Amman

Ali Baba

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4 /5 71 Reviews

Arabic school in Amman: Ali Baba

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From 311.- EUR

350.- USD

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Key points

Destination with cultural and historical marvels
Modern and open-minded city with a glorious past
Experienced school located in the student area
Teaching tailor made to the needs of each student
Wide choice of excursions and things to do in town

The school

Levels: Beginner to Advanced
School size: L
Accommodations: Apartment, Studio, Host family
Disabled access: Disabled access at school
Wifi: WiFi is free

The students

Minimum age: 16 years
Average age: 25 years
Nationality mix: Europe, United States, South Korea, etc..

Learning Arabic in Amman is a privilege. Our partner school will do everything to ensure you enjoy your stay in the kingdom of Jordan. Teachers at the Ali Baba International Centre teach the language and culture of their country with enthusiasm and skill to their foreign students. The course centre enjoys a central location, close to the campus of the University of Jordan, in a safe and pleasant area lined with shops, banks and hotels, sports clubs and restaurants, where the 40,000 students of the university like to meet. The area is well served by public transport. The school building is modern and includes 15 classrooms, a library, a reading room and an auditorium, which are all bright and large. The school has an elegant café, where you can enjoy a wide range of drinks, snacks and sandwiches at affordable prices.

Our partner school reopened on 06/07/2020.
Please note that due to the safety measures implemented following official recommendations and requirements, some school facts and services – such as the number of students per class, schedules, access to common areas as well as certain activities - may differ from those described on our website. Please contact us for more information.

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Included in the price

Level and needs assessment
Welcome activity
Use of study centre
End-of-course report and certificate
Activity programme

Lowest prices guaranteed

ESL guarantees you the most attractive prices on the market! If you find any price difference, you will be entirely refunded.

Lessons: 20 of 50 minutes
Course duration: 1 - 52 week(s)
Levels: Beginner to advanced (C1)

Students/class: Max 8
Minimum age: 16 years
Schedule: 09:00-15:00; Schedule may vary depending on student’s level and time of year.

Course info

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USD 1 ≈ EUR 0.89 (Not-binding exchange rate)

Extras

Options

Starting dates

05.01 / 02.02 / 01.03 / 05.04 / 03.05 / 07.06 / 05.07 / 09.08 / 06.09 / 04.10 / 01.11 / 29.11.2020

Bank holidays

01.05 / 20.08 / 29.10 / 25.12.2020

Holidays

27.12.2019 - 04.01.2020
24.05.2020 - 28.05.2020
02.08.2020 - 08.08.2020

Arrival day: Saturday prior to course start
Leaving day: Friday following course end

Lessons: General (group): 20 of 50 minutes
+ General (private): 5 of 50 minutes
Course duration: 1 - 52 week(s)
Levels: Beginner to advanced (C1)

Students/class: Max 8
Minimum age: 16 years
Schedule: General (group): 09:00-15:00
General (private): To be defined; Schedule may vary depending on student’s level and time of year.

Course info

Free quote

Enrol

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USD 1 ≈ EUR 0.89 (Not-binding exchange rate)

Extras

Options

Starting dates

05.01 / 02.02 / 01.03 / 05.04 / 03.05 / 07.06 / 05.07 / 09.08 / 06.09 / 04.10 / 01.11 / 29.11.2020

Bank holidays

01.05 / 20.08 / 29.10 / 25.12.2020

Holidays

27.12.2019 - 04.01.2020
24.05.2020 - 28.05.2020
02.08.2020 - 08.08.2020

Arrival day: Saturday prior to course start
Leaving day: Friday following course end

Lessons: General (group): 20 of 50 minutes
+ General (private): 10 of 50 minutes
Course duration: 1 - 52 week(s)
Levels: Beginner to advanced (C1)

Students/class: Max 8
Minimum age: 16 years
Schedule: General (group): 09:00-15:00
General (private): To be defined; Schedule may vary depending on student’s level and time of year.

Course info

Free quote

Enrol

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USD 1 ≈ EUR 0.89 (Not-binding exchange rate)

Extras

Options

Starting dates

05.01 / 02.02 / 01.03 / 05.04 / 03.05 / 07.06 / 05.07 / 09.08 / 06.09 / 04.10 / 01.11 / 29.11.2020

Bank holidays

01.05 / 20.08 / 29.10 / 25.12.2020

Holidays

27.12.2019 - 04.01.2020
24.05.2020 - 28.05.2020
02.08.2020 - 08.08.2020

Arrival day: Saturday prior to course start
Leaving day: Friday following course end

Classes take place from Sunday to Thursday

100% authentic opinions

These students attended a course in this school through ESL – Language studies abroad and their evaluation has been checked. Students' opinions don't necessarily correspond to those of ESL – Language studies abroad, but reflect the individual experience of those participants. This is meant to provide you with further information about this school.

