Intensive Arabic Immersion Programs by Volunteer in Palestine, cater to learners with diverse motivations, such as career advancement, academic pursuits, travel aspirations, personal relationships, or familial connections. These programs offer an accelerated pathway to language proficiency by combining intensive classroom instruction with real-life practice. This method enhances linguistic abilities and provides deep cultural immersion, fostering a better understanding of the Arab world. In this guide, we explore options for short-term immersive Arabic courses, both locally and abroad.

Major cities with significant Arab populations offer local tutors and community centers, but the most effective way to achieve fluency is by studying in an Arabic-speaking country. Immersion in the Middle East, such as in Jordan, Lebanon, or the West Bank, provides unparalleled experiences where learners practice skills in real-world settings, gain exposure to different dialects, and experience the region’s rich cultural and social fabric. Programs specialize in Levantine Arabic, Modern Standard Arabic, and other dialects to meet students’ specific needs and goals.

Where Can I Take a Short-term Immersive Arabic Course?

First of all, we should say that if you are not from the Middle East, it is perfectly possible to take a short-term immersive Arabic course in your home country. The Arab diaspora is such that most major cities have Arab populations including tutors who will be more than willing to teach you Arabic. However, we would recommend coming to the Middle East to learn the language so that you can improve your level that much quicker with the immersion experience.

Where you go depends on your priorities – if you want to learn the Levantine dialect (Shami Arabic), then you should take a course in Lebanon or Palestine or Jordan, but if you want to learn the Khaliji dialect, then you should head to the Gulf States. Modern Standard Arabic is taught everywhere and you can usually combine it with a dialect.

Who Should I Take an Arabic Course With?

As mentioned, taking a class with an individual tutor is a perfectly valid strategy, but more often the better choice is to do it at a professional, accredited language school, training center, or university that offers classes.

You can usually be confident in their teaching and they will have a better network for introducing you to other students or Arabic speakers who you can befriend and practice with later on, once you have finished your course.

Why Is the Immersion Factor So Important?

The fastest way to rapidly improve your language level is not by your classroom learning but by your exposure to the target language. An English speaker living in London for example, will learn Arabic much more slowly than an English speaker living in Lebanon (all other things being equally because she will have far fewer opportunities to encounter used language naturally and organically.

This is a key part of language learning as you find out about the language that the locals are using, compared with classroom language which can be quite abstract, and is why we work hard on our Arabic Immersion Programs.

Other Tips for Immersing Yourself in the Language

Other great ways to immerse yourself in Arabic include watching Arabic TV and films – if you want to learn the Levantine dialect, some great Lebanese films make use of this dialect.

Equally listening to the radio can help you pick up new words and practice your listening skills. Likewise,  reading articles can help with your reading skills and your vocabulary (particularly, if you want to study Modern Standard Arabic).

Taking a Short-term Immersive Arabic Course in Hebron, West Bank

Volunteer in Palestine in Hebron (or Al Khalil as the locals call it) in the South of the West Bank offers short-term immersive Arabic courses from a couple of weeks in length right up to three months (the maximum time afforded by an Israeli tourist visa). You will be assigned a personal Arabic tutor to instruct you in the language with up to five hours of tuition per day, focusing on the four core skills of reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Learning in the atmosphere of this Palestinian learning center, you will have a great opportunity to practice the latter two skills with the staff at the center and also in the wider community of the city.

Programs are offered in Modern Standard Arabic and the Levantine Shami dialect depending on your goals and priorities – most of the locals speak Ammiya the local slang, but fussha (Modern Standard) is used for official business and in professional environments.

In addition to the Arabic teaching, you are provided accommodation and many of your meals as part of your program, along with visits to various places in the historical city of Hebron and the surrounding countryside as the basis for the culture exchange which is underpinned by the language skills.

List of Short-Term Immersive Arabic Courses

We provide immersive Arabic programs here at Volunteer in Palestine in a range of dialects and intensities, as can be seen below:

Intensive Arabic Language Courses

Volunteer in Palestine’s Short-Term Immersive Arabic Courses are open to any student who would like to learn or progress their Arabic skills rapidly. Whether you are an undergraduate or postgraduate student, or simply an avid language lover, these classes will help to improve your Arabic through the technique of classroom immersion.

Volunteer in Palestine’s intensive courses include Modern Standard Arabic, Palestinian Arabic, and Levantine Colloquial Arabic. Please find more information below.

Modern Standard Arabic Intensive Courses

Modern Standard Arabic and Classical Arabic are largely considered the same dialect, except for minor differentiations in phrasing and diction. Because Modern Standard and Classical Arabic share identical vocabulary, those who enroll in our Modern Standard Arabic programs will be well-equipped to understand Classical Arabic.  

At Volunteer in Palestine, Modern Standard Arabic is taught at eight different levels, from complete beginner to highly advanced.

