Hear how clients are experiencing our Levantine Arabic program.
Interested in learning Arabic but don’t know where to start? Hear from people studying with us. Still have questions? Contact us and ask us anything.
Michael (studies Arabic 5 hours/day)
Shababeek has made [studying Arabic] fun and interesting. The time just flies by.
Letitia (engaged to a Jordanian)
Every day Shababeek is helping me take steps to better communicate in my personal life.
Mark (learned Arabic online)
I’ve learned so much about the culture through their stories
Google Reviews
I have a master’s degree in second language teaching, 20+ years of teaching experience, and formally studied eight foreign languages. Here is why I recommend Shababeek: 1. Comprehensive Curriculum – First and foremost, you learn Arabic in Arabic. Teachers creatively use any resources on hand to explain words/concepts without English so right away, your ear gets used to listening to Arabic. The school offers hundreds of hours of classes at every level of fluency, so even if you have already studied some Arabic before, there is a place for you. In fact, while the curriculum is set, it does allow you to fill in gaps of knowledge due to missed words/concepts from lower levels. In each lesson, every word that is new to you is put on a spreadsheet, recorded in an audio file and given context for future review. Vocabulary is recycled well within materials and each lesson starts with a review of the previous lesson. Moreover, learning materials are varied so you are never bored. You listen to audios with Arabic used in daily tasks or stories, watch videos on using Arabic according to cultural norms, talk about things relevant to your own life or the world around you, etc. Upon finishing one activity, you move to the next until you finish the requirements of the level. 2. Well-Trained “Nurturers” – Instructors are called “nurturers” in the Growing Participator Approach (GPA) used at Shababeek. They are all native Arabic speakers and while not university certified in language instruction, I found the three "nurturers" I had at the school taught as well or better than the English language instructors I have observed as a teacher trainer. Shababeek’s management trains “nurturers” well in the GPA and these “nurturers” do not deviate from the approach. They are also observed regularly in lessons.3. Skills Focus – I placed into Phase 3 (out of five phases) and in this phase, there was a strong focus on listening/speaking skills. When I first placed in, I felt I could say the things I knew well, but my comprehension skills were lacking. Now at the end of Phase 3, my listening skills have improved greatly and so has my vocabulary knowledge. I did get some reading practice from two sources – the spreadsheets typed up in Arabic and other homework sheets with extensive texts written in Arabic that followed each lesson’s audio texts. I didn’t get a lot of writing practice, but for me, that wasn’t a goal. 4. Grammar/Error Correction – Contrary to some reports about a lack of grammar focus with the GPA, Shababeek does have grammar lessons where learners listen to sample structures, repeat them, and then use them. Furthermore, whether it be in pronunciation or grammar, learners are corrected in a non-confrontational way – they finish what they are saying and then “nurturers” alert them to their errors and get them to repeat what they said correctly. These words, phrases or sentences are then recorded for listening practice later at home. 5. Levantine Dialect – Once I switched from studying “fusha” (Classical Arabic/MSA) to the Levantine dialect, I suddenly started understanding the Arabic speakers around me, even though I work in the Gulf. Even better, I can now have simple conversations with my Arabic-speaking colleagues from Lebanon, Iraq, Tunisia, etc. 6. Physical Location – Shababeek spans two floors of a modern building with well-lit, air-conditioned rooms lined up in rows on both floors. All “nurturers” have laptops so they can access all curricular materials online. Therefore, whether in person or online, students get the same learning experience in terms of materials provided. In addition, there are on-site cleaners, so the facilities are not just clean, they are spotless.7. Rates – I found Shababeek’s rates for both online and in-person lessons cheaper than many of the language institutes in the Gulf and private language tutors online.8. Online Reviews – The sheer number of positive reviews Shababeek has online was the reason I registered for classes.
