Arabic Courses in Palestine: For anyone interested in learning Modern Standard Arabic, Palestinian Arabic (Ammiyya), Levantine (Shami) or an Arabic dialect in Israel, Palestine, or the Middle East in general, Volunteer In Palestine provides super-intensive, intensive and non-intensive Arabic language immersion courses for international students of all ages and abilities.

Since 2011, We have welcomed graduates, professionals and retired people, seeking to come live and learn among Palestinians in the city of Hebron, West Bank, Palestine. Our Intensive Arabic language programs are for all levels of Arabic language studies: first time learners, beginners, intermediate level speakers and advanced learners. 

Arabic Immersion Classes Year-Round

Furthermore, we offer our Arabic immersion classes year-round (Summer, Winter, Autumn, and Spring). These Arabic language programs from our base in Hebron, Palestine, West Bank, span from one week to three months. So whether you are simply seeking a short intensive Arabic course, or are interested in an immersive cultural experience in the West Bank, Palestine, Israel or the wider Middle East and Islamic world, our programs can accommodate you.

As one of our Arabic students, you are free to choose the timings and level of studies to accommodate your needs, language ability, learning preferences, and any other wishes. Naturally, an important decision is the specific Arabic dialect you want to learn. We offer many dialects: Modern Standard Arabic, Classical Arabic, Colloquial Palestinian Arabic, all Levantine (Shami) Arabic dialects, and Ammiya Arabic.

Learn And Practise Arabic With Locals

Our Arabic classes in Palestine are carefully designed for people who want to learn and practise Arabic with local Palestinians and improve/perfect their conversational Arabic skills with native speakers; all while enjoying and living the daily life in Palestine, meeting new people, traveling in the Palestinian and Israeli areas and having a lot of fun in Hebron.

Our Arabic lessons in the West Bank, Palestine are almost always taught one-to-one, or in small classes of two or three students. We believe that is the key to efficient and student-focussed language learning.

Stay With A Palestinian Host Family

Furthermore, our Arabic programs offer the opportunity to stay with a Palestinian host family for additional language learning and full immersion in Palestinian culture. This living arrangement is only guaranteed for female students, as homestay for male students is subject to availability.

As such, we recommend applying to the program further in advance if you are interested in staying with a host family.

Intensive And Non-Intensive Online Arabic Courses

In addition to the Arabic programs offered in Hebron, Volunteer In Palestine also offers intensive and non-intensive Arabic online programs, taught by qualified Palestinian teachers and professors. More information on these programs can be found here: Levantine and Palestinian Arabic online lessons

Summer Arabic Courses

The Summer Arabic program in the West Bank, Palestine will run from June through late September. There are three 4-week courses commencing on the first of each month, so you may spend up to three months living and learning Arabic if you choose. You can participate whenever you choose between June and late September.

For those who want to learn Arabic intensively throughout the summer, Participate in Palestine summer activities throughout the summer. Ideal for people having a summer vacation or anybody wishing to learn while on a long visit to the area. The summer Arabic programs combine a language concentration with complete understanding and involvement in  Palestinian culture, politics and history, and include 4-6 hours of Arabic study every day.

Arabic Dialects To Study

We are delighted to provide a wide selection of Arabic dialects. Whether you need to learn or improve your Arabic for work and business, travelling, religious reasons, or any other reasons, our Arabic courses will accommodate your language requirements. There is often a big difference between the various Arabic dialects in the Islamic world.

Therefore, we recommend choosing a dialect to study carefully if this is something you haven’t considered, particularly as a first time learner. For beginners and absolute beginners, we generally recommend Modern Standard Arabic, or Levantine Arabic (a dialect which can be understood in many Arabic countries).

Here is a full list of the dialects we offer in our Immersive Arabic Courses:

• Modern Standard Arabic (MSA)
• Classical Arabic (Fusha Arabic – formal literary Arabic)
• Colloquial Arabic
• The Palestinian spoken dialect
• Shami or Levantine Arabic (Ammiya dialect)
• A mixed program (MSA, Levantine Arabic, and Colloquial Palestinian Arabic)

List Of The Arabic Immersion Programs

We provide several immersive language programs in Hebron, West Bank, Palestine, varying from super-intensive, intensive, and non-intensive to accommodate your language goals. If you are not sure which dialect to study, considering which of these courses interests you may help in your decision. All learning material is provided by the centre when required.

