{"id":7037163,"date":"2026-08-10T23:10:18","date_gmt":"2026-08-10T23:10:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/peraltafinancing.com\/uncategorized\/how-learning-arabic-changed-the-way-i-travel-and-gave-me-an-unexpected-friend\/"},"modified":"2026-08-10T23:10:18","modified_gmt":"2026-08-10T23:10:18","slug":"how-learning-arabic-changed-the-way-i-travel-and-gave-me-an-unexpected-friend","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7037163","title":{"rendered":"How learning Arabic changed the way I travel and gave me an unexpected friend"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div itemprop=\"text\">\n<div class=\"dpsp-post-pinterest-image-hidden\" style=\"display: none;\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/paulinaontheroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/How-Learning-Arabic-Changed-the-Way-I-Travel-16.jpg\" data-pin-title=\"Learning Arabic as a Traveler \u2014 Where to Start\" data-pin-description=\"Thinking about learning Arabic before your next trip? Here's what worked for me, including using Preply to find an amazing tutor. Your travel experience will never be the same. #LearningArabic #LearningArabicWithPreply #TravelTips\" alt=\"a pen with arabic writing on paper\" class=\"skip-lazy a3-notlazy no-lazyload dpsp-post-pinterest-image-hidden-inner\" data-no-lazy=\"1\"\/><\/div>\n<div class=\"dpsp-post-pinterest-image-hidden\" style=\"display: none;\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/paulinaontheroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/How-Learning-Arabic-Changed-the-Way-I-Travel-15.jpg\" data-pin-title=\"How Arabic Helped Me Make a Friend Abroad\" data-pin-description=\"One phrase in Arabic led to a conversation that turned into a real friendship. Learning Arabic changed the way I travel \u2014 and this is the story that proves it. #LearningArabic #TravelStories #MeaningfulTravel\" alt=\"a woman in a hijab looking down at a notebook, a hand writing on paper\" class=\"skip-lazy a3-notlazy no-lazyload dpsp-post-pinterest-image-hidden-inner\" data-no-lazy=\"1\"\/><\/div>\n<div class=\"dpsp-post-pinterest-image-hidden\" style=\"display: none;\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/paulinaontheroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/How-Learning-Arabic-Changed-the-Way-I-Travel-14.jpg\" data-pin-title=\"Learning Arabic Changed the Way I Travel \u2014 Here's How\" data-pin-description=\"From my first awkward lesson to a real conversation with a local \u2014 this is the story of how learning Arabic transformed my travel experience in the most unexpected way. #LearningArabic #LearningArabicChangedTheWayITravel #TravelInspiration\" alt=\"a woman wearing a dress behind is the Great Ziggurat of Ur, a massive step pyramid located near Nasiriyah in present-day Iraq\" class=\"skip-lazy a3-notlazy no-lazyload dpsp-post-pinterest-image-hidden-inner\" data-no-lazy=\"1\"\/><\/div>\n<div class=\"dpsp-post-pinterest-image-hidden\" style=\"display: none;\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/paulinaontheroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/How-Learning-Arabic-Changed-the-Way-I-Travel-12.jpg\" data-pin-title=\"Can Learning Arabic Really Change How You Travel?\" data-pin-description=\"Short answer: yes. Long answer? Read my blog post about how learning Arabic \u2014 and one unexpected friendship \u2014 completely shifted the way I experience travel. #LearningArabic #TravelChangedMyLife #LanguageGoals\" alt=\"a market place in Iraq with a stall full of items\" class=\"skip-lazy a3-notlazy no-lazyload dpsp-post-pinterest-image-hidden-inner\" data-no-lazy=\"1\"\/><\/div>\n<div class=\"dpsp-post-pinterest-image-hidden\" style=\"display: none;\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/paulinaontheroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/How-Learning-Arabic-Changed-the-Way-I-Travel-10.jpg\" data-pin-title=\"My Arabic Language Journey as a Traveler\" data-pin-description=\"I'm not fluent, but learning Arabic changed everything about how I travel. From the markets to the meals to a friendship I didn't expect \u2014 language made all the difference. #LearningArabic #ArabicLanguage #TravelBlog\" alt=\"a market place in Iraq with a stall full of items\" class=\"skip-lazy a3-notlazy no-lazyload dpsp-post-pinterest-image-hidden-inner\" data-no-lazy=\"1\"\/><\/div>\n<div class=\"dpsp-post-pinterest-image-hidden\" style=\"display: none;\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/paulinaontheroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/How-Learning-Arabic-Changed-the-Way-I-Travel-9.jpg\" data-pin-title=\"Learning Arabic Changed the Way I See the World\" data-pin-description=\"When you learn someone's language, you start to see through their eyes. Learning Arabic gave me more than travel tips \u2014 it gave me a whole new perspective. #LearningArabic #WorldTravel #LanguageLearning\" alt=\"top view of arabic writing, arabic in the notebook, an arabic board, notes in a notebook with a tab\" class=\"skip-lazy a3-notlazy no-lazyload dpsp-post-pinterest-image-hidden-inner\" data-no-lazy=\"1\"\/><\/div>\n<div class=\"dpsp-post-pinterest-image-hidden\" style=\"display: none;\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/paulinaontheroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/How-Learning-Arabic-Changed-the-Way-I-Travel-7.jpg\" data-pin-title=\"Arabic Words That Opened Doors While Traveling\" data-pin-description=\"A few key phrases in Arabic completely changed how locals responded to me. Learning Arabic \u2014 even at a basic level \u2014 made my travels richer, deeper, and more memorable. #LearningArabic #ArabicForTravel #TravelTips\" alt=\"This image shows a person standing on a terrace with a view of the Burj Khalifa in Dubai.