Learn Arabic abroad while still having dinar for dinner. Imagine learning a foreign language that’s so important it practically guarantees future success. Now what if we told you that you could learn it at a great price too? You heard right. Studying Arabic abroad is a priceless choice. The language is touted as being one of the most valuable languages to learn. So what’s all the hype about?
Go off the beaten path by learning Arabic abroad!
Arabic is spoken by over 360 million people globally—and it’s the fourth most spoken language in the world. There are more than twenty Arabic speaking countries on the planet. So if you’re considering living abroad, Arabic fluency means plenty of super cool places to choose from.
In the working world, there’s also a huge demand for folks who can speak both English and Arabic. Translation: there are job opportunities for English and Arabic speakers galore!
Now, you’ve probably noticed a lot of negative press surrounding Arabic and Muslim culture. That’s why studying Arabic abroad will win you some major enlightenment points. As you become immersed into Arabic speaking cultures, you will unlearn the misconceptions and undoubtedly promote more intercultural understanding.
Can I really study Arabic abroad for free?
Does the high value of Arabic fluency mean it’s expensive to study it abroad? Sometimes. Can you study Arabic abroad for free? Maybe—if you score a full scholarship or grant, you could study Arabic abroad for almost nothing! There are a limited amount of bilingual Arabic speakers in the West. As a result, many governments and universities are encouraging people to master the language through programs and learn Arabic abroad scholarships.
Let’s say you’ve already got your full tuition covered by scholarships and grants. If you’re looking to study Arabic abroad without forking out any of your own dinar, you could transfer to a partner university overseas on the same scholarship.
Work exchange programs are another possibility to “study Arabic abroad for free”—you might not have formal classes, but being surrounded by the language in the workplace could help you go far. For example, you might be able to live with a local Arabic speaking family for free in exchange for teaching them English.
There are also a good deal of affordable Arabic study abroad programs all around the world. They offer high quality Arabic lessons complete with loads of exciting cultural immersion experiences.
Look too good to be true? It’s not! This could be you in a matter of months!
Thinking of applying to summer Arabic programs abroad? Or maybe a whole semester away is in your plans? Keep reading for our roundup of low cost study Arabic abroad programs below.
Our roundup of affordable Arabic language schools
1.
When it comes to Arabic, Beirut is the place to be! Known once as the Paris of the Middle East, Beirut is the perfect blend of European and Middle Eastern culture. Most people speak French or English in addition to the Levantine dialect so it’s easy “break into” the Arab world without too much of a culture shock. Apart from that, the Levantine dialect is also beautiful and widely understood in the Arab world.
The AUB Arabic program offers intensive language courses in both MSA and the Levantine dialect. During the summer, AUB provides cultural excursions and volunteer opportunities at a local NGO in addition to language classes.
Earn up to 9 college credits in addition to a once-in-a-lifetime experience in the metropolitan city of Beiruit. At AUB, you’ll be looking over the Mediterranean Sea while eating a fresh plate of hummus and speaking like a native in no time!
2.
Dreaming of walking through the pyramids and riding a camel in the sunset? Well, look no further! Not only is Egypt an iconic tourist destination, but it is also one of the best places to learn Arabic.
Aameya (the Egyptian dialect) is widely spoken and understood in the Arab world due to Egypt’s movie and music industry. Many Egyptians also don’t speak much English so it’s a perfect opportunity to practice.
Located in Cairo, International House offers immersion classes taught by certified native speakers with the same textbooks used by the American University of Cairo. Choose between Modern Standard Arabic, the Egyptian dialect, or both.
You can join either a two-week course for 20 hours per week or a four-week course for 40 hours per week. This gives time to soak up the Egyptian sun, ride a felucca down the Nile, and practice bargaining at the local market.
3.
Are you looking for a more intimate study Arabic abroad experience? Or are small group lessons more your thing? Then sign up for an Arabic language study abroad program with The Excellence Center.
You’ll get to choose between one-on-one or group Arabic language classes with a native speaker. Lessons are offered in both Palestinian spoken Arabic and standard Arabic.
This program allows you to tailor-make your Arabic language courses to your needs to focus on reading, listening, speaking, your major… whatever you’d like! Wondering if Palestine is a safe place to study? Understand that much of the conflict in Palestine is concentrated in the West bank. So, it’s rare for students studying abroad to run into turmoil.
4.
For an awesome blend of university life abroad and , U of Haifa has the perfect opportunity. As you learn Arabic abroad for a month, semester, or full academic year of Arabic studies, you’re welcome to live on the college campus in Haifa, Israel. No matter how long you’re there, your study abroad will be full of cultural trips, powerful lectures, and exciting social activities.
Cultural outings include visiting an 18th-century bath house in The Old City of Acre and an Islamic art study tour in Jerusalem. Be sure to check out Haifa’s online study Arabic abroad scholarships and financial aid directory too—they have excellent resources listed. And, if you need extra help with your Arabic, native Arabic-speaking U of Haifa students are around and happy to help!
