Jordan (JO)
Jordan is a stable, welcoming Hashemite Kingdom at the crossroads of the Middle East — home to Petra, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the legendary Wadi Rum desert, and the mineral-rich Dead Sea.
Learning the Language in Jordan
Courses, certifications, funding, and online resources to reach fluency.
Jordan's official language is Arabic. The spoken dialect is Levantine Arabic (Jordanian dialect / Al-Lahja Al-Urduniyyah), mutually intelligible with Syrian, Lebanese, and Palestinian Arabic. Modern Standard Arabic (MSA / Fusha) is used in formal writing, media, and education. English is widely spoken in business, international organisations, upscale restaurants, and by educated Jordanians. Learning even basic Jordanian Arabic significantly enriches your experience and earns respect from locals.
Arabic Integration Course
All residents; no formal government-mandated integration course for expats in Jordan as of 2026.
JD 100–600 per session depending on provider (private language schools)
Flexible: 8-week sessions to full semester programmes
Basic to intermediate Arabic communication skills; practical daily life Arabic.
Contact Qasid Arabic Institute (qasid.com), University of Jordan Language Centre, or Jordan Language Academy directly.
No Government-Subsidised Language Courses for Expats
Jordan does not offer government-funded Arabic courses for expatriate residents as of 2026. Language learning is entirely through private providers or self-study.
Not applicable.
Private: JD 100–600+ per course
Contact private language schools or online platforms.
Language Levels — What Each Means
Survival phrases, basic greetings (Marhaba, Shukran), numbers and simple directions.
Required for: First-day basics; immediate goodwill from Jordanians.
Basic shopping, simple daily interactions, ordering food and navigating taxis.
Required for: Comfortable daily errands without constant translation.
Can hold simple conversations, navigate government offices with support and handle most daily service interactions.
Required for: Independent daily life; managing landlord, clinic and administrative interactions.
Can communicate fluently in most situations. Can read official notices and follow Jordanian news.
Required for: Professional life, dealings with authorities and workplace Arabic.
Advanced Arabic. Can read complex documents, write formal letters and engage professionally in Arabic.
Required for: Regulated professions, senior management and legal/governmental roles.
Near-native Arabic proficiency in all four skills.
Required for: Translation, interpretation, journalism and academic publishing in Arabic.
Courses & Community Learning
Qasid Arabic Institute
USD 250–400/week (intensive)One of the top Arabic language schools in the Arab world. Intensive Modern Standard Arabic and Levantine Dialect programmes. Attracts students from 50+ countries.
www.qasid.com ↗University of Jordan Language Centre
JD 300–600 per 8-week sessionAccredited university Arabic programme. More affordable than private institutes. Formal, structured learning.
Jordan Language Academy
JD 100–300/monthFlexible schedules for working expats. Arabic and English courses. Less intensive than Qasid.
Culture Road Arabic
JD 150–250/monthSpecialises in colloquial Jordanian Arabic. Private tutoring available.
Private Arabic Tutors
JD 10–25/hourVery widely available in Amman. Find via Facebook expat groups or italki. Best for flexible, personalised conversation practice.
Official Certifications
| Certificate | Provider | Levels | When Needed | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CEFR Arabic Proficiency Certificate | Goethe-Institut / British Council equivalent — various providers | A1–C2 | For academic admission, some professional licences, or personal milestone documentation. | JD 80–200 depending on level and provider |
| Test of Arabic as a Foreign Language (TAFL) | University of Jordan | Multiple levels aligned with CEFR | University admission to Arabic-language programmes. Recognition of Arabic proficiency. | JD 50–100 |
Online Resources
Duolingo Arabic
FreeModern Standard Arabic. Good for basics and Arabic alphabet. Free tier is extensive.
www.duolingo.com ↗BBC Arabic Learning
FreeFree BBC Arabic beginner and intermediate resources.
ArabicPod101
PaidAudio lessons for Modern Standard Arabic. Free basic tier available.
www.arabicpod101.com ↗italki — Arabic tutors
PaidOnline 1-on-1 sessions with native Jordanian/Arab tutors. JD 8–20/hour.
www.italki.com ↗Anki Flashcards (Arabic vocabulary decks)
FreeFree community-made flashcard decks for Arabic vocabulary.
Pimsleur Arabic
PaidAudio-based learning. First lesson free. Good for commuters.
Rosetta Stone Arabic
PaidFull MSA course. Expensive but comprehensive.
Funding Your Language Courses
No government-funded Arabic courses for expats in Jordan. Some international organisations (UN, NGOs) reimburse language course costs for staff as part of their expat package. Check your employer's benefits. Online resources (Duolingo, Anki) are free.
Practical Tips
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Jordanians deeply appreciate any effort to speak Arabic — even 'Marhaba' and 'Shukran' open doors and change attitudes.
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Start with Jordanian Ammiyya (dialect) rather than Modern Standard Arabic for daily life — locals will understand you better.
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Use WhatsApp voice messages as listening practice — many Jordanian contacts communicate this way.
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Language exchange partnerships are common in Amman — Jordanians who want to practice English will happily help with Arabic.
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The Qasid Arabic Institute in Abdoun is the gold standard for serious Arabic learners — full immersion, native speakers, structured curriculum.
Language Learning
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