“I want to take learning Arabic seriously, but where should I study abroad?”
“Egypt and Jordan sound great, but I’m a bit worried about safety and the environment…”
If these thoughts have crossed your mind, there is one option I highly recommend: Studying Arabic in Oman with the DIWAN Program.
What is the DIWAN program?
The DIWAN program is an Arabic language learning program for foreigners offered by the Sultan Qaboos Institute for Teaching Arabic to Non-Native Speakers (SQCA), an Arabic language educational institution in Oman.
This school is a public educational institution operated by the Omani government, and it attracts students from all over the world who want to learn Arabic.
Where is it located?
It is located in a town called Manah in the interior of Oman, about an hour and a half drive from the capital, Muscat. A key feature is that you can concentrate on your studies in a calm environment away from the city.
What does it involve?
The program is structured in multi-week sessions, allowing you to learn grammar, conversation, reading, and listening in a balanced way. In addition, since it incorporates cultural experiences and fieldwork alongside classes, a major appeal is the ability to learn Arabic while experiencing actual Omani society and culture.
Another feature of this program is that you can encounter diverse values by studying with participants from all over the world.
“I want to learn Arabic, but where should I study?”
When considering studying abroad in the Middle East, many people think of Egypt or Jordan.
In that context, one lesser-known option is the DIWAN program in Oman.
I wanted to share the appeal of the SQCA that I experienced with more people, so I decided to write about it on my blog.
In this article, from the perspective of someone who actually participated, I will summarize the content, daily life, and appeal of the DIWAN program in an easy-to-understand way.
How to apply
There are several routes for applying to the DIWAN program.
In my case, I participated using a scholarship program for Expo visitors, so my case is a little different from a general application.
On the other hand, for regular applications, you can check the schedule and application requirements for each semester (course) on the official website.
Applications are submitted online, and details such as course duration, levels, and required documents are also posted there.
▶︎ Click here for details
https://sqca.edu.om/en/programs/on-campus
Since recruitment status and conditions vary depending on the time of year, it is recommended to check the official website for the latest information.
Furthermore, as this is a popular program, I felt that gathering information and preparing your application early is important.
2026-2027 Course Schedule
Application Form & Required Documents
The application form on the official website is available only in English (or Arabic). The required documents are as follows:
- Photo: 4×6 cm (White or blue background)
- Passport: Please ensure it has sufficient validity remaining.
- Submission Method: Google Forms
From Exam to Departure Preparation
When You Receive the Exam Notification Email
The exam notification will be sent to the email address you entered previously.
Format: 100 online multiple-choice questions (Entirely in Arabic)
Purpose: To test pure Arabic language proficiency
Next Step: An email invitation for an online interview will be sent (approx. 1 month after the exam).
*Important Note: Interview times are specified in Oman Local Time. Please check the time difference carefully.
Notification: You will receive your acceptance notice via email.
Required Actions:
- Confirm your intention to accept the offer.
- Submit your final diploma / degree certificate.
- Send your flight schedule.
Important Notice: Read the attached dormitory rules carefully. Non-compliance with the rules may lead to expulsion.
About Study Abroad Costs
On-Campus Arabic Programs in Oman – SQCAsqca.edu.om
You can refer to the URL below for information on activities.
https://sqca.edu.om/guids/activity_schedule_en.pdf
On the other hand, if you prefer a single room, the cost will be higher than for a double room.
For those who want to concentrate in a quiet environment or who value private space, a single room is also an option.
Please note that fees and conditions are subject to change depending on the course and academic year, so it is recommended to always check the latest information from the official website or the school before applying.
Program Content (Classes/Levels)
The DIWAN program offers an intensive language program designed for learners whose native language is not Arabic.
Classes are conducted mainly in Arabic, and the curriculum is designed to balance skills such as grammar, conversation, reading, and listening. A key feature is that it emphasizes not just the acquisition of knowledge, but actually mastering “usable Arabic.”
