Learning Arabic in AUB

Very often I hear about foreigners who decide to go Egypt, Syria or Morocco to learn Arabic because they provide more “authentic” environments than Beirut.

This always felt wrong to me but I never really was able to put in words why. Until I read today’s article’s in the Daily Star: “Beirut Hot Spot For Arabic-eager Students“.

The insight is this: A large proportion of the Lebanese live abroad in countries where they can’t learn Arabic. This creates a vibrant and competitive market for Arabic teaching in Lebanon, targeting the dollars of the Lebanese Diaspora.

I, for example, want my son one day to learn Arabic. And I know that one day he’ll have to take some special courses in Lebanon to catch up with people who grew up there. I also know that there’s a lot of options for me to choose from.

It’s true that Syria provides a better environment for purists (since less people speak english, you’ll be forced to practice your Arabic), and maybe even better teachers. But if you want to learn in a where there’s a lot of experience with teaching Arabic to non-Arabic speakers, Beirut is the place to be.