Join our premier language program to study Palestinian Arabic at a top school in affordable, bustling Hebron. Experience the ideal atmosphere for learning the Levantine dialect spoken in Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, and Jordan.
Join our intensive Palestinian Arabic Immersion Program to learn everyday Palestinian Arabic. Connect with the Palestinian diaspora, experience the rich culture of Palestine and the Levant, and gain insight into the region’s history and current events while building meaningful relationships with the Palestinian community.
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Year-round and Range from 1-13 Weeks
Our Intensive Palestinian Arabic classes are offered year-round, from one week to three months, including all semesters. If you want a course near Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, the West Bank, Israel, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, or anywhere in the Middle East, we can tailor it to your needs. You can choose your schedule, level, and learning preferences.
What Do You Get from Studying in Palestine?
Included in your Study Palestinian Arabic Program are:
- Assistance from skilled, attentive Arabic teachers. Each one has a strong and extensive educational background
- All required books and study materials (specific to your language learning needs)
- A family atmosphere and the chance to experience the famous Palestinian hospitality
- Students, interns, volunteers, and staff members gather for a traditional Palestinian breakfast (six days a week).
- Experiencing firsthand one of the Middle East’s most politically divided and ambiguous places.
- Excursions to various sites throughout Hebron (including Palestinian refugee camps, the old city, different factories, businesses, municipal, health/educational offices, media, and more).
- Pre-departure and post-departure assistance
- Living accommodation in a shared flat or with a Palestinian host family
- A certificate upon completion
As an international student studying Arabic in Palestine, you will have many opportunities to meet Palestinian university/school students. You will also meet members of the Hebron community and local organizations.
Explore World Tourist Sights
Explore world-renowned tourist sights from a local’s point of view. This includes Bethlehem, Ramallah, Nablus, Hebron, Tulkarm, Qalqilyah, Jenin, and the Dead Sea in Jericho. During the weekends, you will also have the opportunity to travel to historic cities in Israel, such as Jerusalem, Akko, Tel Aviv, the Dead Sea, Eilat, Tiberias, Nazareth, Be’er Sheva, Ashdod, Masada, and more.
You will also have the option to travel throughout Jordan’s ancient sites in Petra, Amman, Wadi Rum, Irbid, and Aqaba. There are endless wonders to explore and discover!
Why Study Palestinian Colloquial Arabic?
Enroll in our Palestinian Arabic Language Program in the West Bank to learn the colloquial Palestinian dialect, connect deeper with the Palestinian diaspora, and immerse yourself in the unique culture of Palestine and the Levant.
Our Arabic immersion programs focused on Palestine are perfect for those exploring the region’s history and culture. You’ll better understand the current situation while building authentic connections. Whether you are a student, professional, or language enthusiast, our short-term programs can help you achieve your goals.
Palestinian Arabic For Each Level
We offer courses in Palestinian Colloquial Arabic at every level (Beginner, Elementary, Intermediate, and Advanced). At each level, we offer the option of intensive or non-intensive study/lessons. Language classes are held every day except Friday (the center is closed on Fridays).
The specific level and intensity of the Arabic program will dictate your schedule. In general, non-intensive programs have three classes per week, while intensive programs have five classes per week. Those who choose to work with the Study in Palestine as a volunteer or through a community service role will have the opportunity to have three hours of free intensive Arabic courses every week.
Great Reviews and Community Awards
Since 2011, the Excellence Center/Study in Palestine has welcomed visitors from all over the world. Even though we constantly improve our programs to deliver the best learning experience possible, our core objective remains unchanged: to connect, teach, and develop individuals and promote/encourage exchange in local and international communities.
We continue to strive towards “excellence”:
In 2022, we were rated as “one of the top three organizations worldwide in offering volunteer opportunities” AND “one of the top three language schools worldwide” by Go Overseas. We also received a total of five Go Overseas Community Choice Awards. The Excellence Center/Study in Palestine was recognized as one of the top Teach Abroad Providers for the category of “benefits” and as one of the Top Internship Abroad Providers for the categories of “growth” and “support”.
In 2021, we were named as 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” which recognized The Excellence Center’s positive effect on the global travel community.
We are a highly rated travel organization in Palestine. We are highly acclaimed throughout the world! Check out our plethora of positive feedback here:
- +850 Reviews and ratings (95%) on Gooverseas.com
- +150 Reviews and ratings (91%) on Goabroad.com
- Participants’ video testimonials
Completely Immersed Experience
The Study in Palestine program immerses students by placing them with a Palestinian host family in Hebron. This experience encourages the daily use of Arabic and offers a unique opportunity to engage with Palestinian culture and daily living firsthand.
The Study Palestinian Arabic Program is suitable for ALL—students, recent graduates, working adults, and retirees. Whether you’re looking to explore Palestine, travel the region, advance your career, or broaden your knowledge, this program is entertaining and informative.
We especially encourage university students to apply because Study in Palestine collaborates with the Palestinian Educational Authority to offer academic credit.
What Makes Palestinian Colloquial Arabic Special?