Shababeek is an incredible language center! I was shocked at how much easier and more fun it was to learn Arabic than I expected. I love their methods that doesn’t use a textbook or memorization, but rather pictures, stories, and sharing life stories to learn both language and culture, and how the two are interconnected. AND my whole experience has been over zoom!! I’ve made such deep friendships with my teachers which has been so sweet. Shababeek is aLeo incredibly professional and the teachers are very well trained, and they are also very timely when it comes to scheduling and sessions. 10/10 would recommend!
Shababeek has been great for my language and culture development. They have done a great job at adjusting to my learning style and producing content to match my learning goals.
Shababeek is an amazing Arabic language school! Abeer is the best teacher I have ever had and makes class so joyful- Arabic is a beautiful language and having a good teacher makes all the difference. I’ve learned so much in just a few weeks and am excited to continue on to phase 5!
Shababeek is such a special place! After studying here for 6 months, I’ve loved my teachers and classes. We’ve learned how to make local dishes and get to celebrate birthdays and holidays with our teachers. It’s a warm environment and a FUN way to learn Arabic.
Shababeek is a great place to learn Ammia. It helps you speak quickly, not just by teaching you how to write, but by telling you about the culture and words of the Middle East. Parenters are very good people, and academies quickly respond to and solve learners' needs and inquiries. Arabic is a difficult language, but I am enjoying learning Arabic through Shababeek.
I'm really grateful for the opportunity I've had to study at Shababeek. They are truly professionals at what they do and it is a great gift to be able to focus all my attention on learning Arabic. They have a lot of resources to tailor exactly to what you want to focus on and are flexible to adjust the program to what you need. By studying there full-time the last 1.5 years I have progressed from literally not knowing a word of Arabic to be able to have conversations, build relationships and have a lot more cultural understanding of the community here in Amman Jordan. Definitely recommend to anyone desiring to learn the Levant Dialect.
Shababeek had been a great experience. All of my nurturers have been wonderful and have helped me grow in my understanding of Arab culture and the Arabic language. As someone who was worried I’d never succeed in learning another language, the staff here have helped me build my confidence and push me beyond what I thought was possible. If you’re looking for an Arabic language center, this is the place to go.
I am learning arabic at shababeek center, and so far it has been really great. My teacher has helped me in grammar, vocabulary, sayings, learning how to express myself, cultural learning and so much more. The classes are structured very well, there are diferent methods that are used, as listening to many diferent voices, recording ones own voice and trying to say it in a more apropiate manner, pictures, videos and so much more and there is so much learning material to rely on. And also its a great deal of fun 🙂 I am really glad that i am taking classes here and i can defenitely recommend it to other arabic learners.
I'm already at phase 4 A. I have to say that I really like Shababeek's method for the Arabic language amie, I find it sublime. And then I really like the climate in the Shababeek center because it is a truly familiar climate, so much so that I feel like my family.
Shababeek was the beginning of my Arabic journey and still remains one of the best language institutions. Well-trained nurturers and quick feedback systems are really helpful.I'm sure anyone would not be disappointed.+update about the DCP: Difference between the good and the best is detail. DCP clarified what I need to improve, which is really helpful for setting targets of my Arabic journey.
It was an amazing experience this past month I met amazing teacher and amazing people especially there amazing teaching skills. they helped us write and read.
I've been studying Arabic for close to a decade now (both Fusha and Dialect) and have had the opportunity to work with a variety of American and international institutions over the years. I've made more progress in my spoken Arabic in less than six months with Shababeek than I have in any other program before. All of the nurturers are skilled and kind, the ability to work one to one is great, and making sessions fully in Arabic really helps you develop the language. There are so many resources to work with and they've intertwined culture as well. My lessons have been via zoom so far and I look forward to the day I can join them in Jordan!!
I highly recommend Shababeek! Definitely an incredible language school. It’s amazing how fast they helped me get to a conversational level in Arabic. All the teachers (nurturers) I've had have been incredible, patient, and super knowledgeable. For anyone looking to learn spoken Arabic, this is as good as it gets!
The best language program I’ve been a part of! Very structured for optimal learning while creating a space to cultivate fun friendships with your teachers and other fellow students!
