In a word: Clarity. Here the instruction disambiguates and formalizes a language which is generally thought to be overly complex. The basic instruction is Modern Standard Arabic but if you stick with it, you can start taking dialect classes. Jamal, the owner of the school, is a great instructor with his own methods to say the least; he's quite casual, matter of fact, and very entertaining if you dig this style of instruction (which I do). Nasser and Jayme teach a more conventional structured class if thats what you might prefer as well. All the instructors are quite rigorous and the curriculum is top notch. The classes are pretty small and the instruction is very generous (you can drop in on classes you already took if you are currently enrolled as a student). If you're not currently enrolled, email them ahead of time if you want to drop in on a class to check it out; don't just show up, the school is quite busy and no teacher likes surprises right when class starts. read more

Jamal might be a good teacher but he was a total dick when I tried signing up for a class. First of all, I was totally excited about this place after reading the yelp reviews and checked the online course catalogue. This was back in November and they hadn't updated it to include any upcoming classes. So I went away for the holidays, came back and checked again. Classes had already started a week before (even though the deadlines had apparently passed before the classes were even listed on the website). In fact, the second class, and the only one I could fit into my schedule was that night. So I figured it would make more sense to talk to the instructor about sitting in on the second class than miss both of them. I've taken arabic before and this would have been a refresher course, so missing the first 90 minutes shouldn't have been a big deal. Besides, I was prepared to suck up the extra $30 late fee for somehow not knowing that I should have registered before the class was even listed in the catalogue. I showed up there a half an hour early because I don't want to cut into other people's class time by talking to the instructor. I looked around for someone to talk to about registering, but couldn't find anyone (or even some kind of front desk type person who might be able to help). So I found the classroom, but Jamal was starting the class late and both times I try to get his attention before it started he shoed me away and directed me to the classroom. So I sat there awkwardly, with about 20 other people who all have their books out wondering how the f**k they knew about a class that wasn't listed anywhere and hoping I can get 20 seconds to explain that I'd like to join. After all, I've never encountered a good instructor who isn't just so happy that you are taking an interest in their subject that they won't let you join a class (especially with a check in your hand). Instead, he starts the class, looks around and then I get a "wait who are you?" and I start to say "I dropped by hoping I could..." and then he got kind of bitchy with me and told me that I couldn't just show up the second day of class and expect it to be okay. Then I couldn't get any kind of explanation in edgewise as he made me look like a jerk in front of 20 strangers (who all apparently share the gift of telepathy because they knew when the first class was), so I just said thanks and left. So yes, thanks Jamal, for saving me $300. I'll take it elsewhere. read more

My 2015 year resolution is to take an arabic class, so, after a little research, I landed at Pacific Arabic Resources. It's amazing how much we covered in just six weeks. Our instructor Nasser is not only clear and fun, but also very patient, and PAR very affordable tuition makes me want to just keep studying arabic for the rest of the year. I highly recommend it! read more

I love this school! I've been a student at Pacific Arabic since 2003. The materials are great (particularly for dialect courses; they're made in-house), and where else in the city can you learn Moroccan or Tunisian Arabic?!? The team of teachers is kind and patient. I've mostly been learning MSA (fusHa), and even though I'm kind of a lazy student lately about doing homework, it's important for me to come to class every week because I always get something out of it. I believe that Pacific Arabic fills a very important need in the community for people who are striving to learn Arabic. The courses are affordable and go into the advanced levels, something not commonly offered at other schools in San Francisco. For beginners, new introductory classes run every month. If you're curious about Arabic and want to learn in a welcoming environment that is totally non-religious and non-political, check out Pacific Arabic Resources! read more

I first came to Pacific Arabic Resources after I got interested in the language having visited Egypt. I was excited but slightly apprehensive at first, not having learned another language since my childhood (English is my 2nd language, Chinese is my mother tongue). Now I can say I'm passionate about Arabic. Jamal, the founder of the school, taught my introduction class. He is funny, quirky but also disciplined. Class is always really fun and now whenever my 90min class ends I feel like I don't want it to. Believe it or not, after my intro class I could start to read the intro material entirely in the arabic script. It takes work, yes, but it also shows that the material is paced well for you to really grasp the fundamentals quite solidly. Jamal actually personally created the introduction text because he thinks all the commercial intro books just have it plain wrong. Now I'm in Modern Stardard Lvl 1 and I thoroughly look forward to continue my studies at PAR until I become proficient in the language. Pacific Arabic Resources was voted in 2006 as the "Best Place to Learn a Language in SF". I wholeheartedly agree. read more

