Study in Palestine provides special intensive Levantine Arabic courses for those who want to improve their spoken Arabic, specifically the Levantine dialect (Shami or Ammiyya Arabic). This learning opportunity allows you to travel in the Levant, experience the culture, history, and politics firsthand. Our Arabic courses, taught by qualified Palestinian teachers and professors, include super-intensive, intensive, and non-intensive Arabic immersion language courses, summer Arabic programs, as well as Levantine (Ammiyya), Palestinian colloquial Arabic, Modern Standard Arabic, and online Arabic courses.
Our Intensive Levantine Arabic programs run year-round, from one week to three months (13 weeks), covering Summer, Winter, Fall, and Spring. Whether you’re seeking a short or extended intensive Levantine Arabic course in locations like Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, the West Bank, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, or the Middle East, we can readily cater to your preferences. You have the freedom to select the study duration, timings, and level that best fit your needs, Arabic language proficiency, learning preferences, and any other specific preferences you may have.
Our immersive Arabic language programs in the West Bank, Palestine enable students to learn Levantine (Ammiyya) Arabic rapidly through full language and cultural immersion. Our intensive Levantine Arabic classes take place in the city of Hebron, where you will live the Palestinian culture, get insight into Middle Eastern politics and daily life. You will practice the language daily with local Palestinians and other students at the center.
Levantine Arabic Courses
The spoken Levantine Arabic (Shami Arabic) courses offered by the Center focus on daily colloquial tasks, meaning students will learn the idioms and everyday phrases associated with the Levantine dialect. During this Levantine Arabic Intensive program, students will learn how to write and speak using Levantine phonetics, in addition to improving their reading and listening comprehension.
The Center provides intensive Levantine Arabic courses at four difficulty levels: Beginner, Elementary, Intermediate, and Advanced. Each course level is available in either an intensive (super intensive also) or non-intensive format, varying in the number of weekly instructional hours and the structure of immersion into Arabic culture. Study in Palestine offers these intensive Levantine Arabic programs year-round with no official application deadlines; the choice of when to commence your Levantine journey is entirely yours.
Intensive Arabic Language Course
Study in Palestine is ready to provide international students with unparalleled intensive Arabic language courses, offering a fully immersive experience. The Center achieves this, in part, because of its prime location in the bustling center of Hebron, enabling participants to engage intimately with the Arabic language on a daily basis.
This Levantine dialect Learning program ensures students rapidly build their Arabic skills by employing the immersion methodology of language acquisition. This approach means that their formal studies receive reinforcement through the use of the language in their daily life outside the classroom. Participants often express surprise at the swift development of their language skills when they use spoken Arabic on a near-constant basis.
Residing in Hebron also allows for ample opportunity to travel to other parts of Palestine, as traveling to Palestine likewise allows for easy access to other parts of the Levant; the countries, cities and landmarks of this region, both natural and historical, are open for you to explore!
Summer Intensive Arabic programs
For students interested in studying Intensive Levantine Colloquial Arabic through the summer, Study in Palestine offers Arabic programs from June to August. These Levantine Arabic immersion courses are ideal for students on a summer break or for individuals looking to study on an extended visit.
Our Summer intensive Levantine Arabic courses include 4-6 hours of Arabic classes per day, which give students more time with the Arabic language immersion element.These summer Arabic immersion programs combine a language focus with full learning and engagement in Palestinian culture, politics and history.
Winter Intensive Arabic Programs
While summer study abroad programs are indeed more popular, Study in Palestine also offers Winter Intensive Levantine Colloquial Arabic courses. Students who wish to improve their Arabic through an accredited study abroad experience for four weeks during the winter break will find that our December and January sessions fit the bill perfectly.
What is the Levant and Levantine Arabic?
The Levant is a region of the Middle East associated with the Eastern Mediterranean. Typically the countries included in this region are Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and Palestine, though broader definitions may also include Cyprus, Turkey, Egypt and a small portion of Iraq. The population of the Levant totals about 44.5 million people, with a rich diversity of cultures and ethnicities. These ethnicities include Arabic, Aramaic, Armenian, Assyrian, Circassian, Domari, Greek, Hebrew, Kurdish, Turkish and many others!
The Levant has been able to foster such a diverse group of peoples and cultures because of its location in the literal cradle of civilization known as the Fertile Crescent. This positioning on the globe – which also connects Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa – has made this region the original melting pot, influenced throughout history by a myriad of civilizations and empires including the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans. These histories remain influential even today.
What is Levantine Arabic?
Levantine, also commonly referred to as Shami, since the Arabic word for the Levant is Sham, constitutes one of the two dominant dialects of Arabic in the world, the other being Egyptian. With an estimated 44 million native speakers throughout the Levant and the Arab diaspora, Levantine Arabic stands out as one of the most widely spoken dialects. People commonly teach it to non-native speakers, and it generally finds understanding in other Arabic-speaking countries.
In addition to the Palestinian spoken dialect, Levantine Arabic is the closest dialect to Modern Standard Arabic (MSA); approximately 50% of its vocabulary corresponds directly to Standard Arabic, making it one of the most recognizable dialects.
