Your Life at YAHALA
We are pleased to welcome you to our learning community in the YAHALA Program for learning the Saudi dialect and culture. We look forward to your journey being an enriching experience that helps you understand the Saudi dialect, speak it confidently, and engage with Saudi society and culture. The program combines structured learning, practical practice, real-life communicative situations, and cultural experiences, enabling you to learn the language as it is used in everyday life. This guide aims to introduce you to the program, services, and key regulations that will help you gain the greatest possible benefit from your learning journey.
Educational Programs
The Academy offers in-person programs designed to meet the needs of different learners, including: (1) YAHALA Group Program: For students wishing to study within a group; (2) YAHALA Individual Program: For students wishing to study individually; and (3) YAHALA Business Program: For companies and organizations wishing to train their employees. | The programs are based on: (1) A placement test; (2) modern curricula in the Saudi dialect; (3) qualified, specialized instructors; (4) practical and cultural activities; and (5) an interactive learning environment.
Student Services
The Academy provides a range of services to support students, including: (1) Student reception and guidance; (2) academic support; (3) educational guidance; (4) technical support for educational platforms; (5) responding to inquiries; and (6) following up on complaints and suggestions.
Life at the Academy
To provide a suitable learning environment, all students must comply with the following: (1) Adhere to class schedules; (2) wear appropriate clothing that observes regulations and public decorum; (3) maintain classrooms and facilities; (4) use the internet for educational purposes; (5) maintain quiet within the Academy; and (6) respect prayer and break times.
Safety and Privacy
[SAFETY] The Academy is committed to providing a safe environment for all students, including: (1) Implementing safety and evacuation procedures; (2) providing first-aid resources; (3) immediately reporting any emergency; and (4) complying with security and safety instructions inside the building. | [PRIVACY] The Academy is committed to protecting students’ privacy through: (1) Maintaining the confidentiality of personal data; (2) using data only for educational and administrative purposes; and (3) not publishing photographs or recordings except in accordance with applicable regulations or after obtaining the necessary approvals, where required.
Trips, Complaints, and Contact
[TRIPS AND ACTIVITIES] The Academy organizes cultural programs and educational trips aimed at strengthening the use of Arabic in real-life situations. Students must comply with the following: (1) Adhere to schedules; (2) follow supervisors’ instructions; (3) maintain public safety; and (4) respect the regulations at places visited. | [COMPLAINTS AND SUGGESTIONS] The Academy welcomes all feedback that contributes to improving its services. Students may: (1) Submit a complaint or suggestion through the approved channels; (2) follow up on the status of the request with Student Services; and (3) appeal the decision in accordance with the approved procedures. The Academy is committed to processing requests within a reasonable period and in complete confidentiality. | [CONTACT] For any inquiry or assistance, the Academy may be contacted through: (1) Student Services; (2) email; (3) WhatsApp; (4) website; and (5) official social media accounts.
Admission Requirements
[YOUR JOURNEY AT YAHALA: ACADEMIC GUIDE] [Article (1): Admission Requirements] Admission requires: (1) Completion of the registration form; (2) submission of the required documents; (3) payment of fees in accordance with the Financial Regulations; and (4) completion of a placement test when required.
Registration and Placement
[Article (2): Registration] Registration is deemed final after confirmation by the Academy and completion of all admission requirements. | [Article (3): Placement Test] The Academy may require the student to take a test or attend an interview to determine the appropriate level. The Academy’s decision in this regard is final. | [Article (4): Student Placement] Students are assigned to levels according to test results and the approved academic standards for group programs. | [Article (5): Progression Between Levels] The student advances to the next level after fulfilling the passing requirements in accordance with the Academy’s standards.
Academic Program
[Article (6): Program Delivery] The Academy shall deliver the program in accordance with the announced study plan for group programs, and the students must participate in all academic activities. | [Article (7): Language of Instruction] The Saudi dialect is adopted as the primary language for teaching and communication within the learning environment, in a manner appropriate to the student’s level. | [Article (8): Classroom Participation] The student must participate positively and respect instructors and classmates during all educational activities.
