Embrace Kiswahili, the lingua franca of East and Central Africa. As an official language of the African Union and the sole African language in the UN’s Directorate of Global Communications, Kiswahili not only opens doors for scholars in fields such as linguistics, anthropology, geography, archaeology, and sociology but also fosters cultural exchange, diplomatic engagement, and global understanding. Join over 200 million speakers worldwide in learning this language, enriched by Arabic influence and shaped by its history as a trade language and a vehicle for anti-colonial liberation.

Learn Kiswahili with

Regina Minael Fupi

Lecturer of Kiswahili (Elementary & Advanced)
MA in Linguistics, University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; MA in Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies, Carleton University, Canada

Regina Fupi brings over a decade of experience teaching Kiswahili to non-native speakers across North America, with a focus on language acquisition, cultural immersion, and real-world communication in Kiswahili. Her scholarly interests include translation studies, Kiswahili pedagogy, Bantu linguistics, Black history and its representation in educational resources in the Western world (particularly North America), and the phenomenological experiences of people of African descent in the diaspora. She is passionate about advancing inclusive, culturally rich language education. 

Ruth Ndekiro Shao

Lecturer of Kiswahili (Intermediate Level)
Ph.D. in Kiswahili, University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Ruth Shao is an experienced Kiswahili instructor with over eight years of teaching and research across East Africa, West Africa, and Europe. She has taught Kiswahili at all levels—from beginner to advanced—to undergraduate and graduate students in Tanzania, Ghana, Germany, and the UAE. Her work focuses on second language acquisition, curriculum development, and culturally responsive teaching, with an emphasis on practical communication, cultural immersion, and building learner confidence.

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, Global Studies University, licensed by the Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA).

Mode of LearningLevels Offered

  • Elementary I – for new students
  • Intermediate I – for continuing and new students
  • Advanced I – for continuing and new students

*To enroll in intermediate and advanced level courses, students are required to complete a placement test to ensure they meet the necessary prerequisites. This assessment is free of charge.

Course Schedule

  • Registration Deadline: Monday, August 25, 2025
  • Course Duration: 12 weeks of instruction from September 1 to November 27, 2025
  • Total hours: 36 hours (24 sessions)
  • Class frequency: Twice a week, Monday to Friday
  • Session length: 90 minutes
  • Fall Break: October 13–16, 2025 (no classes)

Tuition Fees

  • Tuition Fees per 36 hours (one semester): AED 1,440

Avail Special Discounts

  • 10% discount available for participants who register for one-level course of 72 hours or more
  • 10% discount for both the participant and a referred family member or friend
  • 10% discount for UAE government employees

Get in Touch

For any queries or more information, please contact languages@theafricainstitute.org.

Embrace Kiswahili, the lingua franca of East and Central Africa. As an official language of the African Union and the sole African language in the UN’s Directorate of Global Communications, Kiswahili not only opens doors for scholars in fields such as linguistics, anthropology, geography, archaeology, and sociology but also fosters cultural exchange, diplomatic engagement, and global understanding. Join over 200 million speakers worldwide in learning this language, enriched by Arabic influence and shaped by its history as a trade language and a vehicle for anti-colonial liberation.

Embrace Kiswahili, the lingua franca of East and Central Africa. As an official language of the African Union and the sole African language in the UN’s Directorate of Global Communications, Kiswahili not only opens doors for scholars in fields such as linguistics, anthropology, geography, archaeology, and sociology but also fosters cultural exchange, diplomatic engagement, and global understanding. Join over 200 million speakers worldwide in learning this language, enriched by Arabic influence and shaped by its history as a trade language and a vehicle for anti-colonial liberation.

Learn Kiswahili with

Regina Minael Fupi

Lecturer of Kiswahili (Elementary & Advanced)
MA in Linguistics, University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; MA in Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies, Carleton University, Canada

Regina Fupi brings over a decade of experience teaching Kiswahili to non-native speakers across North America, with a focus on language acquisition, cultural immersion, and real-world communication in Kiswahili. Her scholarly interests include translation studies, Kiswahili pedagogy, Bantu linguistics, Black history and its representation in educational resources in the Western world (particularly North America), and the phenomenological experiences of people of African descent in the diaspora. She is passionate about advancing inclusive, culturally rich language education. 

Ruth Ndekiro Shao

Lecturer of Kiswahili (Intermediate Level)
Ph.D. in Kiswahili, University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Ruth Shao is an experienced Kiswahili instructor with over eight years of teaching and research across East Africa, West Africa, and Europe. She has taught Kiswahili at all levels—from beginner to advanced—to undergraduate and graduate students in Tanzania, Ghana, Germany, and the UAE. Her work focuses on second language acquisition, curriculum development, and culturally responsive teaching, with an emphasis on practical communication, cultural immersion, and building learner confidence.

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, Global Studies University, licensed by the Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA).

Mode of LearningLevels Offered

  • Elementary I – for new students
  • Intermediate I – for continuing and new students
  • Advanced I – for continuing and new students

*To enroll in intermediate and advanced level courses, students are required to complete a placement test to ensure they meet the necessary prerequisites. This assessment is free of charge.

Course Schedule

  • Registration Deadline: Monday, August 25, 2025
  • Course Duration: 12 weeks of instruction from September 1 to November 27, 2025
  • Total hours: 36 hours (24 sessions)
  • Class frequency: Twice a week, Monday to Friday
  • Session length: 90 minutes
  • Fall Break: October 13–16, 2025 (no classes)

Tuition Fees

  • Tuition Fees per 36 hours (one semester): AED 1,440

Avail Special Discounts

  • 10% discount available for participants who register for one-level course of 72 hours or more
  • 10% discount for both the participant and a referred family member or friend
  • 10% discount for UAE government employees

Get in Touch

For any queries or more information, please contact languages@theafricainstitute.org.

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