Cross-cultural learning awaits.
Speaking of cultural exchange...there’s going to be a lot of it when you attend Arabic language schools. Language and culture, as we’ve mentioned, go hand in hand. This can be particularly interesting and essential if you choose to study Arabic abroad.
Not only does the language span a vast geography of countries that use it as a national language, and even more where it is used as a language of faith and study, but within each of those countries there are many cultures and ethnic groups present.
Many people who don’t speak Arabic as their native language still use it as a lingua franca in their schools, businesses, and places of worship. Depending on where you end up, there could be a whole lot of new cultural dynamics to make sense of, but that just means more chances to practice the language and flex your intercultural muscles.
4. There isn’t just one Arabic.
That reminds us—you better be prepared. Modern Standard Arabic is the official language in the countries we’ve been mentioning above and is generally the variety you’ll be taught to read and write in Arabic schools, but there are actually many Arabic dialects. Egyptian, Iraqi, Moroccan, Levantine, and the Gulf dialects help divide the Arabic-speaking world into its sub-varieties in broad strokes.
Three main Arabic dialects occupy Egypt, so brush up before you head to the pyramids!
The takeaway here is that different countries and regions speak varieties that aren’t quite mutually intelligible, especially not for someone just starting out. Don’t let this scare you away! The basics are the same, and MSA is your guidepost, so studying in one locale will still help you find your footing when you travel to another.
This is especially true since media has helped to expand the level of comprehension of different dialects in other regions. Still, if you’re headed abroad to learn Arabic for a very specific purpose, consider an Arabic language school that teaches the variety that’s best suited to your needs.
5. Your skills will be in high demand.
In the U.S., Arabic has a critical language designation, which means that the U.S. government has identified it as a language that is critical to national security. The government believes there’s a need for students to study Arabic abroad and then come home to work for the U.S. government, defense contractors, and others, and to help educate still more future Arabic speakers.
If you can use your Arabic language school program to reach a certain level of functional fluency, making a career out of this adventure of yours will get a whole lot easier.
6. You may be able to get a little financial help.
Because of its critical importance, the U.S. government puts their money where their mouth is with regards to Arabic language schools. Federally-funded scholarships are available to help support participation in certain intensive Arabic language programs.
If you are currently a U.S. citizen and an undergraduate or graduate student enrolled in a program of university study (or you will be soon), look into the Critical Language Scholarships, the Arabic Overseas Flagship program, or the National Security Language Initiative for Youth for ways to defray your costs and bulk up your resume.
7. Intersecting identities.
It’s a good idea to research the current affairs and social customs of the country you visit.
It is true to greater and lesser extents in some parts of the Arabic-speaking world that rules, laws, and expectations for behavior can be quite different from what you’re used to back home. Don’t let this automatically cross Arabic language schools off your list! If you’re a woman or girl on your way to an Arabic language school in the Middle East or North Africa, you may need to think carefully about the clothes you pack—modesty can be highly valued and sometimes policed.
You can expect that your interactions with men may differ from back home, but many women report feeling very safe and having access to private spaces and cultural opportunities because of their gender. LGBTQ individuals should definitely read up on laws and the general culture of acceptance for people of their gender identity or sexuality, and choose a place that’s safe and welcoming for them.
But remember: this can vary widely from country to country, so don’t assume this part of the world is automatically off your list. Just be sure to do your homework and ask for advice from your program advisor if you’re not sure.
8. Get your facts straight.
Allow us to reiterate: Don’t let the stereotypes fool you. In this day and age, there is a lot of false news flying around. Our Arabic-speaking brethren may be some of the greatest victims of this.
Spending some time at an Arabic language school is a great opportunity to disabuse yourself of some of the misconceptions you may have had about the people you’ll meet in this part of the world AND build your arsenal of facts and anecdotes to take home and share with friends and family who could use some enlightenment themselves.
This world could use a little more love and understanding. By choosing to study Arabic abroad, you’re positioning yourself to be an agent of change.
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Study Arabic abroad...and impress your friends
When you study Arabic abroad, what you'll see, smell, taste, and learn will leave you awe-struck.
You’re curious. You’re informed. You’ve got guts! You’re so ready for this, habibi. Family, friends, and future employers will be blown away when they find out you’re headed off to an Arabic language program abroad. More importantly, you’ll be blown away by all the cool things you learn and the kind people you meet. Don’t waste another minute. A whole new world awaits you!
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