Shama Institute for Cultural Exchange
Build bridges through language & culture
Learn Arabic, Amharic, English, and more from expert refugee tutors. Support dignified livelihoods while gaining fluency and cultural understanding.
AR
Arabic Language
AM
Amharic Language
EN
English Language
FR
French Language
More languages 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.
Submit your learning profile
Complete a brief intake form detailing your language goals, level, and availability, and pay securely via Visa, PayPal, or Stripe.
We match you with a tutor
Once your payment is confirmed, we pair you with a qualified tutor based on your needs, and send you a personalized booking link.
Start the journey
Choose a convenient time from your tutor's availability, receive an email confirmation, and attend your first tailored lesson.
Expert Tutors
Learn from native speakers with teaching experience and cultural expertise.
Verified Profiles
Every tutor is vetted for quality and commitment to student success.
Pay Per Lesson
No subscriptions. Book and pay only for the lessons you need.
Affordable Prices
Quality language education that respects your budget.
Why us
Learn a new language online anywhere, anytime!
Ignite cross-cultural connection through the power of language and shared stories.
Flexible learning
Transform language learning into a joyful journey through conversation.
Based-on-interest sessions
Deliver immersive, culture-rich programs that foster both fluency and empathy.
Support a great mission
Empower refugees and underrepresented tutors with decent income through freelancing.
First refugee-owned PLC
in Ethiopia
Our success stories
Trusted by learners worldwide
"Shama matched me with a tutor who understood both my goals and my culture. The experience felt respectful and professional."
Lily Granger
"Our team booked cultural exchange sessions and left with new empathy and actionable partnerships."
Jeson Foxx
"The sessions are structured, warm, and outcome-driven. Booking was effortless on mobile."
Judy Sewell
"Learning Amharic opened doors I never knew existed. Shama tutors bring language to life."
Ron Burnwood
"Professional, patient, and culturally aware. Exactly what I needed for my Arabic studies."
Anne Mcfadden
"Shama matched me with a tutor who understood both my goals and my culture. The experience felt respectful and professional."
Lily Granger
"Our team booked cultural exchange sessions and left with new empathy and actionable partnerships."
Jeson Foxx
"The sessions are structured, warm, and outcome-driven. Booking was effortless on mobile."
Judy Sewell
"Learning Amharic opened doors I never knew existed. Shama tutors bring language to life."
Ron Burnwood
"Professional, patient, and culturally aware. Exactly what I needed for my Arabic studies."
Anne Mcfadden
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 PLC in Ethiopia, we create paid opportunities for tutors and artists while delivering world-class language learning for individuals and organizations.
Start learning today0+
Cultural sessions delivered
0+
Active tutors
0+
Hours delivered
0
Languages offered
Ready to start your language journey?
Book a tutor today and experience culturally immersive language learning that supports dignified livelihoods.