\" class=\"skip-lazy a3-notlazy no-lazyload dpsp-post-pinterest-image-hidden-inner\" data-no-lazy=\"1\"\/><\/div>\n<div class=\"dpsp-post-pinterest-image-hidden\" style=\"display: none;\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/paulinaontheroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/How-Learning-Arabic-Changed-the-Way-I-Travel-6.jpg\" data-pin-title=\"How Learning a Language Changed My Travel Experience\" data-pin-description=\"Learning Arabic taught me that the best travel moments happen when you speak someone's language \u2014 even just a little. This is my story of connection, culture, and an unexpected friend. #LearningArabic #LanguageTravel #TravelInspiration 8. Title: Arabic Words That Opened Doors While Traveling Description: A few key phrases in Arabic completely changed how locals responded to me. Learning Arabic \u2014 even at a basic level \u2014 made my travels richer, deeper, and more memorable. #LearningArabic #ArabicForTravel #TravelTips 9. Title: Why I Started Learning Arabic Before My Trip Description: It started as a small experiment. Learning Arabic with Preply turned into one of the best investments I made for my travels \u2014 and led to a friendship I still cherish today. #LearningArabic #LearningArabicWithPreply #TravelPrep 10. Title: Learning Arabic Changed the Way I See the World Description: When you learn someone's language, you start to see through their eyes. Learning Arabic gave me more than travel tips \u2014 it gave me a whole new perspective. #LearningArabic #WorldTravel #LanguageLearning 11. Title: My Arabic Language Journey as a Traveler Description: I'm not fluent, but learning Arabic changed everything about how I travel. From the markets to the meals to a friendship I didn't expect \u2014 language made all the difference. #LearningArabic #ArabicLanguage #TravelBlog 12. Title: Can Learning Arabic Really Change How You Travel? Description: Short answer: yes. Long answer? Read my blog post about how learning Arabic \u2014 and one unexpected friendship \u2014 completely shifted the way I experience travel. #LearningArabic #TravelChangedMyLife #LanguageGoals 13. Title: Learning Arabic With Preply \u2014 A Traveler's Review Description: If you're thinking of learning Arabic for travel, Preply makes it so much easier than you'd expect. Here's my honest journey and why I'd recommend it to any traveler. #LearningArabicWithPreply #ArabicForBeginners #Preply 14. Title: The Friend I Never Expected \u2014 A Story About Arabic and Travel Description: I set out to learn a language. I came home with a friend. Learning Arabic before my trip gave me more than communication skills \u2014 it gave me a human connection. #LearningArabic #TravelFriendship #CulturalExchange 15. Title: Learning Arabic Changed the Way I Travel \u2014 Here's How Description: From my first awkward lesson to a real conversation with a local \u2014 this is the story of how learning Arabic transformed my travel experience in the most unexpected way. #LearningArabic #LearningArabicChangedTheWayITravel #TravelInspiration Each description is kept around 2\u20133 sentences to stay within Pinterest's sweet spot for engagement, and the main keyword &quot;Learning Arabic&quot; leads every single description. Let me know if you'd like to adjust tone, add more hashtags, or tweak anything!\" alt=\"This image shows a person standing on a terrace with a view of the Burj Khalifa in Dubai; a market place in Iraq with a stall full of items\" class=\"skip-lazy a3-notlazy no-lazyload dpsp-post-pinterest-image-hidden-inner\" data-no-lazy=\"1\"\/><\/div>\n<div class=\"dpsp-post-pinterest-image-hidden\" style=\"display: none;\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/paulinaontheroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/How-Learning-Arabic-Changed-the-Way-I-Travel-4.jpg\" data-pin-title=\"Why I Started Learning Arabic Before My Trip\" data-pin-description=\"It started as a small experiment. Learning Arabic with Preply turned into one of the best investments I made for my travels \u2014 and led to a friendship I still cherish today. #LearningArabic #LearningArabicWithPreply #TravelPrep\" alt=\"a selfie of a woman with a scarf on her shoulders and a woman in a hijab; a notebook with arabic notes and a pad; arabic writing\" class=\"skip-lazy a3-notlazy no-lazyload dpsp-post-pinterest-image-hidden-inner\" data-no-lazy=\"1\"\/><\/div>\n<div class=\"dpsp-post-pinterest-image-hidden\" style=\"display: none;\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/paulinaontheroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/How-Learning-Arabic-Changed-the-Way-I-Travel-3.jpg\" data-pin-title=\"Learning Arabic Changed the Way I Travel\" data-pin-description=\"From my first awkward lesson to a real conversation with a local \u2014 this is the story of how learning Arabic transformed my travel experience in the most unexpected way. #LearningArabic #LearningArabicChangedTheWayITravel #TravelInspiration\" alt=\"a market place in Iraq with a stall full of items; a woman in hijab with her two thumbs up in a screen with a woman who is learning Arabic; a notebook with arabic writing\" class=\"skip-lazy a3-notlazy no-lazyload dpsp-post-pinterest-image-hidden-inner\" data-no-lazy=\"1\"\/><\/div>\n<div class=\"dpsp-post-pinterest-image-hidden\" style=\"display: none;\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/paulinaontheroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/How-Learning-Arabic-Changed-the-Way-I-Travel-2.jpg\" data-pin-title=\"Why Every Traveler Should Try Learning Arabic\" data-pin-description=\"You don't need to be fluent. Even a few words in Arabic can completely transform how locals receive you. Here's my personal story of learning Arabic and what it gave me beyond just words. #LearningArabic #ArabicLanguage #TravelBetter\" alt=\"a woman wearing a dress behind is the Great Ziggurat of Ur, a massive step pyramid located near Nasiriyah in present-day Iraq\" class=\"skip-lazy a3-notlazy no-lazyload dpsp-post-pinterest-image-hidden-inner\" data-no-lazy=\"1\"\/><\/div>\n<div class=\"dpsp-post-pinterest-image-hidden\" style=\"display: none;\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/paulinaontheroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/How-Learning-Arabic-Changed-the-Way-I-Travel-1.jpg\" data-pin-title=\"Learning Arabic Changed the Way I Travel\" data-pin-description=\"Learning Arabic before my trip was the best decision I ever made. Discover how picking up a new language opened doors \u2014 and led to an unexpected friendship I never saw coming. #LearningArabic #TravelTips #LanguageLearning\" alt=\"a woman in hijab talking in a screen with a woman learning Arabic; a woman wearing a dress behind is the Great Ziggurat of Ur, a massive step pyramid located near Nasiriyah in present-day Iraq\" class=\"skip-lazy a3-notlazy no-lazyload dpsp-post-pinterest-image-hidden-inner\" data-no-lazy=\"1\"\/><\/div>\n<div class=\"dpsp-post-pinterest-image-hidden\" style=\"display: none;\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/paulinaontheroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/How-Learning-Arabic-Changed-the-Way-I-Travel-6.jpg\" data-pin-title=\"How Learning a Language Changed My Travel Experience\" data-pin-description=\"Learning Arabic taught me that the best travel moments happen when you speak someone's language \u2014 even just a little. This is my story of connection, culture, and an unexpected friend. #LearningArabic #LanguageTravel #TravelInspiration 8. Title: Arabic Words That Opened Doors While Traveling Description: A few key phrases in Arabic completely changed how locals responded to me. Learning Arabic \u2014 even at a basic level \u2014 made my travels richer, deeper, and more memorable. #LearningArabic #ArabicForTravel #TravelTips 9. Title: Why I Started Learning Arabic Before My Trip Description: It started as a small experiment. Learning Arabic with Preply turned into one of the best investments I made for my travels \u2014 and led to a friendship I still cherish today. #LearningArabic #LearningArabicWithPreply #TravelPrep 10. Title: Learning Arabic Changed the Way I See the World Description: When you learn someone's language, you start to see through their eyes. Learning Arabic gave me more than travel tips \u2014 it gave me a whole new perspective. #LearningArabic #WorldTravel #LanguageLearning 11. Title: My Arabic Language Journey as a Traveler Description: I'm not fluent, but learning Arabic changed everything about how I travel. From the markets to the meals to a friendship I didn't expect \u2014 language made all the difference. #LearningArabic #ArabicLanguage #TravelBlog 12. Title: Can Learning Arabic Really Change How You Travel? Description: Short answer: yes. Long answer? Read my blog post about how learning Arabic \u2014 and one unexpected friendship \u2014 completely shifted the way I experience travel. #LearningArabic #TravelChangedMyLife #LanguageGoals 13. Title: Learning Arabic With Preply \u2014 A Traveler's Review Description: If you're thinking of learning Arabic for travel, Preply makes it so much easier than you'd expect. Here's my honest journey and why I'd recommend it to any traveler. #LearningArabicWithPreply #ArabicForBeginners #Preply 14. Title: The Friend I Never Expected \u2014 A Story About Arabic and Travel Description: I set out to learn a language. I came home with a friend. Learning Arabic before my trip gave me more than communication skills \u2014 it gave me a human connection. #LearningArabic #TravelFriendship #CulturalExchange 15. Title: Learning Arabic Changed the Way I Travel \u2014 Here's How Description: From my first awkward lesson to a real conversation with a local \u2014 this is the story of how learning Arabic transformed my travel experience in the most unexpected way. #LearningArabic #LearningArabicChangedTheWayITravel #TravelInspiration Each description is kept around 2\u20133 sentences to stay within Pinterest's sweet spot for engagement, and the main keyword &quot;Learning Arabic&quot; leads every single description. Let me know if you'd like to adjust tone, add more hashtags, or tweak anything!