My Arabic Journey

I’ve always struggled to gain fluency in reading the Quran, whether due to untreated learning difficulties or a general challenge with foreign languages. In primary school, I failed my way through Japanese, and in high school, I struggled with Afrikaans. For many years, I simply accepted that learning another language was not for me.

As we grow, however, our ability to learn adapts, and we begin to understand what methods work best for us.

As my studies in other areas of Islam, such as Fiqh, Seerah, and Aqidah, progressed, the gap in my Arabic knowledge became increasingly apparent. I began learning to recite with teachers in Pakistan, drawn by the low cost per hour, then locally through Faith Circle’s Tajweed refresher course taught during Ramadan, and more recently through online platforms with Egyptian teachers.

Like many things, the more you learn, the more you realise how much you don’t know. My ability to read Arabic improved, but I still wasn’t at a level I would call fluent. At that point, I decided to go “all in” on learning to recite the Quran in Egypt.

For me, going overseas was not just about accessing great teachers. It was a commitment to set aside work and other responsibilities and dedicate hours each day to study.

Shifting My Focus to Understanding Arabic

When I first mentioned the idea of coming to Egypt to learn the Quran, a local imam suggested I focus on Arabic alongside it. He stressed that full immersion in a foreign land is the fastest way to accelerate learning. Over the following months, this advice became increasingly important to me.

My eagerness was primarily driven by two goals:

• Gaining greater focus in Salah

• Developing a deeper connection with the Quran

The Decline in Fusha Arabic

The decline in learning and understanding Fusha Arabic resulted from several factors. On a broader level, colonialism played a major role, as colonial powers actively weakened Arabic’s presence in education, administration, and religious life, often replacing it with their own languages to assert control and reshape cultural identities. Arabiyyah Bayna Yadayk, the book discussed in this article, even includes a chapter on colonialism and its impact on Arabic.

Closer to home for many cultures, Arabic was not always positioned as a priority in the Islamic upbringing. Instead, greater emphasis was placed on other aspects of practice, such as memorising the Quran or learning common duas. This often led to a more ritual-focused connection to Islam, prioritising prescribed acts of worship and religious duties over broader study, reflection, or personal engagement with the religion’s texts and concepts.

Another factor was the extensive body of Islamic literature available in languages like Urdu, including tafsir, fiqh, and hadith commentaries. Alongside this, some communities discouraged individuals from interpreting the Quran directly, as they were considered to lack the necessary knowledge or qualifications. People were instead guided to rely on scholars for interpretation. While well-intentioned, this approach inadvertently reduced opportunities for individuals to develop a deeper personal engagement with the Arabic language and its primary texts.

Navigating Arabic: Fusha, Modern Standard, and Dialects

When you start exploring Arabic, the terminology can be confusing. You will often hear discussions about location versus dialect and how these factors influence your learning journey.

There are many online resources that explain the differences between Fusha, Modern Standard Arabic, and the various dialects spoken across the Arab world. Initially, it helps to keep things simple: think of Fusha and Modern Standard Arabic as one category, and understand that each country has its own spoken dialect.

The Arabic found in the Quran and classical Islamic literature is commonly referred to as Quranic Arabic, Fusha, or Classical Arabic. While some distinguish between Fusha and Quranic Arabic, in practice they are very similar. This form of Arabic is not natively spoken in any country today, although regional dialects vary in how close they are to it.

Modern Standard Arabic is essentially Fusha adapted for contemporary life, including words for modern concepts such as mobile phones, electricity, and computers.

Studying Fusha is important because, while regional dialects can differ significantly, students and teachers around the world use it as the foundation for learning Arabic. It provides a base for understanding other dialects and gives you access to Modern Standard Arabic, which is used in formal communication across the Arabic speaking world such as in news, education, and writing.

In short, Fusha provides a strong foundation. Learning it allows you to engage with the Quran, access Islamic knowledge, and communicate in formal Arabic. It also equips you with the tools to eventually understand and speak regional dialects.

