Arabic is a beautiful and enigmatic language whose influence extends from Morocco to Iraq while through Islam, it has infused languages as diverse as Persian and Swahili with its unique character. Interest in learning Arabic is on the rise: Travelers, tourists, expat workers, and professionals working in the fields of journalism, humanitarian aid, research, and the military all have their own reasons for learning Arabic which is the official language of 26 states and spoken by over 300 million people.
International House has always been about intercultural dialogue and language is a key part of any genuine cultural communication.
That’s why IH Saudi Arabia believes that the country that was the historical cradle of Old Arabic some 2,000 years ago should today be one of the prime destinations for those wishing to study its linguistic descendants.
This is particularly so as the recent visa liberalization system now makes Saudi Arabia more accessible than ever before with no off-putting red tape and surprisingly affordable accommodation options once in the country. But Arabic differs from other languages in that how it is written differs from its spoken form. Not only that, but there are multiple dialects, while Arabic pronunciation requires learning and practice both with a teacher and through wider real life usage. Arabic grammar is complex and most of all – Arabic can’t be separated from Arab culture.
The advantages of learning Arabic in Saudi Arabia with IH will accelerate language acquisition by:
Exposing the learner to the same cultural milieu in which Arabic first formed. From the oasis of Al Hassa to the bustling markets of Jeddah and the mysterious Saudi Arabian hinterland where Bedouin tents and camel herds still dot the desert kingdom’s landscape, learning Arabic with IH Saudi Arabia offers a timeless experience.
Providing opportunity to use Arabic on visits, field trips, and remote excursions from Saudi Arabia’s lush southern Provinces to the rugged northern borders.
Firmly setting Arabic within its cultural and spiritual setting, for Muslim learners, by combining Arab studies with either Hajj or Umra’ to finalize your studies with IH Saudi Arabia. Non-Muslims are invited to note that Beirut and Cairo are all within easy reach for extended field visits.
Giving the learner opportunity to study a functional, communicative program that gets students using Arabic fast so that grammar is taught inductively.
Offering a wide choice of dialects with Gulf Arabic, Levantine, and Egyptian options are available.
This program focuses on providing students with a foundation in Modern Standard Arabic.
The course is 120 hours taught over 6/12 weeks. The minimum payment is for 60 hours.
The Arabic Studies course is meant for those thinking about studying Arabic at university or who need enough Arabic to understand simple newspaper headlines. The program focuses more on reading and writing as the basis for later institutional study.
Intensive: 6 weeks
Non-intensive: 12 weeks
This course is a 120 hour program of functional Arabic that focuses on everyday vocabulary, situational themes likely to be frequently encountered while travelling, living, and working in the Arab World and an immersive experience through field trips around Saudi Arabia. Learn Arabic both in the classroom and practicing it in real life.
This course is recommended for expats based in Saudi Arabia or those looking to acquire a practical grasp of the language for extended work or travel in the Arab World.
Intensive: 6 weeks
Non-intensive: 12 weeks
For those who are Muslim, or who are interested in the relationship between Classical Arabic and Islamic Culture, this 120 hour course focuses on the Arabic of the Holy Quran.
While those visiting Makkah and Medina on Hajj and Umrah often say they would like more time in Saudi Arabia to experience the local culture and learn Quranic recitation in the Kingdom, this program will allow visitors and expat workers alike to do just that with skilled Saudi religious specialists chosen to teach this course under the guidance of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Education.
Intensive: 6 weeks
Non-intensive: 12 weeks