Shama Institute for Cultural Exchange
Build bridges through language & culture
Learn the language you've dreamed of, whether it is Arabic, Amharic, English, or more, from expert tutors, the majority of whom are refugees. Support dignified livelihoods and join our social enterprise model while gaining fluency and cultural understanding.
AR
Arabic Language
AM
Amharic Language
TG
Tigrinya Language
FR
French Language
EN
English Language
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More coming soon
How it works
Get started in three simple steps
With secure payment up front, we handle the matching so you can focus on learning.
Tell us your goals
Fill in a short form with your target language, current level, learning objectives, and availability. It only takes a few minutes.
Pay & pick your time
Select a session bundle and complete your payment, then pick the time that works best for you. You'll also have the option to choose your own tutor.
Your tutor confirms. You're in!
Your tutor will confirm the appointment. That's it! Enjoy learning.
Native & Fluent Speakers
Learn from native or highly fluent speakers with real teaching experience and deep cultural knowledge.
Verified Profiles
Every tutor is vetted for quality and commitment to student success.
Flexible Learning
We craft every session around your interests and needs. No rigid curriculum, just real progress.
Affordable Prices
As a mission-driven institute, we focus on quality, not profit. Great education shouldn't cost a fortune.
Why us
Learn a new language online anywhere, anytime!
Ignite cross-cultural connection through the power of language and shared stories.
Flexible Learning
Anytime, anywhere, with a friendly interface and a simple, stress-free booking system.
Based-on-Interest Sessions
We reduce the use of rigid curriculum to increase your participation, through culturally-rich programs where fluency and empathy meet.
Support a Great Mission
The majority of our staff are refugees and/or women. Your learning journey empowers others by providing them with a decent income.
1st Refugee-Owned Social Enterprise
in Ethiopia
Our story
See us in action
Watch how Shama Institute is transforming language learning and creating dignified livelihoods for refugee tutors in Addis Ababa.
About us
We empower learners with culturally rich language and storytelling experiences.
Shama Institute combines language instruction with cultural storytelling, pairing you with expert tutors and immersive design to support your bilingual fluency and community connection.
As the first refugee-owned company in Ethiopia, we create paid opportunities for tutors and change-makers while delivering world-class language learning for individuals and organizations.
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Tutors & change-makers
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Languages offered
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Cultural sessions
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