Syllabus Selection 

When beginning the journey of studying Arabic, most students start with courses based on either Bayna Yadayk (بين يديك) or Madinah Arabic. These two textbooks are the most commonly used foundations for those seeking to learn Arabic 

Bayna Yadayk

Bayna Yadayk is widely used across language institutes in Egypt, with many schools adapting and abbreviating it for intensive classes. The full series includes 14 levels, and schools often aim to cover one book per month. The curriculum is conversation-focused, with an emphasis on helping students start speaking Arabic early.

Lessons begin with practical topics such as:

• Asking where someone is from

• Talking about your family

• Describing locations

• Telling the time

This makes it ideal for students who want to build speaking confidence quickly in real-life situations. 

Many of the schools in Egypt will offer their own branded adaptation of this textbook, making it more cost effective to access the text

Madinah Arabic

Madinah Arabic places a stronger emphasis on academic Arabic and grammar. It is known for its structured and gradual introduction to nahw (grammar) and sarf (morphology), making it especially suitable for those who aim to understand Quranic and classical texts. It is part of the  curriculum used at the Islamic University of Madinah for teaching non-Arabic speakers.

The book was authored by Professor Abdul Rahim who the director of the Translation Centre of the King Fahd Quran Printing Complex and former professor of Arabic at the Islamic University of Madinah. It has eight-volumes in total. Each lesson is based on a conversation which illustrates distinctive language patterns. A variety of exercises helps the student to understand and master each of the patterns occurring in the lesson. 

Shared Features

Both books are designed with Muslim learners in mind, integrating vocabulary and phrases found in the Quran and everyday Islamic life.

There is certainly a passionate debate about which pathway is better. One perspective I found interesting comes from Ustadh Abu Taymiyyah, who has studied in Yemen, Egypt, and Madinah. He tends to caution against focusing solely on Madinah Arabic, as he believes students need to be able to understand what their teachers are saying when they study abroad.

In other words, students who pursue Islamic studies without a strong grasp of conversational Arabic often struggle to follow what scholars are teaching in their classes. Developing this understanding beforehand makes learning abroad far more effective.

There are many videos online comparing the different options, and I recommend watching a few if you’re in a position to make a decision. Muhammad Andalusi, who will be visiting Brisbane soon, has interviews with the authors of each book on his YouTube channel. I highly suggest watching these videos to gain deeper insight.

Link 1: Learning Arabic discussion - Madinah Books Author Dr. V Abdur Rahim and Muhammad Al Andalusi - https://youtu.be/QBFCUYpgu8Q?si=y0qpAbnStvcK1an3

Link 2: How to learn Arabic fast - Author of Al Arabiyyah Bayna Yadayk Books and Muhammad Al Andalusi - https://youtu.be/vQbv_JQYsXg?si=NYoNj51yIAgG_r-g

Where to Learn Arabic in Egypt 

When studying in Egypt you have various pathways of learning Arabic and studying the Quran, below is a summary:

• Private teachers hired on an hourly basis

• Language schools (markaz)

• International schools focused on Modern Standard Arabic

• Full board Markaz

I highly recommend watching my interview with the student support team of a language school at the end of my YouTube video to gain a better understanding of the differences in study approaches. It is also worth considering multiple approaches, such as supplementing your language school studies with private tuition to review areas you find challenging, practicing speaking regularly, or learning from a different syllabus simultaneously.

Private Tuition

There is no shortage of highly qualified Arabic and Tajweed teachers in Egypt. Teachers will often come to your accommodation and provide one-on-one lessons over a desk or dining table. They can teach whichever syllabus you prefer, but most generally lean towards Bayna Yadayk.

Private teachers usually charge between 150 and 400 EGP per hour, with rates often decreasing for longer lessons or multiple in a week. English-speaking teachers are generally more expensive.

Language Schools (Markaz)

I was surprised by the number of language schools in Cairo focused on teaching Fusha. Initially, I looked into schools tailored for Western students, such as International House Cairo, which charges around USD 765 per month. I would not recommend these schools, as they often come at a high cost and lack an Islamic learning environment.