An online interview (level assessment) is conducted, and you are assigned to a class according to your level.
Levels are divided in stages from beginner to advanced, and in my case, I started from the intermediate level (B1). In class, while learning grammatical points (e.g., nominative, accusative, genitive cases, etc.), you improve your practical skills through daily conversation and discussions.
In addition, there are many opportunities to use Arabic outside of class, and an environment is in place where your “listening and speaking” skills are naturally honed through interaction with classmates and cultural experiences.
I feel that a major feature of this program is that it aims to “learn language and culture as one,” rather than being just a language school.
The Course I Attended
I participated in the 8-week course that began in late March 2026. Students and working professionals from all over the world who are passionate about learning Arabic gathered together, and we had intensive, fulfilling classes every day.
Living Environment (Dormitory & Wi-Fi)
Under the DIWAN Program, student accommodation (dormitory) is provided, and you will basically be living in the dorms during your stay.
Room Types: Choice of Single or Double rooms
Furnishings: Fully equipped with basic furniture (bed, desk, storage, etc.)
Environment: Quiet and quiet-conducive for studying
Facilities: On-site basic gym for light exercise
Meals
Meals are served buffet-style three times a day, allowing you to experience the local food culture firsthand in your daily life. The menu mainly features Omani cuisine, offering a great opportunity to discover authentic Omani flavors and ingredients.
Wi-Fi & Internet
Wi-Fi is available in both the dormitory and the school, so you will rarely face any inconvenience when communicating or looking things up in your daily life. The network environment is completely reliable for online communication and studying.
Pros & Cons
Here is an honest summary of the advantages and disadvantages I experienced while participating in the DIWAN program.
■ Pros
First and foremost, a major appeal of the program is the environment, where you can learn the Arabic language and culture as one.
With plenty of field trips and cultural experiences offered alongside regular classes, you can understand the language within real-world contexts and daily life. It goes beyond simple language learning, giving you a natural feel for the cultural background, such as why certain expressions are used.
Another defining feature is the extremely calm study environment. With fewer distractions compared to big cities, it provides an ideal setting to focus on your studies.
Furthermore, studying alongside students from all over the world offers rich opportunities for cross-cultural exchange, which significantly broadens your perspective—another major benefit.
■ Cons
On the other hand, there are a few points to keep in mind.
First, due to its location in Manah, large commercial facilities and entertainment options are limited, making daily life relatively simple. Those seeking urban convenience and excitement might find it a bit lacking.
In addition, English is not always widely spoken in daily life, which can be confusing at first. However, this also means you have more opportunities to practice Arabic, which actually works as a plus for your language learning.
Who is it recommended for?
The DIWAN program is not the optimal study abroad destination for everyone, but I feel it is strongly recommended for the following types of people.
First, those who are serious about learning Arabic. Classes are conducted in Arabic, and there are many opportunities to encounter Arabic in daily life, so the language environment is very fulfilling.
It is also suitable for those who are interested in Middle Eastern culture and society and want to experience it locally. You can gain a deeper understanding through real life and interactions with people that you cannot get through sightseeing.
On the other hand, those who value urban convenience and entertainment might find some aspects a bit inconvenient. Given the location in Manah, life is relatively simple.
However, because of that, an environment where you can focus on your studies is in place, and I think it will be a very valuable experience for those who want to steadily improve their skills in a short period of time.
In Conclusion
The DIWAN program in Oman is still relatively unknown as a study-abroad destination in Japan. However, after participating in it myself, I truly feel it is a deeply rewarding program—not only for mastering Arabic, but also for gaining a deep understanding of the culture and values.
If you are looking to:
- Learn Arabic
- Explore your interest in the Middle East
- Challenge yourself in a new environment
…then choosing Oman will surely open up new possibilities for you.
I hope this article provides useful insights for anyone considering studying abroad!
*Note: This article is updated regularly. (As of July 2026)
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