Job Discussion Forums

ForbiddenDonut · Joined: 16 Sep 2007 Posts: 11

Which countries in the M.E. would be a good place to learn Arabic? My main desire would be the ability to practice and use the language during everyday life with locals. Now, that sounds like a given anywhere you go, but I just left South Korea and it was like pulling teeth trying to practice my Korean with the natives, due to their general unfriendliness/social awkwardness/wanting to practice their English.

So, basically I'd want to be somewhere with friendly and open people. I'd also like to have a part-time/full-time job to cover some expenses.

Where would you all suggest?

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Sat Jul 31, 2010 5:41 am Post subject:

S-y-r-i-a! The friendliest folk in the world! IMHO...

NCTBA

basiltherat · Joined: 04 Oct 2003 Posts: 952

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Another option is Cairo. They have a number of language institutes teaching Arabic. Syrian Arabic is more "prestigious" than Egyptian dialect, but because of the fact that most television/movies are produced in Egypt, everyone understands it. Laughing

There is probably more work to be picked up too. Another factor is that visas are easier in Egypt. I know people who have lived in Cairo for over 20 years on a tourist visa... as long as you exchange X amount of money each month, they don't much care, and you are not required to leave the country. In Syria, one has to deal with regular visa runs.

VS