The Intensive Levantine Arabic Program offered by Study Levantine Arabic is a unique opportunity for anyone looking to expand their spoken Arabic to include the Levantine dialect. With courses taking place in the vibrant city of Hebron, Palestine, the program is also a fantastic way to travel through the Levant while immersing yourself in Levantine culture, history, and politics.
Fortunately for those looking to study Arabic with us, our location is in the West Bank of Palestine, directly in the heart of the Levant. Therefore, our courses provide the perfect environment for immersion and mastery of the Levantine dialect. Moreover, as one of the most widely spoken Arabic dialects, mastering Levantine Arabic not only opens the doors to Palestine but is the ultimate gateway to the Arabic-speaking world.
With a focus on colloquial language and practical communication in our courses, students quickly gain proficiency in the real-world communication used in everyday life. In addition to improving reading and listening comprehension, our courses teach students to write and speak using Levantine phonetics.
Courses at all levels address a variety of topics designed to expand students’ conversational abilities. Course content is designed to be directly applicable in everyday interactions within the city of Hebron. The courses at Study Levantine Arabic provide an immersive learning experience. Moreover, students have the possibility of staying with a host family, providing even more opportunities for Arabic immersion.
Our Intensive Levantine Arabic classes are available throughout the year, ranging from one-week intensive courses to three-month (13-week) programs. Are you seeking a short- or long-term intensive Arabic course near Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, the West Bank, Israel, or the broader Middle East? Or are you interested in immersing yourself in a complete cultural experience? We can then readily accommodate your needs. You have the freedom to select the timing and level of study that aligns with your language proficiency, learning preferences, and any other specific requirements.
Intensive Arabic Courses In Palestine In 2025/2026
Study Levantine Arabic is now accepting applications for its 2025/2026 Study Arabic in Palestine Programs, including Intensive Palestinian Arabic Language Courses, Modern Standard Arabic lessons, Shami Summer Arabic Study Programs in the West Bank, and Winter Levantine Arabic Programs. We look forward to welcoming you to these exciting opportunities in 2025/2026!
Table of Contents
What is the Levant and Levantine Arabic?
The Levant is a region located in the eastern Mediterranean, encompassing the Middle East. Typically, the countries included in this region are Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and the Palestinian territories. However, broader definitions can consist of Cyprus, Turkey, Egypt, and a small portion of Iraq. The population of the Levant totals about 44.5 million people. This population has a rich diversity of cultures and ethnicities, including Arabic, Aramaic, Armenian, Assyrian, Circassian, Domari, Greek, Hebrew, Kurdish, Turkish, and many others!
The Muslim conquest of the Levant in 634 CE brought Arabic to the region. Since then, it has been the predominantly spoken language of the region. In the 1,400 years since then, generations of Arabic speakers have gradually developed a regional dialect, known as Shami (another name for Levantine Arabic). Although Shami is distinct from other Arabic dialects, it is still closely related to Classical Arabic, known as Fus-ha. Approximately 50% of its vocabulary corresponds directly to Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), making it one of the most recognizable Arabic dialects. Today, Levantine Arabic has two distinct dialects:
Northern Levantine
Also known as Syro-Lebanese Arabic, Northern Levantine Arabic is spoken in the northern countries of the Levant. This includes Lebanon, as well as specific territories such as Turkey’s coastal regions of Adana, Hatay, and Mersin, and the regions of Syria bordering Aleppo, Damascus, and the Mediterranean.
Southern Levantine
This Levantine dialect is spoken in Palestine, across most of Jordan, as well as Syria’s southern region, particularly in the Hauran. Thus, Southern Levantine is the primary dialect spoken in Hebron and its immediate surroundings.
There is also a colloquial form of Arabic known as ‘Ammiyya. ‘Ammiyya refers to the regional vernaculars spoken in everyday life across the Arab world. In fact, ‘Ammiyya is the first language of every Arab. Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), the written standardized form of Arabic, is first acquired later in school. Unlike MSA, ‘Ammiyya does not adhere to strict grammar rules and word order.
What is the Difference Between Levantine Arabic and Ammiyya Arabic?
People often use Levantine Arabic and Ammiyya Arabic interchangeably to refer to the same dialect. However, it is essential to understand their distinctions. “Ammiyya Arabic” is a broader term that encompasses various spoken dialects across different regions of the Arab world. On the other hand, “Levantine Arabic” refers explicitly to the dialects spoken in the Levant region.
A subset of Ammiyya Arabic, Levantine Arabic has unique features which set it apart from other Arabic dialects.
Why Learn Levantine Arabic?
With an estimated 38 million native speakers throughout the Levant and the Arab diaspora, Shami is now one of two dominant dialects of Arabic worldwide, the other being Egyptian. Therefore, by learning this dialect, students will be able to engage with the people, politics, histories, and cultures of the Levant and the greater Arabic-speaking world.
Due to its geopolitical importance and rich historical inheritance, Levantine Arabic is key to engaging with the history, literature, and religion of the Levant. The modern significance of the region makes learning this dialect vital for those wishing to engage with politics, human rights, and economics.
