Frequently asked questions

Women generally study in the morning – typically 10:00–13:00 (Sunday to Thursday). Men have lessons in the afternoon/evening, from around 16:00 (Saturday to Wednesday). Friday is the shared day off for both groups. The shuttle picks you up at the accommodation and brings you back after class. The number of hours depends on the booked course: • Standard course: 2 hours of Arabic + 1 hour of Quran • Intensive course: 4 hours of Arabic + 1 hour of Quran The rest of the day is yours to plan freely. These times are the baseline; course-specific changes are communicated before the course starts.

Men's camp: Children aged 6–14 study in dedicated classes alongside other kids. From age 14 they study with the adults – there's no upper age limit. In exceptional cases children under 6 can also take part – please get in touch beforehand. Women's camp: Participation in the women's courses from age 15. Younger in exceptions – just reach out to us.

Men's Arabic course: no prior knowledge needed. Your level is determined on day 1 with a placement test – beginners and advanced learners are equally welcome. The intensive course adapts to the level of the group. Women's courses, depending on the course: • Online Reading & Writing: none – ideal as a starting point. • Arabic Intensive (on-site): read & write Arabic. • Speaking Intensive (on-site): read & write Arabic + basics.

No. Our camp was founded by Germans – the organisation stands for German quality and reliability – but the camp itself is international and open to participants from all over the world. There are no language prerequisites to join. Lessons are taught in Arabic; our teachers have plenty of experience with students who don't yet speak Arabic and work with a method that is understandable without translation. For communication with our administration, you can reach us in German, English or Arabic – we'll find a practical way for every participant.

Yes – we can usually arrange the visa for you against a small processing fee. Many of our students have already taken us up on this – brothers and sisters from different countries have come to Medina this way without any hassle. Alternatively, students are of course welcome to arrange the visa themselves if they prefer.

Students usually arrange the trip to the camp themselves – simply by taxi from the airport or train station. The distances are short: from Medina airport (MED) you reach us in about 10 minutes by car, from the train station (Madinah High-Speed Rail) in about 5 minutes. So that this works smoothly at any time, you always have access to the camp – even late at night or very early in the morning. At the entrance there's a key locker where you can get into the accommodation and pick up your personal key. This means you don't have to stick to fixed arrival times. Full check-in details – including the access code and step-by-step instructions – are available after booking in your student area.

Yes – after booking you get access to our **student area**. There you will find: • **Your booking details** – course dates, duration, booked programme • **Check-in instructions** – how to access the accommodation (key locker, access code) • **Our tools** – direct access to all the learning tools we provide for our students • **Further information** – everything you need to know for your stay Access is free and runs via school.medina-camps.com. You will receive your login details from us after booking.

Every student who has been with us so far has performed their Umrah during the stay – some even did several. Even with larger groups this has worked out smoothly. We deliberately leave the organization of the Umrah to the students themselves: • Everyone has their own preferences on timing and number of Umrahs • The time spent in Mecca varies from person to person • Self-organized it's also significantly cheaper Some go on their own, others together with fellow students – it has always worked out really well. If you need support or info for planning, we're of course happy to help.

Yes – we have several ways to accommodate families. With 4 or more paying course participants you get our Family Package: we reserve the women's camp entirely as a private apartment for your family – included, no extra charge. Everyone pays the standard price of their individual course. If you're fewer than 4 course participants, the men can stay in the men's area and the women in the women's area. Both areas are very close to each other – practically in the same building – so you can easily see each other during the day. If the family prefers to live completely separately from the camp, we're happy to help find accommodation nearby. We've already done this for several families – in most cases a suitable place near the camp can be found, so you stay within walking distance of the shuttle. Please get in touch with us early so we can organize everything in the best way for you. Of course you're also welcome to find accommodation on your own.

No – we now welcome women as well. There is a dedicated accommodation for men and a separate accommodation for women. Both camps are completely separated from each other.

A few things that have proven useful: For the accommodation: • Slippers / indoor shoes – you'll be glad you have them • Towel – bring your own and you're set from day one • Shampoo and toiletries – available locally, but handy to have from the start Clothing: • Plenty of t-shirts – you'll change more often than usual due to the heat • Light clothing – breathable fabrics are much more comfortable • Sandals for outdoors – sturdy shoes aren't necessary, though feel free to bring them • Appropriate attire for the Prophet's Mosque • A light jacket or hoodie – the air conditioning in the mosque can be very cold, especially during longer stays • No winter clothing needed – unless you're visiting in the winter months, in which case a light jacket is enough Stationery (recommended): • College pad or notebook – you'll be writing a lot in class • Vocabulary notebook – great for keeping track of new words systematically • Pens – ballpoint and fine-liner All of this is available locally, but bringing it with you means you're ready from day one – no need to go shopping first. Optional: • Sunscreen – recommended if you have sensitive skin or aren't used to strong sun • Sunglasses – optional, as needed Everything else – hob, pots, cutlery, fridge – is available in the accommodation.

Our rooms are spacious 2- or 3-bed rooms that you share with other participants – similar to a flat-share. When you book, you secure a bed, not an entire room. That means: even if you have the room to yourself when you arrive, another participant may take one of the other beds in the same room at any time (so a maximum of 1 or 2 other participants, depending on room type). We do our best to distribute participants in a way that gives everyone as much privacy as possible – when occupancy allows, participants often end up with a room to themselves. But we can't guarantee that. If you want a guaranteed private room, just contact us – this is possible for an extra fee, subject to availability.

Yes – the shuttle transports men and women completely separately. There are no mixed rides.

