Study Farsi in Iran: Complete Guide

Language serves as one of our most vital tools for communication. Persian, also known as Farsi, is a beautiful and ancient language spoken by millions across Iran, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan.

Its rich literary tradition, filled with works by renowned poets like Rumi, Hafez, and Ferdowsi, offers a window into a culture of profound depth and beauty.

If you're a student of history and literature, a language enthusiast who wants to learn Persian or a traveler seeking to immerse yourself in Iranian culture, learning Persian in Iran offers a truly unparalleled experience.

This blog will provide you with insights, resources, and a complete list of Persian language academies in Iran for you to help you in your Persian language learning journey.

Why Learn Persian Language?

There are numerous motivations behind why individuals choose to learn Persian. Below are some reasons why people learn Farsi.

1. Personal Interest in Persian Language and Culture: Many individuals are drawn to Persian for its rich literature, captivating poetry, and unique lifestyle. They choose to learn the language out of a deep personal interest, seeking to connect with the culture and history on a more intimate level.
2. Academic and Research Purposes: Scholars and researchers specializing in Iranian culture or literature often need to master Persian. Primary sources in these fields are predominantly in Persian, making language proficiency essential.
3. Career Opportunities: For professionals working in Farsi-speaking regions or in international roles that require interaction with Persian speakers, learning the language is a practical necessity.
4. Educational Pursuits in Iranian Universities: Students aiming to enroll in Iranian universities, particularly those interested in fields closely related to Persian studies, must learn the language as it is crucial for academic success and fully engaging with their chosen disciplines in a Persian-speaking academic environment.

Why Study Farsi in Iran – Not In Other Farsi-Speaking Countries?

Persian, or Farsi, is spoken officially in Iran, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan. While Tajikistan and Afghanistan also offer Persian language studies, Iran stands out as the best option for several reasons.

Tajikistan's Persian, known as "Farsi-e Tajiki," is influenced by its Soviet past and recent civil strife, resulting in newer academic institutions with limited resources. Afghanistan, with its "Persian Dari," faces significant challenges due to prolonged conflict and instability, making it difficult for foreign learners to study there safely.

Iran, on the other hand, provides unparalleled scientific and research opportunities. Renowned institutions like the Persian Language and Literature Academy and the Saadi Foundation offer extensive resources and expertise in Persian literature and language.

Studying in Iran allows learners to immerse themselves in the culture, media, and social environment, enriching their understanding and making the language more accessible and enjoyable. Access to authentic Persian literature and firsthand cultural experiences makes Iran the ideal destination for studying Farsi.

The Most Reliable and Authentic Resource for Learning Persian

There are various ways to learn Persian, including online platforms like YouTube, Telegram, and Facebook, or through friends who speak Farsi. Some countries also offer active language courses. However, the premier Persian language training center in Iran is the Saadi Foundation, which collaborates with numerous Farsi learning centers both within and outside Iran.

Every Iranian university hosting foreign students has a Persian education center, but the centralized Persian learning hub is at Imam Khomeini International University of Qazvin. This university’s program is a popular choice for international students seeking to master Persian.

Iranian Universities with Persian Learning Courses

Iranian universities with international cooperation centers welcome foreign students, often offering Persian language courses. Among them, Imam Khomeini International University (RA) in Qazvin stands out with its centralized Persian language center, where students prepare before moving to other universities across the country. Notable universities with Persian learning programs include:

1. University of Tehran
2. Shahid Beheshti University (Tehran)
3. Allameh Tabatabaei University (Tehran)
4. AmirKabir University (Tehran)
5. Sharif University of Technology (Tehran)
6. Imam Khomeini International University (Qazvin)
7. Al-Zahra University
8. University of Guilan
9. University of Isfahan
10. Kharazmi University (Tehran)
11. University of Mazandaran
12. University of Kurdistan
13. Bu-Ali Sina University (Hamedan)

Persian Language Academies in Iran

Iran offers a rich array of Persian language academies, particularly in Tehran, catering to international students. These institutes provide both in-person and online courses, accommodating various schedules and learning preferences. Below are some of the prominent Persian language academies in Iran:

Alzahra University

The International Center for Teaching Persian to Non-Persian Speakers at Alzahra University in Tehran offers a comprehensive range of Persian language programs. These include long-term and short-term courses at elementary, intermediate, and advanced levels.

