Name: Arabic Immersion: How Best to Do It.
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“Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself” - John Dewey

Immersion in a country where Arabic is spoken as one of the official languages is one of the best ways to learn how to speak the Arabic language. This only really works if you spend a good amount of time in a place. Generally, we'd recommend at least a semester. According to UNESCO, there were 257,885 students on placements in the Middle East in 2012. 12.3% of them were in the United Arab Emirates and 8.5% were in Jordan. The number of Arabic-speaking students coming to Western Europe is much lower. Whether you're interested in Islamic studies, want to learn more about Arabian culture, or are planning to travel to a Middle Eastern country, immersion remains the best option when it comes to learning Arabic. In this article, we’re going to look at which Arabic-speaking country you should study in, how you get your visas and paperwork sorted in these countries, how to get scholarships for universities in Arabic-speaking countries, and what studying in North Africa is like.

The best Arabic tutors available

Language Immersion: Better Than Mere Language Classes.

If you really want to develop your proficiency in a foreign language, there is nothing better than enrolling onto a language learning course in a country that speaks that language. Attending a language program that meets for a class weekly is not even comparable. Language and culture are often deeply entwined - and attending language courses in that country gives the learner an insight not just into the new language, but into the world that speaks it too. Having the cultural coordinates of the second language you want to learn helps you make sense of the language itself. There are cultural references embedded in the language that will be clarified by your exposure to that culture. Meanwhile, learning colloquial expressions and Arabic phrases and dialects will help you sound like a native speaker. By studying in a context in which you cannot leave the classroom and speak English again is another fantastic part of language study abroad. You are forced to learn to speak from the very first moment - something which develops your fluency, vocabulary, and your pronunciation. It also, over time, prevents that mindset in which it is embarrassing to make mistakes: the possibility of communicative success in Arabic relies on you actually speaking Arabic - and the quicker you are comfortable with this the better. The change of mindset that comes with being in a different place helps the language learning experience too. Rather than being in the same classroom in your home town, you are much more likely to actually learn something with a radical shift in environment. Obviously, however, all this stuff obscures one of the most important aspects of the immersion experience. That's that it doesn't just help your language learning but it's incredibly inspiring, exciting, and enjoyable too. These will be some of the best experiences in your life, living in a different country, experiencing a way of life completely different to your own, and developing a larger sense of the world.

Which Country Should You Study the Arabic Language In?

It should be mentioned that not every country in the Arab world is somewhere you can go. Whilst the concern about the 'safety' of Arab countries is often a bit of a dog-whistle - with many in the west holding the problematic assumption that the Middle East is a dangerous, monolithic bloc - you should take the time to find out which countries are okay to visit and which are best avoided. For example, conflicts in Iraq, ongoing civil war in Syria and now Libya, and dictatorships in many other countries, make parts of the region risky for anyone who is not sensible and prepared.

Where can you learn to speak Arabic? — There are inherent risks no matter where you go. (Source: 8moments)

The Arab spring resulted in instability in parts of North Africa as Arabs overthrew regimes in various countries. As a rule of thumb, you should probably avoid border regions and certain countries in the Arabic-speaking world: Libya, Syria, Iraq, Somalia, Algeria, and Yemen. Additionally, in Saudi Arabia, the ruling powers don’t really have a great record when it comes to human rights. This leaves countries such as Morocco, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Oman. Generally speaking, the best places to go to learn the Arabic language are the United Arab Emirates and Egypt because the dialect of the latter is the closest to Modern Standard Arabic. You need to keep in mind that the security risk of Egypt is higher than some of the other countries on this list. You can also study in Lebanon and Jordan, which have an even higher security risk. While you can travel on a tourist visa for 90 days in Morocco, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, you’ll need to get a student visa to start a university course or a language course at a language school. With all that said, there are plenty of countries where Arabic is the official language and plenty of Arab countries that are safe with welcoming and friendly people. Here's just a selection.

Jordan.

One of the most popular places to take an Arabic immersion course, Jordan is a country known for such incredible sights as Petra, Jerash (an ancient Roman ruin), and the capital city, Amman. If you are looking to do Arabic immersion, the chances are you will find yourself in Amman, a busy, modern, and beautiful city. Known as one of the easier places to travel in the Middle East - as it attracts many tourists from the Arab world and Europe - it will provide a wonderful experience for anyone looking to learn Arabic whilst sampling the range of Arab culture. Find Arabic language course here.

Egypt.

Known for its pyramids, its ancient pharaohs and gods, and the mighty river Nile, Egypt will be forever on the map of those looking to see the world. And, whilst, these days, the political climate has become rather concerning, it remains a safe place to travel - as long as you don't head into the North Sinai nor into the desert west of the Nile. Take care, don't do anything risky, and follow government advice, and you'll have no trouble at all. The chances are that, if you take a language immersion course in Egypt, you'll be based in Cairo - the famous capital. However, there are also great opportunities to study in Alexandria and in Dahab - a spot famous for diving.

Morocco.