Palestinian Colloquial Arabic Courses 

The Study Palestinian Arabic program is perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in the diverse culture of Palestine and the Levant or wish to connect with the wider Palestinian diaspora. Traveling to Hebron and acquiring the Palestinian spoken dialect will connect you with the region’s rich history and will better help you to understand its contemporary role in the Arab world and internationally.

At Volunteer in Palestine, the Palestinian Colloquial Arabic courses are available at six different levels ranging from beginners to intermediate and advanced levels.

Levantine Colloquial Arabic 

The Study Levantine Arabic program is an ideal opportunity to expand your spoken Arabic to include the Levantine dialect.  

Fortunately for participants of this program, our center is located in the heart of the Levant in the vibrant city of Hebron. As Levantine Arabic is one of the most widely spoken Arabic dialects, its acquisition is the ultimate passport connecting you with the Arabic-speaking world.

Individual Arabic Courses

Volunteer in Palestine offers intensive and non-intensive private Arabic lessons in a wide range of dialects, all taught one-to-one by a Volunteer in Palestine Arabic teacher. As an Arabic student, you will have the opportunity to customize your Arabic course according to your needs and wishes. Our Palestinian teachers will prepare a curriculum to meet your needs, whether your wish is to study Palestinian-spoken Arabic, Levantine, or Classical/Standard Arabic.

Our wide range of immersive Arabic courses covers both standardized Arabic classes and specific colloquial dialects from Syria, Palestine, and other regions of the Levant. As such, our Arabic lessons are suitable for a wide range of learners, from international businesspeople, diplomats, and travelers to people wishing to read the Quran. Our flexible private lessons can specialize your curriculum to suit your needs and requirements.

Online Arabic Courses

In addition to our in-person programs held at the center, Volunteer in Palestine also offers online Arabic language classes in Modern Standard, Levantine (Shami), and Palestinian Arabic (Ammiya). Depending upon your purpose for studying, each online Arabic program has its advantages as colloquial variants are better able to help with traveling and conversing, whilst Modern Standard is ideal for those needing Arabic professionally.

However, you’re able to tailor your program too to suit your specific needs and interests.  Are you someone who wants to travel throughout the Levant in their time but also needs to analyze historical texts for your profession? Then you could merge Modern Standard and Levantine Arabic as we are more than capable of accommodating your preferences.

Dealing with all aspects of language learning, our online Arabic programs focus on phonetics, conversation, writing, reading, and listening comprehension as well as learning common idioms, completing daily tasks, and discussing various subjects suited for your course level. By doing so, this ensures you have a wide range of Arabic understanding.

Volunteer in Palestine offers six different levels of Arabic instruction: beginner, elementary levels 1 and 2, intermediate levels 1 and 2, and advanced. Additionally, each course level is offered at three intensities: non-intensive, intensive, and super-intensive, the difference being the course load and frequency of sessions. As our online courses are available any day of the week and offered year-round with no official application deadline, when you start your Arabic journey is completely up to you! 

Online Arabic Courses for Children

In addition to the adult courses, Volunteer in Palestine also offers Arabic tuition for children, which is a great opportunity to begin acclimating your child to the Arabic language and culture in a formal and accessible setting. Differing from our adult programs through the content and methodology in which they are taught to keep their interest, we incorporate more dynamic, immersive methods such as image recognition, flashcards, games, and songs.  

Our online Arabic courses are an excellent way to introduce children to an authentic Arabic experience from the comfort of home. Specially designed for children in a virtual format, the course includes picture books, articles on various subjects, and digital media. So if you are looking to introduce your child to the Arabic-speaking world, enroll them in our Arabic Online Program to begin their language journey!  

More information on these programs is available at this link: 

Non-Intensive, Intensive, And Super-Intensive Arabic Courses

All Short Term Immersive Arabic Courses are available at different intensities, the level of which will determine the frequency of classes as well as the level of immersion and out-of-classroom coursework.

• Non-Intensive Arabic lessons are taught for a total of 12 hours per week, with three hours of study a day for three days each week. Learning progresses through in-class immersion as well as through your day-to-day interactions with people in the city of Hebron. We recommend students interested in a long-term program (between 1 – 3 months) enroll in a non-intensive Arabic course. 
• The Intensive Arabic course is designed to enhance any previous immersion in Arabic language and culture. These courses are held for 20 hours each week, with approximately four hours of Arabic language instruction per day, five days a week. Intensive Arabic courses include additional homework and out-of-classroom assignments.
• The third and final course intensity, the Super-Intensive Arabic program, is for those who want a completely immersive, high-intensity classroom-oriented experience. These courses offer 30 hours of instruction per week, with five hours of language instruction per day, five days a week. We generally recommend super-intensive courses for those enrolling in shorter programs (1 – 4 weeks) due to the larger study 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.

Reviews and Awards

Volunteer in Palestine has been offering its services since 2011. Throughout the years, we have been developing many programs and 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. 

