Where is a good place to learn Arabic?

Pulpish

Hey guys!
So I'm on vacation and I'm looking for a place to learn Arabic. I've been googling around and there are way too many centers, so I'd like to know if anyone is familiar with any to help me make the right choice. Here is my criterion:

1. I live around Fanar (Metn) and I don't mind going to Beirut/Downtown/Ashrafieh, Dbaye/Zalka (as long as it's before Jounieh). If you are familiar with a place round Jounieh/Jbeil that could be my second option since as of July I'll be around those parts a lot (although I'd like to start now instead of postponing till July).
2. My Arabic is limited to explaining my destination to taxi drivers as well as swearing in fancy Lebanese conjectures, and I'd like to improve for regular conversation as well as in terms of business/negotiation and application in professional fields (reading and writing contracts/official documents etc..).
3. I'd like to learn in the fastest time possible and I have an empty schedule so I can devote my entire time to learning the language.
4. Since I have an open schedule I believe private lessons will help me move quickly, if you disagree I welcome your opinion.
5. Pricing is not necessarily an issue, I'm willing to invest a good amount to obtain the highest quality applicable in several dialects.

So far I've found a center called Berlitz and their Total Immersion program looks good, as well as their private program, yet they fail to provide much information on their website http://www.berlitz-lebanon.com/index.php/total-immersion..

Awaiting your wisdom, LebGeeks!

Nabs

Are you looking to learn Arabic or Lebanese Arabic? If regular Arabic will do, I suggest you use Rosetta Stone. It's a program that teaches you how to speak languages by interacting with your surrounding. I learned Japanese (for a while) using that, and it was unbelievably easy.

Pulpish

Nabs wroteAre you looking to learn Arabic or Lebanese Arabic? If regular Arabic will do, I suggest you use Rosetta Stone. It's a program that teaches you how to speak languages by interacting with your surrounding. I learned Japanese (for a while) using that, and it was unbelievably easy.

Hey Nabs, I've been looking at Rosetta Stone and I don't think I can put up with eLearning. I prefer interacting with an instructor rather than burning my eyes out on the PC :P. The course seems more malleable when you have an instructor. And yes, I'm looking for regular Arabic that I can eventually expand into several dialects, mainly to serve me in professional domains in the near future.. Sorry but learning via software is just not a personal preference! Thanks for the suggestion though :D

xazbrat

There is a place near AUB which teaches mainly conversational Arabic--I know a few journalists who went to there. I have to ask again what the name of the place is, or if you know any foreign journalists, you can try asking them.

Pulpish

xazbrat wroteThere is a place near AUB which teaches mainly conversational Arabic--I know a few journalists who went to there. I have to ask again what the name of the place is, or if you know any foreign journalists, you can try asking them.

Mmm, I also aim to learn to read/write. Again, for more formal situations :P Thanks for trying tho xD

Nabs

How does personal tutoring sound?

Pulpish

Nabs wroteHow does personal tutoring sound?

Well yeah that's kind of what I'm looking for but don't know where to look. The centers I'm looking at all have an option to get private tutoring, and the reason I'm looking at centers rather than just calling up a school teacher is because I want a more reliable course with a proper program..

Nabs

I have a friend who's a lawyer and teaches Arabic to foreign children. Would you like me to get details and PM you?

Pulpish

Nabs wroteI have a friend who's a lawyer and teaches Arabic to foreign children. Would you like me to get details and PM you?

Again that isn't really what I'm looking for. :/ Just need help choosing a proper center with a proper program..

Nabs

Oh, my bad. Will ask around then, and let you know if I come across any.

ryeobot

A friend of mine recommends Saifi Institute. She took classes there. Check out http://saifiarabic.com/

Dirol

I'm not sure, but you may check this WEBSITE: www.ii-holding.com. It offers educational services through its subsidiaries companies.

samer

Check out the summer arabic program at AUB.

Pulpish

Thanks for all the replies guys, highly appreciated!
Planning on visiting Berlitz, Saifi, and AUB on Monday (I hate doing things over the phone :P).. AUB seems interesting since there's credits involved but there's a month till enrollment (I'm accepted but not a student there yet, enrollment forms still haven't arrived by mail >.<) so it could be quite convenient :D