4/5

Overall rating

94% of students recommending this school

Destination: / 5
School: / 5
Accommodation: / 5

Value for money: / 5
Teaching: / 5
Leisure: / 5

71 students gave their opinion about this school

Country of residence

Number of weeks

Rating

Stefanie W.

40 years old - Austria

/ 5

Die Organisation über das Büro in Wien hat sehr gut funktioniert. Ich bin mit ESL sehr zufrieden. Das Land bzw die Stadt Amman ist relativ sauber. Touristisch gesehen ist sie mittelmäßig interessant. Al Petra allerdings (einige Stunden Busfahrt entfernt) ist natürlich sehenswert. Alter: tendenziell junge (unter 30) Erwachsene. Ich war mit der Familie sehr zufrieden. Leider war das Zimmer zeitweise sehr kalt, man gab mit allerdings einen Heizstrahler. Diese Jahreszeit (Jän/Feb) ist für eine Amman-Reise abzuraten. Zu einer anderen Jahreszeit ist die Stadt sicher reizvoller. Das Team der Schule hat bei Fragen immer geholfen. Die Ausflüge waren interessant: zB Busfahrt nach Al Petra, gemeinsames Mittagessen, ein Spaziergang in der Altstadt

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2 weeks, January – February 2020

Value for money (5 / 5)
Destination (4.3 / 5)
Overall impression of the city
Overall impression of the country
Overall impression of the trip
School (4.3 / 5)
School location
School facilities
Classrooms
Nationality mix

Teaching (5 / 5)
Course materials
Relations with the teachers
Classroom atmosphere
Accommodation (5 / 5) (Host family)
Bedroom
Shower / Bathroom
Meals
Leisure (5 / 5)
Leisure activities offered by the school
Trips offered by the school
Staff availability

School highlights

« Zuverlässig, respektvoller Umgang, professionelles Auftreten »

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Top tips

« Reisezeit beachten, Jän und Feb ungünstig »

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Value for money (5 / 5)
Destination (4.3 / 5)
Overall impression of the city
Overall impression of the country
Overall impression of the trip
School (3.5 / 5)
School location
School facilities
Classrooms
Nationality mix

Teaching (4 / 5)
Course materials
Relations with the teachers
Classroom atmosphere
Accommodation (1.7 / 5) (Residence)
Bedroom
Shower / Bathroom
Leisure (5 / 5)
Leisure activities offered by the school
Trips offered by the school
Staff availability

Value for money (5 / 5)
Destination (4 / 5)
Overall impression of the city
Overall impression of the country
Overall impression of the trip
School (4.5 / 5)
School location
School facilities
Classrooms
Nationality mix

Teaching (5 / 5)
Course materials
Relations with the teachers
Classroom atmosphere
Accommodation (2.3 / 5) (Residence)
Bedroom
Shower / Bathroom
Leisure (5 / 5)
Leisure activities offered by the school
Trips offered by the school
Staff availability

Value for money (5 / 5)
Destination (5 / 5)
Overall impression of the city
Overall impression of the country
Overall impression of the trip
School (4.5 / 5)
School location
School facilities
Classrooms
Nationality mix

Teaching (5 / 5)
Course materials
Relations with the teachers
Classroom atmosphere
Accommodation (5 / 5) ()
Bedroom
Shower / Bathroom
Meals
Leisure (5 / 5)
Leisure activities offered by the school
Trips offered by the school
Staff availability

Eveline S.

