More Than a Classroom.
Saifi is a community. Embassies, NGOs, journalists, students, and curious travellers — all here to learn Arabic and experience Beirut.
Achrafieh,
Beirut's Heart
Saifi Institute is located in Achrafieh, the cultural and historic heart of East Beirut. The neighbourhood — named for Archbishop Youssef Debs — is renowned for its 19th-century Ottoman architecture, independent galleries, and café culture.
The campus occupies a restored traditional building on Mgr. Atallah Street, just minutes from Gemmayzeh and the city centre. Students step outside the classroom directly into the Arabic-speaking environment they are learning.
- Walking distance to Gemmayzeh and Mar Mikhael
- Local cafés, bookshops, and souk within 5 minutes
- Close to the National Museum and cultural venues
- Easily accessible by taxi and local transport
- Quiet residential atmosphere with genuine local life
Facilities
Arabic Library
A dedicated Arabic-language library with graded readers, reference texts, literary works, and newspapers. Open to all students during class hours.
Auditorium & Events Space
A well-equipped space used for lectures, film screenings, cultural talks, and end-of-term presentations. Open to the Saifi community.
Study Rooms
Quiet study rooms available for independent study and practice between sessions. Whiteboards and materials provided.
Common Area
A comfortable common space where students from different countries and programs mingle. One of the most valuable classrooms at Saifi.
Computer Access
Computers with Arabic keyboard layouts and digital learning resources available for student use during campus hours.
Teacher Office Hours
All Saifi teachers hold weekly office hours. Students can book one-on-one time to ask questions, review material, or get guidance on goals.
Cultural Activities
Language lives in culture. Saifi's activity programme extends learning beyond the classroom walls into Beirut's streets, kitchens, and cultural venues.
Arabic Film Screenings
Monthly screenings of Lebanese and Arab cinema — classic films, modern productions, and documentaries. Subtitled in English when available. Followed by discussion.
Old Souk & Market Visits
Guided walks through Beirut's markets, practicing real bargaining dialogues. Students engage with vendors in Urban Arabic — the ultimate classroom extension.
Lebanese Cooking Class
Learn to prepare mezze, kibbeh, and desserts — with all instruction conducted in Arabic. A favourite among international students.
City Tours
Guided tours of Beirut's neighbourhoods: Gemmayzeh, Mar Mikhael, the National Museum, Byblos, and Tyre. Led by Saifi teachers and local guides.
Arabic Calligraphy Workshop
A hands-on calligraphy course taught by a master calligrapher. Available as a standalone course or as part of the SIASP program.
Lebanese Music Appreciation
An introduction to traditional and contemporary Lebanese music: maqam modes, classical singers, and regional folk traditions.
Students From
Everywhere
Walk into Saifi on any given day and you'll find diplomats from European embassies, journalists preparing for regional postings, NGO workers, academics, students, and travellers who fell in love with Arabic and wanted more.
Students from over 40 nationalities have passed through Saifi's doors. The common area between classes is often more educational than the lessons themselves.
Want the Full Beirut Experience?
SIASP — the Saifi Immersive Arabic Summer Program — combines 150 hours of instruction with Beirut city immersion over 5 weeks. The most complete Arabic learning experience available.