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 to the Levant and 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. We can readily cater to your preferences if you’re seeking a short or extended intensive Levantine Arabic course in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, the West Bank, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, or the Middle East. 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 rapidly learn Levantine (Ammiyya) Arabic through full language and cultural immersion. Our intensive Levantine Arabic classes take place in the city of Hebron, where you will experience Palestinian culture and get insight into Middle Eastern politics and daily life. You will practice the language daily with local Palestinians and other students at the center.
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Levantine Arabic Courses
The Levantine Arabic courses at the Center focus on daily conversational skills, teaching idioms and phrases of the dialect. In this intensive program, students learn to write and speak using Levantine phonetics, enhancing their reading and listening comprehension.
The Center offers Levantine Arabic courses in four levels: Beginner, Elementary, Intermediate, and Advanced. Each level is available in intensive or non-intensive formats, with varying instructional hours and cultural immersion. Study in Palestine provides these programs year-round with no official application deadlines, allowing you to start your Levantine journey whenever you choose.
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 uses immersion methodology to help students quickly build their Arabic skills. Participants often report surprising progress in their spoken Arabic skills by using the language in daily life alongside formal studies.
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
Study in Palestine offers summer Arabic programs from June to August, focusing on Intensive Levantine Colloquial Arabic. Ideal for students on break or extended visitors, these immersion courses feature 4-6 hours of classes daily for enhanced language learning. These summer Arabic immersion programs combine a language focus with full learning and engagement in Palestinian culture, politics, and history.
Our Summer intensive Levantine Arabic courses include 4-6 hours of Arabic classes per day, which gives students more time for Arabic language immersion. These summer Arabic immersion programs combine a language focus with full learning and engagement in Palestinian culture, politics, and history.
Winter Intensive Arabic Programs
Study in Palestine offers winter-intensive Levantine Colloquial Arabic courses for students looking to improve their Arabic during the winter break. Our December and January sessions provide an accredited study-abroad experience over four weeks.
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’s diverse peoples and cultures stem from its location in the Fertile Crescent, the cradle of civilization. This region, connecting Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, has been shaped by various civilizations and empires, including the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans, leaving a lasting influence today.
What is Levantine Arabic?
Levantine, or Shami, is one of the two main Arabic dialects, alongside Egyptian. It has around 44 million native speakers in the Levant and the Arab diaspora. Levantine Arabic is widely taught to non-native speakers and is generally understood in other Arabic-speaking regions.
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.
North Levantine Arabic, or Syro-Lebanese Arabic, is spoken in northern Levant regions like Lebanon, parts of Turkey (Adana, Hatay, Mersin), and northern Syria near Aleppo and Damascus. Southern Levantine Arabic is spoken in Palestine, most of Jordan, and southern Syria, especially in the Hauran.
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 vernaculars spoken across the Arab world in everyday situations. It is the primary language for most Arabs, with Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) learned later in school. Unlike MSA, Ammiyya has less rigid grammar and word order, often incorporating Farsi and Turkish terms influenced by Ottoman rule.
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?
Learning Levantine Arabic offers numerous benefits. It is one of the two main spoken dialects, with around 44 million native speakers. Mastering this dialect opens up opportunities to connect with the people, politics, histories, and cultures of the Arabic-speaking world.
Studying Levantine Arabic allows individuals to connect with a diverse and influential region. This dialect provides opportunities to engage with Arabic-speaking communities worldwide, including those in their own local areas, regardless of their motivations—be it travel, business, or personal interest.
Benefits of Studying Levantine Arabic
- Gain access to one of the most widely understood dialects, spoken by around 38 million people
- Be able to travel throughout the Levant easily
- 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-course levels in both intensive and non-intensive formats, catering to various language needs. Designed by Study in Palestine, the program immerses students in the Arabic language and culture, setting them up for a lifelong language learning journey.
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 is 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 for students without prior Arabic experience. It covers the Arabic alphabet, writing systems, basic grammar, phonetics, and common vocabulary and phrases, providing a strong foundation for exploring the Levant.
Elementary
The Elementary Levantine intensive Arabic course builds on previous foundational skills, introducing new vocabulary and more complex grammar. It includes regular reading, writing, and speaking exercises. Upon completion, students will be able to converse, read, and write about basic topics like shopping, directions, and preferences.
