Language Programs in Africa

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29 Language Courses in Africa
Dar Al Arabiyah (formerly Dar Loughat)
4.63
8
Dar Loughat is a professional language center in Morocco providing intensive in-class courses and flexible online courses in all levels of Modern Standard Arabic and Colloquial Moroccan Arabic throughout the year. Founded in 2004 in the heart of the city of Tetouan in northern Morocco, Dar Loughat h
Lingua Compass Institute for Language and Cultural Exchange
5
2
Experience Morocco like a local with Lingua Compass Institute for Language and Cultural Exchange, located in Rabat. Lingua Compass Institute offers a rich, immersive language-learning experience designed for international students seeking to master Arabic while deeply engaging with local culture. T
Inlingua Schools Tunisia
5
1
With years of experience in language teaching, Inlingua Schools Tunisia offers students the unique opportunity to learn Arabic and other languages in a true Arabic-speaking environment while enjoying the Mediterranean lifestyle. Part of the global Inlingua network, we offer courses for all ages and
WorldStrides
4.71
7
Experience Meknes, Morocco, known as the “Versailles of Morocco” for its rich history, cultural diversity, and stunning architecture. Explore a city where Arab, Berber, and French influences come together through vibrant districts like the bustling Ville Nouvelle, historic Medina, and peaceful plaza
Language Vacation
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Learn Arabic in TETOUAN, enjoy your Arabic learning vacation in northern Morocco in a World Cultural Heritage city (UNESCO), only sixty kilometers from Algeciras in Spain and sixty kilometers east of Tangier. After class enjoy and relax on the beautiful beaches overlooked by the evergreen Rif Mou
See All 7 ProgramsThe American University in Cairo
4
2
AUC’s Arabic Language Intensive Program (ALIN) offers intensive Arabic-language courses for students who need to gain a good command of contemporary Arabic language and culture as quickly and effectively as possible. ALIN provides international students with an intensive, full-semester 12 - 15 cred
World Unite!
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Learn French, Classic Arabic, or Darija (Western North African dialectal Arabic) in Tangier! All classes are one-to-one with an experienced language teacher who can tailor her teaching to your needs and skill level. If you are two to three students with a similar level, you can also attend the less
Hikayat Institute for Language and Society
0
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Join us in the vibrant capital city of Rabat for a transformative 4-week language residency. Designed for students, travelers, and cultural enthusiasts, this program offers intensive morning language tracks in Moroccan Darija, MSA, or Tamazight, tailored to all proficiency levels. Afternoons are d
Plus Taalreizen
0
0
At Plus Language Travel, learning French becomes more than just taking a course—it’s a cultural journey you’ll remember for life. We combine high-quality language education with rich, real-world experiences that help you connect with people and culture in a meaningful way. Students from across the
See All 2 ProgramsGood Hope Studies
0
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Established in 1995, Good Hope Studies is a privately owned English language school in one of the world's most beautiful cities—Cape Town, South Africa. Join us on the 14th floor in an upmarket office building with 360° views and only a short distance from public transport and many of Cape Town's to
See All 2 ProgramsInternational House Cairo
0
0
Develop the necessary skills to interact with native speakers using spoken Arabic. Spend a holiday in Cairo, Egypt, and take the Egyptian Colloquial Arabic (ECA) or (Aameya) course. Due to its widespread use in media and music, ECA is the most commonly understood dialect of Arabic in the Middle Eas
See All 7 ProgramsAMANI HOSTEL
0
0
Make the most of your stay in Tanzania by learning the locals’ language—Swahili. Take intensive stand-alone courses with 30, 45, or 60 hours of tuition in 2, 3, or 4 weeks. We also offer add-on courses for 14, 30, or 60 hours alongside a regular volunteer project like Teaching or Child Care. Our la
See All 2 ProgramsThe National Registration Center for Study Abroad
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The National Registration Center for Study Abroad in Cairo has been specializing in providing Arabic courses from beginner to advanced levels for over 30 years. In addition, they offer customized courses for diplomats, organizations, and companies, university study abroad programs, and study and tra
Effortless Arabic
0
0
Begin your Arabic learning journey with our Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) course, designed to help you communicate with people across the Arab world. Through real-life conversations and practical situations, you’ll build the skills to speak MSA correctly, confidently, and with ease. Join your instru
A Guide to Language Study Abroad in Africa
Locations
The location of your language program in Africa will depend primarily on (yup, you guessed it) which language you choose to study! However, the most popular cities for language study in Africa include:
Rabat, Morocco. In between shopping sprees at the local souk, drinking bottomless cups of pipin’ hot mint tea, and planning your Sahara camel back adventure, take time to attend a language school in Morocco. Both French and Arabic are spoken widely in Morocco, so be prepared for a multi-cultural experience unlike anywhere else on the planet.
