This study aims to describe the environment-based students’ motivation to learn Arabic in Islamic Boarding schools in West Sumatra. Motivation is seen from its intrinsic and extrinsic aspects. This research employed qualitative approach with data collection techniques carried out by observation, interviews, documentation, and questionnaires. Data analysis techniques were carried out by triangulation of observational data, document analysis, documentation, and descriptive statistic. The findings indicate that Islamic boarding schools in West Sumatra were employing environment-based Arabic learning and it was evident that the approach improves students’ speaking skills and generates motivation to them. Intrinsic motivation encourages student to speak arabic, which is indicated by the  desire to discuss arabic languange materials and is categorized as “ very well ”.“ student learning desire”was also raised on the aspek “seriousness of doing learning tasks” which is showing at the “very well”category, and on the aspect of “students’ desire to progress” showed the “good” category.  In short, the environmental approach sheds light on learning Arabic as it improves students’ engagement in speaking Arabic.