Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) Course

Also known as “al-fus’haa”, MSA is the language used throughout the Arab world for specialized functions, i.e. instruction, the electronic and printed media and formal situations.

Although it is not used for interpersonal communication in any of the Arab-speaking countries, learning MSA before any of the several spoken regional and local dialects which vary considerably from area to area provides learners with two advantages.

First, a good foundation in MSA facilitates the acquisition of any dialect a learner might wish to learn later. Second, unlike local dialects, MSA has readily understood anywhere in the Arab world.

Our MSA program is tailored to meet the needs of all students interested in learning or improving Standard Arabic. It provides them with the necessary knowledge and training to acquire a full and clear understanding of the Arabic language system.

The MSA program consists of three levels of studies; each level is divided into three successive and progressive sublevels. The system of levels in this program is structured according to the U.S. university system and to the guidelines of our European and international partner institutions.

In order to better meet the needs of all our students, our teachers were trained to teach with all the best MSA language textbooks available today, such as “Al-Kitaab fii Ta'allum al-'Arabiyya”, which is our main textbook, “Ahlan Wa Sahlan” and “Al-Arabiya al-Mu’asira”.

Dates & Course Options

All classes start every Monday, year round

Group Classes

Our group classes are designed to provide instruction for any duration from one week to a complete academic year. Students can choose to start their classes any Monday throughout the year. Classes are held in small size groups five days a week, from Monday to Friday. Both our MSA and CMA courses consist of three levels of studies; each level is divided into three successive and progressive sublevels. Each sublevel is generally covered in three weeks. Students with prior knowledge of Arabic are expected to take an evaluation test in order to receive proper placement in the program.

Private Classes

Our private classes provide one-on-one language instruction to students at all levels of Arabic language proficiency. Students benefit from flexible course length and structure. They can choose their desired starting date, their preferred timetable and the number of hours they wish to study.

Students may choose to combine group classes with additional private lessons to increase the intensity of the course, to work on a particular language skill, or simply to overcome any learning difficulties encountered in class.

All Dar Loughat students benefit from the following advantages:

• The orientation week: A number of workshops and presentations are offered at the school on a variety of topics related to cultural adaptation and health & safety issues, followed by guided tours and visits to the old Medina and its numerous museums and associations during the first week of each course.
• Many cultural and immersion activities are provided to complement the language courses students are taking. Such activities include excursions to other traditional cities and villages, group outings, international potlucks, attending music concerts and shows, etc.
• Periodic quizzes are given to measure students' progress and identify any possible difficulties.
• In order to facilitate the transfer of university credits for students, an official transcript and a language proficiency certificate stating the type, of course, total hours completed and achieved a level of proficiency is provided upon the completion of the course.

Accommodation Options

Students may choose from the accommodation options detailed below:

1. Homestay

Homestays with Moroccan families provide students with a unique opportunity to fully immerse themselves in Moroccan culture and the rhythms of Muslim life.

Costs: 95 €/week for a single, private room on a half-board basis, plus a one-time, non-refundable 30 € service fee payable to Dar Loughat.

Payment procedures: The service fee of 30 € and at least three weeks of the home-stay payment must be paid in advance upon receipt of your home-stay invoice.

Students with specific needs, such as dietary restrictions or allergies should indicate these on their application forms. It may not always be possible to provide a home-stay within walking distance of Dar Loughat. In selecting host families, we do not look for luxury or comfort in the material sense. Nevertheless, students can count on personal attention, help, and advice. Please note that our number of home-stay families is limited and that during busy times you may need to be placed on a waiting list.

Other concerns: Participants who feel they may not be able to respect home-stay rules or may have difficulties adapting to life with a Moroccan family should consider other accommodation options. Among the difficulties experienced by past participants: (1) Lack of privacy (2) Unfamiliar meal times and dietary habits (3) Unavailability of study space (4) Unfamiliar sanitary fixtures (in some cases, "traditional" toilets) (5) Location of host family (in some cases involving a bus ride to Dar Loughat). For the overwhelming number of past participants, such inconveniences were far outweighed by the positive experience of living with a Moroccan family, whose hospitality is legendary for good reason.

2. Hotels

Students may choose from several hotels in Tetouan. Please ask for our list of hotels.

Costs: 9 €/night and up, plus a one-time, non-refundable 30 € service fee payable to Dar Loughat.

Reservation procedures: Students wishing to have hotel reservations made prior to their arrival should request it on their applications. With its excellent local beaches, Tetouan is a popular Moroccan resort and rooms in July and August can be in short supply.

3. Apartments

For lengthy stays, furnished apartments can usually be found for students, either downtown or in the nearby beach town of Martil, about 20 minutes ride from the school.

Costs: 150 €/month and up, plus a one-time, non-refundable 30 € service fee payable to Dar Loughat.

Payment procedures: The service fee of 30 € and at least three months of rent must be paid in advance upon receipt of your rent invoice.

Students should not expect too much luxury in a flat, although all the necessary amenities are available.