Yemen College of Middle Eastern Studies
26th September Street, Sana'a, Yemen
Yemen College of Middle Eastern Studies
Our Arabic course content and scheduling are tailored specifically to student needs. Most Arabic courses are taught in the morning, but students who need or prefer afternoon or evening classes can also be accommodated. Students in group classes will receive four hours of instruction per day at general tuition rates, while students who enroll in private classes will generally receive two hours of teaching per day.
Listening, Speaking, Pronunciation, Reading, Writing, Vocabulary, Grammar and Activities
Class schedule may change depending on availability and season.
Average | 4 students |
Maximum | 8 students |
Age range | 14 years old and older |
Average | 26 years old (22 in the summer) |
We were the first institution in Yemen to be devoted to teaching Arabic, and we remain the best. For more than two decades we have offered programs in both Yemeni Colloquial Arabic and Modern Standard Arabic at every level and to over 9,000 students from across the world. Our credit hours are recognized by hundreds of universities worldwide, and we offer both group classes, capped at eight students and meeting four hours per day, and private tuition that can be tailored to your needs.
Our facilities are conveniently located at the edge of Sana'a's old city. The YCMES campus building is a fully-equipped and modernized traditional Yemeni building, with wireless internet, computers, projectors, and an excellent library available to aid learning. Our nearby student accommodation provides a choice of shared, single and en-suite rooms as well as common rooms, modern kitchens, laundry facilities, wireless internet, and a gym.
The nationality and age mix at Yemen College of Middle Eastern Studies varies over different time periods, courses and levels. Throughout the year, the average age is 26. In the summer, the average age is 22.
YCMES teaches students from all over the world, including:
YCMES does not hold classes on the holiday dates below. The school does not compensate for these holidays, so make sure to choose your start date accordingly.
The YCMES facilities are located on 26th of September Street near Tahrir Square, the transportation hub and commercial center of Sana’a, and are just a short walk from the Old City. The streets that meet in Tahrir are lined with hundreds of small shops, clothing stores, cafés, restaurants, street vendors, pharmacies, bookshops, and banks. The main post office is located in Tahrir Square, as are the National Museum and Military Museum. With quick access to dubabs, buses, and taxis in Tahrir, students are able to travel throughout the city very easily.
The college is situated between the Yemeni Parliament building and the Prime Minister’s office, making for a safe and quiet neighborhood within the city’s center. The area is famed for its gardens and is located between the Old City and the old Jewish Quarter of al-Qa’a. Next, to the Guest House accommodation building lie the ruins of Imam Yahya’s old palace.
I studied Arabic language at the College for four months, and as a beginner I felt I made great progress at the end. I found the college staff and the overall environment very friendly, and cannot thank the college teachers enough for their professionalism, patience, and humor that helped me a lot in learning the language.
I was not sure about the accommodation arrangements as I felt that living in the same house with other foreign students/teachers eliminates one’s opportunity to interact and communicate with locals. On the other hand, I felt absolutely safe there and had no worries/problems whatsoever in this respect.
Regarding facilities, the internet is sometimes weak, and the kitchen in Sabri's house needs to be repaired, otherwise I loved my room and the garden.
Location: Perfect ... Right next to the old city, but not in it... Next to bus station, national museum, streets with markets, ATMs, banks, restaurants,
Classes: I had the most fantastic experience. We were two in the class, with very similar levels (good entry exam this means). We received four hours per day, two with a female teacher, two with a male teacher. Excellent mix. Class area clean, airy, good chairs and desks, wonderful views
Teachers: Mohammed was one of the best teachers I have ever had. He made sure we learnt, rarely used English, had the perfect pitch and body language, and always found alternative ways to explaining new terms without resorting to English
Facilities: Library, wifi, computers
Activities: We were taken to several locations within the 100km range, so we could learn some more about the country. College tried to book for us excursions to Haddramout, Aden, Hudaida, etc... We could have done much more, but unfortunately we were not allowed to travel further due to security reasons.
Housing: Excellent. I had booked a single ensuite and got a fabulous studio with my own kitchen. I could cook and shower at leisure. Wifi was very good, when the electricity cuts did not stop the city from running. Washing machine on site. Gardens a pleasure to seat. Very safe.
What I did not like: The Americans sending drones to Yemen. Because of them our excursions were cancelled.
I had an absolutely wonderful time while studying at YCMES. It was a perfect chance to experience the culture and learn the language. I would highly recommend this program for anyone who wants to gain conversational fluency.
Show details » Read more...Student residences are more suitable for an independent student, who is looking for clean, basic accommodation at an economic price. All students must be 18+. Your housing starts on the Sunday before your first day of class and ends on the Saturday after your last day of class, unless otherwise noted. Student residences often do not include any meal plan. Learn more about student residence accommodation
We cannot apply for visas on behalf of students. However, the school can supply you with all the documentation you need to support your visa application.
Your letter of acceptance will be sent to your home address by regular mail at no charge to you.
Please note that we do not book flights for our students. If you are researching airfare costs, we recommend using Kayak.com, a search engine that lets you compare flight options from your home country to Sana'a based on your budget, schedule and preferences.
Study abroad worry-free with Language International's health and personal effects insurance coverage. When you book a course with us, you can opt to purchase an international insurance plan that covers not only your health care cost but also loss of your personal belongings. You must book your insurance in advance when you register.
Have questions? Get answers from Yemen College of Middle Eastern Studies staff, Language International student advisors, and past students.
Ask a questionYemen College of Middle Eastern Studies