\" alt=\"This image shows a person standing on a terrace with a view of the Burj Khalifa in Dubai; a market place in Iraq with a stall full of items\" class=\"skip-lazy a3-notlazy no-lazyload dpsp-post-pinterest-image-hidden-inner  dpsp-post-pinterest-image-hidden-single\" data-no-lazy=\"1\"\/><\/div>\n<p><span id=\"dpsp-post-content-markup\" data-image-pin-it=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"how-learning-arabic-made-travel-more-meaningful-for-me\"><em>How learning Arabic made travel more meaningful for me.<\/em><\/h6>\n<p>I was staring at a beautiful ceramic jar in a shop that had once served as a charity hub in Mosul, Iraq, when a man\u2019s voice caught my attention.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>In Arabic, he asked me to go ahead and take something without paying.<\/p>\n<p>He was the shop owner, a local who expressed his typical, warm generosity.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Though I understood what he said, I grew nervous, realising it was my first time speaking Arabic outright as a tourist.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"gb-block-image gb-block-image-c26ea521\"><span class=\"phbp-target phbp-content-image\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" class=\"gb-image gb-image-c26ea521\" srcset=\"https:\/\/paulinaontheroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Paulina-in-Middle-East-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/paulinaontheroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Paulina-in-Middle-East-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/paulinaontheroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Paulina-in-Middle-East-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/paulinaontheroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Paulina-in-Middle-East-scaled.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/paulinaontheroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Paulina-in-Middle-East-640x853.jpg 640w, https:\/\/paulinaontheroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Paulina-in-Middle-East-150x200.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" alt=\"Paulina in Middle East - How learning Arabic changed the way I travel and gave me an unexpected friend\" title=\"learning Arabic\" src=\"https:\/\/paulinaontheroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Paulina-in-Middle-East.jpg\"\/><\/span><\/figure>\n<p>I couldn\u2019t find the right words to respond.<\/p>\n<p>But thanks to my Arabic lessons on <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow noindex\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Preply General\" href=\"https:\/\/paulinaontheroad.com\/go\/preply-general\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">Preply <\/a>with Leen, I remembered a few words to say and got myself back.<\/p>\n<p>Before it got any awkward, I told the shop owner, <em>\u201cshukran, bas h\u0101tha \u1e25ilw\u2026 bikam h\u0101tha?\u201d<\/em> (Thank you, but it\u2019s beautiful. How much is it?)<\/p>\n<p>Even in just a few words, I was able to speak, and that was just the start of many conversations I would have in Iraq.<\/p>\n<p>And the genuine connections took that trip in a whole new dimension.<\/p>\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">You, dear reader, support this blog. When you purchase through a link, I may earn a small commission. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. <\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"why-arabic-why-now\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Arabic_Why_now\"\/>Why Arabic? Why now?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><span class=\"phbp-target phbp-content-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"577\" height=\"1024\" alt=\"Paulina in Middle EAst2 - How learning Arabic changed the way I travel and gave me an unexpected friend\" class=\"wp-image-120161\" title=\"learning Arabic\" srcset=\"https:\/\/paulinaontheroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Paulina-in-Middle-EAst2-577x1024.jpg 577w, https:\/\/paulinaontheroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Paulina-in-Middle-EAst2-169x300.jpg 169w, https:\/\/paulinaontheroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Paulina-in-Middle-EAst2-768x1364.jpg 768w, https:\/\/paulinaontheroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Paulina-in-Middle-EAst2-865x1536.jpg 865w, https:\/\/paulinaontheroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Paulina-in-Middle-EAst2-1153x2048.jpg 1153w, https:\/\/paulinaontheroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Paulina-in-Middle-EAst2-150x266.jpg 150w, https:\/\/paulinaontheroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Paulina-in-Middle-EAst2-scaled.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 577px) 100vw, 577px\" src=\"https:\/\/paulinaontheroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Paulina-in-Middle-EAst2.jpg\"\/><\/span><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>I\u2019ve travelled through cities, remote places, and even across continents for as long as I can remember.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>But after working at Expo 2020 Dubai, I was hooked on the Middle East. This part of the world holds so much to discover!<\/p>\n<p>From the UAE to <a href=\"https:\/\/paulinaontheroad.com\/category\/oman\/\">Oman<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/paulinaontheroad.com\/category\/middle-east\/jordan\/\">Jordan<\/a>, travel eventually became way more than just being in a new destination or chasing adventure.