Best Levantine Arabic Programs: If you’re interested in learning Shami Arabic (Ammiya), Levantine Colloquial Arabic, or Palestinian, then Volunteer in Palestine is for you! We offer several options, including super-intensive, intensive, and non-intensive Arabic immersion courses. Volunteer in Palestine welcomes all who are seeking to learn this beautiful language and immerse themselves in the exquisite Palestinian culture.
Whether you are an undergraduate, graduate, professional, or retiree, our Levantine Arabic language programs are for everyone. Our courses are also available at all levels of Levantine Arabic. If you are a current college or university student, we can even provide you with academic credit towards your studies!
Throughout your specific Arabic program, you will also immerse yourself in the Palestinian culture and daily life. You will get to experience Palestinian cuisine, culture, history, the political situation, and MUCH more. You will also have the opportunity to meet like-minded people from around the world as we host several international volunteers and students. Additionally, we arrange regular sightseeing trips around the breathtaking city of Hebron, West Bank.
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Best Levantine Arabic Programs for 2025/2026
We are excited to announce the launch of our Best Levantine Arabic Programs for the 2025/2026 academic year! These include summer intensive programs, online Levantine Arabic courses, winter Arabic programs, and one-on-one Levantine Arabic lessons.
Designed for learners at all levels—beginner, intermediate, and advanced—these programs provide an immersive experience in mastering spoken Levantine Arabic while delving into the rich culture, traditions, and daily life of Palestine.
Levantine Colloquial Arabic Immersion Classes
This course can span from one week to three months and runs year-round. We also offer a four-week intensive Levantine course in a small group setting during the Summer. We are very flexible in accommodating any of your needs.
Levantine Arabic Courses
The Center’s Levantine Arabic courses teach daily colloquial tasks, covering idioms and phrases. Students learn speaking, writing, reading, and listening with Levantine phonetics. Topics tailored for conversation are included based on the course level. Choose from four difficulty levels: beginner, elementary, intermediate, and advanced.
Formats include intensive, super-intensive, and non-intensive, differing in weekly instruction hours and different degrees of cultural immersion. Courses by Volunteer in Palestine are year-round with no set deadlines, allowing flexibility in starting your Levantine journey.
Intensive Arabic Language Course
Volunteer in Palestine offers unparalleled intensive Arabic courses in Hebron, Palestine, creating a full immersion experience. Its prime location enables daily engagement with the Arabic language. The Levantine Colloquial Arabic course employs immersion for rapid skill development, integrating classroom study with daily life. Residents can easily explore Palestine and the broader Levant region.
Studying Arabic at Volunteer in Palestine provides a unique chance to live with a Palestinian host family, offering insights into culture and customs. Note that host family stays are a guarantee only for female students and are subject to availability for males due to gender-based spheres in Hebron’s community. This opportunity fosters not only language practice but also an intimate understanding of Palestinian life.
What Is The Levant And Levantine Arabic?
The Levant, a geohistorical term denoting the Eastern Mediterranean of western Asia, encompasses Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Palestine, and more. Its population of about 44.5 million comprises diverse cultures and ethnicities, including Arabic, Aramaic, Armenian, and others.
Situated in the Fertile Crescent, the Levant’s strategic location connected Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, fostering a melting pot shaped by civilizations like the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans. These influences persist today. Learning Levantine Arabic unveils the region’s rich history and cultural blend, providing access to its diverse world and the wider Arab diaspora.
What Is Levantine Arabic?
Levantine, also known as Shami due to the Arabic word for the Levant being “Sham,” is a major Arabic dialect alongside Egyptian. With around 38 million native speakers in the Levant and the Arab diaspora, it’s widely taught to non-natives and understood across Arabic-speaking nations. Levantine is closely related to Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), sharing about 50% of its vocabulary, making it highly recognizable.
What Are The Levantine Subdialects?