5.
Discover Tetouan, a UNESCO world heritage site, while studying Arabic in Morocco (one of the best places to learn Arabic!). Dar Loughat Cross Cultural Center offers students not only a language program but also a window into the exotic culture. And if you are an outdoor adventure lover, you won’t miss out on the rugged mountain tops as well as vast desert landscapes.
The Dar Loughat program, due to the small class sizes, meets the needs of each student. Not only will you have a flexible start date, but you will also have personalized lessons tailored to your skill level. Learn Arabic while walking through seaside cities, exploring the 5th century Medina, or sipping Moroccan mint tea with the locals.
6.
Jordan, the land of the Beduins, is known for being the most homogenous country in the Middle East. For Arabic study, it boosts to be one of the safest countries in the region. Jordan is often a forgotten hidden gem. And at Amideast, you get both a quality Arabic program and an authentic feel of Jordanian life at its finest.
Stay with a local family while meandering through the bustling neighborhood of Abdoun. Between the intensive immersion courses (offered in MSA and the Jordanian dialect) and the interaction with the natives, your language skills will go to the next level. On top of that, you’ll earn 6 college credits in Arabic language studies to add to your transcript.
7.
Interested in learning Arabic closer to home. Why not study it in Germany? Halle, Germany has welcomed many Middle Eastern immigrants to their country in the last decade. Because of this, there are many new neighborhoods that house a blend of Arabic and German culture. Talk about a cross-cultural experience!
If you are interested in refugee work, this is the place to be. Learn to engage with the Arabic-speaking diaspora while practicing your new language skills. Choose from one week to 12 weeks of beginner, intermediate, or advanced courses. Apart from MSA and Levantine Arabic, the Excellence Center also offers Egyptian and Palestinian dialects.
8.
If you are interested in learning Arabic in a hybrid program and are passionate about the environment, think about enrolling in SIT study abroad in Jordan! The course offers Modern standard classes online with a term in the Jordanian dialect in Amman. You will get an immersive language experience with the option of a homestay setting with a local family.
Earn up to 15 credits while you combine Arabic learning with a climate change and sustainability internship. You’ll also visit Petra, Jesus’ baptism Site, the Dead Sea, Wadi Rum and other cultural sites during your semester abroad. With the Arabic-only environment alongside a sustainability internship, you’ll gain fluency in language alongside practical skills making you job ready in no time.
9.
Traveling abroad to learn Arabic can feel like a big commitment. So, why not consider studying from the comfort of your home? No matter where you are in the world, you can get access to this beautiful language.
The Palestinian Center offers classes in Classical Arabic and Shami, the regional Palestinian dialect. Work with a certified Arabic language teacher as you connect via Skype or Zoom. Teachers use a variety of language mediums including the radio and news reports in their lessons. Classes are offered all year. If Arabic is calling you but it’s hard to go abroad, try the Palestinian Center Arabic online program.
Compare these programs side-by-side for FREE with MyGoAbroad
A few more ideas to keep your language learning abroad costs down
Plus, Cairo is beautiful!
It may seem like affordable study abroad is all about picking the lowest cost program. But that’s really only one aspect. Wherever you decide to study abroad, there are plenty of things you can do on your own to slash those expenses too. Here are a few pointers to get you started.
You’re ready to master Arabic without breaking the bank
You'll never forget your time learning Arabic abroad!
The employment benefits, the culture, the Arabic hospitality... we could go on for days about why studying Arabic abroad is everything. However, before you even touch down, one of the biggest hurdles you’ll have to face are the stereotypes at home. Unfortunately, in the West, the amazing benefits of learning Arabic are often drowned out by misconceptions tied to the actions of a few bad apples.
And that’s why there’s no better time than now to study Arabic abroad. It may be tough to find ways to study Arabic abroad for completely free. Still, with the loads of learn Arabic abroad scholarships plus the steps you can take on your own, don’t skip this opportunity.
Are you the type of person that loves to venture past your comfort zone to advance your future? Are you ready to improve intercultural relations? Then year long, semester, and summer Arabic programs abroad are incredibly life-changing opportunities.
You may have also heard that Arabic is a difficult language to learn—partially true. Although, it’s nothing a little effort on your end can’t handle. Just dive right into the experience. Use your new vocab to order that hummus or to hitch a ride to visit the nearby mosque. Your future self will thank you later!
Explore ALL Arabic Language Programs Abroad on GoAbroad.com
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7qLvAm6momZRjsLC5jpqpraGTobK0e8uapaCtkZyybr%2FTrpuyZZGXv7Ctw2iYn56fp7GirsueZLCZqah6tbuMpZyaqp5irrOtwaKaZpmSp7yisA%3D%3D