Hello! This is Aida with a new episode of Learn Arabic with Ease for pre-intermediate learners of colloquial Arabic. In this series, I will be speaking about a different topic every time, suitable for this specific level, and obviously at a slower pace than normal to make it easier for you to understand the content.

The purpose is to provide you with the necessary vocabulary on a wide range of topics, such as family, hobbies, studying, travelling and so on.

 

Today I’m going to talk about studying and work.

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Schooling has become obligatory in all parts of the world up to a certain age. Some people believe that their school years carry some of their best memories because it is where they met close friends they might still have when they are older. Others does not like school because you are forced to learn about subjects you may not be interested in. They believe that too many years are spent at an institution that teaches many theoretical, but few practical things. They also believe that school does not prepare us to deal with many situations we encounter in life, or to make difficult decisions.

 

After school, some people decide to go on to university, where they can choose what they would like to study. Others prefer to go through vocational training to learn a job.

 

In Jordan, most students prefer to go to university to acquire a B.A. degree in a certain field. It is believed that academic jobs are more widely respected and better paid than vocational jobs. The University of Jordan is the oldest public university and is situated in the capital, Amman. Most study fields require four years, while engineering requires five and medicine six years to acquire a B.A. degree.

 

When pupils graduate from school, many of them are not sure what to study. Grades often play a large role  in determining what they wish to study. In some countries, such as Germany, there is a possibility to shift between different kinds of schools, which offer you a curriculum that is most suited toward your likes and dislikes. In such countries, a university education does not always offer you better pay than a vocational training.

 

In the Arab world, on the other hand, an academic degree is almost certain to get you a higher pay than a vocational training and academic jobs are socially most accepted. Compared to Europe, there is lower job satisfaction in Jordan, which could be due to two factors: first, it is more difficult to switch between two fields of study at university and public universities are not free, so some students are hesitant to change their field of study when they find out they don’t particularly like it. Some end up graduating from a field they don’t particularly like. Also, their parents might play a role in deciding what they should study at university. Generally, there are fewer specializations to choose from.

 

Second, salaries in Jordan are not particularly high, so a lot of people struggle to make ends meet.

 

Now let me give you an example of what people might say in reply to questions related to study and work.

 

Since I was a pupil, I wanted to become a doctor. I entered the scientific stream and managed to get high marks in my final school year. At university, I started studying medicine and realized it was much harder than I had thought. But it was my dream, so I continued to work hard to obtain my degree in medicine. When I graduated, my parents were very proud of me. I knew I wouldn’t be able to open my own clinic until I had gained experience and earned quite a lot of money. Then I heard that doctors are in demand in Germany, so I took the decision to learn German. I had heard that it wasn’t an easy language, but I knew if I wanted to earn a high salary, and eventually help my parents financially, I would have to take this step.

 

So, I began to learn German at a language centre. At first, I felt it was a very difficult language to learn because of its grammar and pronunciation, then after four months, I began to like it. I could have simple conversations in German, and the grammar became easier.

 

Once I had passed the required German language exam that would allow me to work in Germany, I knew it was time to say goodbye to my family. I did not want to leave my homeland, but knew it was the right thing to do for my future.

 

It took me a while to settle down in Germany, but after a few months, I realised I really enjoyed my work and it was worth all those years of study and hard work.

 

So, that’s all for today’s episode. I hope you have found it useful. If you liked it, remember that listening to the same episode more than once is very helpful in remembering the new vocabulary you have learnt. It was great having you with me. I’d appreciate you leaving me a like and would love it if you could join me for more episodes.

 

This is Aida from Learn Arabic with Ease! Bye Bye!