Attendance and Scheduling
[Article (9): Attendance] The student must attend classes at the approved times, and each class begins and ends at its scheduled time. Group Students: The group continues according to its approved schedule, and the class time does not change due to the absence of any student. Individual and Business Students: Classes have greater flexibility for rescheduling in accordance with the provisions below. | [Article (10): Changing or Canceling an Appointment] Group Students: The class time cannot be changed because it is linked to the group schedule. Individual and Business Students: A class may be changed or canceled without being counted if the Academy is notified at least 24 hours before the scheduled time. If cancellation occurs less than 24 hours before the class, the class will be counted unless there is an emergency excuse accepted by the Academy.
Absences and Late Arrival
[Article (11): Excused Absences] Accepted excuses include: (1) Illness or a medical emergency; (2) death in the family or a family emergency; (3) accidents or circumstances involving force majeure; (4) urgent official or professional obligations; (5) exceptional circumstances approved by the Academy; and (6) travel, provided that the Academy is notified in advance. Group Students: Travel must be reported at least 48 hours before the absence. Individual and Business Students: A class may be rescheduled due to travel if notice is provided at least 24 hours in advance. The Academy has the right to request evidence supporting the excuse when necessary. | [Article (12): Unexcused Absence] Failure to attend without notice or an acceptable excuse is considered an unexcused absence. The class is deducted from the subscription hours and is not compensated. | [Article (13): Late Arrival] A delay of up to 10 minutes is permitted, and the class will not be extended to compensate for the delay. If the delay exceeds 25% of the class duration without an excuse, the Academy has the right to consider the student absent.
Make-Up Classes and Suspension
[Article (14): Make-Up Classes] Group Students: An excused absence does not suspend the group and does not require the group class to be repeated. The Academy will help the student catch up on missed material, subject to available resources. Individual and Business Students: A class canceled with an accepted excuse or rescheduled within the prescribed notice period remains in the student’s hour balance, and an alternative time will be arranged subject to availability. | [Article (15): Freezing and Temporary Suspension] A student may request that the subscription be frozen or that the remaining hours be suspended due to travel, illness, or force majeure, subject to the Academy’s approval. Group Students: Upon return, the student will be placed in a suitable group according to level and seat availability. The Academy does not guarantee placement in the same group. Individual and Business Students: The remaining hours will resume and be rescheduled according to instructor and time availability and within the package validity period. | [Article (16): Maximum Absence Limit] Group Students: Attendance must not be less than 80% of the level hours. If absence exceeds 20%, the Academy has the right to assess the student’s eligibility to pass the level. Individual and Business Students: The same absence limit does not apply. Completion of the program depends on completing the required hours within the package validity period. | [Article (17): Class Canceled by the Academy] If a class is canceled because of the Academy or the instructor, it will not be deducted from the subscription hours, and an alternative time will be arranged.
Special Provisions for Business Programs
[Article (18): Special Provisions for Business Programs] The following provisions apply: (1) The schedule is approved in coordination with the organization’s representative; (2) requests to change appointment times must be submitted through the organization’s approved representative; (3) the absence of an employee of the organization does not result in the class being repeated if it was delivered to the rest of the group; and (4) rescheduling is subject to instructor and schedule availability.
Assignments and Examinations
[Article (19): Assignments] The student must complete the required assignments and activities by the specified deadlines. | [Article (20): Examinations] The Academy conducts examinations and assessments in accordance with the approved plan, and the student must adhere to their scheduled times. | [Article (21): Academic Integrity] The student must uphold academic integrity. Cheating, plagiarism, or any conduct that affects the integrity of an assessment is prohibited, and the Academy has the right to take appropriate action against the violator.