Usually, our Arabic Immersion Courses will start on the 1st day of each month. All other programs are offered at any time all year-round (Summer, Winter, Spring, and Fall). If you are interested in specialising further and studying on an individual basis, more information can be found here: Arabic Individual Courses in Palestine

Where Do Our Arabic Students Come From?

In short, everywhere. We are proud of our international openness towards people of all nations, religions and cultures. For us, there is no ‘foreigner’, only people with unique cultural perspectives, from whom we are delighted to share our time and experiences with.

The largest proportion of our Arabic students in Palestine include: the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, Canada, France, Spain, Belgium, and Switzerland.

Moreover, students from: Brazil, Mexico, Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Australia, Japan, South Africa, Singapore, South Korea, Ireland, China, and New Zealand have all taken to studying Arabic in Hebron, West Bank.

Is your country not on the list? Then now is your chance to become a trail blazer and become the first representative of your nation, and join our ever expanding international community.

Why Study Arabic In Palestine?

Here are a few reasons for studying Arabic in Palestine, and for any students or visitors of Israel to come and study Arabic in Hebron, West Bank:

• The hospitality of Palestinians and the pleasant climate offers a great attraction to overseas students.

• The Study Arabic Program in Palestine will give you the opportunity to live in and gain impressions from one of the most politically divisive and ambivalent regions of the Middle East.

• The Arabic Immersion Program will provide you the chance to visit unique tourist attractions with a particular native perspective – locations including Bethlehem, Ramallah, Nablus, Hebron, Tulkarm, Qalqilyah, Jenin and the Dead Sea in Jericho.

• Visit nearby cities such as Akko, Herzliya, Beersheva, Eilat, Tiberias, Netanya, Safed, Haifa, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Masada, Amman, Aqaba, Wadi Rum, and Nazareth.

• The Intensive Arabic Courses offered in our programs: Modern Standard Arabic, Levantine (Shami) dialects, Ammiya, Classical and Palestinian Arabic using up-to-date teaching techniques in an intensive learning environment.

• Our center is staffed by well-qualified, attentive Arabic teachers, each with an excellent educational background, ready and happy to help you.

• Besides developing your Arabic language skills, students will experience various aspects of the Palestinian culture through their living arrangements with host families and various local trips as well as Volunteer In Palestine’s in-house and local activities that will be organized during your stay in Palestine.

• We will provide participants a certificate upon completion.

As an international student learning Arabic in Palestine, you will have the opportunity to meet Palestinian university and school students as well as members of the Hebron community, and members of local organizations.

Great Reviews & Community Awards

In 2022 we were rated one of the top three programs worldwide in offering volunteer opportunities and one of the top three language schools worldwide by Go Overseas. We received a total of five Go Overseas Community Choice Awards in 2022 and were recognized as one of the top Teach Abroad Providers for the category of “benefits” and one of the top Internship Abroad Providers for the categories of “growth” and “support”.

We continue to strive towards “excellence”: In 2021 we were rated one of the top three programs worldwide in offering volunteer opportunities. We received the community choice awards by Go Overseas in the categories “best language school”, and voted best on “fun” and “instruction.”  

In 2019, we received our first “Go Overseas Community Choice Awards” to acknowledge the Excellence Center’s impact on the community of travelers around the world.

We have now over 13 years of experience, and prides itself on the positive feedback received from over 800 international interns and volunteers to the Center.

 Check out our many great reviews here:

• +730 Reviews and ratings (95%) on Gooverseas.com
• +160 Reviews and ratings (91%) on Goabroad.com
• Participants’ video testimonials

Our Great Experience (+13 Years)

Volunteer In Palestine has been offering Arabic courses for non-native speakers since 2011. Throughout these years, we have been developing many Arabic immersion programs and Arabic online courses.

We use the most advanced teaching methods which we develop and enhance year after year. Education is an active process that is always advancing, and you will be part of the development.