Marakaz also offer one-on-one teaching, usually costing between 200 and 400 EGP per hour. While this is generally more expensive than hiring a private teacher at home, it offers several advantages: the teachers are approved and qualified, lessons are consistent and reliable, and you can use the classrooms and facilities of the school. A downside is that it is less likely to have an English-speaking teacher.

The two schools I personally recommend are Fusha and Ibanah, which I provide more details about later in the article.

Full-Board Marakiz (Centres)

Many centres offer a complete board experience, including all meals, lessons, and accommodation for both brothers and sisters. They also have private apartments onsite or nearby for families or couples travelling together.

Full-board schools  are a cost-effective and convenient way to study in Egypt. Many centres provide airport pick-up, prepared meals, and pre-arranged accommodation, allowing you to maximise your study time.

One centre I can recommend is based in Alexandria, about two hours’ drive from Cairo. It is supported by a local Australian imam and has students as young as ten years old boarding there. The quiet suburbs of Alexandria provide an ideal learning environment, and being on the coast allows for leisure activities such as swimming. It is also very affordable at USD 350 per month, with reduced prices for multiple enrolments.

Name: Imam Institute for Quranic Sciences
Australian contact: Sh Abdinasir on +61 435 404 456

These centres are generally focused on memorisation of the Quran and obtaining Ijazahs, but they also offer Arabic classes. Anyone using this option with the intention to improve their Arabic will likely need to take additional private lessons alongside their time at the centre.

Where to live

Most students choose to live in Nasr City (Madinat Nasr in Arabic), which is conveniently located about 15 minutes from the airport, 15 minutes from the famous Al Azhar Mosque and University, and around 45 minutes from the Pyramids. Nasr City is divided into different zones, such as Zone 1 or Zone 2, or by local names like Al Hay Al Asher, which means “The Tenth District.”

For readers from Brisbane, you can think of Nasr City as similar to Logan, with each zone functioning like suburbs such as Kuraby or Slacks Creek.

Why students prefer Nasr City

There are several reasons why students are drawn to Nasr City:

• Proximity to language schools: Most major Arabic language schools are located here, making it easy to attend classes and saving significant travel time. Many students even live within walking distance of their school.

• Access to tutors: Arranging Quran and Arabic teachers to come to your apartment is simple, as many already move between students’ homes in the area.

• Student-friendly environment: Nasr City has a noticeable student presence, which has shaped the local community. Restaurants, street vendors, and tuk-tuk drivers are accustomed to students and will often speak in Fusha rather than the local dialect, giving you more opportunities to practice Arabic daily.

• Convenience: There is an abundance of food options and services, making daily life easier.

• Modest and safe community: Compared to the more urbanised areas of New Cairo, Nasr City tends to have a higher level of modesty in how people dress, and the area is generally welcoming for students.

Cost

Nasr City is relatively expensive compared to other suburbs:

Approximate monthly rent for a 3-bedroom apartment (EGP):

• Nasr City: 15,000 – 30,000

• Almaza / Amaair: 8,000 – 18,000

• Mokattam: 8,000 – 20,000

• Further out: As low as 5,000 for multiple rooms

Factors such as furniture, air conditioning, lift access, and the overall condition of the apartment will push prices toward the higher end. Generally, apartments in more expensive areas are better maintained. Single rooms in Nasr City typically cost around 5,000–10,000 EGP per month. Many students save money by sharing a room with one or two others.

Alternative options

If returning to Egypt, particularly as a couple, I would consider renting in areas like Gardenia, which features private gated complexes. The main advantages are that it is quieter, has better roads, is cleaner, and is easier to walk around, particularly at night. The price difference compared to Nasr City is not significant. There are also plenty of restaurants and services available through delivery apps, and drivers generally have no trouble entering the compounds.

Buildings in Gardenia are typically six floors high, with four apartments per floor. Apartments usually include three bedrooms, a kitchen, a bathroom, a sitting room, and a balcony. Gardenia City Compound is conveniently located near the Arabic Centers in Hayy 10, approximately 10 minutes away.

