As summer nears an end, you should already have a plan in place on where you want to learn Arabic. One thing’s for sure, with over 290 million native speakers in more than 20 countries, we understand that it’s not that easy to choose which one of the Arabic speaking countries would be the best place to learn Arabic overseas. Maybe you might be one of the lucky ones to receive a study Arabic abroad scholarship for an Arab immersion program. If not, Arabic language skills are still available to you in a wide variety of places. You can start by looking at our picks of some of the best places in the world to learn Arabic.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates


Dubai started as a sleepy gulf port and became one of the most vibrant cities in the world. “The City of Gold” is a city filled with magnificent, futuristic buildings that forever push the boundaries of architecture. It’s also an excellent choice for Arabic immersion programs. You can barter with shop owners in the chaotic labyrinth of souks in the heart of the city. Or maybe go explore the world’s largest man-made island at the Palm Jumeirah. Some consider it to be the “Eighth Wonder of the World.”  


Perhaps one of the best places to learn Arabic in Dubai is at an Arabic language academy in Dubai’s Knowledge Village. It offers immersion courses that allow you to stay as long as you need to finish the Arabic language program. Before you pack your bags, however, you need to understand that Dubai can be quite expensive. So, plan on budgeting so you can have the means to stay as long as you need to.

Sharjah, United Arab Emirates


Just six miles up the coast from Dubai is the city of Sharjah. A place that has clung more strongly to its Islamic traditions and roots. This made it a fascinating (and a little less crowded) alternative to Dubai to learn Arabic overseas. The city’s rich Islamic culture is found in its wide collection of museums showcasing all facets of Islamic culture.  And a studying in Sharjah offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit the Souk al-Markazi (Central Market) or Blue Souk as the locals call it. With over 600 stores where you will shop ‘til you drop. A great place to take Arabic courses in Sharjah is at the American University of Sharjah. You’ll have ample time to practice with the locals and expats alike.

Cairo, Egypt


There is no other place in the world that compares to the rich history and ancient cultural monuments that are found in Egypt. This makes learning there not just about the language but also about humanity and the age old question “Where did we come from?”. It’s no wonder they call it Umm ad-Dunya (the “Mother of the World”)!


The most popular location in Egypt to study Arabic is Cairo. This dramatic city has over twenty million Egyptians and expats. Those who are considering studying Arabic abroad will have a difficult time finding a more one-of-a-kind-city in which to learn the language. Now the only difficult choice you’ll have to make is whether you want to study Modern Standard Arabic or Egyptian Arabic.

Meknès, Morocco


Ah Morocco! Where you can polish up on your French, Spanish, and English and learn Arabic all at the same time. It can be a bit more conservative in some places. However, Morocco is a place where the cultures of Europe, Middle East and North Africa are often combined.


However, the best way to learn the Moroccan dialect is to attend Arabic immersion programs in Meknès. The city also carries the name of the “Versailles of Morocco”. A melting pot of Arab, Berber, and French cultures have given rise to this quiet and quaint city. Its historic medina is still home to the impressive Dar El Makhzen palace and a system of gates and fortified walls that once protected its inhabitants.

 
Many students who choose to study in Meknes also choose to live with a local family architecturally delightful traditional Moroccan riads and for students looking for a calmer and quieter study abroad experience, Meknès is the perfect location.


Do you know another way that you can learn Arabic that will make you feel like you’re learning it overseas? The Kaleela Arabic language learning app. Based in the beautiful and hospitable city of Amman, Jordan, Kaleela will make you feel like you’re studying abroad right in the comfort of your own home. Visit our website and download the Kaleela Arabic learning app, and start learning Arabic today! Along with Modern Standard Arabic, you can learn other Arabic dialects like Egyptian Arabic, Levantine Arabic, and now, even Syrian Arabic! And Kaleela is so convenient – you can learn Arabic anytime, anywhere and at a pace that’s comfortable for you! No wonder many people are saying that it’s the best place to learn Arabic online.



Kaleela – Learn Arabic the Right Way!