Look, I’ve been teaching languages for… what, 15 years now? And every single week someone asks me this question. Online or in-person – which is better?

Here’s the thing. **There’s no perfect answer**. But I can tell you what I’ve seen work (and not work) for hundreds of students.

## The Case for In-Person Classes

Okay so picture this. You’re sitting in a room with 5 other people trying to pronounce Arabic words. Someone butchers it completely. Everyone laughs. The teacher corrects them gently. You try. You mess up too. More laughs.

**That’s learning.**

In-person classes give you:
– Real human connection (turns out we’re social creatures, who knew?)
– Body language cues that help understanding
– No wifi issues when you’re trying to ask an important question
– That accountability of actually showing up somewhere

I remember teaching a businesswoman who was heading to Qatar. She’d tried online Arabic classes before. Failed miserably. But in our Brisbane classroom? Something clicked. Maybe it was being able to practice cultural greetings face-to-face. Or maybe she just needed to escape her home office distractions.

## But Wait… Online Has Its Moments

Now don’t get me wrong. Online isn’t the devil.

Last year I had a student – a mining engineer. Worked crazy hours. Would’ve never made it to a physical class. But 6am lessons from his kitchen before work? Perfect.

Online works when:
– Your schedule is absolutely bonkers
– You live somewhere remote (hello, outback Australia)
– You’re comfortable with technology
– You’re disciplined enough to show up to your laptop

## The Real Truth Nobody Tells You

**The best language learning happens when you actually do it.**

I know, revolutionary right?

But seriously. I’ve seen motivated students succeed with both online and in-person. And I’ve seen people fail at both. The difference? Consistency and finding what fits YOUR life.

## My Advice? Try Both

Here’s what I tell people at Middle East Connect. Start with a 6-week in-person course if you can. Get that foundation. Feel the language in a real space with real people.

Then maybe supplement with online practice. Or if you’re traveling to Dubai next month and need emergency Arabic? Sure, go online for the convenience.

## The Bottom Line

Stop overthinking it. The best class is the one you’ll actually attend.

If you’re in Brisbane and can make it to a classroom – do it. There’s something special about learning Arabic surrounded by others stumbling through the same phrases. Plus, practicing cultural greetings in person? Way less awkward than trying to bow to your webcam.

But if you’re reading this from your cattle station at midnight? Online might be your only option. And that’s okay too.

The Arabic-speaking world is waiting. Whether you get there through a laptop screen or a classroom door… just get there.

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*Want to test the waters? Middle East Connect offers both in-person Arabic classes in Brisbane and can arrange online options. Call 0438 884 417 and let’s figure out what works for YOUR life.*