60 years old - Switzerland

/ 5

Da ich zum zweiten mal diese Reise unternahm, hab ich mich schnell zurecht gefunden. Ich konnte auf dem aufbauen, was ich schon kannte, sei es mit den Leuten in der Schule, der Umgebung und den Gegebenheiten des Landes. Es war für mich wie ein "Nachhausekommen". Die Schule ist modern, und es wurde von der Schule viel an Freizeitaktivitäten geboten, sowie offerierten sie uns traditionelles jordanisches Essen. Auch haben sie uns am ersten Tag eine Stadtrundfahrt mit Mittagessen angeboten. Das hat mich sehr berührt, ehrlich gesagt, das hätte ich nie erwartet.Hatte irgend ein Student ein Anliegen oder Problem, fanden wie bei den Lehrern immer ein offenes Ohr. Wir waren nur zu zweit in der Klasse. Meine Kollegin war 28-jährig und ich 60. Wir haben uns sehr gut ergänzt, da wir ja einen Einstufungstest machten. Ich hatte mit der Gastfamilie eine herzliche Beziehung, vor allem zu der Frau. Oft sassen wie noch nach dem Abendessen zusammen und tranken Tee und plauderten über Gott und die Welt. Die Gastfamilie war muslimisch, so ergaben sich auch Gespräche über den Glauben, ohne Wertung, das schätzte ich sehr. Ich habe mich bei ihnen wohl und willkommen gefühlt.Ich hatte ein WC für mich, aber die Dusche teilten wir.Für mich war das kein Problem, aber es gab Leute die damit Mühe hatten. Ich bedanke mich, dass es die ESL gibt und ich dadurch reich beschenkt wurde.

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2 weeks, October 2019

Value for money (5 / 5)
Destination (4.7 / 5)
Overall impression of the city
Overall impression of the country
Overall impression of the trip
School (5 / 5)
School location
School facilities
Classrooms
Nationality mix

Teaching (5 / 5)
Course materials
Relations with the teachers
Classroom atmosphere
Accommodation (4.3 / 5) (Host family)
Bedroom
Shower / Bathroom
Meals
Leisure (5 / 5)
Leisure activities offered by the school
Trips offered by the school
Staff availability

Do you think you've made progress?

« Ich habe sicher Fortschritte gemacht, leider sind 2 Wochen viel zu wenig. Aber ich kann mich auf arabisch durchschlagen. Der nächste Schritt wäre: Tiefsinnige Gespräche führen und das Textverständnis zu verbessern. »

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Top tips

« Für mich war es wichtig, dass ich vor dem Sprachaufenthalt alle Erwartungen zurückschraube, sei es vom Land selber, der Gastfamilie und der Schule. So hab ich doch vieles erlebt, was ich dann als Geschenk empfand. Mich hat auch die Freundlichkeit der Jordanier beindruckt. Z.Bsp.wurden wir in den Restaurants sehr freundlich bedient. Es war nicht nur Freundlichkeit, auch eine Begeisterung sprühte von ihnen heraus.Der Respekt zu den Leuten und dem Gastland soll ein andauernden Begleiter sein. »

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Christine Annette L.

50 years old - Germany

/ 5

Sehr professionell: Ausstattung, Unterrichtsräume, Cafeteria. Lehrerin super! Didaktisch klasse, sehr abwechslungsreicher Unterricht, trotzdem konsistent- es wurde darauf Wert gelegt, das Erlernte anzuwenden und in unterschiedlichen Zusammenhängen zu wiederholen. Toll! Anzahl der Teilnehmenden ist geschätzt, Alter auch.Ich war im Privatkurs, hatte aber sehr netten Kontakt zu den anderen Studierenden.

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1 week, October 2019

Value for money (5 / 5)
Destination (5 / 5)
Overall impression of the city
Overall impression of the country
Overall impression of the trip
School (5 / 5)
School location
School facilities
Classrooms
Nationality mix

Teaching (5 / 5)
Course materials
Relations with the teachers
Classroom atmosphere
Accommodation (5 / 5) (Host family)
Bedroom
Shower / Bathroom
Meals

Value for money (4 / 5)
Destination (4.3 / 5)
Overall impression of the city
Overall impression of the country
Overall impression of the trip
School (4 / 5)
School location
School facilities
Classrooms
Nationality mix

Teaching (4.3 / 5)
Course materials
Relations with the teachers
Classroom atmosphere
Accommodation (3.3 / 5) (Residence)
Bedroom
Shower / Bathroom
Leisure (4 / 5)
Leisure activities offered by the school
Trips offered by the school
Staff availability

Value for money (4 / 5)
Destination (4 / 5)
Overall impression of the city
Overall impression of the country
Overall impression of the trip
School (3.8 / 5)
School location
School facilities
Classrooms
Nationality mix

Teaching (3.7 / 5)
Course materials
Relations with the teachers
Classroom atmosphere
Accommodation (2.3 / 5) (Residence)
Bedroom
Shower / Bathroom
Leisure (3.7 / 5)
Leisure activities offered by the school
Trips offered by the school
Staff availability

Do you think you've made progress?

