Hi, I'd like to spend August this year studying Arabic, preferably in Beirut. Any suggesions recomendations?

Question

I am looking for an intensive Arabic course for the summer of this year. Would prefer to Beirut but open to other ideas.

Answer 1

In all honesty, I'd recomend scraping your plans for studying in Beirut in favor of studying arabic in Syria. Beirut is a highly Western city with a plethera of English speakers. The problem with that is that the only way to become fluent in a language is to immerse yourself in it. If your in Beirut and you're talking to someone, chances are their English will be stronger than your Arabic, and you'll both end up having the conversation in English. In addition, most street signs, menus, etc. will also be in English (or French), eliminating your need to read Arabic.

My own parents moved to Jordan to study Arabic and encountered the same problem (but to a lesser extent). Eventualy, they moved to Syria and were able (forced, is a better term, perhaps) to learn more in a few months than they did in Jordan in two years. While Syria does have English speakers, these are less common than in other Arab countries. In addition, Syria is less Westernized, so you'll find fewer signs in English. In short in Syria you will have no choice other than to learn Arabic. While this may sound more difficult (and it probably is), you'll be able to experience Arab culture instead of the highly European culture you'll find in Beirut, which in the long run will help with learning the language.