I am a
white-bread American Catholic, and I was hesitant about coming to learn
Arabic in the Middle East. My fears, though, were unfounded; Egypt is
the friendliest nation on earth, and the people at the AL Diwan Center
made my stay easy and enjoyable. I cannot stress enough how welcoming
everyone is here, both those at the center and the Egyptians one meets
in the streets. Cairo is the safest city in the world; and I have never
experienced such a warm welcome as I have experienced here in Cairo.
The AL Diwan Center itself is an
excellent school for Arabic. I have studied French, Spanish, and Dutch
before, all in their respective countries, and rarely have I had
teachers as qualified as those here at AL Diwan. After only one month,
in which I took five hours of class a day but did little outside work
and took many trips, I can read and write in Arabic, and I have a basic
command of Arabic for my use in the streets.
To any American or Westerner
worried about studying in Egypt, I say do not worry, there is
absolutely no hostility here towards us, and the Cairean people are
absurdly welcoming. Plus, there is much to do and see in Egypt, both in
Cairo and throughout the rest of the country. So, to anyone wishing to
learn Arabic, I say that Egypt is the best country and the AL Diwan
Center for Teaching Arabic as a Foreign Language is the best school he
can choose.
Paul B. Simon
USA
Vermando @excite.com
