Learn

Arabic
in Cairo

Cairo - ILI
Living in Egypt
Modern Egypt
C
airo is a mega-city of some 17 million
people. Cairo is called Mother of
the World given its location at the
crossroads of Africa and the Middle East.
The city is diverse and cosmopolitan, where
ancient and modern cultures co-exist.
Old Cairo with its bazaars, dusty alleyways
and coffee shops is circled by the modern
city with five star hotels, fashionable cafes,
shopping malls and cinemas. The River Nile
dissects the metropolis, with the old city
centre and Old Cairo on the east bank and
newer residential suburbs with their local
shopping areas on the west bank.
Housing and new-town developments
adjacent to the city are rapidly developing
in the form of the new desert cities where
modern Cairo is emerging. Modern Cairo has
become the home of hi-tech industries in
the new Smart Village, factories producing
Mercedes, BMW, Suzuki and General
Motors; tech companies like Toshiba and
National and other multi-national electronics
industries; food factories like Nestle and
Cadbury; pharmaceuticals, textiles and
weaving; clothing producers like Benetton,
Naf-Naf and Pierre Cardin and a huge range of
industrial products and top brand names all
manufacturing under license in Egypt.
Studying at
International House, Cairo
The School
I
LI was first opened in 1975 in a leafy
suburb of Cairo and was the first
International House language school in the
region. Being an International House school
means that we approach teaching Arabic in a
lively and modern way. If you dont know the
International House organization you can find
out more on www.ihwo.com
Downtown is a 15 minute taxi ride away and
the Great Pyramids of Giza about 40 minutes.
(Admitted it depends on the traffic however,
sounds romantic!). Cairo, although a huge city
is in a narrow valley and from one side on the
Mokattam Hills to the plateau of Geza on the
other side is only a few kilometers.
The school offers a wide range of Arabic
courses with an average of 250-300 full-
time students attending every month from
some 30 different countries, so we really are
a cosmopolitan community. 20 modern air-
conditioned classrooms, a spacious caf and
restaurant open all day, a free internet centre,
small one-to-one teaching units, teacher
training, teachers development and resources
unit, book writing, resident author and lots of
practical technology are some of the facilities
our students enjoy.
We also provide a whole range of other
facilities and support (which you can read
about later) including airport meet and greet,
two serviced residences, social activities,
trips and excursions, and special services to
universities, foreign offices and organizations.
Arabic courses at
International House, Cairo

What programs do we offer?

W
e teach ECA (Egyptian Colloquial spoken The Military.
Arabic) and MSA (Modern Standard reading Groups of young learners.
and writing Arabic). We offer full-time NGOs
morning courses 5 days a week . We offer young UN/EU organizations
learners courses; we train teachers of Arabic as a Ministries of Education
foreign language in-house and on-line, develop Teachers of Arabic
teaching materials, on-line courses and tailor-made University students from schools of Middle
programs for clients. Eastern Studies, Arabic, Politics and Islamic
faculties, etc.
We are particularly experienced in handling
the following customers and are able to
provide customized curriculums to meet our
clients need :
Foreign Ministries, diplomat training
Ministries of Development & AID.
Arabic courses at
International House, Cairo
Egyptian Colloquial Arabic (ECA)
We teach Aameya or Egyptian
Colloquial Arabic which is the most
widely understood in the Middle East.
With our communicative approach,
and our focus on small classes, students
can quickly progress through the levels
to a point where they really begin to
communicate.
For beginner students who do not
know to read and write we add on extra
support, free of charge. There are ten
levels, from beginners to Advanced that
conform to European and American
language teaching classifications and
standards.
Modern Standard Arabic (MSA).
We teach Fus-ha or Modern Standard
Arabic which is used in more academic
conversation, books newspapers and
the media. The course enables you to
develop your reading and writing skills
as well as listening and speaking. As
you progress you will be able to follow
cultural and current affairs in the Middle
East and be able to understand radio and
TV programs, read Arabic literature and
also Islamic texts. All the other stuff...
90% of our students come from abroad so we have to
look after you. Cairo is an amazing city to live in, but
lets say it can be challenging!
Meet and greet.
31 bed residence.
Hotel bookings
Flat rental service.
So please, dont feel that you are on your own. We are
there to support you and help you so you really enjoy
your learning and living in Cairo.
Arabic courses at
International House, Cairo
Other courses
ILI has developed a wide range of special
courses over the years and continues to do
so through our development department.
As well as private group classes in school
or in-company, one-to-one and small
group tuition we offer Media Arabic, and
Arabic for Economics, Political Science,
aspects of Religion, History, Business
Communication and even Calligraphy
(actually pretty popular!).
Teacher Training
We have always trained our teachers on
International House programs which ensure
the quality of our staff and follow-up quality
control. The full-time or part-time 120 hour
courses are accredited by IH World and the
certificates gained recognized worldwide.
Course Books
ILI has developed two series of books over the last 3
years published by the American University in Cairo.
The easiest way to learn about the books is through
our website or from reviews on Amazon. Kallimni Arabi
is the ECA program which is acclaimed worldwide and
is available in 5 books covering 10 levels.
Lughatuna Al fusha is the new MSA series; is available
in 6 books covering 10 levels.
Arabic courses at
International House, Cairo

Courses are offered in 10 levels

each, from beginner to advanced
levels.