<\/p>\n<p>These destinations let me experience a culture defined by extraordinary hospitality and a beautiful, profound faith.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>And the best part was the people I met.<\/p>\n<p>So I craved for true connection. And I couldn\u2019t think of a better way than learning Arabic.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>If you feel the same way about your destination, you <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow noindex\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Preply General\" href=\"https:\/\/paulinaontheroad.com\/go\/preply-general\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">sign up to Preply.<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>I have a <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow noindex\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Preply General\" href=\"https:\/\/paulinaontheroad.com\/go\/preply-general\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">link <\/a>which gives you 70% off on your first lesson.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>Before I had an online tutor, I felt I had missed out on a lot.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>If only I were able to laugh the moment they crack a joke, understand the lyrics of their favourite local music, or ask more questions when a conversation starts to get real.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>But after meeting <a href=\"https:\/\/preply.com\/en\/tutor\/1979842\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Leen<\/a>, I knew I could make up for those regrets.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>To the strangers who eventually became friends after we shared Iftar (evening meal) during <em>Ramadan<\/em>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>To the relationships I never expected to build, yet ones that will leave a lasting impact on my life.<\/p>\n<p>And to my then-most-anticipated trip to Iraq.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"finding-leen-on-preply\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Finding_Leen_on_Preply\"\/>Finding Leen on Preply<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h2>\n<p>When I started my Arabic learning journey, I knew I wanted to take it seriously.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>At first, I was thinking of using an app because it\u2019s likely easier to access in my free time than to adjust my schedule.<\/p>\n<p>However, I realised I needed a human approach to keep learning engaging enough to stay attentive.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Languages often have nuances, so I\u2019m asking questions and clarifying as needed.<\/p>\n<p>With no time to waste, I started checking recommendations from friends and googling for an online language-learning platform.<\/p>\n<p>I came across <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow noindex\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Preply General\" href=\"https:\/\/paulinaontheroad.com\/go\/preply-general\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">Preply<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Wanting to make sure I\u2019ll find the right tutor, I read reviews and compared options.<\/p>\n<p>And that\u2019s how I found Leen, who has been my Arabic teacher for over 2 years now.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><span class=\"phbp-target phbp-content-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"472\" alt=\"a woman in hijab talking in a screen with a woman learning Arabic\" class=\"wp-image-120165\" title=\"learning Arabic\" srcset=\"https:\/\/paulinaontheroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Learning-Arabic-1024x472.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/paulinaontheroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Learning-Arabic-300x138.jpg 300w, https:\/\/paulinaontheroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Learning-Arabic-768x354.jpg 768w, https:\/\/paulinaontheroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Learning-Arabic-1536x708.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/paulinaontheroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Learning-Arabic-150x69.jpg 150w, https:\/\/paulinaontheroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Learning-Arabic.jpg 1881w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"https:\/\/paulinaontheroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Learning-Arabic.jpg\"\/><\/span><\/figure>\n<p>She was one of the matches suggested to me after answering a few thoughtful questions about my preferences for a Preply Arabic tutoring service.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Thankfully, the platform also asks for the student\u2019s availability.<\/p>\n<p>Being an Arabic native speaker with a structured lesson flow, Leen could make every online session approachable and enjoyable.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Her <a href=\"https:\/\/preply.com\/en\/tutor\/1979842\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">profile<\/a> and video introduction show that she\u2019s very proficient in English, too. That\u2019s one area of common ground that could encourage my participation and make it easier for her to explain.