Learn Amharic

Communicate in Amharic, spoken by over 40 million people in Ethiopia, utilized in government and transcending regional boundaries, with its unique writing system comprising 256 syllabic letters flowing from left to right. Amharic is a valuable tool not only for Ethiopians but also for international non-profit groups, diplomats, advisors, and scholars in anthropology, geology, biology, history, archaeology, and linguistics who work in Ethiopia and seek language training in Amharic. Read more about the course in our language prospectus.

Learn Amharic with

Binyam Sisay Mendisu

Associate Professor of African Languages and Linguistics
Ph.D. Linguistics, University of Oslo, Norway

Mendisu is a native speaker of Amharic and has experience in teaching Amharic as a foreign language and developing supporting teaching materials including dictionaries. He was Associate Professor and founding Dean of Humanities (2010-2012) at Addis Ababa University (AAU). As an education specialist in UNESCO-IICBA between 2016-2021, he worked on mother tongue education and teacher policy developments in Uganda, the Seychelles, Burundi, Malawi and Mozambique. He also led various projects and initiatives related to linguistic capacity building and early childhood education. Currently, he sits on the Steering Committee of African Science Leadership Program (ASLP), University of Pretoria, South Africa and is a fellow of the International Science Council (ISC). He holds dual roles as an Associate Professor of African Languages and Linguistics and Associate Director of The Africa Institute. Read more.

On Completion of This Program, You Will Acquire

• Language Proficiency: Develop the skills to speak, read, and write an African language, enabling effective communication with native speakers and enriching your understanding of authentic texts from the target culture.
• Cultural Understanding: Immerse yourself in the vibrant cultural landscapes of the African continent, fostering cultural sensitivity and creating opportunities for engagement with diverse communities.
• Global Career Opportunities: Gain a valuable skill that enhances your career prospects. Language proficiency is highly sought after in various professional fields, including translation and interpretation, international relations, social services, and business.

Certification

Upon successful completion, you will receive recognized certificates from The Africa Institute, licensed by the Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA).

Mode of Learning

• In-person
• Online

Levels Offered

• Elementary II
• Intermediate I

*To enroll in the selected course, students are required to complete a placement test to ensure they meet the necessary prerequisites. This assessment is free of charge.

Tuition Fees

• Registration/Application fee: AED 100
• Tuition Fee per 30 hours: AED 600

Avail Special Discounts

• 10% discount available for students who register for one level course of 60 hours or more
• 10% discount available for participants registering multiple family members

Key Dates

Intakes are held every Fall and Spring. Register to enroll for elementary or intermediate levels.

Applications open for Spring intake. Classes start March 2025.

Deadline: Monday, February 17, 2025