No – classes don't take place at the camp itself but at our study venue (the school), about 10 minutes away by car. So you don't have to worry about getting there: our shuttle takes you comfortably to class and brings you back. If there are timing changes – e.g. when students finish earlier – we try to adjust the shuttle accordingly so you get picked up at the right time. We do our best to accommodate the students in such cases.

No worries – we can usually record the class for you so you don't miss any content. To set it up for that particular day, please let us know in good time at the admin office. We'll gladly take care of it.

Yes! We have dedicated programs for women: • Online prep course "Reading & Writing" • 2-month Arabic Intensive on-site in Medina (incl. accommodation & shuttle) • Speaking Intensive focused on conversation and public speaking • "Quran in the Mosque" – accommodation in the camp + free Quran lessons in the mosque opposite, with daily tafsir and a certificate after memorising 5 Juz The Quran lessons in the mosque (daily 4:15–6:15 pm, free of charge) can also be combined as an add-on with our other on-site women's courses. Switch to "Women" at the top of the courses overview to see all the details, or contact us for personal advice.

Our Arabic courses for women themselves don't include Quran lessons – they focus on Arabic. However, right across the street from the women's accommodation there's a large mosque with its own women's section, where daily Quran lessons for women are offered (4:15–6:15 pm, free of charge, including daily tafsir of 2 verses). You only need to cross the street to take part. After memorising 5 Juz there's an exam and you get a certificate. It also fits the schedule well: our Arabic lessons for women are in the morning (10:00–13:00), the Quran lessons at the mosque are in the afternoon. If you want it as a dedicated package, we also offer "Quran in the Mosque" (€499 / month incl. accommodation in the camp) – have a look at the courses overview under "Women".

Yes – outside our class times you're welcome to attend lessons taught by the scholars at the Prophet's Mosque. If you'd like additional Quran lessons, those are also available at the Prophet's Mosque – or right at the mosque across from the accommodation. Overall, you have an incredible range of opportunities in the area to deepen your knowledge of the religion, the Quran or Arabic.

Everything for daily life is right in the district – just minutes on foot: • Supermarket (24 h open) – 1–2 min • Bakery – 1 min • Juice bar (fresh juices) – 2 min • Pharmacy – 1–2 min • ATM – 2 min • Clothing, tailors, phone repair – 2–3 min Over 100 shops and restaurants in the neighborhood overall. If you'd rather have it delivered: Amazon, Noon & co. ship to the district, and food comes via HungerStation, Jahez or ToYou straight to your door.

Everything you need is right in the district – within a few minutes on foot: • Medical practice with emergency room – about 5 min • Several pharmacies – 1–2 min So if anything happens, help is close by.

Yes – Medina now offers a wide range of leisure activities. For example: • Gyms • Swimming pools • Horseback riding • Tennis courts • Various sports facilities So after classes you have plenty of options to stay active or simply enjoy a relaxed day.

Yes – at the end of your course you'll receive a personal certificate of participation.

The accommodation is about 10–15 minutes by car from the study venue (our school). Our shuttle takes you there every day and brings you back after class – this is included in the course price. That way you don't have to worry about transport and can fully focus on learning. More about our location and distances in the Al-Mabuth district below.

Yes – short-notice registrations are absolutely possible. Just reach out via WhatsApp or through our contact form and we'll discuss the details together. As long as spots are available, we try to give everyone the opportunity to learn Arabic and grow. Some students sign up two weeks before, others three months ahead – the earlier the better for securing your spot, but even on short notice we usually find a solution.

It depends a lot on whether you eat out or cook in the accommodation yourself. Here are some realistic reference points so you can plan better: If you only eat out (restaurants and snack places in the neighbourhood): • Breakfast: from about 1 € • Lunch: from about 2.70 € (e.g. a large portion of rice with a quarter chicken, sides and sauce – often enough for two people) • Dinner: from about 3.50 € (e.g. burger with fries and a soft drink) These are example prices – they vary from restaurant to restaurant. You'll notice though: the price level in our neighbourhood (Al-Mabuth) is noticeably lower than around the Prophet's Mosque. If you cook yourself (cheapest option): Our accommodations are fully equipped – stove, pots, pans, kettle, fridge, cutlery and dishes. Supermarkets are within walking distance. Cooking yourself reduces food costs significantly. Rough monthly estimate: • Eating out only: approx. 200–300 € / month (depending on frequency and restaurant choice) • Cooking yourself with occasional dining out: approx. 100–150 € / month • Cooking yourself consistently: even less Plan according to your lifestyle.

Yes – we have been offering online one-on-one lessons since 2023, alongside our in-person programme in Medina. Lessons take place via video call; the schedule is arranged individually. The price is €9 per hour. Two courses are available: • Arabic for All Levels – speaking, reading, writing, listening using trusted textbooks such as العربية بين يديك and كتاب المدينة. • Grammar, Morphology & Rhetoric (Nahw, Sarf, Balagha) – for intermediate and advanced learners who want to understand Arabic texts and the Quran more deeply. The lessons are for male students only. Spots are limited – we prioritise quality over quantity. To register and book a time, contact us via WhatsApp.

Online one-on-one lessons cost €9 per hour – whether you choose Arabic for beginners/advanced learners or grammar (Nahw, Sarf, Balagha). There is no fixed monthly programme: you book hours flexibly as needed. Times are arranged individually after you register. As spots are limited, we recommend getting in touch via WhatsApp early.

In-person in Medina: You live at the camp, study for 2–4 hours daily in a live classroom, speak Arabic in everyday life, and are close to the Prophet's Mosque. The immersion effect is significantly higher – Medina as a learning environment accelerates progress enormously. Online lessons: You learn from home, flexibly, in one-on-one sessions for €9 / hour. Ideal as preparation for a stay in Medina, or when you cannot travel right now. Many of our students use the online lessons as a starting point – and then come to Medina for a camp.