About YCMES
The Yemen College of Middle Eastern Studies (YCMES) is a fully accredited, non-profit college that provides students and scholars from around the world the opportunity to develop a complex knowledge of the Arabic language and the contemporary Middle East. Students can study at YCMES for 5, 10, or 15 weeks, or more -- programs are tailored to meet students' needs.
Sana’a, Yemen is an ideal location for language acquisition and cultural immersion. Unlike many other Middle Eastern cities where English and/or French are pervasive, Sana’a is one of the few remaining places in the world where Arabic is spoken exclusively. In short, it is nearly impossible to remain isolated in a Western bubble.
Program in Arabic Language
The Program in Arabic Language (PAL), the Arabic language department within the YCMES, was the first private institution in Yemen dedicated exclusively to teaching Arabic as a foreign language. The PAL has served the needs of international students, researchers, and the resident expatriate community since 1989. The YCMES’ Arabic Language Learning Program is open to international students of all ability levels, with program lengths from five weeks to a full calendar year.
Middle Eastern Studies
The YCMES Programme in Contemporary Middle Eastern Studies (PCMES) offers multidisciplinary courses designed to provide students with in-depth knowledge of Yemen and the broader region. Courses conform to the rigorous standards of European and American universities and are taught by talented scholars with a wealth of experience in both Yemen and the Middle East. These courses make frequent use of field trips throughout the country, combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience. YCMES encourages all PCMES students to take Arabic classes as well. The two programmes are designed to complement each other.
Summer Arabic Packages
YCMES offers heavily discounted summer packages to students from the U.S. and Europe so that they can benefit from some of the region's best Arabic instruction while also seeing Yemen. Summer prices include:
- Arabic Instruction: 100 hours of group instruction per five-week term.
- Shared Housing in YCMES accommodation.
- Student Visa (YCMES will arrange this for students, and it will be waiting at Sana'a airport when they arrive).
- Organized Day Trips.
- Breakfast on class days.
- Services including high-speed wireless internet, airport transfer, library, and 24-hour security.
Tuition and Fees
Tuition depends on one’s program of study, housing request, number of hours, etc. For pricing information consult the YCMES website:
YCMES Programme in Contemporary Middle Eastern Studies Fees
Application and Payment Procedures
YCMES Arabic Programme Application Procedures
YCMES Programme in Contemporary Middle Eastern Studies Application Procedures
Payments for YCMES Programs can be made through wire transfers to the school (see instructions in the application).
For More Information
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact:
Kaylee Boalt
National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations
1730 M St., NW, Suite 503
Washington, D.C. 20036
Phone: 1-202-293-6466
Fax: 1-202-293-7770
Email: