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 (2004)
