Al Khawarizmi Institute was established in 2011. We teach seven languages in person at our main branch in Simkanieh (the Chouf), and most courses are also available live online. Language levels start with a free placement test, so you join the level you are at.
Know which language you want? Message us on WhatsApp — we answer straight away during opening hours, Monday to Saturday, 8am to 8pm. Not sure yet? Read on, or ask us on WhatsApp.
Which language should you choose?
Start from the reason you need the language:
- A university place or a visa file with a level on it — the requirement names the language and usually the level. Bring us the requirement and the deadline.
- Your job, or the job you want. English also has exam preparation, if a score is what you need.
- You want to be able to talk to people — tell us, and ask which language and level suit you.
- Work, research or family in a specific place — name the place and the language, and ask us.
Still undecided? Message us with the reason and the deadline, and ask which language and level to start with.
Languages we teach
English Language Courses
All levels, plus IELTS, TOEFL, SAT, Cambridge and Business English.
French Courses in Lebanon
French at every level, from complete beginner. We also offer DELF preparation (preparation for the exam only).
Spanish Courses in Lebanon
Spanish at every level, from complete beginner.
German Courses in Lebanon
German at every level, from complete beginner. Bring your deadline if you have one.
Italian Courses in Lebanon
Italian at every level, from complete beginner.
Russian Courses in Lebanon
From the Cyrillic alphabet up. Russian groups run when there is enough demand: register your interest on WhatsApp.
Arabic Courses for Non-Native Speakers
Arabic for non-native speakers.
What the levels mean
European languages are described on the Common European Framework, the A1 to C2 scale you will see on university forms and job descriptions. In plain terms: A1 and A2 cover the basics and predictable conversations. B1 is independence, where you stop translating in your head. B2 is the working level, and the one institutions most often ask for. C1 and C2 are academic and professional command, including nuance.
As a reference, one level is about 20 hours of class, followed by an end-of-level exam. How long the whole climb takes depends on where you start, how much you practise outside class, and whether you already speak a related language.
How our language courses work
Every language level starts with a free placement test: written, 20–30 minutes, usually taken at the branch and online in some circumstances. Complete beginners can start. Groups meet in the morning, afternoon or evening, with Saturday classes too. For French, we also offer DELF preparation, and most courses can be taken live in our online courses.
As a reference, group courses start from $150 and a level is about 20 hours of class. Length and fees vary with the language and your starting level, so we confirm both with you before you enrol.
Levels, exams and certificates
- An exam at the end of each level decides the move up.
- Each level ends with a certificate stating the course completed and its dates, recognised by the Lebanese Ministry of Education and Higher Education.
- If the placement test shows you are ready, you can skip a level. If you fall between two levels, you can take a few private classes to close the gap and join the higher level, or repeat the lower one.
- Homework is set. We recommend 1–2 hours of study outside class for every hour in class.
- You keep the same teacher throughout a level.
Where classes run
Classes run in person at our main branch in Simkanieh (the Chouf), and most courses are also available as live Zoom groups for students elsewhere in Lebanon or abroad — taught live by a teacher, not recorded, at the same fee as in person. We also have a branch in Aley: ask us which groups are running there. Our Beirut (Mar Elias) and Choueifat branches are paused for now; students from those areas can study online or at Simkanieh.
Fees, levels and timing
- A free placement test first. It is written, takes 20–30 minutes, and is usually taken at the branch. Complete beginners are welcome.
- Six levels, A1 to C2. As a reference, a level is about 20 hours of class, then an end-of-level exam; the exact length depends on the course and is confirmed after your placement test. If the test shows you are ready, you can skip a level.
- Two sessions a week, usually 1–2 hours each, in morning, afternoon or evening groups, plus Saturday classes. New groups open every month (Russian groups open when there is enough demand), and you keep the same teacher for the whole level.
- Fees. Group courses start from $150 (USD) — a reference figure; we confirm the fee for your course and level before you enrol. No registration fee. Pay in cash, by Whish or by OMT. Online classes cost the same as in person.
- A certificate for every level, recognised by the Lebanese Ministry of Education and Higher Education.
- Prefer one-to-one? Private one-to-one lessons are charged per hour, in blocks of 20 hours.
- How fees are charged. Language group courses are charged per course; English group courses are charged per level. Repeating a level is charged, sometimes with a discount.
- Waiting list. Each course and level has one, and a group opens when enough students are ready. To hold a place, you register and pay in advance.
- Pausing and switching. Pausing is possible in some circumstances but not recommended, and a student who has to stop for a valid reason can continue later in a new class. You can switch group if your schedule changes.
Frequently asked questions
Which languages do you teach?
English, French, Spanish, German, Italian and Russian, plus Arabic for non-native speakers. Every one of them runs at our main branch in Simkanieh (the Chouf), and most courses are also available live online. Russian groups run when there is enough demand.
Which language should I start with?
Start from your reason: a university requirement, a job, a move, or family. Tell us yours and ask which language and level to begin with.
How do you decide which level I join?
A free, written placement test of 20–30 minutes, taken before you enrol, in whichever language you are starting.
Are online classes live?
Most courses are available online, live with a teacher on Zoom, not recorded, in online groups of their own and at the same fee as the classroom groups.
Do I need to know my level before I contact you?
No. The free placement test finds your level. Message us with the reason you need the language and your deadline.
Do you prepare students for the DELF exam in French?
Yes, we offer DELF preparation. It is preparation only.
How are language courses charged?
Language group courses are charged per course, and English group courses are charged per level. Group courses start from $150 (USD) as a reference figure, and we confirm the fee for your course before you enrol. Repeating a level is charged, sometimes with a discount.
How do I hold a place on a waiting list?
Each course and level has a waiting list, and a group opens when enough students are ready. To hold a place on the list, you register and pay in advance.
Can I pause a course or switch group?
Pausing is possible in some circumstances but is not recommended. A student who has to stop for a valid reason can continue later in a new class. If your schedule changes, you can switch to another group.
Can I study a language online?
Yes. Most courses are available live on Zoom with a teacher, not recorded. See our online courses for how they work.
Not sure which level or which language?
Tell us what you need the language for and by when. Enroll Now — we answer straight away during opening hours, Monday to Saturday, 8am to 8pm — or call 00961 71 27 67 13 if you would rather talk it through.