What are the Levantine Subdialects?
The subdialects of Levantine Arabic (Shami or Ammiyya Arabic ) are predominantly divided into two main subgroups: Northern and Southern Levantine.
Also known as Syro-Lebanese Arabic, North Levantine Arabic is spoken in the northern countries of the Levant such as Lebanon, in specific territories such as Turkey’s coastal regions of Adana, Hatay and Mersin, and in the regions of Syria bordering Aleppo, Damascus and the Mediterranean.
Southern Levantine Arabic is the other subdialect, and is spoken in Palestine and across most of Jordan. It is also spoken in Syria’s southern region, particularly in the Hauran.
Colloquial Arabic or ‘Ammiyya’
‘Ammiyya refers to the regional varieties or vernaculars across the Arab world used for everyday speaking situations. In fact ‘Ammiyya or Darija is the first language of every Arab, as they later acquire Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) in school.
Unlike MSA, ‘Ammiyya does not adhere to the strict rules of grammar and word order and often loses other structured linguistic features. ‘Ammiyya uses many Farsi and Turkish terms in the Arab countries that were under the Ottoman rule.
Why Learn Levantine Arabic?
The reasons for learning Levantine (Shami Arabic) are multifaceted and wide-ranging. As one of two dominant spoken dialects, Levantine Arabic has approximately 44 million native speakers worldwide. By learning this dialect, students will have numerous opportunities to engage with the people, politics, histories and cultures of the Arabic-speaking world.
Furthermore, whether motivated by travel, recreation, business, personal interest, family lineage, or simple curiosity, individuals studying Levantine Arabic will connect with one of the most diverse and influential regions in the world. Through studying this Arabic dialect, students will get the opportunity to interact with individuals and communities across Arabic-speaking countries and the Arab diaspora, including those situated in their own communities back home!
Benefits of Studying Levantine Arabic
- Gain access to one of the most widely understood dialects, spoken by around 38 million people
- Be able to easily travel throughout the Levant
- Learn more about Levantine history and culture through language
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 |
Specific Course Information
The Study Levantine Intensive Arabic Program offers four distinct course levels, with course loads available in either intensive or non-intensive formats for each. The range of Levantine Arabic courses aims to provide students with maximum learning options, tailored to fit their specific language needs.
Study in Palestine designs each Levantine intensive program to immerse students in Arabic language and culture, preparing them for the lifelong process of learning another language!
Below you will find the list of Levantine Arabic courses available in this program.
| Super intensive Levantine (Ammiya) Arabic | Beginner Levantine Colloquial Arabic lessons |
| Summer Levantine Arabic Programs | Intermediate to advanced Intensive Levantine Courses |
| Private Levantine Colloquial Arabic lessons | An elementary level course in Levantine Arabic |
| Online Levantine Colloquial (Ammiya) course | Ammiya Arabic Courses (Levantine Dialect) |
Arabic Course Levels on Offer:
Beginner
The Beginner intensive Levantine Colloquial Arabic 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 course will create a strong linguistic foundation from which students may leap into the diverse, complex and ever-expanding world of the Levant.
Elementary
The Elementary Levantine intensive Arabic course is intended to continue where the previous course left off, building on student’s 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.
Intermediate
The Levantine intensive Colloquial Arabic intermediate course will introduce students to a more immersive curriculum than the previous levels; this will entail venturing into the Palestinian community of Hebron in order to communicate with native speakers and complete everyday tasks. For example, students may be instructed to purchase items from a Palestinian market, order from a restaurant, discuss preferences about a certain topic or other colloquial activities.
Arabic Students will also be introduced to subjects in class which 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.
Advanced
The advanced intensive Levantine Colloquial Arabic course will combine elements from the previous course’s curriculums, 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 establish a firm understanding of, and gain a grammatical competency in 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?
Our Arabic Language School provides intensive Levantine Arabic courses at various levels, each offered in a range of intensities. These variations influence the frequency of lessons, the level of immersion, and the amount of out-of-classroom coursework involved:
- Non-intensive Levantine Arabic classes meet for a total of 12 hours each week, with 3 hours of study per day, three days per week. This intensity is intended to provide you with ample in-class immersion while also allowing you to thoroughly explore the city of Hebron. Students interested in a long-term program (anything from 1 to 3 months) should enroll in a non-intensive Arabic course.
- Following that, the intense Levantine Arabic course is meant to further immerse you in the Arabic language and culture; these sessions are 20 hours per week, with around 4 hours of Arabic language teaching per day, 5 days per week. Intensive Arabic courses will also include extra homework and out-of-class assignments.
- The super intense Levantine Arabic program, the third and final course level, is for people who seek a totally immersed, high intensity classroom-oriented experience. These courses offer a total of 30 hours Arabic lessons per week, with 5 hours of language teaching per day, 5 days per week. We normally propose super intense courses to students enrolled in short-term Arabic programs because of the increased study load, (1 – 4 weeks).
Which Course is for Me?
If you are having difficulty deciding on which intensive levantine Arabic course to enroll in, Study in Palestine offers a free placement test to evaluate student’s Arabic language skills in 4 crucial areas: speaking, reading, writing and listening.