Levantine Arabic sub-dialects split into northern and southern groups. North Levantine, or Syro-Lebanese Arabic, is found in Lebanon, northern Levant countries, Turkey’s coastal areas, and parts of Syria. Southern Levantine is spoken in Palestine, Jordan, and southern Syria, mainly in the Hauran region.
General Information About Levantine Arabic
| Number of Speakers | Approximately 44 Million |
| Language Family | Afro-Asiatic > Semitic |
| Dialects | North Levantine South Levantine |
| Writing System | Arabic alphabet |
Are The Courses In English?
The short answer is yes, all of our Levantine Arabic courses are for English speakers. However, for the sake of immersion, the higher the course level the less English will be present in the classroom.
Please also keep in mind that when navigating through Hebron, students will need to utilize their Arabic and rely on their skills to the best of their ability, thereby creating a fully immersive experience.
Arabic Course Levels On Offer
Volunteer in Palestine provides the following Levantine Arabic courses
| Levantine Arabic Intensive Program | Summer Levantine Arabic Courses |
| Arabic (Colloquial Levantine) Beginners Course | Online Levantine Arabic Programs |
1. Beginner
The Beginner course is designed for students with absolutely no previous Arabic language experience of any kind. This course will introduce students to basic concepts including the Arabic alphabet, writing systems, grammar fundamentals, phonetics, and common vocabulary and colloquial phrases.
The Beginner Levantine Arabic will create a strong, linguistic foundation from which students may leap into the diverse, complex, and ever-expanding world of the Levant.
2. Elementary
The goal of this course is to continue where the previous course left off, building on students’ foundational Arabic language knowledge. This entails the introduction of new vocabulary and slightly more complex grammatical rules into the curriculum, as well as regular reading, writing, and speaking exercises.
Upon the completion of this course, students will be able to converse, read, and write about elementary subjects such as shopping, asking for directions, and expressing preferences.
3. Intermediate
The intermediate course will introduce students to a more immersive curriculum than the previous levels; this will entail venturing into the Palestinian community of Hebron to communicate with native speakers and complete everyday tasks.
For example, students will get the chance to purchase items from a Palestinian market, order from a restaurant, discuss preferences about a certain topic, or do other colloquial activities. Students will also be introduced to subjects in class that touch upon specific issues such as culture, art, and politics, and will learn the vocabulary needed to further converse about these topics in a concise and well-informed manner.
4. Advanced
This course will combine all the previous courses’ curricula, maintaining the immersive nature of the Intermediate level while also expanding into complex reading, writing, and spoken materials. Additionally, students will conduct research in the community of Hebron on a variety of subjects.
With all these methods and materials combined, students will be able to establish a firm understanding and grammatical competency of Levantine Arabic. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to articulate their thoughts and opinions over complex matters such as politics, history, the environment, and the arts of Palestine.
What Is The Difference Between The Paces?
Not to be mistaken with course level itself, course intensities refer to the number of classes, the frequency at which classes are held, as well as their level of immersion and the amount of assigned homework.
1. Non-intensive Course
If you are interested in a long-term program of 1-3 months, we recommend students enroll in a non-intensive course, which will provide you with plenty of in-class instruction(4 lesson hours* per day, 3 days a week) while still leaving ample time to explore the city of Hebron and immerse yourself in Palestinian culture.
2. Intensive Course
The intensive course is designed to further immerse students in the Arabic language and culture. These courses are held 5 days a week for approximately 4 lesson hours* each day, giving a total of about 20 lesson hours* of instruction per week. Intensive Arabic courses will also add additional homework and out-of-classroom assignments for participants.
3. Super-intensive Course
Finally, our super-intensive courses are designed for students who are looking for an accelerated Arabic course in a completely immersive, high-intensity classroom setting. Super-intensive Arabic courses are conducted 5 days a week at 6 lesson hours* of instruction per day, totaling approximately 30 lesson hours* per week. We recommend those studying for less than a month enroll in this program.
* Please note that 1 lesson hour = 45 minutes.
Which Arabic Course Is For Me?
