Lindsie Shares Her Experience of Living Abroad & Learning Arabic

“I can now direct Ubers, shop at local markets, ask for certain things from the Arabic staff at the school I work at, and more.”

Lindsie, from Canada, has lived in Egypt for three years and studied at UCAN for three years also. She works as a teacher at BCCIS.

What inspired you to start studying Arabic?
I have a lot of friends back home in Canada, mostly from Lebanon, who speak Arabic and I’ve always been interested in learning. However, I never took the time to take lessons or actually put the effort into learning it. Once I moved to Egypt, I had more motivation seeing as learning Arabic would most definitely help me with communicating with locals better. Additionally, because I am a teacher at an international school here, I knew that learning Arabic would also connect myself to the students a lot more as they saw that I was putting in effort to learn their language.

What has your experience been like at UCAN?
My experience at UCAN has been nothing short of amazing. I have had a total of 4 teachers, both online and in class, and it is clear with each and every one of them how passionate they are about teaching. The classes are super engaging, fun, and although learning a new language can be very intimidating, the teachers make you feel super comfortable.

Tell us one of your favorite experiences or memories at UCAN?
I don’t think I have one main favorite experience or memory, but I remember being able to write my first sentence on my own in Arabic. That was a great feeling because I never thought I was going to get there … writing in Arabic is tough! But, it is very possible with the support and guidance of the teachers.

How has this program impacted your daily life or career?
First example: I have been able to connect with my students on a different level. They thoroughly enjoy that I am putting in effort to learn their language and they love helping me - especially with pronouncing the really tough words.

Second example: Living in Egypt in general has been easier. I am able to understand a decent amount of what some of the locals are saying to me and in return I am able to communicate back as well. I can direct Ubers, shop at local markets, ask for certain things from the Arabic staff at the school I work at, and more.

Third example: Learning Arabic has helped me when it comes to teaching my students English. Understanding their first language has made me realize where some of their mistakes with English comes from, which then allows for me to do mini lessons with them and compare Arabic to English so that they understand better.

What would you tell someone who is considering studying at UCAN? What should other potential students know?
If you are wanting to learn Arabic, most definitely choose UCAN. The levels are set out in such a scaffolded manner. After the first level, you will feel confident in the simpler interactions that you may have on a daily basis. The levels all have their challenges, but the teachers are super personable, they make the lessons fun, and they are great at making you feel comfortable. I highly recommend UCAN.