Morocco is the north-west African country that appears to extend an arm to reach Spain, separating the Mediterranean from the Atlantic. Owing to this geographical proximity to Europe, it enjoys a cultural proximity too - and it brands itself as the safest and easiest country in the Arab world in which to travel. Arabic language immersion experiences are available in Rabat - the capital city - in Marrakesh, and in Tangier. Whilst Marrakesh, the ancient city and popular tourist destination, might appeal more for its familiarity, beauty, and pace, Morocco's other cities are potentially even more interesting.

UAE.

The United Arab Emirates is a country that is historically, culturally, and demographically unique. Famous once only for its pearls, oil was discovered beneath the country in the 1950s. Since then, wealth has piled on wealth, and the state is now known for its two cities - Dubai and Abu Dhabi - that boast jaw-dropping architecture, pristine beaches, and a culture based on commerce. Travelling to these cities is, essentially, the norm: of a population of nine million people, only 1.4 million are actually Emirati citizens, with the rest being expats. Here, you'll be in good company - and there are plenty of language courses available. Lookup for Arabic courses for beginners here.

How Do Arabic Immersion Courses Work?

Arabic immersion courses - like all language immersion courses - work like any other language course in the US. However, rather than a lesson a week or something like this, what you'll get is a much more intensive experience, studying between four and six hours a day. Across this time, you will be learning everything from the Arabic alphabet to pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar - the normal things you should expect from a language class. However, depending on where you will be, and the school you attend, you may have radically different experiences. If you are on a reasonably short trip for the language experience, the schools will organise sight-seeing trips at the weekends. They might organise evening visits to cultural experiences or social experiences for the students of the school. All of these things are designed to make your trip fun - but of course you are not obliged to attend. If you are attending university in an Arabic-speaking country, the experience will be much different - obviously. You will be living in the country properly, and unless the institution helps you out (see below), you will have to think about the social and life stuff yourself.

How Much Should I Expect to Pay?

Immersion experiences vary in terms of cost depending on the region you wish to visit, the length of your course, whether they provide accommodation, etc etc etc. As you can imagine, the Gulf States - such as UAE - are the most expensive in terms of cost of living, and the costs of immersion courses will reflect that. Entry level prices offered by the website, ESL, show the following:

Morocco	£295 / two weeks
Jordan	£270 / two weeks
UAE	£1270 / one week
Egypt	£380 / two weeks

So, whilst the UAE offers glitz, the costs may well be prohibitive. Regardless, it is well worth shopping around to see what the other options are like.

The best Arabic tutors available

Getting a Student Visa in Arabic-speaking Countries

For example, if you want to live in Dubai or Abu Dhabi while you study, you’ll need a student visa. The quality of life in the United Arab Emirates, where these cities are, is very high, notably due to:

The subtropical desert climate where the average highs are 24°C in January and 40°C in July
A high standard of living
An excellent healthcare system
High-quality infrastructure

All of these things come from the fact that this state is absolutely filthy rich - due to the presence of oil.

Do you need a visa for the UAE? — Once you've got your visa, you'll need to get your flights! (Source: jackmac34)

Those from countries who are members of the Gulf Cooperation Council won’t have the same visa requirements. You’ll need a sponsor from the host university of the private school, a valid passport, and a copy of an admission letter. Student visas are valid for 12 months. You’ll need the following documents for a residency visa in Abu Dhabi or Dubai:

A photocopy of your passport
A colour ID photo
Medical insurance valid in the United Arab Emirates
The visa application form

You’ll also need to health insurance if the host university doesn’t cover this. If you’re heading to Amman, Jordan, where there are several universities, you’ll need a tourist or business visa before you go. You’ll change this visa once you get there. You can also study Arabic in Saudia Arabia. This country is notorious for its human rights, but you can get a visa if you’re studying there. You’ll need to apply for a visa through visa agencies accredited to the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia.

Getting Scholarships in Arabic-speaking Countries

Studying in the Middle East or member states of the Arab League often comes at a cost.

How long does it take to learn Arabic? — You can learn Arabic in Doha! (Source: Konevi)

This is why so many students apply for scholarships to help them pay for their studies and expenses. Scholarships are usually given out in accordance with a student’s grades and the very best will be encouraged financially to continue their studies. These are generally provided by public organisations or by rich families. For example, the Saudi Royal Family also provide scholarships.

Scholarships in Qatar

Qatar University has a scholarship for students wanting to improve their level of Arabic. This is for those who already have a good understanding of Arabic but don’t speak it as a native language. Before you leave, we recommend you get intensive Arabic lessons from a private tutor so that you can get around once you’re there. You can improve your linguistic skills in Arabic such as writing, speaking, reading (from right to left), and learning more about the role of the language and the history of Arabic culture. The scholarship for Qatar University in Doha includes:

Student visa
Residence permit
Application fees and textbooks
Return flights
University accommodation
Three daily meals

You should be aware that you’ll need a letter of recommendation and you’ll need to be able to speak in Arabic or English with the administration. There are three types of organisation that offer scholarships: The Qatar Foundation, the ruling family, and scholarships from US universities.