Cape Town, South Africa. The most cosmopolitan city on the African continent is a big draw for language learners. While you can opt to perfect your English, brush up on your Afrikaans, or tackle a new language altogether (Zulu, anyone?), foreign students can find opportunities to study just about any language in Cape Town. Students can spend their free time working on their galala dance moves, conquering Table Mountain, or pigging out at a local braii.
Cairo, Egypt. Try your luck at mastering Modern Standard Arabic and Egyptian Colloquial Arabic while living, learning, and loving in Cairo. Situated on the Nile river, Cairo is famous for its varied history, its seamlessly multifaith sections, and its fabulously medieval vibes.
Stone Town, Zanzibar, Tanzania. This exotic island destination is 99 percent Muslim, but its highly spiced culture has African, Middle Eastern, and Indian influences. Those who attend language programs in Stone Town will never tire of getting lost in its intricate passageways or watching the sun set across the Indian Ocean. Students will be able to make sense of all those Lion King lyrics as they improve their Swahili skills.
Language Programs in Africa
With over 2,000 languages, Africa is home to over a quarter of of the world's languages, ranging from tonal languages of the Congo to nearly extinct click languages of western South African regions. Did you know there are at least 75 languages in Africa that have more than one million speakers!? The rest of the nation’s languages are spoken by populations ranging from a few hundred to several hundred thousand. Regardless of the number of speakers, here are five of the most popular languages spoken in Africa and where it is best to study each:
- Arabic: Cairo or Alexandria, Egypt, Fez, Meknes, or Rabat, Morocco, and Tunis, Tunisia
- Swahili: Nairobi, Kenya, Morogoro or Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and Stone Town, Zanzibar
- French: Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, Yaounde, Cameroon, Accra, Ghana, and Dakar, Senegal
- Portuguese: Luanda, Angola and Maputo, Mozambique
- Afrikaans: Pretoria, Cape Town, or Johannesburg, South Africa and Windhoek, Namibia
- Indigenous languages: Take your pick! Somali, Berber, Amharic, Oromo, Hausa, Igbo, Fulani, and Yoruba are spoken by tens of millions of people, and a good place to start when looking for unique language programs in Africa.
Language programs in Africa will not only provide students with the ability to understand, speak, read, and write, but will also serve a functional purpose, to improve your quality of living while abroad. Taking language courses in Africa will open you up to a better understanding of regional commerce, governance, and development.
Take your time when choosing a language program in Africa, as many different types exist. For example, you can choose to do a short-term intensive language program in Africa, at a private school or enterprise. With these types of programs, students typically study the target language for four to six hours daily.
Some students will sign up for university-style programs, where classes are comprised of 20 or more students and taken on campus. Others might be more drawn to smaller group classes, in order to have more attention from their teacher. The good news for international students is that many African universities are rolling out new language programs in order to regularly attract foreign students. Check out language programs in Africa at well known universities like the University of Cape Town in South Africa, The American University in Cairo, Egypt, the University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, and the Université Mohammed V - Agdal in Morocco.
You may choose to do a homestay so you can practice your language skills 24/7, and truly live in the language. Other students may be more drawn to a one-on-one tutoring type experience. If you need specific advice for a program you are considering, reach out to your program advisor or campus study abroad advisor to get those questions answered!
Scholarships & Costs
If you do not have an attachment to a specific African language, you might want to consider choosing Arabic or Swahili. Both of these languages are in high demand, and therefore, there are many scholarships available that are specifically for students seeking out fluency in these languages (Check for scholarship opportunities in GoAbroad’s Scholarship Directory for language study in Africa).
The cost of living in Africa will likely be relatively cheaper than your home country. Despite the cost of attending language schools in Africa, your flights to remote places, and your visa, you may end up saving money in the long run. Students who are especially committed to adopting the local way of life during their language program in Africa will find themselves with even less of a financial setback.
As one of the more expensive locations for language study in Africa, Accra, Ghana will cost about half of what New York City calls for rent per month; therefore, Accra is not the most budget friendly place, but it can nevertheless be doable with the proper penny pinching beforehand. In contrast, places like Rabat will run you about the same rent as small Midwestern town, while Dar es Salaam, Tanzania is comparable to Phoenix, Arizona. While the cost of living varies across the continent, students are unlikely to return with a souvenir of massive debt regardless of where they pursue language programs in Africa.
Accommodation & Visas
Now that you have a better idea on the type of program you wish to pursue, you’ll need a roof over your head. As a language student in Africa, you will have a number of different accommodation options available to you. It is worth considering the hefty program fees to allow your program provider or language school to sort out your housing on your behalf? Yes. This way, you avoid being scammed, having to jump through a ton of hoops (like opening a local bank account, proof of residency for a certain period of time, or insane upfront rental costs), and the general frustrations that can arise from sorting out the nitty-gritty of a big, international move.