Palestinian Arabic is a distinct regional dialect native to Palestine and the wider Palestinian diaspora. With over 13 million native speakers worldwide, it is one of the most widely spoken and recognizable dialects of Arabic.
The Palestinian dialect is a sub-dialect of Levantine Arabic, which is spoken throughout the Levant region. The Levant encompasses a broad geographical area that includes Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Palestine. In broader definitions, it means Cyprus, Turkey, Egypt, and a small portion of Iraq. Situated in the Eastern Mediterranean of the Middle East, the Levant is home to a diverse population of 44.5 million people with a wide variety of cultures and ethnicities.
Variants of Palestinian Dialects
While a sub-dialect of Levantine Arabic (Shami Arabic), Palestinian Colloquial Arabic can vary considerably (even within villages). Palestinians’ regional and social backgrounds significantly impact the dialect they speak.
The three primary dialects of Palestinian Arabic are urban (Madani), rural (falahi), and bedouin. Even with these variations/sub-dialects that make up Levantine Arabic, spoken Palestinian Arabic is still easily distinguishable throughout the Arab diaspora and in all Arabic-speaking nations.
- Madani: Palestinian Urban Dialect.
The urban dialect of Palestine (Madani) is similar to the northern Levantine Arabic spoken in Lebanon and Syria. The “hamza” pronunciation of the Arabic “qaf” sound makes the urban accent most famous.
- Falahi: Palestinian Rural Dialect
Arabic spoken by farmers or peasants (fellahin) is closely related to rural dialects in Lebanon and the outer southern Levant. Male and female plural pronouns may be easily distinguished from one another.
- Bedouin: Old Palestinian Arabic
Bedouin Arabic, native to the deserts of the Middle East, is primarily found in villages in the Gaza Strip, Hebron, and Jerusalem. Its unique vocabulary and preserved interdental consonants make it easily distinguishable from other Palestinian dialects. It is the oldest dialect still spoken by Bedouins today.
Why Learn Palestinian Arabic?
Palestine has a rich and diverse culture shaped by its long history and unique geographic location at the crossroads of Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and the Mediterranean. It has been home to five major empires, and Palestinian Colloquial Arabic is widely spoken and valued.
Palestinian Arabic is culturally significant and beneficial for exploring Arabic literature or career opportunities. Its similarities with Modern Standard Arabic make it a practical choice for integrating into the Arabic-speaking community.
Learning Palestinian Arabic Has Many Advantages:
- Gain knowledge of one of the most spoken and understood Arabic dialects.
- You will be able to travel around the Levant with ease while forging genuine relationships.
- The language can help you understand significantly more about Palestine’s complex history and culture.
General Information about Palestinian Arabic
| Number of Palestinian Speakers | Approximately 13 million |
| Language Family | Afro-Asiatic > Semitic |
| Dialects | Fellahi Madani |
| Writing system | Arabic alphabet |
Specific Course Information
The Study Palestinian Arabic Program offers four-course levels, providing flexible learning options tailored to your specific language needs.
Our Intensive Palestinian Arabic Courses are designed to fully immerse students in the Arabic language and culture while preparing them for the lifelong endeavor of acquiring a second language! Below is a list of the courses offered in this program.
| Palestinian Arabic Course Level | Elementary Beginner Intermediate Advanced |
| Pace | Super Intensive Intensive Non-intensive |
| Style | Private in-person Small group Online virtual |
Palestinian Colloquial Arabic Course Levels On Offer
1. Beginner
Students with no prior knowledge of Arabic are ideal for this course. It covers the Arabic alphabet, grammar, phonetics, common vocabulary, and everyday expressions. It aims to provide a strong foundation in spoken Palestinian Arabic, starting your journey into its rich and evolving language.
2. Elementary
This Palestinian Arabic course aims to build on the student’s fundamental understanding of the Arabic language. This calls for the inclusion of new vocabulary, a mix of grammatical rules that are slightly more sophisticated, in addition to frequent reading, writing, and speaking assignments.
Students who complete this course will communicate, read, and write about everyday topics like shopping and asking for directions. It’s ideal for those who have taken beginner Arabic classes and want to focus on the Palestinian dialect.
3. Intermediate
We will offer students an intensive curriculum that includes traveling to a Palestinian neighborhood in Hebron for local interactions and daily activities. Students will purchase from a market, place restaurant orders, and share opinions. Additionally, we will cover themes like politics, art, and culture, providing students with the terminology to engaging in informed discussions.
4. Advanced
This Palestinian Arabic course, building on the Intermediate level, enhances reading, writing, and speaking skills with a focus on research topics from the Hebron community. Students will gain proficiency in Palestinian Colloquial Arabic and articulate views on complex issues such as politics, history, the environment, and Palestinian art.
What is the Difference Between Course Intensities?
All our Palestinian Arabic course levels at Language School are offered in a variety of intensities. This affects the frequency of lessons, the immersion level, and the out-of-classroom coursework.
- Non-intensive Palestinian 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 explore the city of Hebron thoroughly. Students interested in a long-term program (anything from 1 to 3 months) are recommended to enroll in a non-intensive Arabic course.