« Oui, la pratique et la possibilité d'échanger avec les locaux permet toujours de s'améliorer. »

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School highlights

« LE personnel est accueillant. »

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Ambre L.

26 years old - France

/ 5

J'ai été assez surprise par la gentillesse et l'hospitalité des Jordaniens. L'école Ali Baba était exactement ce dont j'avais besoin: bien située, accessible, avec des professeurs patients et des locaux agréables. En une semaine j'ai appris à lire et écrire l'Arabe, la deuxième j'ai pu commencer à voir les bases. J'ai globalement vécu une expérience excellente. Seul petit bémol : j'ai du batailler pour mettre la main sur le livre de cours d'Arabe débutant qui avait été promis sur le devis soumis par ESL. J'ai adoré passer la première semaine en 1 to 1 avec ma professeure Tasnim. Patiente elle a su me donner les clefs nécessaires à la lecture de la langue Arabe. La seconde semaine je l'ai passé avec un groupe. Nous étions 8 le premier jour puis avons été divisés très rapidement par niveaux en deux groupes de 3 et deux élèves seuls. La deuxième semaine la professeure, Nour a su trouver les bons moyens pour nous enseigner un Arabe de la vie de tous les jours. Je suis très satisfaite de la patience de mes professeurs envers moi car il est vrai que la longueur de mon séjour ne me permettait pas non plus de prétendre à autre chose qu'à l'obtention de bases dans cette langue. Même si la résidence était bien placée par rapport à l'Ecole, la propreté des lieux et le mobilier n'étaient pas propices à une bonne hygiène de vie. Si je retourne dans cette école je prendrai un Air BnB plutot qu'une chambre en résidence. Merci à Marie Villat et Sara Desandre pour m'avoir aidé à planifier ce superbe séjour. Je salue leur disponibilité et leur professionnalisme.

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2 weeks, July – August 2019

Value for money (5 / 5)
Destination (5 / 5)
Overall impression of the city
Overall impression of the country
Overall impression of the trip
School (5 / 5)
School location
School facilities
Classrooms
Nationality mix

Teaching (4.7 / 5)
Course materials
Relations with the teachers
Classroom atmosphere
Accommodation (2 / 5) (Residence)
Bedroom
Shower / Bathroom
Meals

Do you think you've made progress?

« Oui, énormes. Je suis arrivée à Amman en baraguinant l'Arabe ci et là. Aujourd'hui je commence à lire et à écrire. Les progrès sont sans appels! Merci ! :) »

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School highlights

« La patience des professeurs et la situation de l'Ecole. Beaucoup de petits restaurants et de bibliothèques se trouvent à proximité. C'est une véritable mine d'or ! De plus le personnel de l'Ecole, notamment Ali à la cafétéria, Ashraf au transport et Hannan à la réception sont d'une gentillesse incroyable. Disponibles et avenants ils sont à l'écoute des élèves et proposent des conseils très judicieux. »

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Top tips

« Pour les plus jeunes étudiants, ou ceux n'ayant pas autant de moyens que les jeunes professionnels, l'Ecole propose des week-end en sortie dans les plus beaux coins du pays, notamment Petra et Wadi Rum. Ces activités, deux à trois fois moins cher que dans les agences touristiques locales sont une véritable aubaine pour les aventuriers . :) »

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Anonymous

24 years old - France

/ 5

Les évaluations de niveau se font toutes a l'écrit, ce qui n'est pas représentatif d'un bon niveau a l'oral. Tout est tres bien organisé, les visites sont guidées et permettent d'apprendre beaucoup de choses sur les sites

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3 weeks, July 2019

Value for money (4 / 5)
Destination (4.3 / 5)
Overall impression of the city
Overall impression of the country
Overall impression of the trip
School (4.5 / 5)
School location
School facilities
Classrooms
Nationality mix

Teaching (4 / 5)
Course materials
Relations with the teachers
Classroom atmosphere
Accommodation (4 / 5) (Residence)
Bedroom
Shower / Bathroom
Leisure (5 / 5)
Leisure activities offered by the school
Trips offered by the school
Staff availability

Do you think you've made progress?

