Testimonials from former students : Inspiring texts, photos & videos

What Our Students Say

Chloe Wheeler.

USA, Princeton University, PhD

Prof. Florian Zemmin

Germany

Dr. Matthew Brauer

USA

Dr. Elizabeth Arevalo Guerrero

Spain

Dr. Michael Henderson

USA

Dr. Asma Ben Romdhane

Tunisia/USA

Professor Mohamed Brahimi

Morocco/USA

Sydney King

USA

Sara Kuratnik

Canada

Luigi Cicchi

Italy

Emilie Vandame

France

Jenna Schechter

USA

Erik Schwetje

USA

Morgan Robbins

Italy

Viola Lucrezia Giuliani

Italy

Sabrina page

USA

Clara Polistina

Italy

Habiba Cooper

Canada

Samuele Vadala

Italy

Miles Kerr

USA

Ernest Kwasi-Owusu

Ghana

Selene Muscianese

Italy

Muhammed Rayhan

Anna Bertoni

Italy

Suhail Elyas

Kenya

What Our Students Write

Chloe Wheeler. Princeton University, PhD

I had excellent lessons, very positive experience. In addition to academics, I ha d an amazing cultural experience in Fez. I absolutely recommend this program.

Dr. Florian Zemmin, Germany

Ibn Ghazi institute and especially its director, Fouad Touzani, is just great! As a scholar of Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies, who is mainly working with intellectual Arabic texts, I came to Ibn Ghazi to improve my listening skills of Arabic news items specifically. I took private classes for 5 weeks and was fortunate to have Fouad himself as my teacher. Apart from his didactic skills, what impressed me most was his ability and eagerness to cater for specific interests. In my case, Fouad also brought me in touch with Morroccon academics and initiated a lecture I held at the university there. We even continue our discussions over Arabic news via Skype now. I am absolutely sure that students with all kinds of different interests will benefit from Fouad's friendly manners and his eagerness and willingness to address students' interests and help them advance. And while I only had private classes with Fouad, I assume that this spirit surely reflects itself in Ibn Ghazi institute and its staff overall.

Dr. Mathhew Brauer, USA

I had a positive experience with IGAI. I very much appreciate how much Fouad and Hicham accommodated me with private instruction that was tailored at the last minute since I had failed to communicate well where I was in al-Kitaab. They and the other staff at IGAI made me feel comfortable and helped extend my learning experience outside of my hours of instruction in the morning.

Fiona Wright, Australia

We took a calligraphy class here. Faoud is a wonderful host and our calligraphy teachers experience and enthusiasm are wonderful to share. Our appreciation of the beauty of calligraphy grew and trying ourselves was a lot of fun. Great people to visit.

Aziz Mahnin, Netherlands

Had a fanastic online Arabic course with a good teacher. Lessons are efficient and to the point. Would certainly recommend Ibn Ghazi institute if you want to learn Arabic

Leonie Isch, Switzerland

The overall experience at the Ibn Ghazi Arabic Institute was very good. I felt like I was always being taken care of and Fouad, the director, took our requests and problems seriously. I think it was hard for the institute to find a middle ground between our university requirements and the actual use of language in speaking. In the first two weeks, I learned how to make a basic conversation, which was very useful and I actually liked to study Arabic. In the third week with Fouad, we focused mainly on grammar and I think that Fouad was very able to teaching boring grammar in a good way. I feel a lot safer now with the grammar we studied and I hope I can take this new energy with me. The flat we were staying at was very nice and in a good spot (safe and in good walking distance from the institute). The trips were very nice. It was good to get the chance to see something else of Morocco. I especially liked the music lesson although the it was hard to sing in Arabic. I enjoyed listening to music. M I think the hardest part was to sit in the classroom when it was مشمس outside but we even got to do exercises in the sun which was nice. I think it was a very safe and good experience for our first Arab country.

Mohsin Ahmed, UK

Great teachers and a lovely institute with modern class settings. They are very accomodating & will help you with tailored learning plans.

Ryan Schaller, USA

This past summer I studied Modern Standard Arabic at the Ibn Ghazi Institute in Fez. Fouad, the director of the institute, was incredibly helpful and guided me through every step of the study abroad process - enrolling in a class, making preparations to travel to Morocco, and getting situated upon arrival. I can’t thank Fouad and the rest of the staff enough for accommodating me in Fez this summer!