If you are having difficulty deciding in which course to enroll, Volunteer in Palestine offers a free placement test to evaluate students’ Arabic language skills in 4 crucial areas: speaking, reading, writing, and listening.
We are always happy to consult you if you have any questions regarding course levels or intensity. Our contact information is available at the bottom of the page.
6 Best Levantine Arabic Programs
When deciding where to study Levantine Arabic, the West Bank stands out as an excellent choice. Palestinians are known for their hospitality, love of sharing their culture, and eagerness to support students in their Arabic learning journey. Moreover, the spoken Arabic in Palestine is Levantine Arabic, which closely aligns with Modern Standard Arabic, making it an ideal dialect to learn.
Palestine offers a unique opportunity to study Arabic in an immersive setting, combining cultural exploration with language acquisition. The region is home to numerous well-reviewed and affordable intensive Arabic programs
For those seeking a deeper engagement in Palestine that goes beyond traditional schooling and combines it with Arabic language learning, here are the Best Levantine Arabic Programs you should explore:
1. Travel to Palestine
The Travel to Palestine organization aims to enable tourists to come to Palestine and experience its rich culture. This is a land rich with history, hospitality, and generous people, and you can experience all of that through the Travel to Palestine organization. They offer intensive Palestinian Arabic courses as well as online lessons.
2. Excellence Center
The Excellence Center in Palestine has the experience of more than 13 years of offering Arabic programs (Levantine Arabic, Modern Standards Arabic as well as Ammiyya Arabic) for nonnative speakers in the West Bank, founded in Hebron in 2011, serves as a language school offering Arabic language education to international students, interns, and volunteers. It also provides cultural immersion activities and community development services to Palestinian children, refugees, youth, women, and community members in Hebron.
3. Salam Palestine
Salam Palestine, a community project in Hebron, Palestine, works with international volunteers to facilitate social and community development initiatives. Through workshops, events, and outreach programs, volunteers collaborate with residents to promote cultural exchange and improve social cohesion. The Center offers super intensive, intensive, and non-intensive Arabic courses for people who would like to stay for 1-13 weeks.
4. Engage in Palestine
Engage in Palestine, based in Hebron, offers immersive experiences for international students who would like to go to Palestine and study Arabic in the West Bank, it is known for its Levantine (Shami) and Palestinian Arabic intensive lessons. Through diverse Arabic programs, participants engage in educational, social, and cultural initiatives, working alongside residents to support youth empowerment, women’s initiatives, and the well-being of Palestinian refugees.
5. Volunteer in Palestine
Volunteer in Palestine offers Levantine, Palestinian, and Modern Standard Arabic courses at different levels such as super-intensive, intensive immersion as well as non-intensive programs for anyone interested in studying Arabic in the West Bank, Palestine. The organization has a lot of reviews and it is known for its community development programs.
6. Study In Palestine
Study In Palestine offers a broad range of options to include intensive Arabic courses and summer Arabic programs at multiple levels. These Arabic programs cover super-intensive, intensive immersion, and non-intensive Arabic choices, designed for those looking to study Levantine (Shami Arabic), Palestinian dialects, and Modern Standard Arabic in the West Bank, Palestine.
Study Levantine Colloquial Arabic In Summer
Summer is the peak period at Volunteer in Palestine, bustling with international students and volunteers. From late June to September, our Levantine Colloquial Arabic courses follow a unique format. New four-week intensive courses start on the first of each month (July, August, September), offering 4-6 daily Arabic lesson hours, five days weekly, totaling 80 lesson hours per month. You can immerse yourself for up to three months.
Choose your level or take a placement test upon arrival for accurate placement. Levels range from Beginner to Advanced. Small groups of 2-5 students ensure collaborative learning in and out of class. Enjoy two days off (Friday and Saturday) for travel and exploration, and connect with fellow students and volunteers.
Beyond lessons, our sightseeing trips immerse you in Palestinian culture, history, and daily life in Hebron. University students seeking summer Arabic learning, whether for credit or personal enrichment, find our programs ideal. Academic credit is available through our partnership with the Palestinian Ministry of Education.