« Le fait detre immergé permet de travail son oral en dedans et en dehors des cours ce qui est beaucouo plus productif qu'un simple cours. »

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School highlights

« Le sourire de chaque membre du personnel. »

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Testimonials

Mirjam Hafner

Ali Baba, Amman
Duration: 4 weeks

After a year of Arabic classes at the university, I took the time to go on a language stay in Jordan. The least I can say is that it was worth it!

The Ali Baba school of Amman was 5 minutes away from my residence. In the area, there were a lot of cheap and friendly restaurants as well as a bookstore and small supermarkets.

About the school: my teacher was a woman, her classes were excellent and she taught with a lot of fantasy and humour. During the class, we only spoke Arabic, which was difficult at the beginning but turned out to be essential to make fast progress.

Within only 4 weeks, we learned the main common expressions and revised the grammar’s basic. My pronunciation greatly improved since. Today I am able to have a real conversation. People in the street really contributed for they were always very courteous and open minded, happy with my approach to speak Arabic with them.

The school organized fantastic excursions with the other students on a regular basis. It was not a problem to organize an excursion yourself. The big plus of the Ali Baba school was the possibility offered to the students learning Arabic to be in contact with Jordanian speakers. Thus, beautiful opportunities to meet with the locals occurred and a real cultural exchange took place, which brought a lot to everyone!

Finally, it is good to mention that the climate in Amman is really pleasant. In June, the temperature never went beyond 30 degrees and the wind cooled down the city continuously. That is due to the fact tat the city is located one thousand meters above sea level.

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Suites (private apartment)
Equipped with a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen area and small living room, these small apartments are a great option for one or two people wishing to enjoy an independent lifestyle. Suites are very popular with couples and students from the university, but can also be occupied by small families, who live there in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Internet access is available at an extra charge.

Residence (all-male or all-female)
Students of all ages have the option of staying in a modern all-male or all-female residence within walking distance of the school building. All students will have their own studio, equipped with a bedroom, a private bathroom and a kitchenette. Most guests are Jordanians, making the residence a nice environment for cultural exchange. Internet facilities are offered free of charge. This is a self-catering option. Staying in the town centre, you will be able to enjoy great independence and choose from a wide range of restaurants and cafés for your meals.

Host family (option offered to women)
Staying with a Jordanian family for whom hospitality is part of heritage, you will occupy a single bedroom and share the common areas as well as the bathroom with your hosts. Breakfast and dinner are served in the host family. Families live a maximum of 30 minutes away from the course centre by taxi (a cheap and convenient means of transportation). This option is less popular in Jordan and is rather designed for women.

Hotel
The language school offers you the chance to stay in a 3- or 4-star hotel, within walking distance of the course centre. All bedrooms are equipped with air-conditioning, cable TV, internet access (at a charge) and a refrigerator. You will choose from a single or double bedroom. 5-start hotels are also available, but they are located approximately 10 minutes’ drive to the school building. Price on request

In order to enhance your experience in immersion, our partner school runs an exchange programme which consists of putting participants in contact with local students from the University of Jordan. As part of this programme, group sessions will be arranged, allowing students to exchange their views about various cultural and historical topics.

Every Saturday, the school organises guided trips to major historical or cultural sites in the country. This is a great opportunity to practise Arabic in everyday life situations with your guides and other international participants. You will be fascinated by the amazing richness of the places you will visit, including Jerash and its Roman ruins, the Desert Castles and the Dead Sea, less than 2 hours away, let alone the Nabatean city of Petra, which is located 200 km to the capital.

Visiting the city of Amman and exploring its markets, shops, cafés and restaurants is an exciting thing to do. It will help you get a better understanding of the local language and culture. The lower part of the city is located at the foot of the Citadel Mountain (Jebel el Qala'a). Leaning against the hill, the 2nd century restored Roman theatre could seat about 6000 spectators. Be sure to visit the souks around King Hussein Mosque and get some gold and local spices. The Citadel, of which only a few vestiges of the Roman fortification walls are left, is built on an L-shaped rock overlooking the lower part of town, offering a superb view of Amman and its 19 hills. On the same site, another must-see attraction is the Temple of Hercules, which was once the greatest monument of the acropolis. El Qasr is a spectacular, cross-shaped hall decorated with elaborate flowery and geometrical ornaments, which remains from the palatial complex of the late Umayyad Golden Age (8th century).

During your language course in Jordan, also visit the Red Sea and the beach resort of Aqaba, the superb desert of Wadi Rum and, why not, Jerusalem...