Aisha Borodo, Nigeria

I wanted to share my experience at this language institute in Fes. It was absolutely fantastic! The teacher was so friendly and patient, and they made learning a new language so much fun. Shout out to ustazah Muna and Mr Fuad, the director. The classes were well-structured and interactive, which helped me improve my language skills quickly. I definitely recommend giving it a try!

Federica Messina, Italy

I would recommend the courses in term of teaching and even for excursions, the stuff was enjoyable.

Ali Ibrahim, Pakistan/ USA

Did a study abroad program for UMBC here in summer 2024. Staff was kind, accommodating, and happy to educate us about Morocco and the Arabic language. Would recommend to any prospective student!

Luigi Cicchi, Italy

I really appreciated the program that the Institute realized for my group, taking into account everyone’s needs. According to me, the most delightful part of the plan concerned the cultural activities, such as tour guides and workshops, in which you have the opportunity to understand many details about the Arabic and Islamic civilization. Furthermore, as far as the accommodation, it was very comfortable and elegant.

Matteo Brinati, Italy

Studying at Ibn Ghazi Institute was an extremely enriching experience, both linguistically and culturally. Total immersion in the country, improving your language skills, and discovering its history and culture are all integral parts of what this institute offers. Fouad, the director, and his team provided invaluable support throughout the experience. A big thank you to him!

Norah Jackson, USA

An amazing institution filled with some of the most kind and generous people. I was fortunate enough to study there in May, and thoroughly enjoyed my experience there! Doctor Fouad is one of the BEST people, welcoming and knowledgeable, I felt accommodated throughout my trip and was lucky enough to learn so much while being at the school. :)

David Mann, USA

I really enjoyed the moments, especially with the mentors, when we got to see what ordinary Arabic life is like in Morocco

Zaid Syed, India/USA

My experience at Ibn Ghazi was everything we asked for. I urge anyone considering Arabic courses or wanting to experience anything Moroccan, contact Mr. Foad and the institute. Mr. Foad is able to cater to very specialized requests and last minute plans and changes. He finds teachers for a variety of needs and is available to make plans year round. I personally wanted an introduction to MSA/Fusha Arabic and a fun experience summer. Mr. Foad connected us with the local boy scouts and treated us to the best Cous-cous. Both of my teachers, Mrs. Mouna, worked very hard with us. The Arabic lessons have stuck with me.

Hadi Abid, Canada

I took a 5-week summer intensive Arabic course at Ibn Ghazi Arabic Institute this summer. Mr. Fouad (the director) and the two teachers (Mohammad and Anes)were very kind and patient with me as a beginner. It was a very good introduction to the language and has really helped me during my time in Morocco.

Chiara Luceri, Italy

Valerio Pietrangelo, Italy

I travelled to Fès at the end of July 2024, together with a colleague. I have a long and extensive experience of Arabic courses for foreigners, being an Arabic teacher myself and having studied in other language school in Tunisia, Egypt and Morocco. My colleague and I had a very tight schedule (we only had a one-week leave) but Fouad and his team were able to address our specific needs. We attended two intensive individual courses (two different levels) and it was amazing how they were able to cater to our specific needs, using materials and proposing topics which were perfect for us. I can only imagine how beneficial it must be to attend a group course for a longer period. The school is modern and comfortable and their courses are real value for money. If you wish to start studying or to improve your Arabic, do not miss the opportunity of visiting Fès and choosing Ibn Ghazi.

Bagdagul Abdikarimova, Kyrgystan

I had 10 days of intensive individual Arabic classes. Mr. Fouad arranged me an amazing teacher, ustaza Mouna and a homestay despite during Ramadan. I also was invited to participate at a calligraphy and music workshop which I really enjoyed. I also participated at an iftar, an evening meal during Ramadan with other students. There was nice local food and music. All in all I was satisfied with everything. I would genuinely recommend this school.