We are always happy to consult with you if you have any questions regarding Arabic immersion program levels or intensity. Our contact information can be found at the bottom of this page, along with our Facebook page and other social media platforms.
Qualified Teachers
Study in Palestine prides itself on its faculty and staff, all of whom are native Levantine Arabic speakers. In addition, many of our teachers have degrees in related fields such as Teaching Arabic to Non-native Speakers, Teaching Arabic as a Second Language, Arabic Cultural Studies, Arabic Literary Studies and many more.
Do the Courses Use English as the Medium of Instruction?
In short, yes, all our intensive Levantine Arabic courses cater to English speakers. However, it’s essential to note that, for the sake of immersion, the higher the course level, the less English will be employed in the classroom.
Additionally, when navigating through Hebron, Arabic students will need to use their Arabic skills and rely on their abilities to create a fully immersive experience.
| Colloquial Levantine Arabic Courses | Super-Intensive Program | Intensive Program | Non-Intensive Program |
| Program Duration | 1-12 weeks | 1-12 weeks | 1-12 weeks |
| Lessons Per Month | 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 | 700€ | 450€ | 370€ |
| University Credit | Available | Available | Available |
General Information Regarding Courses
Additional Pertinent Information
- 30€ one-time registration fee
- No charge for study materials including books
- Free placement test
- Certificate of completion
- Monthly program fee covers:
- Arabic courses
- Breakfast
- Housing
- Center-led excursions in Hebron
- Operational costs
- Examples of visits may include the old city of Hebron, glass and ceramic factories, local companies, refugee camps and public parks as well as local universities such as the Palestine Polytechnic University and Hebron University
Great Reviews and Community Awards
Study in Palestine has been welcoming individuals from all over the world since 2011. While we continuously develop our programs to provide the best possible learning experience, our fundamental mission remains the same: to connect, teach and develop individuals within the local and international community.
We continue to strive towards “excellence”: 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. The Excellence Center was also 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 for offering volunteer opportunities. We received the community choice award from Go Overseas in the category of “best language school”, and were also voted best for “fun” and “instruction.”
In 2019, we received our first “Go Overseas Community Choice Award” in acknowledgement of Study in Palestine’s impact on the community of world travellers. Study in Palestine continues to be highly rated by travel organizations across its range of programs. Check out our many great reviews here:
- +730 Reviews and ratings (95%) on Gooverseas.com
- +150 Reviews and ratings (91%) on Goabroad.com
- Participants’ video testimonials
Live with a Palestinian Family
During their time in Hebron, Arabic students will have the opportunity to reside with a Palestinian host family! This valuable experience will immerse students completely in Levantine Arabic, as well as providing them with a rare look into Palestinian home life and culture. Students will take part in family activities, attend Palestinian cultural events, become familiar with daily life in Hebron, and so much more!
However, homestay is only guaranteed for female students and is subject to availability for male, students, so we recommend applying to the program of your choice as early as possible to secure your place and homestay.
Who is Eligible for this Program?
As previously stated, Study in Palestine does not discriminate on any basis; this includes nationality, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation or by any other discernable means. Study in Palestine has a long history of welcoming people from around the globe, from all walks of life, and from all backgrounds and identities. All are welcome!
Previous participants with Study in Palestine have hailed from the following countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States!
Are There Any Criteria for This Program?
Participants in the Study Levantine Arabic Program must meet three main criteria. Firstly, students must be within the age range of 18-70. Exceptions to this age restriction can be considered with special permission from the Center’s director.
Additionally, prospective Arabic students must have colloquial knowledge of English and/or Arabic, as these constitute the primary languages used throughout the intensive immersion Arabic program. Lastly, we expect all participants to have a positive attitude, an open mind, and 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
Summary
Embark on a linguistic and cultural adventure with Study in Palestine’s exclusive Levantine Arabic Intensive Program. If you’re passionate about acquiring spoken Levantine Arabic (Shami or Ammiyya Arabic ), deepening your understanding of Palestinian and Levantine history, and immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of a bustling West Bank city, this Arabic program is tailor-made for you!
Our transformative and enriching experience extends beyond Arabic language learning. As an Arabic student, you’ll have the unique opportunity to formally study Levantine Arabic while enjoying the warmth and hospitality of a Palestinian host family. Imagine the cultural insights, personal connections, and linguistic proficiency you’ll gain through this immersive journey.
Study in Palestine welcomes you to join our extended family in the heart of Hebron. From dynamic language classes to the rich cultural exchange with your host family, every aspect of our program contributes to a holistic learning experience.
Our Levantine Arabic Intensive Program promises not just language acquisition but a profound cultural and personal enrichment that will stay with you long after the program concludes. We look forward to welcoming you into our community and guiding you on your path to mastering Levantine Arabic!
How to apply
To express interest in our Study Levantine intensive Arabic Program, email us at Info@ecpalestine.org. We aim to respond to your initial inquiry within 1-2 business days.
In the subject line of your email write “Intensive Levantine Arabic Course,” and we will reply with an application form attached. Please fill this out and return to us to begin the enrollment process.
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