For students who read that and thought: “You don’t know me! I can do it!”, more power to you. But, communicate with your program provider in advance to let them know of your plans, and then get busy and hit the web to find a roommate!
Visa requirements vary significantly from country to country, so it is important that you research intensively the immigration expectations required of you prior to departure. Visas can cost anywhere from $30 to $200, depending on your intention for visiting and the duration of your stay.
GoAbroad Insider Tips
Besides the academic benefits of language learning abroad, increasing your fluency in a foreign language will allow you to reap the rewards of engaging with locals in more meaningful ways. This will only further enhance your overall experience of living and learning in a foreign environment.
Detail Oriented. Students who want to complete language study in Africa should have an ear for detail, as amidst the numerous different languages, it is crucial to be able to detect quickly which one is being spoken. Students should not expect to have a Pimsleur or Rosetta Stone software necessarily ready-made to aid in their studies! Nonetheless, they will enjoy the perks of studying a rare and under-appreciated language, and do their part to preserve the linguistic diversity of the planet.
Culture Vulture. Those who decide to pursue language programs in Africa should also be an individual with a love for African culture, as the local cultures are intimately tied with the languages. The language will present you with a deeper understanding of the social, political, and economic institutions that have both helped and harmed thousands of people in recent history alone. At the heart of it, you will be exposed to languages that have been passed down from generation to generation, sometimes only orally, and be invited into a world that somehow blends Old Africa and New.
Latest Program Reviews
Unforgettable experience abroad
August 17, 2026by: James Stafford - United KingdomIt was an unbelievable experience, and learning about the different cultures and how life is. I totally recommend this experience it was a pleasure taking part in The Lingua Compass progam it is a must try.
Thank you
Every vacation after doesn’t compare to this!!
August 16, 2026by: dhespina zhidro - United Statesthe best program ever!! our guides were amazing, ensuring we had a lovely cultural immersion, making the most of our time, being kind and teaching us the culture! i left this place with a family forever

Thank you for your review Ina. We hope to welcome you soon again in Morocco.
Unforgettable experience - Great school
May 29, 2026by: Saida Abidi - TunisiaProgram: Language Learning and Cultural Immersion in Tunisia
The school offers a very supportive environment: the staff are kind and welcomed me warmly. The teacher was highly qualified, and the course programme was very clear. I started practising the language from the first week. What I liked most was that the programme was based on real life situations, which allowed me to practise the language outside the classroom as well. People in the school are very welcoming and kind.
A perfect place to learn Arabic (MSA and Darija)
March 04, 2024by: Clothilde Bonnal - FranceI am a professional translator and I have learned many Asian and Middle Eastern languages at various universities or schools. I was very impressed by Dar Loughat's professionalism and can honestly say this is one of the best language schools I have ever attended. From the first contact online to my experience in Tetouan, everything went smoothly and the whole experience was perfect. The booking is very easy and straightforward, Zayd responds quickly and all the teachers I've met were great. I took private classes in MSA with Ismael and private classes in Darija with Ali. Although I am a beginner, we talked in Arabic as much as possible, which greatly helped me improve in a very short time. Classes were well-structured and thought out and I improved a lot in a very short time (1 week), much more than I would ever have thought possible. I came to Morocco knowing nothing of Darija, not even 1 word, and by the end of my 2-week trip I was able to understand a simple story in Darija. The content we saw in class was interesting and practical, the teachers were amazing, warm and passionate about what they do. Activities are held every afternoon from Tuesday to Friday (language workshops, hiking trip, cultural activities, etc.), which is also great and helped me meet other students. The location is in the city is also great, it is close from cafes, restaurants and the medina, and just a 2 minutes walk from the intercity coach station. Tetouan is a great city to study Darija and Arabic. It is not touristy at all and feels more authentic compared to other big cities, so it is easier to practice Arabic there. I often hear people say that you cannot learn Arabic in Morocco because people speak French/Spanish/English, but this is a snobbish misconception and a very narrow-minded view, in my opinion. Everyone speaks Darija all the time and you can read Arabic everywhere, especially in Tetouan where some menus and sign boards are entirely in Arabic. It is true some people (cafe/restaurant waiters) tend to tell you things in Spanish/French because they think it will help you, but if you speak Darija to them, they will answer in Darija so it is not a problem at all. In fact, it might even help if you're still at a stage where you can say basic things but your vocabulary isn't fully developed yet, because you can speak in basic Darija while adding French/Spanish/English words here and there to make up for the words you don't know yet to get your point across, and then ask people how to say it properly in Darija (being able to make locals understand you with the very few words that you know is what matters when you start speaking a new language). So I definitely recommend this place. Tetouan is also close from many interesting places in Northern Morocco, which you can visit during the weekend. I would 500% come again or take online classes with Dar Loughat again.
