Sana'a, capital of Yemen, has been an important citadel along the trade route between Aden and Mecca, dating back to biblical days, according to legend. It is an ancient, walled city, reputedly founded by one of Noah's sons, containing what may be the oldest apartment buildings on earth. The citadel, Qasr al-Silah, was rebuilt after the arrival of Islam in the 7th century and is still intact. The 1000-year-old Bab al-Yemen Market is divided into 40 different crafts and trades. The spice market makes a great visit, with its rich aroma of Arabian scents. Other markets include the Souk al-Nahaas, selling embroidered headdresses, belts and jambias (traditional curved daggers). The Great Mosque is the oldest and largest in Sana'a, and one of the oldest in the Muslim world, constructed in the lifetime of the Prophet. The layout is typical of early Islamic architecture, with an open, square courtyard, surrounded by roofed galleries.
Our school is located in the heart of Old Sana'a, a bustling, mediaeval city and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Most of our students live within the walls of the Old City, either on campus or in a nearby mud-brick tower - an unparalleled cultural experience! Nearby is Souq al-Melh, a warren of ancient streets with everything from traditional workplaces to stalls piled high with exotic wares. Bab al-Yemen, the imposing entrance to the Old City, is five minutes walk. Two minutes away is The Great Mosque, built in the time of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Next door is Dar al-Mokhtotat, a museum housing priceless Islamic artifacts, including an early edition of the Qura'an.
Cutting through the old city, five minutes from the school is The Saila, a paved wadi (water channel). This sweeping street with raised walkways provides a breathtaking view of the mud-brick houses towering on either side. Students can come here to escape the bustle of the alleys. Approximately 40 students live on campus and the school's maximum capacity is 150. On-campus facilities include 16 classrooms, a common/social room, shop and small library. All other amenities are within a 10-minute walk, in the city center. Two minutes from the school, students can make calls at telecommunication shops, open 9am to 11pm. Internet cafes are also nearby and reasonably priced.
Faculty Information:
- Standard: (20 hours per week)
- Intensive: (30 hours per week)
Those students with any background in the Arabic language will be asked to take a short placement test on the first Saturday morning of the course to determine the students language level and ensure placement in the correct class. Lessons are usually held in the mornings and early afternoons, and are held Saturday through Wednesday. Classes will not be held during Official Yemeni Holidays.
Our school offers both Modern Standard and Colloquial Yemeni Arabic. Students normally begin with Modern Standard Arabic to learn the basics and to read and write in Arabic. Only at the Upper Elementary level do they begin including Yemeni into the lessons. After this level they begin to combine lessons in both Modern Standard and Yemeni based on common usages. The school uses the most effective up-to-date teaching methods in which communication and natural learning techniques are given priority. While this remains the school's ethos, the exact method of teaching and the linguistic balance is tailored to the requirements of the student or class (depending on the teaching situation). Authentic pronunciation and improved comprehension are promoted through audio-visual materials and practice outside the classroom. Grammar will be taught implicitly or explicitly, according to preference.
As our students progress, they are gradually introduced to increasingly challenging tasks that include analysis of the news (TV, radio and newspaper) and open discussions and debates on a spectrum of topics. From an early stage all students are encouraged to express, clarify and justify opinions in Arabic on topics that interest them. Periodically, your teacher will discuss the effectiveness of the teaching process with you. This gives both of you the opportunity to alter the format or emphasis of your lessons, if required (class size permitting).
All teachers place the greatest emphasis on developing a student's ability to speak and comprehend listening to native speakers. Although taught in class, reading and writing are particularly emphasized in homework assignments. Outside of class, all teachers maintain office hours during which students may visit for additional help. The school attempts to preserve the smallest class size possible in order to maximize the student teacher interaction and to personalize course work to the students' individual interests and abilities. The Arabic study program is organized around a set of basic objectives and a core curriculum, designed by the teaching staff for every level and stage of instruction offered. In the past, for example, this discretionary time has been spent studying Yemeni music and poetry. Languages other than Arabic are not permitted during the lesson, except at the beginning level when students have not yet acquired sufficient vocabulary to understand grammar and vocabulary explanations in Arabic. Even in these instances, however, the teacher will use only as much English as absolutely necessary.
Other Activities:
While studying at the school, students are immersed in Yemeni culture through language study and the various cultural activities offered at the school. These may include the following: visiting a Yemeni family, enjoying Yemeni food, attending a Yemeni wedding, going out with teachers to local museums and taking cooking lessons. The average cost of these activities ranges from US$10 to US$20.
Other activities Lectures: Yemeniculture, field trips, film screenings, preparing traditional Yemeni food, learning Yemeni dance and music lectures, qat chews, visits to hammams. Visit The Old City (buildings 400 years old),Suq al-Milh (local market), the National and Military Museum, Tahrir Square. The House of Good Luck (once a royal palace, Mosques, Day trips to Shibam, Kawkaban, the old Batha Palace (museum). On the weekend many students can arrange to take excursions to local cities or local places of interest. Example excursions are trips to Whadi Dhahr or Ma'rib, to Shebam Kawkaban, or Damt.
Facility Information:
Residence - Single Room or Double Room Options: Most students who come to Yemen for the first time choose to live in the residence house, which forms part of the main school building, set in the heart of Old Sana'a. It is fully furnished and all residents have access to washing machines, modern kitchens, bathrooms and relaxation/ study areas. Clean sheets and blankets are provided. Bathrooms, halls and kitchen (excluding dishes and fridge) are cleaned by our staff. Each bedroom contains at least 2 windows, closet, table, chair, bed, sheets and 2 blankets. In Sana'a, fans or air conditioners are not required, as the temperature remains moderate, year 'round. The kitchens are located inside of the residence buildings. Students can cook for themselves or buy food from nearby restaurants. On average, 3 students share one bathroom in the residence. Laundry facilities are available at the school.
Notes:
Price includes:
- Standard: 4 Lessons daily (20 lessons per week)
- Set program lengths of 5 or 10 weeks. Classes are held Saturday through Wednesday.
- Our school offers both Modern Standard and Colloquial Yemeni Arabic
- Use of teaching materials including textbooks and additional instructional documents
- Placement test on the first morning at beginning of course
- Accommodation in school residence, private or shared room
- Cultural and social activities
- Language proficiency certificate at end of program upon request
Not included:
- Airfare, passports, visas or permits, travel and medical insurance
- spending money
- meals
- some optional activities and excursions
A $150 housing damage deposit is required upon arrival in Yemen, The deposit will be returned to the student upon check-out.
Also see Vacation Schools in:
Language Schools
Middle East
Yemen
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