For those looking for properties that meet standards similar to Australia, suburbs in and around New Cairo offer complexes designed to resemble Australian-style suburbs.

Renting an Apartment 

Finding an apartment was one of the most challenging parts of moving to Egypt, so I want to share some of the lessons I learned along the way. Some language schools such as Fusha, Fajr Centre and others offer assistance finding accommodation, if this is available it is a great option to pursue. 

Unlike in some countries, there is no go-to professional renting service, like Ray White in Australia, for finding apartments in Nasr City and its surroundings. You may find some professional providers in areas like New Cairo, but in Nasr City, the process is mostly informal.

If you’re looking for a room to rent, the best approach is to join student groups, which I mention later in this article.

For renting an entire apartment, you generally need to either rent from another student acting as an agent or go through a “Simsar” (an informal property broker). Language can be a barrier in both cases, as students may communicate in French or Russian, or the Simsar may only speak Arabic.

Below are some Telegram groups and contacts you can use to find apartments:

• ⁠https://t.me/haruunco4rent/1752

•  https://t.me/nasrcityrealestate

•  ⁠https://t.me/mousarada_logement

•  https://t.me/AlBaytAgency

•  https://t.me/+LKTvqOXaBLg3N2M0

•  ⁠https://t.me/kvartirnivoprosa

•  ⁠https://t.me/poiskKvartirCairo

•  ⁠https://t.me/kvartira_kair7777russ

• Group for cheaper apartments in Muhajir (Ezbet El Haggana / 4.5) - https://t.me/Mouhajir_Location

Most residential buildings in Nasr City have a building manager, often referred to as a bawab, who usually lives on-site and oversees security, maintenance, receiving deliveries, and cleaning common areas. Approaching these individuals can be a good way to find cheaper apartments, as they often have a direct link to the apartment owners.

Fees for brokers, agents, or bawabs are typically not advertised upfront. These fees, charged for sourcing an apartment, can be as much as one month’s rent. It is also important to note that in many apartments, tenants are responsible for fixing issues themselves that a landlord in Australia would normally handle, such as air conditioners, fridges, or hot water systems. Many students also choose to change the locks after moving in to ensure that no one else has access.

When searching for an apartment, try to find one with Wi-Fi already set up, as the installation process can be difficult.

There are also additional monthly fees that are not included in the rent, whether you are renting a room or a full apartment. These include building maintenance, electricity, gas, Wi-Fi, and a phone line (required to keep the Wi-Fi active). For reference, here is what I paid per month while renting a three-bedroom apartment:

• Gas: 30–50 EGP (yes that cheap!) 

• Electricity: 600 EGP

• Building maintenance: 300 EGP

• Wi-Fi and phone line: approximately 650 EGP 

For gas, electricity, and building maintenance, someone typically comes to your door to collect the payment each month. For the internet, you need to take your account number either to the provider directly, usually a telecom called WE, which has branches throughout Egypt or to a local convenience store to make the payment. If you set up the internet from scratch, you will receive the account details to manage it online. WE was a reliable mobile provider I used while living in Egypt.

Choosing a Language School in Egypt

If you’ve already secured an apartment or room and plan to stay in Egypt for a short time, I’d suggest prioritising a school that’s close to where you live. A good way to find out what’s nearby is to walk into a local masjid or musallah and speak to students in the area. Many schools actually operate multiple campuses, which are often not listed clearly on their websites. Because of this, students sometimes only discover a closer option after enrolling elsewhere.

If you’re only in Egypt for a couple of months (around 2 months), then the most important factor is choosing a school that has a new intake starting when you arrive. This way, you won’t lose time waiting for the next cycle to begin. Each school runs on its own schedule: some start at the beginning of the month, others mid-month, and some run rolling 5-week terms.

