Our students and satff safety is our number one priority. At Hedayet institute, we strictly follow the World Health Organisation guidelines including providing appropriate personal protection equipment to all our staff. No class exceeds 5 students, allowing at least 1.5m distance between students. In addition, all our classrooms get disinfected after each class.  We would like to ask you to do your part to keep everyone safe by wearing the appropriate protective gear and use sanitizers provided in classrooms. Moreover, for those who are unable to travel due to lockdown we offer all our porgrammes online. Please send us on info@hedayetinstitute.com for more details.

Hedayet is also affiliated with the American Association of the Teachers of Arabic (AATA), The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL), The Association for Supervision on Curriculum Development (ASCD), Fulbright Commission in Cairo, the Middle East Studies Association among other academic and professional organizations for Teaching Arabic as a Foreign Language.

All Hedayet professors have an MA in Teaching Arabic as a Foreign Language (TAFL). In addition, most Hedayet professors receive periodic extensive training on latest development in the field of TAFL. For more info about the qualifications of Hedayet staff click here. Hedayet weekly seminars are also given by renowned intellectuals and professionals in the various fields of politics, religion, Art, economics, Middle East and gender studies.

The number of hours depends on the type of program you choose. Intensive programs usually range from 3 to 4 hours  of contact class hours every day, i.e. approx. 20 class hours per week. Non intensive programs varies depending on the courses selected, from 3 hours a week to 15 hours per week.

All Hedayet Arabic language courses are accredited (up to 17 credit hours per semester) by most Universities in the US and Europe. Among universities that give credits for Arabic language and other Arabic related courses Brigham Young University, New York University, Notre Dame University, University of Utah and University of Arizona in USA and Oxford University in United Kingdom. Hedayet also has bilateral agreements with over 30 universities in the US, including Ivy League universities such as Columbia University, Georgetown University, Harvard University and Johns Hopkins University. Simply ask your registrar to contact Hedayet for details.

There is a vibrant cultural and extra-curriculum program for Hedayet students, which is part of the total immersion experience Hedayet is dedicated to provide. Activities range from weekly trips in Cairo, weekly seminars by renowned celebrities in the field of Islamic philosophy, film, politics, economics, development in Egypt, Middle Eastern studies, Islamic architecture…etc. There is also Egyptian cooking and Arab films classes provided weekly.

Yes. Hedayet provides a free service of helping you find a suitable accommodation during your program at Hedayet. Accommodation cost could range from 550-700 USD per month for two bedroom apartments. Most students share apartments and split the cost.

You can pay your fees through wire transfer from your bank to Hedayet bank account; bring it in cash, or by wire transfer through Western Union offices that are found all over the world. You can also pay via PayPal directly online.

Egypt is relatively very cheap compared to many countries. If you do not have excessive shopping or travelling, you would need around 3000 EGP a month (approx. 200 USD) excluding accommodation. Costs of apartments is between USD 550 and USD 650 per month or the equivalent in Egyptian pounds. Most students share apartments and split the cost in two or three.

The following institutions have granted Hedayet students scholarship to study for intensive programs: Fulbright, FLAS, NSEP , Gilman Scholarship in addition to Federal students fund programs. Students with academic excellence can apply at their universities for scholarship.

There are several international banks in Egypt, including Barclays, HSBC, American Express and Citibank, which have ATM machines (MasterCard, Cirrus, VISA, Plus, 123..etc) all over the country. You can also transfer your money to Western Union and cash it from Western Union offices in Cairo, or bring travellers’ cheques which you could easily cash from Thomas Cook, any hotel or bank. Most big supermarkets, shopping malls and restaurants also accept credit and debit cards (e.g AmEx, VISA, Diners, Mastercard..etc).

You are entitled for full refund if you cancel your program at least one month before the start date of your program. Any cancellation done less than one month prior to the start of the program are not refundable. For programs organised for groups, cancellation must be done at least two months prior to the start of the program to be eligible for a full refund.

You need to apply for a visa, if you are from the US or any European country you can apply for a renewable single-entry 30-day tourist visa on arrival at Egyptian airports for a 25 USD fee. A multiple entry visa is also obtainable for 60 USD. Alternatively, Hedayet can provide you with a letter, with which you could apply for a VISA at the Egyptian consulate in your country. Students from other countries will need to apply for a VISA at the Egyptian embassy or consulate in their home country.>

Maadi is a suburb south of Cairo. It is a one of Cairo’s quietest and nicest neighborhoods. It offers a refuge from the chaos of downtown Cairo while still serving as a great base of operations for quick excursions to any part of the city. Maadi has been for decades the home to many expatriates, embassies and the American College; which makes it among the safest and friendliest place to any visitor. There are small cafés everywhere and a small suq, in addition to Maadi Club and Maadi Yacht club.

You can come by either a Lemozine, which normally costs around EGP 350 (25 USD) , or you could take an Uber or Careem car service if you have the app. There are also cabs at the airport that cost around 300 EGP.

The most important things you need to bring are an inquisitive mind, curious eyes, a tolerant heart and an adventurous soul. This will help you, not only make the most out of your total immersion experience, but will open for you a whole new world of fun, appreciation and understanding of the Middle East region and its culture. Bring along sun glasses, sun cream (if have sensitive skin to the sun), personal towels, a small digital recorder for some language homework assignments, your student ID card that will help you get discounted tickets in some tours, and some of your favorite music (only music because you will listen to Arabic songs).