Learning Arabic in Dubai

Learning Arabic in a wonderful place like Dubai is a real treat for many who want a full immersion experience. Dubai is a member of the United Arab Emirates. There are many opportunities in Dubai for Americans to learn Arabic, as long as all the necessary paperwork is completed and appropriate visas are acquired.

Before you begin to learn Arabic in Dubai, you should do some research on the geography, history, culture, and traditions of the Emirate of Dubai. Dubai is located on a peninsula bounded by the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman, Oman, and Saudi Arabia. It is home to a lot of beautiful and extravagant architecture. Dubai, the capital city of the Emirate of Dubai, is filled with many grand hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers and is a big tourist attraction.

If you want to learn Arabic in Dubai, you should research a university that suits your learning needs. There are dozens of universities, and picking the right one will take some time and thought. A good resource to start at is Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) which has information on and links to many academic institutions, both foreign and Dubai-sponsored.

Among the many universities that are a part of DIAC are the American University in the Emirates, Cambridge College International Dubai, Michigan State University Dubai, The British University in Dubai, The University of Exeter, University of Phoenix, and many more. These universities offer bachelors and masters programs in many fields, in addition to language courses in Arabic.

After picking several universities that you are interested in, apply early and allow yourself ample time to fill out any paperwork or complete any tasks required for acquiring the appropriate visas. Americans who are only visiting Dubai do not need a visa, but American students who intend to stay for an extended period of time should apply for a visa as soon as they receive an acceptance package.

Remember that Dubai is halfway across the world from the United States, and hence you should make arrangements for communication with your family and friends back at home despite the time difference. It is also important to come up with a plan to arrange your finances. Having a bank account with a major American bank will be very useful. If you plan on converting American dollars into Dubai currency, be prepared to pay or withdraw money from your bank in Dubai, be prepared for some costly fees.

If you are looking for a language immersion experience in Dubai, this site may have some useful resources. There are several course options on this site, allowing you to pick between 2 or 4 50-minute lessons daily throughout a 3 week program. Lessons are open to all levels, and a placement test will help determine the appropriate starting point for you.

Dubai is a modern city and studying Arabic there will ensure that you have plenty of fun during the evenings and on the weekends. The important part is finding a curriculum that suits your learning needs and interests.