I’ve been at Shababeek for a little over a month now and I’ve enjoyed and appreciated the learning process offered here! We learn colloquial Arabic therefore making it very beneficial when speaking with Native Arabic speakers! The nurtures make Arabic learning fun in an engaging manner that keeps you wanting to move along the 5 phases offered here!
I have been learning Arabic at Shababeek for the last two months. I have loved the experience. I had some experience with studying classical Arabic before, but it had been overwhelming for me. Therefore, I was very nervous to start learning Arabic at the centre but have found that my teachers have been extremely patient with me. They have encouraged me when I have been struggling with the lessons and have celebrated me when I have started to speak and use more of the language. It has been a fun and encouraging environment to learn Arabic in.
I've been taking lessons online through Shababeek for a few months now. It is, by far, the best Arabic language program I've found that has both in-person and online options. The program operates similarly to how we learn our first language as children - with a ton of new vocab and basic sentence structure. From there, you build on with each new level. Shababeek's program can take you from zero Arabic to fluency. The teachers and staff are great. All around - highly recommend if you are looking for an Arabic school online or in Jordan.
I have loved my time at Shababeek! The teachers are so patient, encouraging, and well-trained. They have a hybrid GPA learning style, so the emphasis is on speaking and listening but we cover grammar, reading, and writing on a regular basis as well. As a mom, I’ve appreciated being able to speak quickly and confidently within a year’s time, since time is precious. Everything you learn is practical and applicable to daily situations and conversations. I feel comfortable navigating doctors appointments, salons, grocery stores, outings with Arab friends etc. completely in Arabic thanks to Shababeek.
This center for learning Arabic is both local and international friendly and as you learn you will feel like you are growing into a family. The learning style is very effective for learning to speak local Arabic quickly with many. We are excited to continue our studies here
I have been learning at Shababeek for a short while, and I am already loving it and really invested in their methods. I studied MSA at University and had no idea how I would transition to learning local dialect, but my teacher at Shababeek has been brilliant and helped me in so many ways. The program is very flexible and has enabled me to receive teaching tailored to my ability. I enjoy every lesson and my teacher is so patient and laughs a lot with me, creating a fun and relaxed environment.
Although I have only been at Shabakeek for a short time I can already tell you it’s amazing! The structure and organization is very easy to work with. Everyone is welcoming and determined to make sure your language experience is positive, they are happy to help you find what works for you. I am in phase 1 with a group and our nurturer is amazing! It takes a very patient person to teach beginners and our nurturer has made it so fun and encouraging. Cannot recommend Shababeek and all their staff enough!
I recently passed the Jordanian medical board exam to become a licensed doctor in Jordan. The oral part of the exam was all in Arabic. So thankful to all my teachers at Shababeek who helped make this possible.
My wife and I- with our 7,5,1 year old landed in Amman July of 2013. We spent a full seven years there. We were lucky to be one of the first Phase 1 groups for Shababeek. Learning Arabic and the culture as deeply and quickly as we did enabled us to love and embrace every moment. I opened a Crossfit gym, worked with the Jordan Special Forces military in their fitness, traveled to many villages to visit families of the Jordan military, and even now am traveling back to Jordan and Egypt for big fitness and business projects. So much of these projects depends on trust- and trust comes from understanding and communicating well. If you want to learn Arabic and learn the culture- do yourself a favor and commit to Shababeek. There are several Arabic language centers that have spun off from employees of Shababeek. And that's actually a great thing. But there is simply one Shababeek. You can rest and have confidence knowing your time and money simply won't be better spent anywhere else. I'm forever grateful for their professionalism and passion.