Student Conduct
[Article (22): Behavioral Compliance] The student must comply with regulations and instructions and maintain a positive learning environment. | [Article (23): Protection of Property] The student must preserve the Academy’s facilities and property and is liable for any damage resulting from improper use or negligence. | [Article (24): Violations] Any practice that disrupts the educational process, public order, or public morals within the Academy constitutes a violation of these Regulations. | [Article (25): Penalties] The Academy may impose one of the following penalties according to the seriousness of the violation: (1) Notice; (2) warning; (3) denial of certain services or activities; (4) temporary suspension; or (5) termination of enrollment in the program.
Rights and Responsibilities
[Article (26): Student Rights] Student rights include: (1) Receive education in accordance with the approved standards; (2) benefit from the announced educational services; (3) be treated with respect and fairness; and (4) submit complaints and suggestions in accordance with the approved procedures. | [Article (27): Student Responsibilities] Student responsibilities include: (1) Comply with rules and regulations; (2) preserve the Academy’s property; (3) respect teaching staff and students; and (4) commit to attendance and participation. | [Article (28): Academy Rights] The Academy has the right to organize the educational process, make the necessary academic and administrative decisions, and apply these Regulations in a manner that ensures the quality of educational programs.
Fees
[YOUR YAHALA SUBSCRIPTION: FINANCIAL GUIDE] [Article (29): Tuition Fees] The fees include the services specified in the program description and do not include any services that are not expressly stated. | [Article (30): Additional Fees] Fees may be charged for certain optional services, such as registration, a certificate, issuance of a replacement certificate, requests for additional copies, or any other services announced by the Academy.
Payment
[Article (31): Payment Methods] The Academy accepts its approved payment methods, and payment becomes effective after receipt of the amount is confirmed. | [Article (32): Payment Deadlines] The student must pay the fees in full before the program begins, unless the Academy approves another arrangement. | [Article (33): Installments] The Academy may approve payment of fees in installments in accordance with its rules. Failure to comply with the payment plan may result in suspension of services or enrollment. | [Article (34): Proof of Payment] The student must retain proof of payment when required.
Deferral
[Article (35): Deferral] The student may request to defer registration before the program begins. The request is subject to the Academy’s approval in accordance with the Financial Regulations. | [Article (36): Deferral Period] Deferral is permitted once and must be used within a period not exceeding 12 months from the original program start date, unless the Academy approves otherwise.
Withdrawal
[Article (37): Withdrawal Before the Program Begins] The student may withdraw before the program begins and is entitled to a refund in accordance with the approved Refund Policy. | [Article (38): Withdrawal After the Program Begins] Withdrawal after the program begins does not result in a refund of fees, except in cases approved by the Academy. | [Article (39): Exceptional Cases] Management may consider withdrawal cases resulting from medical circumstances or force majeure that are supported by official documentation.
Refunds
[Article (40): Financial Refunds] Refund requests are processed according to the following percentages: (1) 21 days or more before the program begins: A full refund after deducting banking or administrative fees; (2) from 20 to 8 days before the program begins: 10% of the fees will be deducted; (3) from 7 days to 48 hours before the program begins: 25% of the fees will be deducted; and (4) less than 48 hours before the program begins or after the program has started: The student is not entitled to a refund, except in cases approved by the Academy. | [Article (41): Refund Processing Period] Refundable amounts will be returned within 15 business days from the date the refund request is approved, using the same payment method where possible. | [Article (42): Non-Refundable Fees] Bank fees, transfer fees, and any amounts paid by the Academy to third parties on behalf of the student are non-refundable.
Transfer and Program Cancellation
[Article (43): Transfer] Registration may be transferred to another person or to a later date before the program begins, subject to the Academy’s approval, fulfillment of the conditions, and payment of any applicable administrative fees. | [Article (44): Cancellation by the Student] A cancellation request submitted by the student is subject to the withdrawal and refund provisions set out in these Regulations. | [Article (45): Cancellation by the Academy] If the Academy cancels the program before it begins, the student may choose between: (1) A full refund of the fees paid; or (2) transfer of registration to another program or date.