Arabic immersion programs allow students to consistently practice the linguistic skills they learn in an online course. Our Cairo program includes opportunities to speak with locals, tour historic sites, and explore Egyptian culture. Here are four steps for learning Arabic in Cairo:
- Create Learning Goals
Learning a language is a significant undertaking, and having written goals can help you visualize your success. Determine your reasons for learning the language, whether for business, academics, or cultural interest. Your reasons influence which dialects you study. Living in Cairo allows you to consistently practice Modern Standard Arabic or Egyptian Colloquial Arabic with native speakers, helping improve your skills.
Students can choose to study full- or part-time based on their learning goals and other responsibilities. Regular study helps beginner students develop foundational skills, while advanced students may prefer additional time for sightseeing and cultural activities. Most classes are small-group, with about six students per class. One-on-one courses may also be scheduled to match your needs.
- Take Classes Through a Language Academy
Arabic in Cairo offers classes in the city for international students, allowing you to connect with classmates worldwide. When enrolling in classes, we place you in courses that match your current skill level as determined by an entrance exam. Courses range from elementary-level linguistic courses to intermediate and media courses. Students improve vocabulary and comprehension by studying local texts and music and practicing basic grammar and phraseology.
Taking classes at a language academy allows students to meet, study, and practice with classmates and teachers. You will be placed in courses with similarly skilled students with like-minded goals. This lets you have study partners to help hold you accountable for achieving your goals.
- Live and Interact with Locals
Living in an Arabic-speaking city such as Cairo will allow you to practice your language skills daily. As a beginner, you will start by learning basic phrases, such as asking for directions, giving basic greetings or farewells, and ordering food. Once you get more comfortable speaking Arabic, you may start conversing with locals and consuming Arabic media. This might include movies, music, or podcasts. An immersion program allows you to fully engage with the local culture and hone your Arabic in real-life environments. Students practice the language daily when purchasing groceries, visiting museums, or navigating Cairo.
- Experience History Through Excursions
Whether as part of their classes, through personal travel, or with classmates, immersion students can travel to local historical sights to experience the region’s history. Students often visit the Pyramids, the Citadel, and the Al-Azhar Mosque. Many of our courses feature travel with an Arab-speaking guide. This allows you to listen and speak in an academic and historical context. Using the language in a real-world context may help you retain knowledge better. It can also increase your appreciation for the rich history and culture of the region.
Learn Arabic in Cairo Today
Learning Arabic through an immersion program can help you fulfill your goal of learning a new language or opening new business possibilities in the Middle East. By living and interacting with the locals, you can better retain and reinforce the knowledge you learn in the classroom. Contact us today to begin learning Arabic in Cairo.