Flexible And Customized Arabic Programs

Each Arabic student can freely choose the dialect they wish to study. In addition, the center will provide all books and necessary learning materials. Participants are free to decide when they would like to start and end their Arabic programs. Most importantly, we are very flexible with starting dates and duration. You can join us here in Palestine, Israel from 1 week to 3 months.

The Super-Intensive, Intensive, and Non-Intensive Arabic Immersion Courses are some of the programs at the Center that offer international students the opportunity to combine the study of the Arabic language with an immersion into Palestinian daily life.

What Is The Difference between A Non-Intensive, Intensive, And Super-Intensive Course?

All Arabic course levels are available in different intensities. The Arabic course intensity is different from the course level. The program intensity determines the frequency of classes, as well as their level of immersion and out of classroom course work.

• Non-intensive Arabic lessons are the most relaxed intensity available, meeting for a total of 12 lesson hours (45 minutes per lesson hour) per week ~ about 3 hours of Arabic courses a day for 3 days a week. This intensity is designed to give students plenty of in-classroom immersion while also plenty of time to explore the city of Hebron, Palestine! We recommend that students interested in a long-term program (anywhere from 1 – 3 months) enroll in a non-intensive Arabic course. 

• The Intensive Arabic course is designed to further immerse students into Arabic language and culture; these courses are for 20 lesson hours a week, with about 4 teaching hours of Arabic language instruction per day, 5 days a week. Intensive Arabic courses will have additional homework and out of classroom assignments for participants. 

• The third and final course intensity, the Super-Intensive Arabic program, is designed for students who want a completely immersive, high intensity classroom-oriented experience. Super-intensive Arabic courses will include 30 lesson hours of language instruction per-week, with 5 hours of language instruction per-day, 5 days a week. We recommend Super-Intensive courses to those who are enrolled in shorter programs (1 – 4 weeks) because of the intensive course load.

General Information Regarding Intensive And Non-Intensive Arabic Courses: 

• One lesson = 45 minutes
• Registration fee: Once-off registration fee of 30€
• Study materials: Free
• Placement test: Free
• Certificate of completion
• Fees include: breakfast, accommodation, Arabic classes and visits to different institutions in the city of Hebron such as the old city, glass and ceramic factories, local companies, refugee camps, public parks and local universities such as the Palestine Polytechnic University and Hebron University.

For Which Students Are Our Arabic Programs Most Suitable?

Still unsure if this course is relevant to you? Here are some examples of past groups who have benefited from our Arabic lessons. For example, participants who are:

• Coming directly from the university and want to improve their theoretical language skills

• Political science students wishing to work in embassies in Arabic countries

• Social workers who work directly with Arabic speaking people

• Anyone planning to conduct fieldwork in the Middle East or an Arabic speaking country

• Students planning to live or work here in Israel/Palestine, or in any other Arabic country

• For those wanting to brush up on their Palestinian family heritage and language

• All people simply curious about language studies abroad – particularly Arabic

• Interested in reading the Quran

We have an Arabic Immersion Program for you. Hence, whatever your motivation or level of Arabic, we offer the right courses and group study options for you. More information on some of the courses and dialects we offer can be found above.

Study Arabic In A Small Group

Do you find it difficult to study in big groups? You’ll have the choice of studying Arabic in a group (1 or 3 students) or one-on-one independent settings. No matter the study environment, we look forward to having you in our Arabic class in Palestine!

Arabic Language Proficiency Level

We offer a full Arabic curriculum, books and materials included, at six different levels to accommodate students of all language experience and proficiency

• Starter Arabic Courses

The main target group of this course are Arabic learners who do not have any prior knowledge of the Arabic language and would like to start learning the alphabet. This course will allow students to gain skill in reading and writing Arabic as well as talking in daily conversations.

• Beginner Arabic Courses

The beginner Arabic courses are offered at two levels: Beginner I and Beginner II. These Arabic lessons are designed for participants who have basic knowledge of Arabic and would like to develop their speaking, writing, reading and listening skills.

• Intermediate Arabic Courses

The intermediate Arabic courses are offered at two levels: Intermediate I and Intermediate II. Typically, these lessons provides students the opportunity for Arabic conversations with native Arabic speakers to improve the student’s conversational skills. Moreover, we focus on improving students’ reading, writing, and listening abilities.

