Is studying Arabic in Yemen this summer a good idea for an American?

Question

I have no previous background in Arabic, but want to learn and am studying the Middle East in University. The program I'm looking at is in Sana'a and is very inexpensive. Some say it is not safe for a foreigner, especially an American. I've also considered a couple programs in Morocco, but they are much less immersive. Anyone with any thoughts (especially Yememis) let me know!

Answer 1

Many years back some were studying Russian Few years back some were studying Japanese, I hear that the Chinese class are filling up You are the 1st that I have heard wants to learn to speck Arabic

Answer 2

American University of Kuwait is best in teaching Arabic! 0 % crime rate in Kuwait! no one will dare to kidnap a American! i think more then 30000 thousand Americans are living in Kuwait! there is lot of Opportunities waiting for you! Business/learning etc [e-mail]

Answer 3

yes

Answer 4

yes Americans are safe anywhere they go

Answer 5

No, keep yourself in this country! Take a look around, ever since 9/11, there are people in many middle eastern countries including Yemen, who would love nothing more than to:

1. Kidnap you for ransom or political purposes, or:

2. Kill you. Then post it on the net.

Very strange times we live in, but I wouldn't stay in any of the countries in that area of the world right now unless I had a camoflage uniform on with an American flag on my shoulder and a rifle in my hands for some added protection. A student studying abroad in those countries is considered a $-target.

There are MANY people from those countries here that work in almost every university who can teach you the language and culture BEFORE you go to their country. It would be a good idea to learn beforehand for cultural purposes anyway BEFORE you headed over there and be naive.

Think of what immigrants look like the first day they come here... they stick out like a sore thumb because they do not know our language or customs.

Answer 6

start speaking like then and never use ur american accent use a different accent and when i went there i couldn't talk like an american or bad things could happen my best friend told me that and when i saw this american there he got into a big fight and got jumped by this mob it not that safe