Jakob Koppermann, Germany

Matias Otero, Argentina

I contacted the institute to learn basic Darija online from Argentina. My experience was excellent. Even though I had very little time before my trip to Morocco, Fouad put me in touch with a teacher (Salah) who adapted the lessons to my specific needs. Moreover, Salah not only provided practical and effective Darija instruction, but also introduced me to Moroccan culture while we practiced. Finally, the institute offers very affordable prices and was flexible with the payment arrangements based on my circumstances, which I greatly appreciated.

Chris Ruh, Romania

I truly appreciate Mouad’s work as an Arabic teacher. He is patient, respectful, and creates a calm, motivating atmosphere in every class. I also loved how he used examples from the Qur’an — it made each lesson more meaningful and spiritually engaging. My thanks as well to Mr. Fouad, whose warmth and professionalism make the whole experience at Ibn Ghazi Institute both welcoming and inspiring. A wonderful place to learn Arabic with heart and excellence

Camilla Bonifazi, Italy

Ibn Ghazi Institute offers a wide range of incredible experiences! I attended the summer program to deepen and strengthen my Arabic language skills, but above all, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in the culture of Fez and Morocco through workshops and guided tours. It was both fascinating and incredibly enriching!

Sara Grilli, Italy

The experience at the Institute has been really valuable both from a human and professional point of view. The director Fouad was immediately available at organizational level and very welcoming. I studied for a month MSA and Moroccan dialect with Mouna, a very good professor who immediately knew how to help me improve my language skills. I truly recommend the Institute if you’re planning to study arabic in Fez!

Salim Aja Bukar, Nigeria

I've had an amazing experience at Ibn Ghazi Arabic Institute. The teachers are knowledgeable and truly passionate about Arabic language and culture. The curriculum is comprehensive and engaging, providing a deep understanding of the subject. The environment is welcoming and supportive, making learning a pleasure. Highly recommend to anyone interested in studying Arabic

Heeba Chergui, Morocco/USA

I had an amazing time at the Ibn Ghazi Arabic Institute. We came for a school trip, and it was a wonderfully immersive experience. Ustez Fouad did an amazing job at hosting us, showing us around Fes and neighboring towns, and introducing students to Moroccan culture. The Iftar’s were delicious. I strongly recommend people attend the Institute to improve their Arabic skills and cultural understanding.

Selene Muscianese, Italy

Having the chance to study at Ibn Ghazi Arabic Institute was amazing. The school organized Arabic lessons for us in the morning and lots of activities in the afternoon. A complete experience to study Arabic and get an insight into a different culture!

Martina Biondi, Italy

A wonderful and high-value experience to learn Arabic with competent and flexible teachers. I attended a private course at IGAI this September and it was a pleasure to enhance my Arabic with an effective program just cut out for me. In particular, Dr. Touzani is a extremely kind and helpful person, as well as a great teacher. The school has a warm environment and is situated in a residencial area, easily reachable by taxi from every part of the city. Last but not least, Fès is an amazing city which will surprise you!

Rafael Miravet Sturm, Spain

First of all, I would like to thank Mr. Fouad for his kindness and attentiveness. I had very limited time for my first introduction to Darija, and Mr. Fouad was an excellent guide. His availability and dedication were exceptional, as were his patience and knowledge. I will definitely be back.

Émilie Vandame, France

I was able to do an intensive 4 weeks summer course to learn Arabic at Ibn Ghazi Institue and I can only recommend this institution. Fouad the director and Fatima our teacher were extremely welcoming and allowed us to have a great experience! The truly intensive course helped me obtain a strong basis of the Arabic language from which I hope to build on. The city of Fes is very beautiful and allows for a true experience of the Moroccan culture and way of living. Everything is put together by staff and teacher to help students have the most memorable experience, from week-end trips to day excursions in the Medina as well as calligraphy classes et volunteering experiences, this experience was truly enriching! Thank you again!

Phelia Weir, USA

During my month-long studies at Ibn Ghazi Arabic Institute, I attended with the goal of learning basic conversations and dialogues. However, I came away with so much more. I learned more about the culture through planned excursions, my interactions with the locals, and I had the opportunity to attend a local festival with one of the instructors. What I am most thankful for is the amount of support and patience I received during my studies.