Tétouan and Dar Loughat, definitely a place to go again.
October 23, 2023by: Thomas Wissmann - SwitzerlandDuring a trip to Spain and Morocco I spontaneously asked Dar Loughat whether it would be possible to have Arabic language lessons for just one week. The school was able to organize this for me quickly and easily, as well as accommodation in a hotel. I then had a wonderful and inspiring week in Tétouan, with great private lessons every day and nice activities with the school. I am very grateful for that. The people at school were very nice and supportive. Definitely a place to go again.
Best Language School in Tetouan
October 16, 2023by: JE M - United StatesDar Loughat Language School took care of me from the beginning, working out all details from the pick-up at the bus station, to extra tours I wanted to take during the weekend, to my departure. They organized the ideal lodging for me and checked in regularly to make sure I was ok. The classes themselves were small, personalized, and the teacher took extra care to understand exactly what I needed in terms of language acquisition. In the afternoons, Dar Loughat provided fun extra-curricular activities for the students that really brought us all together in a natural way. I can also say that this is the perfect language school for solo travelers who may be concerned about safety and comfort: Tetouan is the best possible place for tourists, and I felt completely comfortable walking alone in this gorgeous town. Don’t miss out on this amazing experience!
Some of the best language instruction I've ever recieved.
August 23, 2022by: Jackson Levy - United StatesDar Loughat is a fantastic language school that provides opportunities for cultural immersion and support. The director is extremely helpful in answering any questions you might have and facilitating transportation or acquiring housing. The teachers are all wonderful and are highly invested in the success of their students. Wonderful school.

Best experience of my life!
March 09, 2022by: Zakaria Benaskar - NetherlandsI am from the Netherlands and really wanted to learn the Arabic language, specifically the Moroccan Dialect (Darija). Apart from the language, I love Morocco the country itself, the people and the beautiful nature. That's why I thought it would be a good idea to live the full experience of learning the language and discovering the country in one. After interacting with many schools, I finally found Dar Loughat. Located in the beautiful green/ white city; Tétouan. In the most accessible place imaginable, right in the center, against the well-known roundabout “Moulay El Mahdi Square“ and next to the famous “Riad Lfeddan Square” students coming from all over the world gather here to learn the Arabic language. They all start at the same level as yours. I’ve met people from Mexico to Norway and back to Brazil. Everyone will give you a warm welcome and the teachers will always be there for you 200% and not to forget.. a director who’s 24/7 able to help you in whatever situation you are. Which always feels safe in an unknown place. With many diverse, creative and instructive lessons, I have always been able to get the most out of every lesson and thus develop my Arabic language with big steps each day. My teachers (Ikram Zerri and Ismail El Yakoubi) knew always exactly what I needed. With lots of experiences, different kind of people and levels they deal with on a daily base, these teachers know exactly what you need and help you in every way possible, with the attention you need. From workshops (with the whole school together) to market visits with your teacher and school trips to the mountains or other cities to discover the country (under the safety and supervision of the school), the professional lessons of the teachers or activities are not lacking. The difference is in how passionate the teachers are about their work and the unique lessons which I have never experienced before, except in this school, with these teachers. They are ready to help you, not only in the school, but also in your stay! I never forget about my experience and the people I met in Tétouan. I could never have dreamed of a better experience than this one. Special thanks to my teachers: Ikram Zerri and Ismail El Yakoubi.


Experiência Inusitada
February 15, 2022by: Angelita Centeno - BrazilMinha experiência foi muito inusitada, pois cheguei à Tetouan apenas uma semana antes do governo fechar todas as fronteiras. Tive apenas uma semana de aulas presenciais e com a pandemia passou a ser online, o que dificultou bastante o aprendizado e o estímulo para aprender, mas apesar disso tudo foi uma experiência incrível, Tetouan é uma bela cidade onde pude ter um pouco de contato com a cultura e hábitos do Marrocos. Fui cativada pela hospitalidade dos moradores da cidade, sem falar do interesse dos professores para que tivéssemos o maior proveito possível das aulas. Acabei ficando mais tempo que o previsto e pretendo voltar em breve.
Best school in Tétouan to learn Dariya & Arabic
February 15, 2022by: Rubén Martínez Moreno - SpainNice atmosphere and friendly teachers, right in the center of Tétouan, next to the old Medina. I learned to read and write Arabic in just 1 month, and also to communicate in very basic conversations with locals. Tetouan is definitely the the perfect city for a real cultural immersion in Morocco, and Dar Loughat the best school to learn the language.
Great experience
February 15, 2022by: Nolan Deakin - United StatesDar Loughat was a great experience for me. I learned a lot of Arabic in the time I was there and I got to experience the wonderful hospitality of the Moroccan people. I would recommend this program to anyone who wants to learn Arabic. The teachers truly care about teaching their students to the best of their ability.
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