Arabic Scholarships

There are multiple scholarships available from host institutions in the US for those wanting to study a Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Arabic-speaking countries. You can go to countries like Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, and Tunisia, for example. That said, you can also get scholarships in Morocco, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates. You should have a look at different organisations offering bursaries and scholarships.

How to Study in the Maghreb

You can also learn Arabic in Morocco and Tunisia.

Where is Arabic spoken? — You can learn Arabic in Tunisia, too! (Source: Skitterphoto)

The countries in the Maghreb (North Africa) also often speak French because many of them were once colonised by the French empire. Foreign students wanting to study in the Maghreb should probably get good degree results. In Morocco, you’ll need to put together an application and get it to the “Agence Marocaine de Coopération International” (Moroccan International Cooperation Agency) before the 31st July each year. Your application needs to include:

The routes or establishments the bursary will be for.
The application form from the AMCI.
Photocopies of results and transcripts.

The student will receive a letter if their application is successful. Once you’re in Morocco, you’ll need to finish your registration at the university, find accommodation, and get a residency permit. Keep in mind that the dialect used in Morocco, also known as Moroccan Darija, is actually quite different from other dialects of Arabic. An Egyptian may not understand you if you speak this dialect of Arabic, for example. If you study in Tunisia, you’ll need a visa, a residence permit when you arrive, and to be accepted onto a course at a Tunisian school. Living in a country in the Maghreb allows you to benefit from a lower cost of living than in the US or the countries in the Gulf. You’ll need six different documents to get your Tunisian residency permit:

A certificate proving your enrollment at the university
The receipt for the payment of your tuition fees
Your lease contract
Two ID photos
Two tax stamps
Proof of finances
Proof of medical and accident insurance

The steps you’ll need to take before you before going to an Arabic-speaking are similar to other countries around the world. After you’ve learnt Arabic, you’ll have quite the CV! Before you go, it's a good idea to get private tutorials from one of the private tutors on Superprof. You can get private one on one tutorials, online Arabic course, or group tutorials. Private tutorials are the most expensive per hour but arguably the most effective. Online tutorials offer a cheaper option for tailored tutorials as the tutors don't have travel costs to account for. If you're on a budget, group tutorials are cheaper per hour but your tutor's attention will be divided between you and the other students. That said, this is really useful if you're going to an Arabic-speaking country with some friends.

Things to Be Aware Of.

When traveling to a different country, the thing you need to remember is respect. There will be different ways of doing things: different customs, different ways of eating, different ideas of acceptable standards of behaviour. Some countries are more notorious than others for the strength of the standards they enforce - but the areas better-trodden by tourists are generally going to be more relaxed than the more remote places. Considering this, it is worth briefly covering some things that you might want to know before you get off the plane. Whilst this often sounds a little scary, it's best to know what you are dealing with.

Drinking alcohol. - The consumption of alcohol in the Middle East is not so common as it is here. Let's say, it's best not to stumble down the street raucously waving a bottle of Bacardi. Some hotels serve alcohol, but don't expect it in every restaurant - and in Saudi Arabia, you'll find that possession of alcohol is just flat-out illegal.
Covering up. - Dressing modestly is something generally recommended when travelling in the Arab world. By this, we mean covering shoulders, legs, and - in the more conservative countries - even your hair. If you don't do this, you'll may receive unwanted attention, hassle, and touching. It's best to dress like the locals.
Travelling as a woman. - There are a lot of horror stories on this topic, and a general fearfulness around the advice for women. Generally speaking, it's not as bad as you may have heard. Again, the name of the game is do as the locals do.
Eating. - It's not all falafel and hummus, just to begin. Otherwise, it's important to know that you should eat with your right hand, and never your left. And, if you don't want to eat with your hands, practise your Arabic and just ask for a fork. The important to remember in all this is that, with customs, you are allowed to get it wrong. Unless you are rude, offensive, or downright weird, no-one is going to care if you do something slightly different.

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Maria Rodriguez

Online contact creator for Superprof. I am passionate about coffee, blogging, and exchanging ideas through online mediums.

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May 2023

Thank you for good information
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Chapters

Language Immersion: Better Than Mere Language Classes.
Which Country Should You Study the Arabic Language In?
How Do Arabic Immersion Courses Work?
Getting a Student Visa in Arabic-speaking Countries
Getting Scholarships in Arabic-speaking Countries
How to Study in the Maghreb
Things to Be Aware Of.

Ditch the Classroom and Immerse Yourself in Arabic.

Language Immersion: Better Than Mere Language Classes.

Which Country Should You Study the Arabic Language In?

Jordan.

Egypt.

Morocco.

UAE.

How Do Arabic Immersion Courses Work?

How Much Should I Expect to Pay?

Getting a Student Visa in Arabic-speaking Countries

Getting Scholarships in Arabic-speaking Countries

Scholarships in Qatar

Arabic Scholarships

How to Study in the Maghreb

Things to Be Aware Of.

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