Another factor to be aware of is that many programs begin at “Level 0.” This stage is designed for students who have no prior knowledge of reading Arabic, starting right from the alphabet and basic vowels like fatḥa, ḍamma, and kasra. Some students, myself included, try to learn privately before joining a school in the hope of skipping Level 0. Unfortunately, this doesn’t always work. Even if you’re familiar with the material from Level 1, the entrance interview can still be challenging. I later found out this was a common experience for other brothers as well. For example, you might know all the vocabulary from Level 1, but still struggle to fluently answer practical questions like “How long ago did you arrive in Egypt?” or “Why did you come to Egypt?”

If you can speak to students who recently took the placement exam and get an idea of the kinds of questions asked, it becomes much easier to progress past Level 1. That said, looking back, if you do end up being placed in Level 0, I would actually recommend sticking with it, especially if you plan to stay in Egypt for a few months. You can use the lighter workload in class to focus on your Quran studies, or, if your school uses Bayna Yadayk, you can spend that time working on grammar with a private teacher outside of class.

There are many language schools in Cairo, but I’ve highlighted a few well-known ones below based on different needs. The list below is not conclusive, and many more schools exist in and around Cairo.

• For students staying less than 6 months or focusing mainly on Bayna Yadayk: Al-Fusha Center
• For students wanting to advance into Islamic sciences: Al-Ibaanah Arabic Center
• For students preferring better classroom facilities: Nile Center

All the major schools have either separate buildings or schedule classes for sisters at separate times to the brothers 

I’ve included more details about each school below. For anyone seriously considering studying fusha, I also recommend watching my interview with their student support team on the vlog.

Badr Center

• Location: 1 branch in Nasr City (main branch later split into Al-Fusha).

• Students: ~2,000–3,000 per year.

• Curriculum: Bayna Yadayk.

• Extra: Tajweed in English and Arabic.

• Fees: Under 2,000 EGP per month.

• Setup: Small office, informal.

• Links: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fuqaaiO6jKk

• WhatsApp (smaller branch): +20 122 790 0709

• Note: Main campus not listed on Google Maps, website not working at time of writing.

Al-Fusha Center

• Origin: Branched off from Badr.

• Curriculum: Bayna Yadayk.

• Student Support: Very strong, led by a brother from Michigan, US.

• Fees: 2,000–3,000 EGP per month.

• Extras: “Speaking only” courses and other intensives 

• Air conditioning is in most classrooms 

• WhatsApp (English support): +20 107 027 5873

Curriculum breakdown (Bayna Yadayk equivalent):

Level 0: Preparatory (alphabet, vowels, basic reading).
Level 1: Greetings, Introductions, Family, Housing, Daily Life, Food & Drink, Prayer
Level 2: Study, Work, Shopping, Weather, People & Places.
Level 3: Hobbies, Travel, Ḥajj & ʿUmrah, Health, Holidays.
Level 4: Morphology focus (verbs, participles, sentence formation).
Level 5: Health Care, Recreation, Marital Life, City Life.
Level 6: Science & Learning, Professions, Arabic Language, Awards.
Level 7: World as a Small Village, Cleanliness, Islam, Youth.
Level 8: Islamic World, Security, Pollution, Energy.
Level 9: Grammar review + Al-Ājurrūmiyyah.
Level 10: Everlasting Miracle, Youth Life, Minorities, Prophetic Sunnah.
Level 11: Children & Reading, Brain Drain, Sleep, Anecdotes & Jokes.
Level 12: Equality, Kindness to Animals, Proverbs, Marital Conflicts.
Level 13: Parent–Child Relations, Water, Father’s Will, Walīd’s Diary, Rhetoric (2 levels).
Level 14 & 15: Female students must complete Level 14 before entering Level 15.

Fajr Center

• Reputation: Most well-known.

• Curriculum: Bayna Yadayk.

• Fees: 2,000–4,000 EGP per month.

• Hours: Standard 2 hrs/day, intensive 4 hrs/day.

• Offers discounts for certain nationalities, such as South Africans and Uzbeks, provided you entered Egypt using that passport

• Accommodation: Assistance provided.

• Program:

  • 19 levels (0A–17).

  • 950 total class hours.

  • Each level = 50 class hours (26 study days).

  • New level approx. every 30 days.