<\/p>\n<p>But what I liked most about her as a match was that she curates a learning plan based on her learner\u2019s motivation and fluency level.<\/p>\n<p>As you know, my goal was to learn Arabic for travel and culture, and I was excited about how Leen would make it interesting.<\/p>\n<p>I never thought that <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow noindex\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Preply General\" href=\"https:\/\/paulinaontheroad.com\/go\/preply-general\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">signing up for Preply\u2019s<\/a> Arabic for beginners would be as straightforward and fun.<\/p>\n<p>I booked Leen, and the rest was history.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"more-than-just-lessons\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"More_than_just_lessons\"\/>More than just lessons\u00a0<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h2>\n<p>Our weekly online meet-ups were both productive and enjoyable.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>As I continued my weekly classes, I found myself not just learning the language but also becoming committed to learning something new.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>More than just lessons, I also began to open up to an amazing individual who would eventually become my good friend.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><span class=\"phbp-target phbp-content-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"459\" alt=\"image - How learning Arabic changed the way I travel and gave me an unexpected friend\" class=\"wp-image-120169\" title=\"learning Arabic\" srcset=\"https:\/\/paulinaontheroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/image-1024x459.png 1024w, https:\/\/paulinaontheroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/image-300x134.png 300w, https:\/\/paulinaontheroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/image-768x344.png 768w, https:\/\/paulinaontheroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/image-1536x689.png 1536w, https:\/\/paulinaontheroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/image-150x67.png 150w, https:\/\/paulinaontheroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/image.png 1760w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"https:\/\/paulinaontheroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/image.png\"\/><\/span><\/figure>\n<p>Leen was always well-prepared for our lessons, and respecting that and her time was enough reason to show up consistently.<\/p>\n<p>Structured, but mindful of her students\u2019 needs. She knows how to listen.<\/p>\n<p>During one of my first lessons with her, I mentioned that I\u2019d been to the UAE, where she was based.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>From \u201chow was your day\u201d small talk, we moved on to sharing our experiences in Middle Eastern countries, discussing cultural nuances and norms, and before we knew it, we were at ease with each other.<\/p>\n<p>Apparently, what she did worked.<\/p>\n<p>Until it no longer feels like I\u2019m taking a class but catching up with a friend every week, only with quizzes \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n<p>Kidding aside, without her realising it, the friendship we developed opened my mind more to a culture that many had not fully seen.<\/p>\n<p>Our conversations made me appreciate her culture\u2019s unmatched hospitality and faith that encourages <em>Zakat<\/em> and <em>Sadaqah<\/em> (charity and generosity).<\/p>\n<p>The sharing of meals from a large platter and love for close gatherings.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>I learned their own way of saying grace: <em>Bismillah<\/em> and <em>Alhamdulillah<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p>And without much planning, I met her on a recent trip to the UAE. <\/p>\n<p>Because of our weekly classes, it felt like meeting a longtime friend.<\/p>\n<p>Just last year, we agreed to go to an event together in Dubai, and when I celebrated my birthday there, guess what? I was so, so happy she came.<\/p>\n<p>After all, she, in a way, had opened the doors to the Middle East as no one else could have.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-arabic-changed-travel\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Arabic_changed_travel\"\/>How Arabic changed travel\u00a0<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><span class=\"phbp-target phbp-content-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" alt=\"a woman in a red dress with a suitcase\" class=\"wp-image-117362\" style=\"width:501px;height:auto\" title=\"learning Arabic\" srcset=\"https:\/\/paulinaontheroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Level-8-Suitcase-Paulina-1-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/paulinaontheroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Level-8-Suitcase-Paulina-1-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/paulinaontheroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Level-8-Suitcase-Paulina-1-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/paulinaontheroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Level-8-Suitcase-Paulina-1-640x853.jpg 640w, https:\/\/paulinaontheroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Level-8-Suitcase-Paulina-1-150x200.jpg 150w, https:\/\/paulinaontheroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Level-8-Suitcase-Paulina-1.