SUHA TAKRITI
Learning a foreign language can open a wide range of new cultural and professional horizons. Furthermore, scientists have begun to prove that being multilingual turns out to have a profound effect on health, improving cognitive skills and protecting from dementia in old age. Here is a list of some foreign language centers in/around the DQ.
ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE D’ARABIE SAOUDITE
Alliance Française d’Arabie Saoudite (AFAS) is the official French language institute and cultural center in Saudi Arabia. It aims to promote and facilitate French language learning, build bridges between Francophone and Saudi cultures and to foster the Saudi-French thriving friendship.
AFAS offers French courses for adults and children, private or corporate courses, conversation workshops, as well as translation workshops (Arabic-French). In partnership with the French Embassy and other Saudi-based institutions, AFAS offers a diverse and exciting cultural program throughout the year, including conferences, concerts, workshops, film screenings, festivals, and many other events in order to experience and share the passion for French and Francophone cultures, within the framework of a constant dialogue with the Arabic and Saudi language and culture.
Contact Number: 011 281 65 39
Website: www.af-ksa.org
Email: info.assafarat@af-ksa.org
Instagram: @alliancefrancaise_ksa
Facebook: Alliance Française d’Arabie Saoudite
Twitter: @AfasKSA
BRITISH COUNCIL SAUDI ARABIA
The British Council is the United Kingdom’s international organization for cultural relations and educational opportunities. It aims to build connections, understanding, and trust between the UK and Saudi Arabia through arts and culture, education, and the English language.
The British Council works in education, and training is at the heart of Saudi Arabia’s ambitions to develop its young people to be competitive, and to engage internationally. They support the local youth through activities such as the Springboard Women’s Development Programme which has helped over 8,000 women fulfill their professional goals, as well as other activities such as Connecting Classrooms. They also support UK academics and agencies to train Saudi university staff in quality assurance strategic planning and management.
Contact Number: +966 9200 03668
Website: www.britishcouncil.sa
Email: KSAinfo@sa.britishcouncil.org
Instagram: @britishcouncilksa
Facebook: @BritishCouncilSaudiArabia
ENGLISH TEA TALK
English Tea Talk (ETT) was established in June 2018 by a group of friends when they noticed that English fluency has become a very vital aspect in today’s world. They decided to initiate a group for English beginner speakers in which they can practice English and improve their speaking skills while sipping a cup of tea or coffee in a relaxing and intellectual environment. Their aim was to improve their speaking skills in English from beginners’ level to more intermediate level in a friendly environment away from the standard classrooms and school’s atmosphere.
When you attend their meetings, you will not only practice how you speak in English but you will also get to meet new people and professionals from different cultures and backgrounds allowing intellectual growth and social expansion. Anyone is welcome to attend their meetings as long as they come with clear minds and smiles on their faces. Their meetings are usually held in coffee shops around Riyadh.
Website: https://www.englishteatalk.com
Email: englishteatalk.info@gmail.com
Instagram: @englishteatalk
GOETHE-INSTITUT SAUDI-ARABIEN
If you are considering learning German or knowing more about German cultural and linguistic events, the best place for you is the Goethe-Institut Saudi-Arabien.
The institute offers German language courses for beginners and advanced learners (men and women). Students from 16 years old and above can join their varied courses. They have a unified educational system which connects all Goethe institutes around the world to allow students to continue their education from different countries. Recently, they have adapted to precautionary measures against COVID-19 and converted all their courses to distance learning. However, their exams require physical attendance at the center.
Telephone Number: +966 11 482 1445
Mobile Number: +966 53 150 3402
Email: info-riad@goethe.de
Website: https://www.goethe.de/ins/sa/en/
Instagram: @goethe_in_saudiarabien
Twitter: @Goethe_KSA
Facebook: @Goethe.Institut.in.Saudiarabien
RIYADH LANGUAGE EXCHANGE
If you are a language lover and looking for a group to share your passion of learning a new language and learning more about a new culture, then Riyadh Language Exchange is the right club for you.
It was started by a group of friends who love traveling around the world, exchanging cultures, and learning new languages. After coming back to their home country of Saudi Arabia, they decided to continue their passion locally. They started evening gatherings to provide a platform for anyone who is interested to practice any language they like. They initiated this new movement and the Riyadh Language Exchange came into existence.
In one year, they were able to grow dramatically; today, they have around 2,500 members of over 70 nationalities, who speak 45 languages.
Contact Number: 0556446557
Website: http://Riyadhle.org/
Email: info@riyadhle.org
Social Media Accounts: @riyadhleorg
TAKLEEM
Takleem means “Helping People Speak,” and true to that, this organization is helping non-native speakers to learn the Arabic language. Takleem offers Arabic online courses provided by highly qualified tutors with experience in teaching Arabic as a second language. With Takleem, you can speak Arabic more fluently, as well as gain confidence in your ability to communicate with Saudi and Arab people.
They offer one-on-one online tutoring, group online learning, distinctive educational programs, a Takleem community that creates opportunities for meeting new people, and a 24/7 support that answers your inquiries and receives your feedback.
Website: www.takleem.co
Email: info@takleem.co
Instagram and Twitter: @takleem_ar
Facebook: @takleem.ar
WOMEN’S SKILLS BUREAU
Women’s Skills Bureau (WSB) connects, inspires, and empowers women of all nationalities living in Riyadh by providing tools, resources, and career guidance to thrive in all aspects of their lives. WSB offers its members skills development training and coaching, job and volunteering opportunities, networking, professional development opportunities, and talent search.
Website: www.wsbksa.com
Email: info@wsbksa.com
Instagram and Facebook: @wsbriyadh
Twitter: @wsbksa