1. Long-term Program: This spans 720 hours over nine months, divided into six semesters. Classes are held five days a week for four hours daily. The program is segmented into elementary, intermediate, and advanced Persian, each lasting two semesters.
2. Short-term Programs: Options include a one-month course with 120 hours of instruction and 30 hours of cultural activities, and a three-month course with 360 hours of instruction. The courses are priced affordably, with a one-month course costing around $300 and the three-month course approximately $720.

Contact:

1. Telephone: (+98-21)88044040, Ext: 2359, (+98-21)85692359
2. Email: ictp@alzahra.ac.ir

Dehkhoda Lexicon Institute & International Center for Persian Studies

Established in 1989, the Dehkhoda Institute at the University of Tehran offers intensive and regular Persian language courses.

1. Intensive Courses: These six-week programs cover various levels from preschool Persian to advanced Persian.
2. Regular Semester Courses: Spanning 11 weeks, these courses also cover elementary to advanced levels.

The institute facilitates visa procurement for foreign students, ensuring a smooth entry into Iran.

Contact:

1. Address: Afshar’s Endowment Foundation, Vali-e-Asr Ave, Tehran
2. Telephone: (+98-21) 22717120, 22716833
3. Email: icps@ut.ac.ir

Saadi Foundation

The Saadi Foundation in Tehran is renowned for its Persian language courses offered through Iranian cultural centers worldwide. The foundation provides general Persian courses, professional training courses, and targeted courses.

General Persian Courses: These cover four levels (beginner, elementary, intermediate, and advanced) and may last six or three weeks, each comprising 60 hours of instruction.

Contact:

1. Address: 15th Eastern Street, Velenjak, Tehran
2. Telephone: +98 21 22414393-8
3. Email: info@saadifoundation.ir

University of Amir Kabir

The University of AmirKabir offers Persian language classes aimed at equipping students with the necessary language skills for daily communication and academic purposes. The courses are designed to be intensive, with a focus on both spoken and written Persian.

Contact:

1. Address: 350, Hafez Ave, Valiasr Square, Tehran
2. Telephone: +98 (21) 64540
3. Email: intrel@aut.ac.ir

University of Kharazmi

Kharazmi University is active in internationalizing higher education and offers a variety of Persian language courses to foreign students. The university has seen a growing number of international students, particularly from countries such as Afghanistan, Syria, and Iraq.

Contact:

1. Address: South Mofatteh Ave., Tehran
2. Telephone: +98 – 21 – 8834 7822
3. Email: info@khu.ac.ir

Additional Institutes

Other notable institutes include Bu-Ali Sina University in Hamedan and Ferdowsi University in Mashhad, each offering diverse Persian language programs ranging from short-term courses to extensive language studies.

Shiraz University and the University of Isfahan also provide comprehensive Persian language courses, integrating cultural activities and specialized academic training.

Contact for Bu-Ali Sina University:

1. Telephone: +98(81)38381601

Contact for Ferdowsi University:

1. Telephone: +985138804352
2. Email: ctpl@um.ac.ir

Contact for Shiraz University:

1. Telephone: +98 (0)71-36460430
2. Email: suiro@shirazu.ac.ir

Contact for University of Isfahan:

1. Telephone: +98 3137932040
2. Email: ICTP@dean.ui.ac.ir

Bottom Line

Studying Farsi in Iran offers an enriching experience that blends linguistic immersion with cultural exploration. From Tehran's bustling language institutes to the historic streets of Isfahan and Shiraz, students find diverse programs tailored to their needs, whether short-term intensives or comprehensive academic courses. Beyond language skills, these programs provide insights into Iran's vibrant heritage and contemporary society. With affordable tuition and welcoming environments, Iran's language academies ensure that learners not only grasp Persian but also forge enduring connections and unforgettable memories in this hospitable nation.

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