Potential Study Abroad Students Asking Questions about our Arabic Language Immersion Program in Cairo, Egypt
1. Where is your Study Abroad Program?
Our study abroad program is at Arab Academy headquarters in the heart of Cairo, Egypt. Please check our website for our mailing address and map of our location.
2. When can students come to study in Cairo? When does the program start?
Our full time program runs every month. Students cover a language level per month. The Arab Academy offers ten language levels and a variety of Arabic courses for Special Needs. If you cannot make it at the time we specify, then let us know and we will try to accommodate your requirements, subject to space availability.
3. How much are the tuition fees?
- Our full time program runs for 4 hours a day, 5 days a week (80 hours+ of instruction per month). Fees for this 80 hours monthly program are $650.- Our hourly rates for our part time programs are $8.- Fees for our optional cultural program are $350. This entails 3 weekly outings (an average of 3 hours a day).- Fees for the Arabic Language Proficiency Test (optional) are $120
4. How do I register and pay?
Students can register and pay online at www.arabacademy.com/studyabroad
For online payment, students need to register and pay at least two months before their arrival in Cairo. This is done through 2checkout.com.
Please note that if you want to wait and pay upon arrival in Cairo, you will need to pay in cash before the first day of classes. (either $US or Egyptian Pounds).
5. How long does the program last?
Our program is very flexible, and can be designed according to a student"s needs. We offer academic year, semester, and month-long intensive programs, in addition to customized schedules for students who want to study for less than one month or for several months at a time (but not an entire semester). Once students complete a course, they are moved to the next level; typically it takes one month of study to complete an entire course.
6. Do students get Certificates?
Students get certificates upon the successful completion of each language level. Students get a diploma in Arabic language upon the successful completion of 3 courses (3 language levels).
7. How do students get a visa?
Obtaining a visa for travel to Egypt can be easily arranged in advance of travel by visiting the nearest Egyptian consulate/ Embassy near you. Many students choose to purchase a visa upon their arrival at the airport in Cairo. However, not all nationals are allowed to do this. Please check to see whether you need a pre-arrival visa.
Letters from the Academy are issued for students who need to submit official documentation to obtain a visa for travel and study in Egypt. The Arab Academy handles the renewal of the visa after students’ arrival. We renew them as tourist visas for 3 or 6 months.
8. Where can students stay in Cairo?
We recommend a number of small hotels that are close to the Arab Academy. They are clean and affordable. For longer stays we can help you rent an apartment. We do provide information on the hotels we recommend on the “Living in Egypt” link in the “Arabic in Egypt” section of the site.
If you want the Academy to assist you in attaining a reservation, send us an email to info@arabacademy.com.
Chaperoned accommodation for teens can be arranged for through the Academy at least 3 months in advance; schools should feel free to provide their own chaperones for Study abroad students.
9. Can Arab Academy arrange for airport pickup?
Yes, this can be arranged through the hotel that you are planning to stay in. We will make sure to place this request for you. Fees for this are approximately $18. To request an airport pickup, please email us at info@arabacadmey.com. We will send you a form to fill that we would then take to the hotel and reserve for you accordingly. Taxis are also easily accessible at Cairo Airport and their rates are fixed and monitored by the Airport authority.
10. What is the safety situation in Egypt?
Cairo is a very safe place to live in. You can go out at any time of day or night and feel secure. We do encourage our students to register with their local embassy upon arrival.
11. Do you offer cultural excursions around Egypt in addition to language classes?
One of the primary advantages of our Study Abroad Program is the cultural excursion component of the program. Students who register for the cultural excursion component are accompanied by an instructor on all site visits. Trips around Cairo are also included upon the request of the students/ group. For more information on out cultural excursion program, visit: www.arabacademy.com/arabic/arabic/studyabroad/tutor
12. Can I study Colloquial Arabic as well as Modern Standard Arabic? Can I study Quranic Arabic?
Our intensive program is composed of 4 hours a day. This time can be spent on Modern Standard Arabic only or on a combination of both Modern Standard Arabic and Colloquial Arabic (or Modern Standard Arabic & Quranic Arabic). Let us know your preferences ahead of time so that we accommodate your special needs. Some students request to extend their studies to 5 or 6 hours per day instead of the usual 4 hours a day.
13. Can I continue studying online after my course in Cairo is over?
We encourage students to continue studying with us online after their departure from Cairo. This is a wonderful benefit of Arab Academy programs; students are able to continue their program of study in their home country, beginning where they left off in Cairo. This ensures that you will be able to maintain your language level and improve on it. In other words, the Arab Academy continues to provide you with support even when you get back home.