• Advanced Arabic Courses

Students at this level concentrate on refining and perfecting their speaking and writing skills.

Levels & Time Frame

In order to focus our teaching effectively, students with previous knowledge of Arabic are expected to take a placement test after submitting their application in order to assess their language level.

Students with no knowledge of Arabic will take a starter Arabic course. All our Arabic Immersion Programs incorporate all the foundational language skills: speaking, reading, writing, and listening.

Which Course Should I Enroll In? 

If you are having difficulty deciding which course to enroll in, we offer a free placement test, which will evaluate students’ Arabic language skills in 4 crucial areas: speaking, reading, writing, and listening. Further, we are happy to consult you if you have any questions about course level or intensity. Our contact information can be found at the bottom of this page, along with our Facebook and other social media platforms. 

Can I Add More Arabic Hours To My Study Program?

Of course! Students in all our programs are free to add in additional Arabic language hours. However, each extra hour costs 25 Euro. If you are interested in adding Arabic hours, please mention this in your email; we would be more than happy to organize them for you!

Flying to Palestine From Abroad

Unfortunately, there are no airports in Palestine; therefore it is currently impossible to fly directly into the West Bank. We believe the easiest ways to get to Hebron, Palestine is:

• To fly to Ben Gurion, Tel Aviv Airport (Israel). It takes about two and a half hours from the airport to Hebron via shared Taxi.

• You can fly to Eilat airport and then travel by booking a shuttle or taking a bus to Jerusalem and then to Hebron. The whole trip can last between 6-7 hours.

• You can also fly to Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, Jordan and then cross to Palestine, but it takes more time and is more expensive.

Traveling To And From Hebron, Palestine

You may find all necessary information about how to get to Hebron, Palestine in these three articles:

• How to fly to Palestine
• How to get to Hebron, Palestine
• Planning your trip to Palestine

Traveling To Palestine On Your Own?

Are you interested in studying Arabic in Hebron, Palestine, but worried about being on your own? No worries, you’ve come to the right place!

You will easily meet many Palestinian university and school students as well as community members with a variety of interests. As a matter of fact, in Hebron, especially, Palestinians enjoy meeting new people from different cultures, exchanging ideas and experiences.

Furthermore, we host many international visitors from all over the world who will be studying, volunteering, visiting or interning during your stay. You will have the opportunity to engage with them in some of the educational and community activities organized by the center.

Everyone here– Palestinian students, international visitors, and staff alike – are one big family and there are always activities on offer that bring the family together. In addition, Hebron is a good place for international visitors to stay and offers a memorable social environment.

Homestay

We offer international Arabic students a chance to stay with a Palestinian host family to practice their Arabic skills, learn more about the Palestinian culture and experience daily Palestinian life.

However, homestay is only guaranteed for female students and is subject to availability for male volunteers, students, interns, and visitors, so we recommend applying to the program of your choice as early as possible to secure your place and homestay.

Traveling To Palestine

Our staff will organize calls with you via Whatsapp, write invitation letters, send travel instructions, and offer you advice on different topics related to your travels to Hebron, Palestine.

Visa To Palestine

If you qualify for the visa exemption agreement, you will be granted a tourist visa valid for 90 days when you arrive at Ben Gurion Airport, Israel. In this case, there is no need to obtain a visa ahead of time. 

Application Deadline?

To help with planning, we ask that you submit your application via email at least one week prior to the starting date of your chosen Arabic Intensive Program or Individual Arabic Courses.

If you miss the deadline, you may always inquire via email whether we still have available places in our courses in Palestine.

Additional Information

Please click here (Frequently Asked Questions) to find more information regarding accommodation, visa, and the application process, etc. 

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Rafat@excellencenter.org

How To Book Your Arabic Course

Please send an email application request to Info@ecpalestine.org and CC Mr. Rafat Shantir at Rafat@excellencenter.org with Intensive Arabic Courses in Palestine as the subject line. We should be able to respond to your email within 2 business days, and we will then send you the application form.

Related Arabic Programs

Find Us Online

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Website: https://ecpalestine.org/

EC Website: https://excellencenter.org/

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