Intermediate
The Levantine intensive Colloquial Arabic intermediate course offers a more immersive curriculum. It involves interactions with native speakers in the Palestinian community of Hebron. Students will engage in everyday tasks, such as shopping at a market, ordering in a restaurant, and discussing various topics.
In class, Arabic students will explore topics like culture, art, and politics and learn the vocabulary necessary for informed conversations.
Advanced
The advanced Levantine Colloquial Arabic course will build on previous curriculums, maintaining an immersive Intermediate level while adding complex reading, writing, and speaking components. Students will also conduct community research on various topics in Hebron.
By using various methods and materials, students will gain a solid understanding and grammatical competency in Levantine Arabic. Upon completing the course, they will be able to express their thoughts on complex topics like politics, history, and the arts of Palestine.
What is the Difference Between the Paces?
Our Arabic Language School offers intensive Levantine Arabic courses at different levels and intensities, affecting lesson frequency, immersion, and out-of-classwork.
- Non-intensive Levantine Arabic classes consist of 12 hours per week, meeting three days for 3 hours daily. This format allows for in-class immersion while exploring the city of Hebron. Students seeking a long-term program (1 to 3 months) should enroll in a non-intensive Arabic course.
- The intense Levantine Arabic course immerses you in the language and culture with 20 hours of instruction per week, featuring about 4 hours of teaching each day for 5 days. It includes additional homework and out-of-class assignments.
- The super-intense Levantine Arabic program is the third and final level for those seeking a fully immersive, high-intensity classroom experience. It consists of 30 lessons per week, with 5 hours of teaching each day, 5 days a week. Due to the increased study load, this format is typically recommended for students in short-term Arabic programs (1–4 weeks).
Which Course is for Me?
If you’re unsure which intensive Levantine Arabic course to choose, Study in Palestine offers a free placement test to assess your speaking, reading, writing, and listening skills.
We’re happy to consult on the level or intensity of the Arabic immersion program. Our contact info, Facebook page, and other social media links are at the bottom of this page.
Qualified Teachers
Studying in Palestine takes pride in its faculty, which consists of all native Levantine Arabic speakers. Many of them hold degrees in areas such as Teaching Arabic to Non-native Speakers, Arabic cultural studies, and 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
Since 2011, Study in Palestine has welcomed individuals globally. While we enhance our programs for optimal learning experiences, our core mission is to connect, teach, and develop individuals in 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:
- +850 Reviews and ratings (95%) on Gooverseas.com
- +150 Reviews and ratings (91%) on Goabroad.com
- Participants’ video testimonials
Live with a Palestinian Family
Arabic students in Hebron can stay with a Palestinian host family, which will immerse them in Levantine Arabic and Palestinian culture. They’ll participate in family activities, attend cultural events, and experience daily life in Hebron.
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?
Study in Palestine does not discriminate based on nationality, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or any other criteria. We have a longstanding tradition of welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds and identities. All are welcome!
Previous participants of the 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 be aged 18-70, though exceptions may be granted with special permission from the Center’s director.
Prospective Arabic students should have a basic knowledge of English and/or Arabic, as these are the main languages used in the immersion program. We also expect participants to have a positive attitude, an open mind, and a willingness 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
Join Study in Palestine’s Levantine Arabic Intensive Program for a deep dive into spoken Levantine Arabic (Shami or Ammiyya). Explore Palestinian history and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of a West Bank city with this tailored Arabic experience!
Experience more than just Arabic language learning. As a student, you’ll formally study Levantine Arabic while connecting with a welcoming Palestinian host family, gaining invaluable cultural insights and linguistic skills through this immersive journey.
Join Study in Palestine in Hebron for dynamic language classes and enriching cultural exchange with your host family, all contributing to a holistic learning experience.
Our Levantine Arabic Intensive Program offers language skills and cultural enrichment that lasts well beyond the program. We look forward to welcoming you and supporting your journey 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.
Write “Intensive Levantine Arabic Course ” in your email’s subject line. ” We will reply with an application form attached. Please fill this out and return it to us to begin enrollment.
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