If you want to learn Arabic in the Bay Area, this is pretty much the place to do it. I've been taking classes here since January 2006 and it's great. Basically, it's one of only two non-religious places in the city to study Arabic (the other is Arab Cultural and Community Center, located way out by Twin Peaks and they only offer introductory stuff, and not consistently). People come from all over-- in fact there was a UC-Berkeley student in my class who came here to take Arabic because she said the Arabic at Cal is too classical, not conversation-oriented enough. The classes are all after-work and some on Saturday, good location, good prices, etc. You can learn standard Arabic or a number of different dialects. The introductory and beginner classes are great-- it's all proprietary materials that the teachers there developed, with audio and stuff. There's also usually free tutoring one night a week if you want it. The more advanced classes, it depends on which teacher you get-- some are fantastic, others speak too much English in class and you feel like it's not quite as much practice as you'd like. Overall, I'd definitely recommend this place. read more

Pacific Arabic - Language Schools Near Me - San Francisco, California

My wife and I took a beginners class Spring 2006. Jamal was our teacher, he is great. What I like in particular is that he built his own syllabus/curriculum and forces students to write Arabic from the first day. I have taken many language classes during my life and this was one of, if not the, best. read more

I have been studying Arabic on and off since 2002 in a multitude of settings, with native and non-native speaking instructors. I even spent a summer in the University of Jordan's "Intensive Arabic" course for foreign students. I have learned more in the last 9 months at PAR than in all the others combined. The MSA curriculum at PAR is hands down the most well thought out, concise and digestible that I have encountered. The instruction is top notch and the instructors I have worked with (Nasser/Jaime) have always been patient, encouraging and insightful. Above all, everyone that works at and attends the school is passionate about teaching/learning the language. On another note, I am a working professional and travel fairly often for my job. The Financial District location is convenient. The flexibility, pace and load of the classes are the perfect balance of challenge and manageability even with my hectic schedule. If you have always wanted to try to learn, have tried before or need to refresh what you know - this is the place to do it. read more

I just enrolled in Arabic I. I have been wanting to learn Arabic for a while and finally decided to sign up. This school is amazing. Our teacher, Nasser, is patient and very engaging. He makes learning Arabic fun and breaks it down so that it is very easy to keep up. If you are considering learning Arabic, sign up now!! read more

They make Arabic fun and relatively unintimidating (which is not exactly the same thing as "easy"). If you want to study Arabic but aren't able to upend your life and move to Lebanon or become a full time student, this is the place to go. Not a huge commitment in terms of time & money, but you'll be amazed at all you learn. read more

Arabic's a tough language, to say the least, and you need a great teacher who's clear, motivating and, ideally, entertaining, particularly if you have no compelling reason to be studying the language. At Pacific Arabic, that's exactly what you get for the first few months from Jamal, who also runs the place, and Nick. They're great. After that, things get a little cloudier. This is partly because the language is, it seems, infinitely complex, but also because the other teachers simply aren't as good as Jamal and Nick, despite being native speakers. So, five stars if you're starting from scratch - you'll get clear, fun instruction that motivates you to continue - and a star or two less later on. Note I'm referring to the teaching of Modern Standard Arabic - there are also courses in various Arabic dialects, some of whose teachers I don't know. read more

I took the Arabic 1 class, the teacher was Nasser - he did a great job. The class is absolutely awesome, very fun and very engaging. I would recommend to anyone interested in the Arab culture to just study the language, it's all the more interesting once you start actually learning it. Also, remember there is never a right time to start, there's always going to be something in the way, but if you just start and commit, your schedule will eventually work out. Highly, highly recommend it; I cannot be more motivated to keep learning! read more

Over the years, I have taken numerous Arabic language courses in the US and Middle East, in a variety of dialects, and through classroom settings, private lessons and self-instructed online learning. By far, Pacific Arabic Resources was the best! The professionalism of the teachers, the quality of the curriculum and the responsiveness of the office was consistently outstanding. I moved away from the Bay Area a few years ago and have not found a place that offers the quality of language instruction like PAR. read more