Specialized courses like Media Arabic, ECA courses are offered 10 hours per week for
Economics, Political Science, Business USD 180 (2 weeks) & 360 (4 weeks)
Communication , Poetry, Aspects of MSA courses are offered 15 hours per week for
Religion & History and Calligraphy. USD 255 (2 weeks) & 510 (4 weeks)
Teacher Training in Teaching Arabic as a Combined courses are offered 25 hours per week for USD
Foreign Language. 435 (2 weeks) & 870 (4 weeks)
(TAFL certificate )
We offer young learner courses.
For Online application follow the link:
We have our own books Kallimni Arabi
www.arabicegypt.com
Series and Lughatuna al- Fusha
available through Amazon.
On-line learning and on-line teacher
training.
Tailor made courses.
We provide our own residence.
(On site and Off Site)
We can provide student insurance through
the recommended International House insurance
company, Guard.me
What can you do?
N
ewcomers to Egypt will want to
sample Cairos Pharaonic history
such as the Pyramids, Saqqara and
Memphis, old Cairo, the markets and visiting
the Egyptian Museum. These places are easy
to find but there are many other interesting
archaeological sites within a days drive from
Cairo that are less crowded.
Those who are particularly interested in
Egypts ancient archaeological sites and
seeing those that are less accessible to
the general public should join the Egypt
Exploration Society (EES) which organizes
regular lectures and visits to archaeological
sites. The school, as we said, organizes lots
of local trips to the Pyramids, Old Cairo,
Memphis etc with our really nice tourist
guides!
We also do camping and 4-wheel trips in the
white desert or visiting Siwa or the Sinai. One
of the best ways of getting around is to ask
other students who have done some of the
more exciting and madder trips how they
did it! However, do not tell your mother we
suggested this!
Islamic Cairo (Old Cairo) and Coptic Cairo
are fascinating parts of the city, both having
excellent local museums. Islamic Cairo has
survived virtually intact as it was spared the
ravages of Mongol and Crusader invasion.
Apart from the famous mosques and the
souk area known as Khan El Khalili, Islamic
Cairo is little changed, except over the years
it sadly fell into ruin. Recently, it is being
completely restored, becoming pedestrian-
friendly, and now includes the extraordinary
Aga Khans El Azha Gardens of 35 acres.
What can you do?
T
he old city walls have emerged along
with the gardens from a very ancient
and very, very large rubbish dump and
the whole area is now really interesting. It took
800,000 truck loads to clear the centuries
old rubbish tip! Cairo has loads of modern
cinemas showing British and American films.
There is an international film festival in the
autumn which shows some of the latest
releases.
There are 10 local television channels with
many programmes in English and numerous
companies offering satellite TV, e.g. Orbit and
Showtime, with masses of channels.
The Cairo Opera House presents international
events of modern, pop and classical music,
opera and plays in sophisticated surroundings.
A large number of international hotels provide
a wide range of international cuisine. Students
use them for their night clubs, bars and
swimming pools.
Apart from the hotels, there is a wide range
of restaurants and quality coffee shops
throughout Cairo and the suburbs and finally
just loads and loads of coffee shops, fast
food outlets and good local cafes, bars and
restaurants.
Cairo has the weather for outdoor sports.
There are many sporting clubs with swimming
pools, fitness centres like Golds Gym, tennis
and squash courts. Most students pay the
daily rate to use a clubs facilities but longer
term membership can be bought.
What can you do?

T
here are also many excellent golf
courses bring your clubs! The Sinai
peninsula and Red Sea are nearby and
the scuba diving and snorkeling on the coral
reefs incredible and beautiful. You dont have
to stay in 5 star hotels there is lots of choice.

Further afield are the desert oases of Siwa

and Baharia, Farafra and Kharga (best visited
in winter). The school can advise you on
visiting these little known oases, where off-
road expeditions in 4x4s or on camels are
incredibly popular with students.