• Pricing (USD per level) for approximately 50 classroom hours:

  • Group Class $140.00 (2.5 hours per day - 5 days a week)

  • Semi Private Class $280.00 (2.5 hours per day - 5 days a week)

  • Private Class $350.00 (2.5 hours per day - 5 days a week)

  • Intensive private: $400 (5 hours per day - 5 days a week)

Al-Ibaanah Arabic Center

• Curriculum: Proprietary (grammar-focused).

• Schedule: 4 hrs/day, 5 days/week, 6-week cycles.

• Hours: 120 per cycle

• Terms start mid month 

• Levels: 13.

• Cost: 9,200 EGP per cycle (~76.67 EGP/hr).

• Reputation: Popular among students aiming for higher Islamic studies.

Lesan Ul Arab

• Reputation: Best customer service.

• Registration: Online (easy sign-up/payment).

• Location: Within 5 mins walk of Fajr and Badr main campuses.

• Links:

  • Website: https://lesanularab.com

  • WhatsApp: +20 101 827 4309

  • Blog from student : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LURkbXUPV68

Nile Center

• Website: https://nilecenter.org/

• Curriculums: At-Takallum, Al-Asasi.

• Fees: ~3,500 EGP per month.

• Facilities: Among the best in Cairo.

Markaz Furqan

• Website: https://fourqan.com/

• WhatsApp: +20 108 062 8953
  Google Maps: https://g.co/kgs/rGnDHu8

Sheikh Zayed Center (Al-Azhar affiliated)

• Location: Inside Al-Azhar campus.

• Levels: 8 total.

• Fees: $100 USD per level.

• Can make students eligible for official student visa ($25 USD, 6 months).

• Course book: 200 EGP.

• Placement exam: $100 USD (optional, for advanced entry).

Visa 

Most students studying Arabic in Egypt are on tourist visas, which have limited maximum stay lengths.

At the time of writing, Australians entering Egypt are eligible for a one-month visa on arrival for USD $25, provided they have proof of an exit ticket. This is generally cheaper than obtaining a visa through the Egyptian consulate (https://egyptconsulatesydney.com/en/visa-category-a/).

What is unique for Australians, compared to some other Western nations, is that we are also eligible for a 90-day multiple-entry visa via the Australian consulate for AUD $145. The process is relatively quick, and the consulate team can be helpful via their email: contact@egyptconsulatesydney.com. An added advantage of this visa is that you do not need to show proof of an exit ticket.

For Australian students staying longer than 90 days, it is necessary to apply for visa extensions while in Egypt. This can be a time-consuming process, as rules and procedures change frequently. I recommend speaking to current students in Egypt to get the most up-to-date information.

The latest price for a visa renewal at Abbassia (a district in Cairo known for government offices) is USD $150 for the visa, plus USD $65 for the Tarabot fee (an expedited administrative service) for a 6-month extension. If you are a family you still have to pay the Tarabot fee per person. 

It is common for students to overstay their visas rather than going through the renewal process, often paying fines when leaving. Some do this out of convenience or in the hope that the fine will be less than the extension fee. However, there is no consistency in fines, which can vary depending on the airport and staff member on the day. I strongly recommend against overstaying, as it carries serious risks, including detention for multiple nights or even deportation.

An active visa will also be required for your mobile phone service and enrolling into language schools. 

Registering phone 

If you plan to stay in Egypt for more than 90 days, make sure you register your mobile phone at the airport upon arrival, otherwise it will stop working with local SIM cards. The process is free. After passing through passport control, as you exit, you will see the customs area on the right-hand side. There is a dedicated counter for mobile registration.

Simply hand over your phone along with your passport. They will ask you to dial *#06# to display your IMEI number and will register using your passport details. Those who forget to do this step undertake a difficult process of getting back into the airport after arrival.

Money 

I strongly recommend getting a Wise account or similar service before going to Egypt. Doing it in advance will allow you to order a card in your home country that you can then store local Egyptian currency on to use at stores in Egypt and withdraw from ATMs at generally a better rate.