Despite continuous program improvements for the best learning experience, our core goal remains: connecting, teaching, and developing individuals. Additionally, we aim to promote and encourage exchange in the local and international communities. 

We continue to strive towards excellence:

In 2022, we ranked as “one of the top three organizations worldwide in offering volunteer opportunities”. We also ranked as “one of the top three language schools worldwide” by Go Overseas. We also received a total of five Go Overseas Community Choice Awards. Among others, Volunteer in Palestine earned recognition as one of the top Teach Abroad Providers for the category of “benefits”. Besides that, we were also one of the Top Internship Abroad Providers for the categories of “growth” and “support”. 

In 2021, we were one of the top three volunteer programs in the world. Go Overseas awarded us the community choice awards in the categories of “best language school”, “fun”, and “teaching”.

In 2019, we received our inaugural “Go Overseas Community Choice Awards”. This award was a recognition of Volunteer in Palestine’s positive effect on the global travel community. You can check our ratings below.

• +800 Reviews and ratings (96.8%) on gooverseas.com
• +160 Reviews and ratings on goabroad.com
• Participants’ video testimonials

Intensive Arabic Programs And Study Options

You may enroll in your Short Term Immersive Arabic Courses directly or as part of the following Intensive Arabic Study Abroad Programs.

1. Flexible Year-Round Intensive Arabic Courses

Intensive Arabic programs are available on a year-round basis. Each course has a duration of four weeks and students can continue to the next level after passing a final exam and giving an oral presentation. 

2. Intensive Study Abroad Programs

The Study Abroad Arabic immersion programs include intensive courses, cultural activities, and trips, making them ideal for students seeking an accredited academic program to improve their Arabic as well as gain insight into Arabic culture and society. Volunteer in Palestine offers the following intensive Arabic Study Abroad programs: 

A) Summer Intensive Arabic Programs 

As one of our most popular Arabic Immersion Programs, Volunteer in Palestine offers the Intensive Arabic Study Abroad summer program, which includes intensive Arabic courses in addition to other non-intensive Arabic and area study courses.

B) Winter Intensive Arabic Programs 

While summer study abroad programs are more popular with students, Volunteer in Palestine also offers Arabic Intensive Programs through the winter months. Students who wish to improve their Arabic through an accredited study abroad experience for four weeks during the winter break will be able to study in our December and January sessions.

C) Intensive Arabic Semester Or Year Programs

As our final Arabic Immersion Programs, Intensive Arabic Semester programs are ideal for university students seeking an immersive Arabic language and cultural experience for their semester abroad. Volunteer in Palestine provides intensive Arabic courses through this program as well as study courses in a variety of other specialized subjects.

How Do I Apply for the Arabic Course?

Simply email Info@ecpalestine.org and type “Intensive Arabic Immersion Programs” in the subject line. Volunteer in Palestine will email you back an application form that you return at your convenience. 

Upon receiving the form, we will contact the applicant to discuss program details and to answer their questions via Whatsapp or Skype.

Application Deadline for the Arabic Immersion Programs

Please submit your application via email at least two weeks before the starting date of the Short Term Immersive Arabic Courses in Hebron, Palestine.

If you are late, you may always inquire via email whether we still have available places in our courses in Hebron at Volunteer in Palestine.

Conclusion

In summary, enrolling in our Arabic Immersion programs offers an unparalleled opportunity to accelerate your language learning and cultural understanding. Whether you choose to study in your home country with local tutors or immerse yourself directly in the Arabic-speaking world, the immersion experience significantly enhances your ability to grasp and use the language effectively. Programs in the Middle East, such as those offered in Hebron, West Bank, provide an enriched environment for learning both Modern Standard Arabic and various dialects, while also allowing you to engage with the local culture through daily interactions and activities.

Our intensive Arabic courses, available in various formats and intensities, cater to diverse learning needs and goals. From super-intensive programs for rapid progress to non-intensive courses for a more gradual approach, these offerings ensure that students can find a suitable path to mastering Arabic. By combining structured lessons with cultural immersion, our programs not only improve language skills but also foster a deeper connection to the Arab world. Explore our range of options and take the first step towards your Arabic language journey by contacting us today.

Our Courses

At Volunteer in Palestine, we offer a diverse range of Arabic language programs tailored to meet the unique needs and interests of our students. Whether you are looking for intensive on-site courses, specialized programs focusing on media or politics, or the flexibility of online learning, we have something for everyone. Below, you will find detailed tables outlining our course offerings, designed to help you choose the program that best fits your goals and schedule.

Dive into our course options and start your journey towards mastering the Arabic language today.

Intensive Programs

Study Arabic (Special Programs)

Online Courses

Questions about Arabic Immersion Programs?

Should you have any questions about Arabic Immersion Programs, please do not hesitate to contact: Info@ecpalestine.org and on Whatsapp:+972599479880.

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