PAR is a great place to study Arabic. I hesitated to sign up for a course there for too long due to the location (financial district) which i now regret. The courses move at a realistic but challenging pace. The teachers that I've had (Nasser for group & Jayme for one on one) have been stellar. I'm also a bit surprised by how low their prices are. Wish I had signed up for courses at PAR sooner. Arabic is a difficult but beautiful and fun language. Highly highly recommend. read more

I love this place. I've been going here for almost three years now, and I remember when I first started the language looked impossibly difficult to me. I couldn't figure out how anyone could read all those tiny squiggly lines! Actually it's pretty easy though, and with the help of PAR I'm now reading whole pages of material written in Arabic. I'm hoping to branch out into either Egyptian or Farsi after I master Modern Standard. Excellent teachers and very understanding staff. The program moves at a good speed too: it eschews Al-Kitaab Book 1, the notoriously difficult tome favored by University programs, for a much simpler book. Then, when you've gotten a handle of the language you move to Al-Kitaab Book 2 in the second year. The same amount of material is covered, but in a manner that is much more accessible to beginners like me. They also have classes in various forms of calligraphy and dialects. Terrific facility, and a very reasonable price. read more

The classes are really great and I can't believe how much I've learned in just 5 weeks. Nasser is a great teacher and the entire course is very well thought out! Definitely worth trying out a term if you are interested in learning Arabic. And so convenient to BART! read more

Fantastically well-designed program that teaches effortlessly, the logic, flow and beauty of the Arabic language. Nasser is a God-send. He is humble, intelligent, entertaining, and can give an insightful answer to almost every single question. The dedication of this program to teaching is refreshing and inspiring to say the least. Go to this school. You'll receive a first class education in Arabic. read more

I went to PAR both for Arabic and Farsi. The best thing about this place is the location: Right next to Montgomery BART! The teachers are also very knowledgeable and fun. Even though, I usually took the evening classes during the week after work, I never felt bored or tired. The setting is somewhat informal, which makes things easier. The other students I met there were also fun, and we still hang out from time to time. I recommend this place for anyone, who's looking for an affordable and nice place to learn a middle eastern language. read more

I have so many positive things to say about PAR! My teacher Nasser has been great patient, attentive and knowledgeable. He makes sure to include everyone in the class and makes it clear that he wants to help you learn. The lessons are very clear and easy to get as they all seem to chronologically work with one another. Classes are small and seem to allow for more personalized learning. Lastly, the pricing is great for individuals of all walks of life. The class structure making it so you can take lower levels for review as you are learning new things in the upper class. This means you are essentially getting two classes for the price of one. Having tried to study on my own for like two years, I didn't think I could learn- but PAR changed that and I find myself learning and memorizing quickly. Despite some people in my class being rude and rather disruptive, Nasser kept his cool and powered through our lessons. I am starting my second level today and really looking forward to become btlaka bil arabiyya. read more

This place is really top-notch with knowledgeable instructors, multiple classes at various levels each semester, and a really fun atmosphere. I can't recommend them enough! read more

In short, I wish I had found this place earlier! I have been studying Arabic in my free time for longer than I care to admit. Most evening classes I identified elsewhere suffer from high student attrition rates once the curriculum reaches the challenging present tense. As a result, I had trouble finding Bay area evening/weekend classes to complete my studies. I therefore studied on my own - including completing the Rosetta Stone Arabic series - but fully learning a language without conversational interaction and correction is exceedingly difficult. PAR has a complete set of Arabic classes, and apparently excellent instructors, since students do make it through the program! Thus far, my instructor has been Nasser Riyadh, whom I can highly recommend. One nice feature of this school is that if you have already learned some Arabic elsewhere, it is relatively easy to figure out which class is right for you, either by analyzing the textbook (my choice), or by sitting in on a sample class in a prior term, or by chatting with an instructor. In addition, if you find out your level, but want to review earlier material, doing so is complimentary provided you are a current enrolled student. Note that they have staged enrollment pricing, so the price goes up as the next term approaches. I paid full price ($280) for my first class, but thereafter paid $60 less ($220) for following classes. Their terms are short - eight weeks each - so there are six terms per year, and a year of study with them is equivalent to a year of college-level Arabic. You can't beat the location, one block from Montgomery St. BART - easy to get to from pretty much anywhere with BART service. There is some street parking, but most optimal for motorcycles. There are also garages nearby. FYI: no bicycles are allowed inside the office building. read more