Coming to Palestine without knowing Arabic might seem a bit scary at first because of the language difference. Living in the West Bank or Gaza for a few months might sound like a big adventure. Even though not speaking Arabic can make things confusing and hard sometimes, it’s cool to know that the Palestinian people are strong and friendly. They’re open to visitors and super welcoming, so even if you don’t speak their language, you can still make good friends and go through Palestinian daily life together.
Sure, not knowing Arabic might make some things tricky, but don’t let that stop you from having an awesome time in Palestine. You can connect with local Palestinian using gestures and just being kind, which is like a language everyone understands. Also, in many places, like cities and tourist spots, lots of Palestinians know English.
You don’t need to know Arabic before you travel to Palestine.
You don’t need to know Arabic before coming to Palestine. Many students, interns, and volunteers arrive at Study in Palestine without any previous knowledge of Arabic. Some, like me, have only studied it for a few weeks before the trip, while others come with years of training and can have conversations in Arabic with Palestinians. Even though the final group might find some things easier, all three groups usually have positive experiences here in Palestine.
You will be fine with English
You’ll be just fine with English at Study in Palestine. Whether you’re working or studying, the staff here have decent English skills. While they might speak to you in Arabic to help you practice if you understand, English is always an option.
Many Palestinian students speak English
When it comes to teaching English to Palestinian students, it’s absolutely fine not to know Arabic. If you’re teaching beginner or intermediate classes, the Palestinian students usually understand enough English to get your instructions and explanations, even though you might need to go slow and repeat things a few times—it’s good practice for them.
In starter English classes, the students might find it a bit challenging to understand you, but there’s usually a translator available or a co-teacher who knows enough Arabic to help bridge the gaps.
Customized Arabic lessons in Palestine
Enjoying personalized Arabic lessons in Palestine is easy with the Study in Palestine. Our skilled Arabic Palestinian teachers cater to all levels, providing either private sessions or pairing you with a classmate of similar proficiency. We also offer Arabic lessons for our international students, enhancing their integration into Palestinian daily life and culture.
Getting around Hebron
Navigating through Hebron and other parts of Palestine might pose some challenges without knowing Arabic. However, these challenges are quite manageable. Almost all Palestinians are familiar with a few basic English words and phrases, such as numbers and greetings.
While not everyone is fluent, many have a good grasp of English, which is taught in schools from an early age. If you ever find yourself lost or confused, not every Palestinian may be able to assist you, but you can almost always locate at least one person nearby who can lend a helping hand.
Study some Arabic before coming to Palestine
Considering everything, it’s definitely a good idea to study some Arabic before your trip to Palestine. If you familiarize yourself with the alphabet, basic greetings, numbers, and introductions beforehand, your experience here will be a bit smoother, giving you a head start in your Arabic lessons in Palestine.
Final Remarks
In conclusion, don’t let the fear of not knowing Arabic keep you from joining Study in Palestine. Many other interns and volunteers share the same situation, and your lack of Arabic skills won’t hinder you from having a rewarding and enjoyable experience. Embrace the opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture, connect with the warm and welcoming Palestinian community, and discover the richness of daily life in this vibrant region.
Remember that Study in Palestine is there to support you every step of the way. The inclusive environment, coupled with the openness of the Palestinian local community, ensures that you can thrive and make the most of your time, regardless of your proficiency in Arabic. So, pack your bags, bring your enthusiasm, and get ready for a meaningful journey in Palestine!
Find us online
Whatsapp:+972 599 479 880
Website: https://ecpalestine.org/
EC Website: https://excellencenter.org/
Volunteer in Palestine: https://volunteerinpalestine.org/
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