Omar Nassra is a Fully Qualified Arabic Teacher with the Prestigious CTAFL Certificate from SOAS
The Certificate in Teaching Arabic as a Foreign Language from SOAS University of London — one of the world’s leading centres for the study of Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
Arabic as a Foreign Language
CTAFL programme
CTAFL
Why a SOAS Qualification Matters
SOAS is not just another university. It is the United Kingdom’s leading specialist institution for the study of Asia, Africa and the Middle East — and the oldest linguistics department in the country.
World-Class Reputation
Constituent college of the University of London. Ranked among the top universities in the UK and globally recognised for Development Studies and Oriental languages.
Specialist Arabic Pedagogy
The CTAFL programme was specifically designed to meet the growing demand for properly trained teachers of Arabic as a foreign language in the UK and worldwide.
Deep Regional Expertise
SOAS has advised governments and major organisations for decades. Its faculty and research focus make it the gold standard for Middle Eastern languages and cultures.
Practical Teaching Focus
The certificate equips teachers with modern communicative methods, progress measurement skills, and the ability to adapt to different learner profiles and goals.
What the CTAFL Certificate Actually Means
The Certificate in Teaching Arabic as a Foreign Language (CTAFL) from SOAS is a professional teaching qualification. It is not a language degree — it is a specialised pedagogy credential that proves the holder has been trained in how to teach Arabic effectively to non-native speakers.
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✓Communicative teaching methods
Trained in the most effective modern approaches rather than outdated grammar-translation methods. -
✓Both MSA and spoken dialects
Covers the full spectrum of Arabic that students actually need in the real world. -
✓Progress measurement & differentiation
Skills in diagnosing student needs and adapting lessons to different learning styles and goals. -
✓Professional recognition
Widely accepted as evidence of teaching competence by institutions, employers and serious students.
Omar’s Unique Combination
Most teachers have either academic credentials or real-world teaching experience. Omar has both — and more.
He combines the pedagogical training of SOAS with two decades of daily classroom experience teaching diplomats, journalists from the BBC and CNN, and professionals who need Arabic that actually works in real conversations.
How Omar’s SOAS Training Benefits Your Learning
A teaching qualification is only valuable if it translates into better results for students. Here’s exactly how the CTAFL training shows up in every lesson.
Clear, Structured Progression
Lessons are designed with measurable milestones so you always know what you’ve mastered and what comes next — no random phrase lists.
Teaching Adapted to You
Omar was trained to diagnose different learning styles and goals. Whether you’re a diplomat, journalist or complete beginner, the method flexes around you.
Real Communicative Focus
The SOAS approach prioritises actual speaking and listening ability over pure grammar drilling — exactly what busy professionals need.
Omar Nassra’s Full Credentials & Experience
The SOAS certificate is one important pillar. Combined with decades of real teaching and original materials development, it creates a uniquely powerful teaching profile.
Certificate in Teaching Arabic as a Foreign Language (CTAFL)
Professional teaching qualification focused on modern communicative methods for Arabic as a foreign language.
Teach Yourself Spoken Arabic + Nassra Arabic Method
Created the first systematic grammar and teaching materials focused on spoken Levantine Arabic rather than MSA-only approaches. Developed the full 7-level Nassra Arabic Online Method used by thousands of students.
Hands-on Teaching Experience Across Three Continents
Extensive private and group teaching experience with diplomats (UK Foreign Office), journalists (BBC, CNN), lawyers, business professionals and complete beginners.
AI-Enhanced Courses & 24/7 Teaching Assistant
Continuously evolving the method with modern tools including a custom AI Teaching Assistant trained on Omar’s materials, live podcasts, and structured online programmes that deliver fluency in months rather than years.
What Students Say About Learning with a Qualified Expert
Omar was friendly, patient and clear… I achieved more in the limited time available to me than I had expected. I learned the alphabet, basic grammar, and gained a reasonable vocabulary relevant to my forthcoming job as Deputy Head of Mission.
Within only 3 lessons I am starting to talk a bit and understand some basic conversation! The methods of teaching are absolutely fantastic — very efficient and enjoyable. I would recommend Omar Nassra to anyone who wants to learn Arabic.
Omar is able to break the complicated Arabic language down in a manageable way. I’m currently learning Levantine dialect with Omar and am very happy with the experience. Highly recommended for serious learners.
Learn from a Properly Qualified Teacher
Don’t settle for unqualified tutors or generic apps. Study with an SOAS-certified instructor who has spent over 20 years refining a method that actually produces fluent speakers.
