The Damascus Hostel

Studying in Syria FAQ

Studying in Syria, FAQ

Why study in Syria?

A large number of foreign students choose to study the Arabic language in Syria, Jordan and Lebanon. They choose these mainly because the spoken language is closest to the written language. However Syria remains the country of choice because of the cheap standard of living.
In the Arab world there is a vast difference in the spoken language. There are different versions of Arabic used in the Arabian Gulf, Iraq, Egypt and North Africa. People often have trouble understanding one another even though they all speak “Arabic.”

Affordable

Another reason people choose Syria is because it is very affordable to live in. It is the cheapest country in the Arab world except for accommodation.

Who teaches Arabic?

There are four major institutions that teach Arabic language; Damascus University, Al Maahad (Arabic Institute), French Institute and British Council. There are private tutors also. They charge between SP 300-1,000 per session.

Best place to live?

Most students prefer to live in or near the Old City of Damascus to experience the rich culture, traditions and history.

Are we allowed to drink alcohol?

In the Christian quarters of the Old City the locals are more tolerant and understanding of foreigners’ dress code and drinking habits and behaviour than in other parts. It is also conveniently located near many bars and alcohol retail outlets.

How can we get around?

Public transport can take you from Bab Touma to almost anywhere very cheaply. Yellow taxis are among the cheapest in the world. Ask them to use the meter (al addad)

How’s the weather?

The weather in Damascus in summer (June, July, August) can be very hot, over forty degrees dry heat. A fan or air conditioner is essential. In winter (December, January and February) zero or below is common. A heater is essential. The mountains are snow-capped at this time.

Must we buy bottled water?

Tap water is drinkable in some areas including the Old City. The water supply does not run 24 hours each day so is usually stored in tanks.

Budget accommodation?

Accommodation in Damascus can be expensive since a large number of Iraqi and Somali refugees started arriving in Syria. Many have settled in Damascus and made housing harder to afford for locals. Renting an apartment depending on the area starts from SP15,000 (USD 300) per month in winter for a small one bedroom apartment. Tourists from the Gulf arrive in the summer peak season and flood Damascus looking for accommodation. A one bedroom apartment would be hard to find under SP 20,000 per month in summer.

We have had a number of students who have stayed with families. Sometimes they have good experiences and sometimes not. They left these houses and came to stay with us. We hear their experiences ranging from losing independence, no privacy, peeping toms, night curfew, no visitors allowed after dark, males not being allowed to visit females in their rooms, noisy children, no lock on room doors, small dirty kitchens, toilets and bathrooms, worn out bed sheets, worn out old mattresses piled on top of each other and guaranteed to break your back, dirty blankets, no water, hot water at certain hours only, no electric heaters and the list goes on…

Well at our hostel you don’t have to worry about any of thisand our friendly staff Johnny, Jaqueline and Khaled can assist you in your homework, just like being in a family.

What’s the cost of living like?

Though this has gone up in recent years it is still quite affordable compared to other capital cities in ME.

Takeaway food

Some students live on shawarma, small pizzas (moujanat), hommos and other dips which are highly nutritious for USD 5 per day. Others who choose to buy groceries and fresh fruit and veg to cook at home can also live on USD 5 per day. Of course some students who can afford to, visit restaurants and cafes spend USD50 pr day. Arabic tea or coffee frequented by the locals costs SP15 (25cents) A trendy bar or café will charge SP200. There are no American style takeouts in Damascus, except recently KFC opened.

Medical

The most common problem for students is an upset stomach with diarrhoea which is very simple to fix. A visit to one of many pharmacies will attend to you for a few dollars. A visit to the doctor costs around SP200-400.

Transport

Yellow taxi in Damascus is inexpensive. A five km trip costs around SP60. Public transport by 15 seater microbus is plentiful and can take you anywhere for the cost of SP5. You can travel to most cities in Syria for around SP150.

Swimming pools

Public swimming pools cater for locals and travellers and modest swimwear is acceptable.

Weekends

Friday is a public holiday and most shops and souks in the city are closed except in the Christian areas of Kasaa and Bab Touma which close on Sunday. Shopping areas are generally from 10am-10pm. There are three major supermarkets that carry most kinds of Western food.

* Tampons are almost impossible to find.

Banking and ATMs

ATM machines are available but some are out of order so the best ones are attached to banks. Best to use during bank hours in case you lose your card. Major credit cards are accepted by larger retailers but EFTPOS transactions are not the norm.

Internet

Internet cafes are plentiful throughout Damascus for around SP 60 per hour and speed is not bad.

Mobile phone

Local SIM cards are on sale in mobile shops.

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Studying in Syria FAQ

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