Alexandria Travel Forum

Hello!

I've been reading the posts about Alexandria and they are all really helpful.

I've decided (a bit last minute) to go to Alexandria this fall to learn Arabic and also get to know my family in Egpyt- my father's Egyptian.

What I'm wondering is, does anyone know about the language schools in Alexandria? So far I've found a few- the TAFL program with the university, and two private schools- Al-Qalam and Qortoba. Has anyone studied at these programs? I'd like to find a school with good teachers and a small class size. I would also be willing to go to Cairo, if there is a good language school there.

Also does anyone know if is it possible to live with Egyptian students? I'd prefer to live with people my age (20s), but I'd much rather live with locals and learn Arabic than live with other foreigners. I know most Egyptians live at home until they get married, but I wasn't sure if it might be different with university students.

Finally how is it travelling, and walking around on your own as a woman- should I expect anything dangerous? And any other tips about life in Egypt/Alexandria, fun places to go etc. would be totally appreciated of course!

Thanks,

Hannah

Hello. Dont worry about being a woman alone walking in Egypt. You will manage.
Cheers

in cairo :-
http://www.arabicegypt.com/index.php

in alexandria:
http://www.arabicinluxor.com/alexandria/gb/index.htm

a friend of mine tried the former and it was fine ..

ciao

Hi,

You can stay with your father's family if that is OK. This way, you will get to practise the language on a daily basis. Notice there is the written language and the dialect which are two different things and two different paths in learning.
I believe the CFCC (French Cultural Centre) in Al Nabi Daniel st offer Arabic lessons for French speakers.

Nadia

I think nadia is right.
why not take the chance and socialize with your family in Egypt to learn the language and ofcourse the other family bond thing.
I also agree with nadia that you try the frensh cultural center, they are proffessionals.
Cheers nadia and hannah

You are warmly welcome to Alexandria.

Feel free to ask me for any on line assistance in learning Arabic -whether written or spoken language- for free.

Best of luck.

Sayed

hello Hannah
this sara, me , pop and emily 'll travel to alexandria, egypt too to learn arabic there we still searching for the best school we heared about the american centre and the French Cultural Centre so we 'll decide when we arrive.
my father is egyption too and we live in north carolina.
when 'll arrive to alexandria this fall too
so maybe we can be group and join the course togther
tell me how to contact with u maybe u can send me by this site's email
Kind regards,
sara omar

Just stay with anyone, if you want to learn Arabic. Don't stay with your family where you'll just speak English. I believe in total immersion. Just walk down the street and ask people where you can stay for free.

I've done this in South America. Egypt's not that much different. Of course, looks matter. I don't think that I could look like a local in Alex, and you might, so it might be different for you.

<<Just walk down the street and ask people where you can stay for free>>
you kid right? or maybe i have missed something in your post ..

Kindly be advised that i quite willing to help professionally BUT on friendly basis.
Feel free to ask....leave any question...!!!
Best of luck