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" src=\"https:\/\/paulinaontheroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Level-8-Suitcase-Paulina-1.jpg\"\/><\/span><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>Several months after I met Leen to learn Arabic online, my unforgettable first night in Mosul, Iraq, where I also had a brief, memorable encounter with the shop owner, happened.<\/p>\n<p>That didn\u2019t end there, either in simply reading signs or ordering food.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>I didn\u2019t have to stay in Iraq for years and acquire a native tongue to find a true connection.<\/p>\n<p>With only a few basic words, they felt my respect and genuine interest in their culture.<\/p>\n<p>I was able to speak with a priest, a poet, a teacher, and, of course, some amazing Iraqi people.<\/p>\n<p>There are landscapes and definitely history, but through real Arabic conversations, I never realised I was challenging the narratives as well.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>In the process of rebuilding churches and mosques after past conflicts, and continued efforts to maintain peace, I saw kindness and generosity that never left Iraq\u2019s soul.<\/p>\n<p>Their resilience helped me understand what it means to live in the moment.<\/p>\n<p>And I felt that these newfound \u201chidden gems\u201d were the reason I was there, and they were truly worth sharing.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>And that\u2019s how I ended up creating content about Iraq, which reached over a million views.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>These wouldn\u2019t have happened if I hadn\u2019t gained confidence to explore by speaking to people.<\/p>\n<p>And I took pride in sending a message that was not just about looking at destinations from the outside, but to participate in them.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Just like how <a href=\"https:\/\/preply.com\/en\/tutor\/1979842\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Leen <\/a>allowed me to participate in our lessons, not just a student on the receiving end.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"the-unexpected-gift\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_unexpected_gift\"\/>The unexpected gift\u00a0<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h2>\n<p>Looking back, it seems meeting Leen was meant to happen.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Her calm demeanour, structured approach, and intentional learning plan were the best way to learn Arabic.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Especially if you\u2019re someone who learns fast when it sparks passion. And she managed to awaken that passion in me.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><span class=\"phbp-target phbp-content-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"576\" height=\"1024\" alt=\"image 1 - How learning Arabic changed the way I travel and gave me an unexpected friend\" class=\"wp-image-120173\" title=\"learning Arabic\" srcset=\"https:\/\/paulinaontheroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/image-1-576x1024.png 576w, https:\/\/paulinaontheroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/image-1-169x300.png 169w, https:\/\/paulinaontheroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/image-1-768x1365.png 768w, https:\/\/paulinaontheroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/image-1-864x1536.png 864w, https:\/\/paulinaontheroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/image-1-150x267.png 150w, https:\/\/paulinaontheroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/image-1.png 1152w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px\" src=\"https:\/\/paulinaontheroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/image-1.png\"\/><\/span><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>But it wasn\u2019t just really about learning a new language.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Respecting another person\u2019s time and keeping an open mind and heart toward those you meet regularly, such as tutors, matters just as much.<\/p>\n<p>After all, you\u2019re using a platform that thrives in human interaction, like <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow noindex\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Preply General\" href=\"https:\/\/paulinaontheroad.com\/go\/preply-general\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">Preply<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>From where we started, as a teacher and a learner, to being friends \u2013 today I am extremely grateful to have Leen in my life. Not just as a teacher, but most of all as my friend, whom I cherish a lot and hope to see one day again.<\/p>\n<p>She was not just the best match for an online Arabic tutor, but she also deeply inspired me to delve deeper into the language she taught me.