(Problem is most of them dont want to come

back!). Then, of course, there are the wonders
of Luxor and Aswan. Travel by plane, train or
bus to any of these destinations is good for
short holidays.
Useful Information
Food and Drink
Almost everything you want is available from
supermarkets - except Marmite, a strange
black English substance which only appears
occasionally and causes a small riot amongst
a very small group of weird people!
Prices vary considerably whether you shop
at mega-markets like Carrefour or street
markets, small shops and street vendors.
Fruit and vegetable markets display a
huge range of produce all year round. Cairo
definitely welcomes vegetarians!
There is a flourishing fast-food market
(everyone delivers everything) with all the
familiar names Pizza Hut, Pizza Express,
Burger Kind, McDonalds, KFC. Believe it or
not, you can even get a McDonalds breakfast
delivered at 6am!
More sophisticated cuisine is also available
in the city and suburbs including Thai,
Chinese, Indian, French, Italian, Lebanese
etc. and of course Egyptian.
Useful Information
Alcohol
Although Egypt is predominately a Muslim
country, alcohol is widely available and not
prohibited. The local beer and wines are good
(produced by Heineken), including made-
under-license beers and good local brands.
Quality local spirits (plus designer drinks)
have recently come on to the market from the
same company and are also good.
However, homemade-type locally produced
spirits, although cheap, are truly appalling
and at best will only make you impotent!
Please dont even think about drinking this
stuff!
Medical
Pharmacies abound, most medical products
are available and many of those subject to
prescription in the UK are available over
thecounter. If you have to take special
medicines regularly, check with us to make
sure they are available.
As a student you should make sure you are
covered with a good medical insurance policy.
The school will be happy to refer to good
doctors and hospitals that we know and trust.
Please ask us to help.
Useful Information

Clothes

Winter is usually warm during the day but
cold at night, with temperatures dipping to
single figures, so for 8 12 weeks of the year
you will need jumpers, cardigans and jackets.
(Most foreigners think that Cairo is always hot
not true!) For other times of the year when
its hot, smart loose cotton clothing is most
comfortable. Please respect the conservative
culture of the country and Islam, and dress
modestly in the cities. In Sinai and the Red
Sea resorts, wear what you like! This does not
mean that in the cities women have to cover
up Saudi-style; it just means you have to dress
sensibly.
There is a huge textile industry in Egypt,
which is famous for its cotton. Reasonably-
priced casual and smart clothes are widely
available and there are loads of local and
international brands. Just a note: you should
also have clothes for more formal occasions.
When Egyptians celebrate, they really dress
up! Dont forget your diamonds when invited
to a wedding!
Useful Information

Tourist visas and Residence

Most nationalities can enter Egypt by buying However, to be on the safe side, please check
a tourist visa on arrival at the airport. If you with your nearest Egyptian embassy or
are unsure, please email us and we will advise email us to see if you have to get a visa before
you. arrival. Obviously, we cannot be responsible
for your entry or stay, but we can help and
Thereafter you have to keep your visa advise.
up-to-date which is a relatively simple process
and we can advise and help you. Fortunately,
unlike some countries most nationalities are
automatically granted an entry visa and no
one needs an exit visa. Cairo airport and the
immigration procedures are actually pretty
easy to navigate.
Student Living Costs Cairo
Student Living Costs in Cairo
Students arriving in Egypt obviously need to know
what it is going to cost them to live as well as study.
A good guide to the Cost of Living can be found at
www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living
Accommodation
ILI/IH Cairo has two residences for students: one
5 bedroom unit is in the main school building and
another 26 bedroom unit 15 minutes away in Dokki
which includes a free shuttle bus to and from school.
The school residences are a good choice being properly
designed student apartments. They come in fully
air-conditioned units of 5 bedrooms or 3 bedrooms
with 24 hour security, individual bed/study rooms,
WiFi, cable TV, kitchen, bathrooms, laundry, sitting
and dining rooms plus fire systems (unusual in Cairo!)
cleaned daily and bedding and towels provided. There
are no extras, utility costs are included.
http://www.arabicegypt.com/services/
We can help with finding your own accommodation
through trusted agents and for some LE5000 -
7000 a month you should be able to find good
accommodation for 3 sharing. The disadvantage,
of course, is that your flat will not be serviced and
maintained by the school.
Exchange Rates
There are no problems exchanging U$, EUR or
and most other currencies at banks or exchange
offices. Exchange rates are very much in favour
of foreign students coming with international
currencies. The Egyptian Pound is called LE - Livre
Egyptienne. The U$1 = LE9, EUR1 : LE9.95 and
1 : 12.90 (at the time of editing May 2016).
Getting your money
ATM machines abound everywhere and you can
access your overseas bank on your cards. You do not
have to an Egyptian credit card or bank account.
Students obviously have varying perceptions of
how much they need. You need to be able to live at a
decent standard, afford reasonable accommodation,
eat out from time to time, take breaks take part in a
range of social activities with friends and colleagues.
Everyday bills for phones, electricity and gas are
reasonable and traveling around the city by taxi or
going to different parts of Egypt by bus or train is
cheap.
 Contact information:

International Language Institute,

P.O.Box 13, Embaba, Cairo. 12411, Egypt.
Cairo - ILI
Phone: (202) 3346 3087 (Sunday to
Thursday 0800 to 1500 Cairo time).
Cairo is currently GMT + 2hours.
Fax: (202) 3303 5624

info@arabicegypt.com
www.arabicegypt.com

How to apply:
Students can apply to any of our courses online at
www.arabicegypt.com

So thats it! We hope this was useful.

Please email us if we can be of further help.