- Following that, the intense Palestinian 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-intensive Palestinian 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 of Arabic lessons per week, with 5 hours of language teaching per day (5 days per week). We normally suggest super intense courses to students enrolled in short-term Arabic programs because of the increased study load (1 – 4 weeks).
General Information Regarding Palestinian Arabic Courses
| Palestinian Arabic Courses | Super-Intensive Program | Intensive Program | Non-Intensive Program |
| Program Duration | 1-13 weeks | 1-13 weeks | 1-13 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 |
- 45-minute lesson
- Registration fee: 30€, payable at the time of registration.
- Books and booklets for study: Free
- Free placement test
- Completion certificate
- The fees include breakfast, lodging, Arabic instruction, and excursions to several institutions in Hebron. For example, trips to the historic city of Hebron may include visits to glass and ceramic manufacturers, local businesses, local municipal offices, health institutions, refugee camps, public parks, and local colleges such as Palestine Polytechnic University and Hebron University.
Summer Palestinian Arabic Programs
We offer a Summer Palestinian Arabic Language Program in Hebron, West Bank. This program runs from June to late September, allowing participants to choose when they want to join. The program starts on the 1st day of each month (June, July, August, and September) and has three 4-week sessions. This allows participants to spend up to three months studying and living in Palestine.
The Summer Palestinian Arabic Language Program offers intensive Arabic courses in the West Bank, Palestine, and the Middle East. Whether for personal, professional, or academic purposes, our super-intensive and immersive programs focus on dialects like Levantine and Palestinian colloquial Arabic, enhancing your language skills while immersing you in the local culture.
Online Palestinian Arabic Programs
We offer intensive and non-intensive online courses in Palestinian Arabic taught by certified Palestinian teachers and instructors. To learn more about these programs, follow this link: Levantine and Palestinian Arabic online lessons.
Studying Palestinian Arabic online is an excellent way to connect with the wider Palestinian diaspora and immerse yourself in the diverse culture of Palestine. With approximately 13 million speakers worldwide, Palestinian Arabic is one of the most widely spoken and recognizable dialects of Arabic.
Palestinian Arabic, a sub-dialect of Levantine Arabic, varies between villages and includes influences from rural Fellahi, Bedouin, and urban Madani tribes. Despite these variations, it remains recognizable across Arabic-speaking countries and the Arab diaspora.
Studying Palestinian Colloquial Arabic online lets you learn the dialect with qualified teachers, practice with fellow students, and progress through various levels to enhance your Arabic skills.
Which Course is for Me?
We provide a complimentary placement exam to evaluate students’ proficiency in speaking, reading, writing, and listening in Arabic. We highly recommend taking the exam if you are unsure which course to enroll in.
If you have any questions about our courses’ level of difficulty or intensity, we are more than happy to answer them. Our contact information, Facebook page, and links to our other social media pages are at the bottom of this page.
Qualified Teachers
We take pride in our team of Arabic instructors and staff, all of whom are native Palestinian Arabic speakers. Many of our instructors also hold advanced degrees in fields related to teaching Arabic to non-native speakers, including teaching Arabic as a second language, Arabic cultural studies, and Arabic literary studies, among others.
We believe this combination of native fluency and specialized expertise provides our students with a well-rounded and effective learning experience.
Are the Courses Taught in English?
The straightforward answer is yes; all our Arabic courses cater to English speakers. Nevertheless, as you progress to higher course levels, English will be used less in the classroom to encourage immersion.
Please remember that students should maximize their Arabic skills and personal abilities when navigating Hebron for a complete, immersive experience.
In Conclusion
Our Intensive Palestinian Arabic program in Hebron, Palestine, is for anyone who wishes to study spoken Palestinian Arabic, gain a deeper understanding of Palestinian history and culture, and live in the vibrant and bustling Palestinian city of Hebron, West Bank. This intensive Arabic program offers a life-changing and enlightening experience as it allows you to formally learn Ammiya Arabic while staying with a Palestinian host family
Studying in Palestine in the West Bank offers a unique opportunity for those who want to learn Arabic, connect with the wider Palestinian diaspora, and fully immerse themselves in the unique customs and culture of Palestine and the Levant. These programs are ideal for individuals who wish to better understand the current situation in Palestine, learn more about the region’s rich history and culture, and build more meaningful connections.
How To Apply
If you want to join our program, please email Info@ecpalestine.org with the subject line “Intensive Palestinian Arabic Program.”
We will respond to your initial query within one to two business days and attach an application form. To begin onboarding, please complete the form and return it to us.
Related Arabic Programs
Find us online
Whatsapp:+972 599 479 880
Website: https://ecpalestine.org/
EC Website: https://excellencenter.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/excellence.center
The Excellence Center’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ExcellenceCenter
Excellence Center’s Facebook account: https://www.facebook.com/RafatECHebron
Watch us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsQSLdFZWZcBm6Uj0XMYuKg
Visit and Explore Palestine: https://www.facebook.com/ExplorePalestine