Asma Ben Romdhane, PhD

I am an Assistant Professor of Arabic language at Northwestern University. I took intensive Moroccan Darija courses at IGAI. I had a memorable experienceI Fuad, the director, rocks! I enjoyed every single class I took and I did learn a lot! Not only I learned the dialect, but the culture as well! Do not hesitate to enroll and I am definitely going back there to learn more and practice! 🙂

Ida Manneh, Gambia

This summer, I had the privilege of attending the Ibn Ghazi Arabic Institute and it was truly an unforgettable experience. From the moment I arrived, I was warmly welcomed by Mr. Fouad and his dedicated administration, whose kindness and professionalism made me feel right at home. The accommodation was comfortable, modern, and well-maintained, providing a peaceful environment that was perfect for both study and relaxation. The school’s location in the center of the beautiful and historical city of Fez made the experience even more special, offering a rich cultural backdrop to my learning. A special mention goes to my amazing teacher, Muna, whose passion, patience, and skills made every Arabic lesson both enjoyable and deeply educational. Her teaching not only improved my language skills but also deepened my appreciation for the beauty of Arabic and my interest in learning more about this special language. I was touched by the outstanding Moroccan hospitality throughout my stay — warm smiles, genuine care, and a constant feeling of being part of a family. This combination of high-quality education, comfortable living, and cultural immersion made my time at Ibn Ghazi a truly unique and enriching experience. I am deeply grateful for everything and highly recommend Ibn Ghazi to anyone seeking to learn Arabic while experiencing the warmth and beauty of Morroco. IT FEELS LIKE HOME AWAY FROM HOME

Myriam Bourhimi, Morocco/France

I can only highly recommend the Ibn Ghazi Institute if you are looking to study Arabic at your own level with experienced, skilled, and attentive teachers (a special shout-out to my favorite teacher, Fatima Lhouari!); to discover or rediscover Moroccan culture through a variety of activities (visits, calligraphy workshops, etc.) carefully organized by the director, Fouad Touzani; or simply to enjoy a unique experience surrounded by international students who are just as motivated as you are, in the magnificent and historic city of Fez! So, don’t hesitate—go for it!

Dr. Emil Nagengast, USA

Excellent program, well done! Ibn Ghazi Institute has excellent facilities, a serious and helpful staff, and a nice location. I recommend them highly to anyone interested in studying Arabic. I completed a 6 week intensive course there, and they gave me a solid foundation in Arabic.

Dr. Michael Henderson, USA

Excellent! The excursions were fun, delightful and informative.

Mohammed Alhtar, UK

My experience at Ibn Ghazi was Great, Amazing Director Good staff with good manners, good teaching, I moved up quickly in my Arabic level in just 3 weeks!

Nusrat Elkurayshi, India/USA

My 16 year old wanted to learn Arabic and we encouraged him to go to an Arabic speaking country and spend the summer in an immersion program. We started our search for programs in Saudi, Egypt, and many other Arabic speaking countries. We were looking for a fus-ha Arabic program just for the summer and for beginners. Most programs were either closed during summer or were just 3-4 weeks short courses. Also, it was difficult to make living and food arrangements. When I contacted Ibn-Ghazi institute, Mr. Fouad, the director, after listening to our needs, offered us a 3 month tailor-made program and my younger son joined it too. Mr. Fouad made excellent arrangements for their accommodation and meals. The teachers were experienced and were passionate about teaching. They organized interesting and innovative activities for teaching the language in various settings. They did a sewing and button making class, took them to music lessons etc. Introduced them to local Boy Scouts. They took the kids out on a trip of the old city of Fes even organized a weekend trip for them to Tangiers. My sons not only learned a lot but also made lasting friendships and experienced Moroccan culture and life up close. They tried all kinds of Moroccan foods. As parents my husband and myself were somewhat worried about sending a 16 and 13 year old by themselves but all arrangements made by the school were excellent, from airport pickup to apartment, food and teaching. With the teachers and director we experienced Moroccan hospitality at its best. So kind, loving and giving . My children retuned with a wealth of knowledge and experience and I feel humbled by the hospitality of Ibn-Ghazi. Fes is a beautiful city, very safe and welcoming to foreigners. The boys were able to go about the city in taxis and go on their own to do groceries, eat at restaurants and do window shopping. They loved buying fruits and snacks from the street vendors. They took a train to Tangiers on their own and stayed at a hotel. Who can think of letting a 16 and 13 year old stay at a hotel on their own in the US! I would recommend the Ibn-Ghazi institute to anyone looking for an Arabic immersion program in an Arabic speaking country.