\ud83d\ude04<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"my-final-thoughts\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"My_final_thoughts\"\/>My final thoughts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><span class=\"phbp-target phbp-content-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" alt=\"How Arabic changed travel - How learning Arabic changed the way I travel and gave me an unexpected friend\" class=\"wp-image-120177\" title=\"learning Arabic\" srcset=\"https:\/\/paulinaontheroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/How-Arabic-changed-travel--768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/paulinaontheroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/How-Arabic-changed-travel--225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/paulinaontheroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/How-Arabic-changed-travel--1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/paulinaontheroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/How-Arabic-changed-travel--scaled.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/paulinaontheroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/How-Arabic-changed-travel--640x853.jpg 640w, https:\/\/paulinaontheroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/How-Arabic-changed-travel--150x200.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" src=\"https:\/\/paulinaontheroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/How-Arabic-changed-travel-.jpg\"\/><\/span><\/figure>\n<p>Travel is an opportunity for a larger-than-life, immersive experience.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Whether you want to simply explore a culture or understand norms to relate or nurture relationships, speaking a local\u2019s language, well-meaning phrases, no matter how few, can create priceless connections.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>And Preply made it possible for me in thoughtful ways that no other app could.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Making sure you\u2019ll match with your own Leen, the platform allows learners to book a trial at -70% off, and not just once.<\/p>\n<p>Sure, there\u2019s a language you\u2019ve been wanting to speak. You can learn more about Preply and <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow noindex\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Preply General\" href=\"https:\/\/paulinaontheroad.com\/go\/preply-general\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">sign up here.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Make learning a new language fun, and let your walls down when it\u2019s time.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Discovering your match can be like opening a gift of friendship, just like mine with Leen.<\/p>\n<div class=\"saboxplugin-wrap\" itemtype=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/Person\" itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"author\">\n<div class=\"saboxplugin-tab\">\n<div class=\"saboxplugin-gravatar\"><span class=\"phbp-target phbp-content-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"100\" height=\"100\" alt=\"travel blogger, europe, portugal, spain, luxembourg, work with travel blogger, guest post, collaboration blogger, travel blogger\" itemprop=\"image\" title=\"learning Arabic\" src=\"https:\/\/paulinaontheroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/things-to-do-in-pomerania-poland-pomorskie-slow-life-sustainable-travel-food-map-spa-gdansk-kashubia-folk-art-pottery-sopot-germany-kashubian-beach-hiking-wellness-pomorskie-kashubia-lavender.jpg\"\/><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"saboxplugin-desc\">\n<div itemprop=\"description\">\n<p>Hola! I\u2019m Paulina, a seasoned travelette who crossed the Atlantic Ocean by Boat HitchHiking. On my blog, find expert insights for an extraordinary holiday through outdoor and sustainable travel like hiking, cycling, and sailing. Let\u2019s embark on unforgettable journeys together! \ud83c\udf0d\ud83d\ude80<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How learning Arabic made travel more meaningful for me. I was staring at a beautiful ceramic jar in a shop that had once served as a charity hub in Mosul, Iraq, when a man\u2019s voice caught my attention.\u00a0 In Arabic, he asked me to go ahead and take something without paying. He was the shop [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":7037164,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[183975],"tags":[6748,14525,1517,2284,1554,542,15815],"dealstore":[],"offerexpiration":[],"class_list":["post-7037163","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-middle-east-travel-blog","tag-arabic","tag-changed","tag-friend","tag-gave","tag-learning","tag-travel","tag-unexpected"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How learning Arabic changed the way I travel and gave me an unexpected friend - Som2ny Network<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7037163\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How learning Arabic changed the way I travel and gave me an unexpected friend - Som2ny Network\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"How learning Arabic made travel more meaningful for me. I was staring at a beautiful ceramic jar in a shop that had once served as a charity hub in Mosul, Iraq, when a man\u2019s voice caught my attention.\u00a0 In Arabic, he asked me to go ahead and take something without paying. 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