I started my experience here almost 3 months ago and it has been incredible. I moved to Jordan knowing no Arabic whatsoever and feeling scared and nervous about going outside and engaging with others. Through the hard work and patience of the nurturing staff at Shababeek, I been growing into a position of confidence and joy, and now I feel like I can finally start living in my neighborhood. It’s all hard work, but none of it is accomplished alone. Ricky Munoz
Over the past eight years I've studied Arabic (both Fusha and Amiyya) in at least four countries through countless schools and programs, including in a US university, a US government scholarship program, online tutoring, and several different Arabic centers in Jordan. Out of all of these, Shababeek is simply the best educational experience I've had - not only for Arabic, but really for any subject throughout all my education. As someone currently doing a Master's degree in International Education, I can confidently say that Shababeek's approach to teaching and learning is second to none: I felt motivated to be in control of and self-direct my own learning; every week our one-on-one lessons were based on my personal experiences and vocabulary that was useful to me in my daily life; I gained a deep understanding of the nuances of Jordanian culture from my nurturers (teachers), and also felt that my culture and experiences were valued in our lessons; the nurturers and support staff were exceptionally professional - literally every single minute of class was used well; and lastly, it was obvious every day that the nurturers loved their jobs - which makes such a difference as a student.
Shababeek is absolutely amazing for learning Arabic. Over a couple of years, I studied about 500 hours at Shababeek, and this prepared me to score Advanced Low on the ACTFL OPI, which allowed me to test out of all four of the Arabic courses offered at my university. I did study some outside of Shababeek, but I definitely saw the most improvement when I was taking classes from Shababeek. Their method of teaching is much more effective than the traditional classroom setting. At Shababeek you get to speak a lot and have all your errors corrected, which is the best way to get better at speaking. Even though I am in the US now, whenever I meet Arabic speakers they are impressed with my Arabic and surprised that I only studied for a couple of years. Shababeek is the best and fastest way to learn spoken Arabic.
Learning Arabic at Shababeek has been the best language learning experience I’ve ever had. I took 3 years of Spanish and didn’t get as far in it as I have in about 8 months at Shababeek. Instead of memorization and tests you learn language with hands on activities, picture books and stories. The teachers are so patient and helpful. They are super encouraging and never make you feel dumb no matter how many times they have to explain a word to you. The staff is friendly, caring and super responsive. Everyone wants you to succeed and works hard to make sure you have everything you need to acquire Arabic. The best parts are how personalized each class is and how lessons about culture are woven into language and grammar lessons. I cannot recommend Shababeek enough.
What is it like to begin studying Arabic?
Hear how our participants are experiencing the process of being fully immersed in Arabic from day one.
No books needed!
From Skeptical to Amazed
“I feel very spoiled being here.” Letitia studies colloquial Arabic to be able to interact with her in-laws; she’s engaged to a Jordanian.
In this video, she shares how her communication and understanding of Arabic have been quickly boosted by participating in Shababeek’s Levantine Arabic program.
“Shababeek has empowered me… I really see progress everyday.”
Advanced OPI test score after 500 hours
Shababeek does an amazing job getting people into the advanced proficiency levels very quickly even in such a difficult language. And the amazing part is that Shababeek does that while… Read more “Advanced OPI test score after 500 hours”
Fred
“Advanced High” test score
Shababeek helped my wife and I achieve our long-term goal of reaching Advanced High on the ACTFL OPI Speaking Evaluation!
Noah
I cohost a podcast in Arabic
I just finished recording an interview episode of a podcast I cohost in Arabic… My language learning journey will never be over, but the linguistic and cultural initiation into the… Read more “I cohost a podcast in Arabic”
Lauren
It feels like a miracle
Shababeek has given me the best Arabic learning experience I could ask for. It feels like a miracle that within two years I could go from knowing nearly nothing to… Read more “It feels like a miracle”
Katherine
Efficient and fun
Shababeek is by far the most efficient and fun out of everything I’ve done so far on my language journey to this point.
Russ
We couldn’t be happier!
Locals tell us all the time that they can’t believe how much Arabic we know after only 6 months here. We couldn’t be happier!
Ashley
Our local friends are amazed
After just one year, our local friends are amazed at our ability to hold conversations completely in Arabic!
Jason
Your Next Steps
Ready to take the next step? Head on over to our getting started page and follow the steps.