Applications for our summer Arabic Program in Palestine close on May 30th each year, though inquiries about availability are welcome anytime. The fee for each four-week summer course is 1750€ per person. Join us to enhance your Arabic skills and experience vibrant Palestinian culture firsthand.
Are There Any Criteria For This Program?
There are only 3 main criteria we request from participants, the first being that students enrolled in the Study Levantine Arabic Program are between the ages of 18-70, however, this age restriction may be waived if granted special permission by the Center’s director.
Additionally, we require all prospective students to have colloquial knowledge of English and/or Arabic, since these are the primary languages used during the program. Finally, we ask all participants to have a positive attitude, an open mind, and an eagerness to learn.
General Criteria For Participants:
- 18-70 years of age (unless granted special permission by the Center’s director)
- Colloquial fluency in Arabic and/or English
- A positive outlook to foster constructive learning
General Information Regarding Levantine Arabic Courses
| Colloquial Levantine Arabic Courses | Super-Intensive Program | Intensive Program | Non-Intensive Program |
| Program Duration | 1-13 weeks | 1-13 weeks | 1-13 weeks |
| Lessons Per week | 30 | 20 | 12 |
| Days Per Week | 5 | 5 | 3 |
| Lesson Duration | 45 minutes | 45 minutes | 45 minutes |
| Average Class Size | 1-3 students | 1-3 students | 1-3 students |
| Maximum Class Size | 3 students | 3 students | 3 students |
| Program Levels | Beginner Elementary Intermediate Advanced | Beginner Elementary Intermediate Advanced | Beginner Elementary Intermediate Advanced |
| Lesson Periods | Morning 8:30-12:30 Afternoon 12:30-16:00 | Morning 8:30-12:30 Afternoon 12:30-16:00 | Morning 8:30-12:30 Afternoon 12:30-16:00 |
| Application Deadline | No Deadline | No Deadline | No Deadline |
| Start/End Dates | Flexible | Flexible | Flexible |
| Program Fee Per week | You can check the fees here | You can check the fees here | You can check the fees here |
| University Credit | Available | Available | Available |
Additional Pertinent Information
- One-time registration fee
- No charge for study materials including books
- Free placement test
- Certificate of completion
- The monthly program fee covers:
- Arabic courses
- Breakfast (Sat – Thur)
- Housing
- Operational costs
- Center-led excursions in Hebron
- Visits may include the old city of Hebron, glass and ceramics factories, local companies, and refugee camps, as well as local universities such as the Palestine Polytechnic University and Hebron University
Reviews and Awards
Volunteer in Palestine has been offering Arabic courses for non-native speakers since 2011. Throughout the years, we have been developing many Arabic immersion programs and online courses. We use the most advanced teaching methods which we develop and enhance year after year. Education is an active process 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 tops 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.
Overall, Volunteer in Palestine is a highly rated travel company.
- +840 Reviews and ratings (96.8%) on gooverseas.com
- +170 Reviews and ratings on goabroad.com
- Participants’ video testimonials
Summary
Volunteer in Palestine’s Best Levantine Arabic Programs provides a transformative experience for learners eager to master spoken Levantine Arabic while immersing themselves in Palestinian culture and vibrant city life. These programs go beyond traditional classroom instruction, blending formal Arabic lessons with real-world practice and cultural engagement.
Designed to cater to learners of all backgrounds, including university students seeking academic credit, our immersive Levantine Arabic courses offer a unique opportunity to enhance language proficiency while connecting with local communities. Beyond Arabic classes, participants gain a deeper understanding of the Palestinian way of life, making this program both enriching and unforgettable.
Find Out More
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact: Info@ecpalestine.org and on WhatsApp:+972 599 479 880
Tags: Intensive Arabic courses West Bank, Levantine Arabic language schools, Palestinian Levantine Arabic programs, Study Levantine Arabic in Palestine