Matt Jones, UK

We studied at Ibn Ghazi for two weeks in a four week trip to Morocco. Fouad was incredibly helpful to us and was a great teacher. He went out of his way to make us feel at home in Fes and in particular, he was very kind and generous to us when we fell ill from food poisoning. The whole institute has a positive feel to it. Would recommend.

Fabienne Meier, Switzerland

I am very glad I had the chance the chance to do a language course at the Ibn Ghazi Arabic Institute. Not only could I improve my Arabic language skills, but I also met very friendly people thanks to whom I got the first impression of the Moroccan culture. Both our teachers were very patient and flexible in adapting their program to our needs. I appreciate the high amount of exercises we did and I am very happy to say that most of them were fun to do. It was difficult for me to connect what I learned before at out university in Bern to the things we learned at Ibn Ghazi Arabic Institute which is mainly due to the fact that the concept of teaching Arabic at the university in Bern focuses on theoretical explanation only. As I realized when coming to Fez, this is a very foreign way of learning a language and I prefer the way it is taught at Ibn Ghazi by far. Additionally, I enjoyed a a lot the trips to the surroundings of a Fez at the weekends and I am thankful for the support of our teachers in any situation: giving us trips for sightseeing or taking us to the local markets. All of it was an amazing experience.

Joshua Vitzthum, Germany

I came to Ibn Ghazi with a university classmate and stayed in Fes for 4 weeks. We were able to partake in 5-hours of Arabic lessons a day, 5 days a week. Hassan and Mohammed were not only fantastic teachers who encouraged us every step of the way, but also spent time with us outside of the classroom: showing us parts of Fes and taking us out for coffee. We were able to spend the weekends travelling around Morocco. Even before we arrived, Fouad arranged everything for us, from an airport pick-up to our accommodation, and we had a fantastic time with our host-family. I would encourage anyone with an interest in Morocco and the Arabic language to visit the Ibn Ghazi Arabic Institute. Shukhran sadiqi!

Mohamed Rayhan, UK

I found this Arabic centre to be excellent in delivering the lessons and taking care of the students. Fuad - Director and our tutor Rada were very kind and helpful. I very much recommend this centre to everyone

Harriet Cooke, UK

Had a fantastic two weeks of private tuition at Ibn Ghazi. Fouad was friendly and patient and incredibly helpful - especially when some of my group fell ill. Thank you!

Jessica Singh, USA

I had a wonderful experience at Ibn Ghazi this summer. Fouad and his team took care of everything, instruction at the school was great, housing was very nice, and the excursions were a great way to see more of the country. Highly recommend for Arabic language learners of all levels!

Seb Hurd, UK

Spent a very happy 2 weeks here working my MSA and Moroccan dialect. We also went on a group trip to Meknes, the Medina and to Fouad's house for an incredible meal. Overall a great experience.

Sabrina Page, USA

I had the most amazing experience here! Fouad is a great director and everything went even better than I could have imagined. The teachers are wonderful and so knowledgeable and very encouraging. I can’t wait to come back!

Manuel de la Puerta, Spain/USA

After having studied Arabic at the Ibn Ghazi Institute for five months, I can say without a doubt that it has been instrumental in helping me achieve proficiency in Arabic. The quality of teachers at the institute is truly fantastic, and I cannot recommend it highly enough for any students interested in advancing their Arabic skills. Fouad is a wonderful teacher, and Fez is a wonderful city to study Arabic.

Dr. Jim Roney, USA

I am extremely happy with my time here, the mentors were a great addition to our time, kudos to our teacher! He handled a mixed group with energy and goodwill. I learned more from his pronunciation exercises than from the ones in the book. I really enjoyed the lectures.

