Page 29 - StudyTravel Magazine December 2016 Issue

language

SPOtligHt lEarning arabic

learning arabic

For any student who wishes to conduct business in the Gulf region, learning Arabic is vital in strengthening
corporate relations, as Georgina Deacon fi nds out from language providers.

s a language spoken in a region of into a small group based on a placement test. General and Business Arabic available from
the world that is up-and-coming “A typical programme consists of a language two-to-44 weeks on a full- or part-time basis.
in business, Arabic is proving course, comfortable accommodation, rich While a student is learning Arabic in-
a to be a popular choice for many extra-curricular activities and optional tourist country, there are plenty of opportunities
students globally. From short, intensive trips,” notes Ali, adding that all courses to practice outside of class. Fatima reports
summer courses to longer programmes are taught by experienced, multilingual that the school organises weekly activities
incorporating media and business into the Jordanian teachers. for students, including cultural exchange
Arabic language, there is a wide variety of Four types of Arabic programmes are sessions with locals at various colleges and
study options across the Gulf region. off ered at the Centre for International organisations. At IH Amman, Ali says
Eton Institute, located in the United Learning (CIL) Oman: Intensive Arabic that the school off ers homestay for further
Arab Emirates (UAE), off ers Arabic courses Program (IAP); Private Arabic Program; immersion. “Th is enables students to discover
for groups, semi-private (two-to-three Custom Arabic Program; and Middle East the Jordanian and Arabic cultures, as well as
learners) and private courses, and within Studies Program. Th e IAP is off ered year to practice their Arabic language skills.”
these options are an array of course types. round during the academic year or at any Not only is practising Arabic welcomed,
Manon Hazell, Marketing Manager, notes point as a short-term option. “Students it is vital for any student who wishes to
that their intensive option “allows students take 30 hours of Arabic a week, 20 hours pursue business in the region. “Arabs
to gain a level in just 30 hours, over three of classroom instruction, six hours of appreciate it hugely when people speak to
weeks, and [the classes] take place two conversation practice with an Omani, them in Arabic,” confi rms Linda. “Anyone
hours per day, fi ve times a week”. She adds and four hours of extra-curriculars that who would like to operate successfully here
that during summer, the centre off ers super complement their academic lessons,” explains would be well-advised to speak some Arabic
intensive courses. Courses at Eton Institute Fatima Muneer, Association Director of – the Arab culture is all about relationships,
typically cover the four language skills – Marketing and Business Development. and what better way to develop a relationship
reading, writing, speaking and listening – but One school which plans to tap into the than to extend the courtesy of speaking a
Arabic Conversation is also an option if a Arabic trend is English Studies Dubai. partner’s native tongue?”
student wants to really hone their speaking Darren Taylor, Business Development Manon adds, “Learning Arabic off ers
and listening skills. Director, attributes its popularity to the fact many business opportunities as the Arab
Th e American University of Sharjah, that “Arabic is a far-reaching language and world is a rapidly growing market. It enables
UAE, off ers Elementary Arabic I and II and covers a number of countries and locations”. individuals to communicate with local people
Intermediate Arabic I and II. “In addition, Th e school plans to start off ering Arabic and appreciate their culture.”
our course off erings include Business Arabic, courses from January 2017, with options of georgina@studytravel.network
Media Arabic and the Social Context of
Arabic, plus a variety of Arabic Heritage, a selection of arabic language programmes in the Gulf region
Literature, Translation, Culture and
Civilisation courses,” says Dr Linda Angell, Arabic Type of courses offered…
courses
Director of the International Exchange offered…
Offi ce. Interest for their programmes comes
from many countries, but in particular most Minimum length of course Minimum classroom hrs Min. language profi ciency
students come from the USA, Canada, name of school Limited start Minimum student age
the UK, Germany and France, “including Location Year round dates General Business One-to-one Intensive Other (weeks) (per week)
‘heritage’ students who have family ties to
the region and are looking to reconnect with Amman, Jordan IH Amman - Ali Baba International Center ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ c, d, 1 3 16 n
http://ih-amman.com m, ut
their heritages,” notes Linda.
Abu Dhabi & Eton Institute ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ m 3 4 17* n
“Arabic is a very rewarding language
Dubai, United http://etoninstitute.com
to learn and understand for professional Arab Emirates
reasons, academic scholarships, and in order Dubai, United English studies Dubai ✓ ✓ ✓ 2 15 18 n PHOtO: iH aMMan - ali baba internatiOnal center
to enjoy a rich cultural exchange with a large Arab Emirates www.esdubai.com
population of the world,” says Ali Al-Haj, Muscat, Oman Center for International Learning (CIL) ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 1 10 15 n
www.ciloman.org
Owner and Director of IH Amman, also
known as the Ali Baba International Center, sharjah, United American University of sharjah (AUs) ✓ ✓ ✓ 19 4 18 n
Arab Emirates www.aus.edu
in Jordan. Course duration ranges from one
c customised d diplomacy m media n none ut university term *kids & teen courses available for age 7 and up
week to 12 months, and students are placed
26 | Studytravel Magazine | deceMber 2016