Study Abroad in Tunisia: Intensive Arabic Language & Culture Studies in Tunis – City & Daily Life

Tunis, Tunisia

Tunis, Tunisia’s capital city, has a long history of Arab, African and European influences, making it a true meeting ground of East and West. The medina, Tunis’ old Arab quarter, dates from the 7th century and is ripe for exploration: mazes of covered alleys, ancient palaces, colorful markets alive with trade. The cosmopolitan downtown offers European-style cafés, theaters and art galleries. Students revel in this complex city, soaking in its history of over 4,000 years.

Excellent and inexpensive public transportation gives students easy access to both the city and its outskirts. The suburb of Sidi Bou Said, with its miraculous seaside views, has long been a popular destination for writers seeking inspiration and solitude. And the Mediterranean beaches just outside of Tunis offer a picturesque spot for studying…or taking a break from studying.

Safety in Tunisia

In accordance with its Safety Policy, CET monitors the situation in North Africa closely via reports from on-site staff, experts on the region including CET Advisory Board members, reputable news sources and the US Department of State.

If you have concerns about safety, please contact CET. We’re here to help.

University of Carthage

Students are based at the University of Carthage, a large university with excellent resources particularly for language learners. The CET Tunisia program is hosted by the school’s Higher Institute of Languages, which offers courses in Arabic and foreign language and literatures. Students have access to the University’s library and other campus facilities.

CET Center in Tunis

The CET center is in the Tunis suburb of Sidi Bou Said. The center is close to the metro and a quick ride to downtown Tunis. It houses staff offices, a study lounge and classroom space for Arabic language classes.

Tunisia Housing & Meals

CET Tunisia students share apartments with Tunisian roommates. All apartments are within walking distance of the CET center. Apartments offer fully equipped kitchens, televisions (great for Arabic practice) and washing machines.

While apartments do not provide internet service, students have access to wi-fi and computer labs on campus. Additionally, the campus area has a number of cafés that offer wireless access.

For meals, some students cook for themselves or with their Tunisian roommates. Others explore the campus area’s many inexpensive restaurants and eateries.

Tunisian Roommates & Language Partners

Roommates

CET students share their apartments with Tunisian roommates. Roommates are selected by CET for their enthusiasm and commitment to cultural exchange. Many students and roommates become fast friends and explore Tunis together—strolling through markets, seeking out new cafés and making time for movie night.

Language Partners

Each CET student is partnered with an Arabic language partner from the University of Carthage. Language partners—part tutors, part friends—meet weekly with students for Tunisian dialect practice sessions. They help students navigate everything from the local accent to the local transportation system. They also help students get a handle on Arabic’s tricky diglossic code-switching—when to use Modern Standard Arabic and when to use dialect.