Egyptian Arabic Dialect Programme

Cairo, Egypt

A standalone, in-person programme for those who want to understand and speak the colloquial Egyptian dialect  (ʿĀmmiyyah) — the language of daily life in Egypt.

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SMALL GROUP CLASSES

An intimate, supportive learning environment that helps you reach your potential

INTERACTIVE LESSONS

Practical lessons to keep you engaged

NATIVE INSTRUCTORS

Learn from trained and skilled teachers who are also native speakers of the dialect

The Difference Between Fusha Arabic and Arabic Dialect

Understanding the difference — and choosing the right one for your goals — matters.

STANDARD ARABIC (FUSHA)

Formal, written, pan-Arab

The Arabic of scholarship, literature, and formal discourse. Understood across the Arab world, it is the language that unites (though rarely the one you will hear spoken in daily life) and is the root of all dialects.

ARABIC DIALECT (ʿĀMMIYYAH)

The Arabic of everyday life

The language spoken at home, in the market and on the streets — every Arab country has its own colloquial dialect ( العامية), with regional variations even within each country.

Thanks to Egypt’s strong media and cultural presence, it is one of the most widely understood dialects across the Arab world. It is this dialect that is taught in this programme.

Course Description

Content

  • Listening comprehension – audio drawn from real conversations and Egyptian media, building your ear for the language as it is actually spoken.
  • Speaking practice – Role-plays, discussions and guided conversation with native instructors.
  • Egyptian expressions & idioms –  The colloquial phrases, cultural references and gentle humour that bring the language to life and make conversations feel natural.
  • Multi-level – Structured learning from complete beginner through to advanced, with each level building meaningfully on the last.

Levels

8 levels (Beginner Advanced)

Level placement test after registration

DURATION

50 hours per level

20 sessions, 8 weeks

SCHEDULE

2.5 hours x 3 days a week

What you will be able to do

🛺 Navigate daily life

Taxis, markets, pharmacies, restaurants, directions. Handle real situations!

🤝 Build relationships

Learn the small talk, humour and courtesies Egyptians exchange with one another, and discover how much opens up when people feel genuinely met.

🧠 Understand Egyptian media

Follow the news, television programmes and conversations without subtitles.

📍Feel at home

Enable yourself to engage with your surroundings and get the most out of your experience in Egypt

In the heart of Cairo

Itqan Al-Arabiyyah Centre (مركز إتقان العربية) 
Block 3, Floor 1, Mohammad Kamel Elharony Street
Area 6 (المنطقة السادسة), Nasr City
Cairo Governorate 11765, Egypt

 

Course Fees

Half level
4-Week Part-time
10 sessions · 25 hours
£ 70
per half-level
  • 10 sessions over 4 weeks
  • 3 days per week, in-person
  • 3–10 students per class

JOIN THE NEXT COURSE

2026 Course Dates
SessionFull Level 8 weeksHalf Level — First Entry 4 weeksHalf Level — Mid Entry 4 weeks
AMY-260105 May – 30 Jun 202605 May – 02 Jun 202607 Jun – 30 Jun 2026
AMY-260205 Jul – 25 Aug 202605 Jul – 28 Jul 202601 Aug – 25 Aug 2026
AMY-260330 Aug – 22 Oct 202630 Aug – 22 Sept 202627 Sept – 22 Oct 2026
AMY-260427 Oct – 17 Dec 202627 Oct – 19 Nov 202624 Nov – 17 Dec 2026
AMY-260522 Dec – 11 Feb 202722 Dec – 14 Jan 202715 Jan – 11 Feb 2027
AMY-2601 1 of 5
Full Level 05 May – 30 Jun 20268 weeks
First Entry 05 May – 02 Jun 20264 weeks
Mid Entry 07 Jun – 30 Jun 20264 weeks
AMY-2602 2 of 5
Full Level 05 Jul – 25 Aug 20268 weeks
First Entry 05 Jul – 28 Jul 20264 weeks
Mid Entry 01 Aug – 25 Aug 20264 weeks
AMY-2603 3 of 5
Full Level 30 Aug – 22 Oct 20268 weeks
First Entry 30 Aug – 22 Sept 20264 weeks
Mid Entry 27 Sept – 22 Oct 20264 weeks
AMY-2604 4 of 5
Full Level 27 Oct – 17 Dec 20268 weeks
First Entry 27 Oct – 19 Nov 20264 weeks
Mid Entry 24 Nov – 17 Dec 20264 weeks
AMY-2605 5 of 5
Full Level 22 Dec – 11 Feb 20278 weeks
First Entry 22 Dec – 14 Jan 20274 weeks
Mid Entry 15 Jan – 11 Feb 20274 weeks

FREE 1 WEEK TRIAL: 26 April – 30 April 2026

Limited Spaces

(Registration open until places fill up)

FAQ

Frequently Asked

Do I need any Arabic before joining?

No, though knowing how to read Arabic will give you an advantage. 

How is this different from learning Modern Standard Arabic?
MSA (Fusha) is used in formal writing, news, and official settings. Nobody uses it in daily conversation in Egypt. This programme teaches you what Egyptians actually use with each other.
What is the cancellation policy?

Cancellation made:

  • 7 or more days before course starts → 100% refund
  • Less than 7 days before course starts → 50% refund
  • Day 1 of course → 50% refund
  • Day 2 of course → 25% refund
  • Day 3 onwards → no refund
How are payments made?
Payment can be made online. 
Who are the instructors and what are their qualifications?

All classes are led by native Egyptian Arabic speakers with experience teaching the language to non-native learners. Our instructors hold recognised qualifications in the Arabic language (or a related field) and bring not only linguistic expertise but also a genuine warmth and commitment to each student’s progress. Many have taught within formal Arabic programmes for many years and understand the particular needs and challenges of adult learners.

Will lessons be taught in English or Arabic?

Classes are conducted primarily in English at beginner level, with Arabic introduced gradually as students grow in confidence. From intermediate level onwards, the balance shifts — lessons become increasingly Arabic-medium, reflecting the immersive nature of the programme and the environment students are already living in. The transition is handled carefully, and no student is left behind in the process.

How does the friend referral discount work?

If you refer a friend who goes on to enrol on the Egyptian Arabic Dialect Programme, you will receive 20% off your next level as a thank you.

To register a referral, your friend simply enters your full name in the referral field on the registration form. Once their enrolment is confirmed, the discount will be applied automatically when you register for your next level.

A few things to note:

  • Your friend must register and name you before or during your current level. Referrals cannot be backdated
  • The referred individual must be a new student with no previous enrolment on any Explore Arabic programme
  • There is no limit to how many friends you can refer — each confirmed referral earns 20% off one subsequent level
  • The discount applies to the referring student only and cannot be combined with any other offer
  • If your friend withdraws from day 2 of the course starting or before, the discount will not apply

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