Apps to download 

Groceries

• Talabat Mart (via Talabat app)

• Breadfast – for grocery deliveries

Takeout

• Elmenus

• Talabat

Paying Bills

• Sahl (سهل) – Payments Made Easy – recommended for paying phone lines and Wi-Fi, though I have not personally used it
  Link: https://apps.apple.com/app/id1482139568

• MyFawry app – for various utility and service payments
  Link: https://apps.apple.com/qa/app/myfawry/id1462911630

Getting Around

• Uber – widely used and convenient

• Didi – often faster than Uber, but drivers may request a higher fare once you are picked up

• InDrive – uses a bidding system where drivers auction your request; often the cheapest option for a car

• Local mini buses – around 6 EGP per trip

• Private drivers – for pre-organised trips

• Tuk Tuks - Know and agree the price before getting in

Local Customs to be aware of

• Crossing legs – Sitting with your legs crossed is considered highly disrespectful. You may be immediately called out for this at learning centers or in private class.

• Haircuts – Regardless of your personal view on whether fades are classified as qaza or not, many teachers will comment on fade haircuts. I would advise to follow the local norm and keep your haircut simple

• Shorts covering the knees – While acceptable for prayer, wearing shorts below the knees may attract comments when attending the masjid in more rural areas.

• Tea – There is a strong tea culture. If you invite teachers to your home, always have a cup of tea to offer.

• Couples – Some schools provide guidelines advising couples not to show any signs of affection, such as holding hands in public. This is particularly relevant in areas like Nasr City, though less so in New Cairo. Public displays of affection are seen as inappropriate and may attract unwanted comments 

• Tipping - A small tip, even as little as 10 EGP (around 0.50 AUD), goes a long way for many of the people you interact with, such as delivery drivers, cleaners, and other service staff.

• “It’s on us” – I’ve heard many stories of  tourists not paying for a service or item when the vendor says “don’t pay for it” or “it’s on us.” This is not meant to be taken literally! Rather, it is a gesture hospitality, and politely insisting to pay is the correct response 

Whatsapp Groups

Joining student WhatsApp groups can be extremely helpful for finding teachers, accommodation, and the latest updates. While I cannot share the links here because admins usually limit access to students currently in Egypt or arriving soon, you can reach out to a current student to get added or look for groups for your home country.

Here are a few examples of the many groups available:

• Aus Boys in Egypt with 100+ members

• Egypt Support with 900+ members

• Aussies in Egypt (Ladies Only) with 30+ members

• You Are Not Alone! (Egypt Support and help group for Muslim expat Sisters)  (Ladies only) with 400+ members, a support and welcome group for Muslim expat sisters

Other Resources :

• General Perspective on Schools and Learning Tips: A great video providing an overview of schools and useful learning advice. Link:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mvbVLNrEnw

• Arabiyyah Bayna Yadayk App: All books are available in app form, complete with sound recordings for listening practice.

• Bayna Yadayk Video Series: This video series goes through the chapters of Bayna Yadayk in conversation form and is helpful to improve listening skills. Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lfPrnUZ4osQ

• Bayna Yadayk recorded classroom lessons: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhwvL1aJphs&list=PLZL-5XupwHU2N3ZDow8PlF54q2TADpWmt

Helpful Contacts and Services 

• Printing Passport Photos
  Location: https://g.co/kgs/BFA7WzA
  Phone: +20 12 7556 9339

• Translation Service
  Qalam Translators
  Phone: +20 102 332 2888

• Lawyer
  Samih Lawyers
  Phone: +20 100 957 5935

• Female Driver
  Phone: +20 12 0047 9996

• 7-Seater Taxi Service
  Name: Mahmoud
  WhatsApp: +20 155 516 4447 (permission required)
  Cairo to Alexandria: Approx. 1,600 EGP

• Physiotherapist
  Phone: +20 109 880 8949
  I used his services and found them very professional.