Thomas Howes-Ward, UK

I have countless good memories of the six-weeks I spent with the Ibn Ghazi Arabic Institute this summer. I soon felt at home there, all of the staff were incredibly welcoming and good fun, and the building itself has all the facilities you need. The Arabic programme was balanced in a way that made classes challenging yet enjoyable, and with every week that passed our improvement was clear to see. We had 3 hours of intensive lessons a day, with homework given, which meant there was enough time in the afternoons to explore Fes and the surrounding areas. The opportunity to talk in Arabic every day, and to study every day, was extremely beneficial, and my Arabic has drastically improved. I would recommend IGAI to anyone, and would definitely love to go back!.

Alice De Narde, Italy

My experience at IGAI has been very good, the lessons were interesting and well organized and the teachers have proved very useful and really friendly. I think that thanks to this course, my Arabic improved, so thank you so much for this month I spent here in Morocco.

Ernest Kwasi-Owusu Osei, Ghana

Before making it to the course, I had no belief I could make a significant improvement in Arabic as an absolute beginner, but the help of the amazing director and staff, I can now read and write and express myself in Arabic. Apart from the learning experience, there is a great teacher/student relationship, which makes the atmosphere in Ibn Ghazi Arabic Institute one of the best in studying Arabic

Martina Rizzo, USA

I truly believe that I learnt a lot in this course. the instructor was very keen to help the students. The food was very delicious and the room was very confortable.

Areesh Haq, Pakistan

IGAI was a great experience in terms of cultural and linguistic learning. The teacher was excellent and the pace was perfect. IGAI’s residence was very confortable and the food was delicious.

Kaspar Gertsch, Switzerland

Overall; I really enjoyed my course at IGAI. The teacher was highly competent and the administrative staff friendly and helpful. The accommodation was clean, calm and confortable.

Kati Csoman, USA

The teacher provided excellent language instructions as well as an enjoyable personality and genuine interest in cultural exchange. We especially appreciated the opportunity to ask our guests about their culture, and I think we all feel that we progressed very well in Arabic. The mentors were unbelievable! They made the entire experience wonderful.

Clara Politena, Italy

My experience at IGAI has been of a great help in the beginning of my Arabic studies. I managed, thanks to IGAI and its staff, to truly get in touch with the Moroccan way of life and mentality, which is fascinating. After IGAI’s experience, I can proudly say that I have a strong motivation to continue my Arabic studies. I highly recommend IGAI to anybody who wishes to dive into a full comprehensive experience in an Arab country, to learn not just its language but also its way of experiencing and dealing with life. The teachers and other staff are caring and kind hearted people who will always occupy a place in my heart with happy and friendly memories.

Nathalie Atger, France

IGAI’s summer programme was quite positive and largely met my expectations. The atmosphere was friendly; the teacher was enthusiastic, highly skilled and had a good sense of humor. I liked the idea of using two different manuals which were complementary for teaching Arabic. The use of computer and internet resources were also very useful. After my experience at IGAI, I feel more confident about expressing myself in Arabic

Martina Gelati, Italy

I really liked the courses and I think it is a very useful experience. In general, I liked to experience the Moroccan and Arab culture because I learned not only the language – which I adore- but also the Moroccan way of life and mentality.

Eric Yoder, USA

Thanks so much for a wonderful experience!

Michelle Steward, USA

I had a wonderful experience in Morocco. The language courses in addition to the weekend excursions provided a basic foundation about the history and culture of Morocco.The instructors, administrators, and cooking staff were very friendly.

Imogen Copps, UK

I had the most amazing teacher, Fatima, and made such wonderful friends at Ibn Ghazi! Thank you so much Fouad for giving me this opportunity and showing me Fez and so much more! A great experience.

Dr. Deb Roney, USA

Although I started with virtually no knowledge of Arabic, I was able to meet my language objectives because our Arabic instructor was excellent. He pushed us to achieve more than we thought we could. Some days we wished we had had less homework and more time to explore Fes, but I am glad that he pushed us and that I did that homework. In addition, the outside lecturers who were invited to speak with us contributed so much to my understanding of Moroccan culture and society; they were thought provoking. Finally, the Institute arranged for some excellent trips in Fes and beyond, and the entire IGAI staff was friendly and helpful. Thank you for an enriching experience!