• Dentist
  Phone: +20 101 283 9329

• Tailor (will travel to you)
  Phone: +20 10 6064 1024

• Laundry Service (will collect from you)

• Phone: +20 101 502 7072

• Locksmith
  Phone: +20 109 925 2288

• Air conditioning repair
  Phone: ‪+20 102 651 6616‬

• Islamic Bookshop
  Phone: ‪+20 101 301 3053

• Shipping items overseas
  Phone: ‪+20 106 948 4658

Two teachers which i’ve used and happy to recommend are:

1. Ustadh Eslam, particularly for those studying Arabic for the first time and want someone to come to their accommodation 

Number: +20 112 496 9930

2. Ustadh Mihammad, particularly for students who are more advanced and wanting online lessons 

Number: +20 101 319 6930

Trips Away:

Umrah:
Flights from Cairo to Jeddah can be as low as AUD $110, so I highly recommend fitting in an Umrah trip, especially considering how expensive it is from Australia. A handy tip: if you travel to or from Cairo on Flynas or Saudia Airlines and make Jeddah your layover city, you can get a free 96-hour stopover visa. This makes a short trip much more affordable and convenient.

London:
Cairo actually has two airports: the main Cairo International Airport and the smaller Sphinx Airport, located near the Pyramids. While Skyscanner searches usually show flights from the main airport, flights from Sphinx Airport to London can be significantly cheaper, sometimes as low as AUD $50, making it a great alternative if you’re looking for budget-friendly options.

Please note that while this article has been long, it only scratches the surface of the many learning opportunities available in Egypt, such as Tajweed, Qira’at, Islamic sciences, enrolling at Al-Azhar University, and much more.

General Advice for Students Considering Studying in Egypt

Make the Most of This Opportunity
Young brothers, do it now! Trips to Europe, backpacking through Asia, or holidays in Bali will be far more enjoyable with your family later on. As a young, single male, you have the unique opportunity to live full board while studying here at a much lower cost, make lifelong friends, and gain knowledge that will benefit you for the rest of your life.

Learn to Cook the Basics
Nasr City can be expensive compared to other areas in Cairo. While still far cheaper than eating out in Australia, food expenses can add up quickly. If you’ve never cooked before, start with basic meals like eggs, pasta, and oven-baked chicken breasts. This will save you a significant amount of money over time

Clothing and Essentials
You can buy great-quality thawbs for as little as $25 in Egypt, so don’t worry about bringing too many items with you. Bring a selection of spices and comfort foods from home to enjoy during your stay and come with empty bags, I needed 20kg just for books on my way home. 

Paying for services and teachers.
Avoid paying upfront whenever possible, especially for accommodation or services, to prevent potential issues. Pay your rent one month at a time and your 1:1 teachers on a weekly basis. Many students noticed a change in their teaching quality once they had paid for months in advance. 

My final and most important advice is twofold.

From all my time in Egypt, I noticed that students who learned the fastest were those who lived in shared accommodation with other students who do not speak any English. This greatly improves your Arabic skills quickly. Put yourself in accommodation with students who do not speak English and force yourself to use your Fusha. Immersion is the fastest way to learn.

Start learning Arabic before you go to Egypt. It takes time before you can confidently use Arabic with locals, so giving yourself a head start allows you to begin practicing from your very first day.

Additionally, it can take time to find the right Arabic or Quran teacher. What works well for one student may not be the best fit for you. If you plan to hire a teacher for one-on-one lessons after you arrive, start online lessons beforehand. This will help you find the teacher that suits your learning style by the time you get there. Student WhatsApp groups are an excellent resource for finding teachers.

Use this time to grow closer to Allah. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever travels a path in search of knowledge, Allah will make easy for him the path to Paradise” (Sahih Muslim). Beyond the immense rewards of learning the Quran and Arabic, take the opportunity to spend longer periods in the masjids, increase your Quran recitation, and focus on your personal acts of worship. 

For students who have read this and would like further support, there are international students who provide paid assistance and guidance. They are highly knowledgeable, having spent many years studying in Egypt. One example is www.youtube.com/@authenticallyab.

I am also happy to offer free help or advice wherever I can. You can reach me through the Faith Circle Instagram page @faithcircleau or directly via my account: @WasimOmar.

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