Additionally, learning Levantine Arabic will connect you to one of the most diverse and influential regions of the world. Whether you are interested in the Levant or Middle East for travel, business, family roots, or simply curiosity, mastering the Levantine dialect enables you to interact with Arabic speakers across the Middle East and Arabic diaspora – including those in your community at home.
Qualified Teachers
Study Levantine Arabic prides itself on its faculty and staff, who are all native speakers of Levantine Arabic. Many of our teachers hold degrees in fields related to teaching Arabic to non-native speakers, teaching Arabic as a Second Language, Arabic cultural studies, Arabic Literary Studies, and other relevant areas.
Our flexible and experienced teachers are ready to build an Arabic course tailored to your needs. Essential to our intensive Arabic language courses is participation in lively class conversations. We limit class sizes to five students, thus leaving ample opportunity for active participation and personalized attention from our teachers.
How Are Classes Conducted?
Study Levantine Arabic offers Arabic classes that are second to none, creating a completely immersive experience for our participants. Study Levantine Arabic can provide this due in part to its prime location in the bustling center of Hebron. This allows participants to intimately engage with the Arabic language daily.
These Arabic courses ensure students quickly build their Arabic skills. Our courses use an immersion methodology of language acquisition. This means that material learned in the classroom is reinforced by its use in daily life. Students have two options in terms of class style: one-on-one or small groups.
1. One-on-one
In one-on-one lessons, students receive private lessons with one of our qualified Arabic teachers. These courses offer a fully personalized approach, ensuring the student will have the instructor’s full attention.
2. Small groups
These courses typically have 2 or 3 students, but can accommodate up to 5. Although one-on-one classes provide individualized attention, small groups allow for structured interaction with peers at similar language proficiency levels, fostering collective linguistic growth. Students will have the opportunity to practice their Arabic together, collaborate on group projects, enjoy class excursions, and more.
Are the Courses Taught in English?
The short answer is yes. We tailor all our Intensive Levantine Arabic courses specifically for English speakers. However, for the sake of immersion, we minimize the use of English in the classroom as the course level increases.
Please also keep in mind that while the Study Levantine Arabic’s center caters to English speakers and communicates in English, the city of Hebron predominantly speaks Arabic. Therefore, when navigating through Hebron, students will need to utilize their Arabic skills to the best of their ability, thereby creating a fully immersive experience.
Arabic Course Levels
Beginner Levantine Arabic Program
This course is designed for students with no prior experience in the Arabic language. This course introduces students to fundamental concepts, including the Arabic alphabet, writing systems, grammar basics, phonetics, and common vocabulary.
Elementary Levantine Arabic Program
This course builds upon the foundational Arabic language knowledge of students, continuing where the previous course left off. It introduces new vocabulary and slightly more complex grammatical rules, alongside regular reading, writing, and speaking exercises. Upon completing this course, students will be able to converse, read, and write about elementary subjects, including shopping, asking for directions, and expressing preferences.
Intermediate Levantine Arabic Program
The intermediate course offers a more immersive curriculum than the previous levels. Students will venture into the Palestinian community in Hebron to communicate with native speakers and complete everyday tasks. Instructors may instruct students to purchase items from a Palestinian market, order from a restaurant, discuss preferences about a certain topic, or engage in other colloquial activities.
Advanced Levantine Arabic Program
The advanced course maintains an immersive classroom environment while also introducing complex reading, writing, and spoken language materials. Students will conduct research in the Hebron community on various subjects. By combining all these methods, students will establish a solid understanding of Levantine Arabic. Upon completing this course, students will be able to articulate their thoughts and opinions on complex topics, including politics, history, the environment, and Palestinian art.
Available Levantine Arabic Courses
| Super Intensive Levantine (Ammiya) Arabic | Intensive course for beginners in Levantine Colloquial Arabic |
| Summer Levantine Arabic Programs | Virtual course for studying Levantine Dialect Arabic online |
| Private Levantine Colloquial Arabic Lessons | One-on-one lessons for learning Colloquial Levantine Arabic |
| Online Levantine Colloquial (Ammiya) Course | Various course levels are available for learning Arabic |
Arabic Course Intensity Options
Non-Intensive
This Levantine Arabic course load would mean students spend approximately 12 hours per week in Arabic classes. We recommend that students who are interested in a long-term program of 2-3 months in duration enroll in a non-intensive course. This will provide you with ample in-class instruction while still leaving time to explore the city of Hebron and immerse yourself in Palestinian culture.
Intensive
This Levantine Arabic course load would require students to spend approximately 20 hours per week in Arabic classes, in addition to assigned homework and extracurricular activities. Intensive courses are recommended for individuals seeking to study for one month or less.
Super Intensive
This Levantine Arabic course load can include up to 30 hours of in-class Arabic lessons per week. This level of intensity is suitable for those seeking a challenge or looking to improve their Arabic proficiency rapidly. However, this course may be an overwhelming study load for some and does not account for time to participate in extracurricular activities. That being said, there is no doubt that you will leave Palestine with a more advanced knowledge of Arabic after completing this course.
Which Course is for Me?
If you are having difficulty deciding on which course to enroll in, Study Levantine Arabic offers a free placement test. This will evaluate your 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 course levels or intensity. Our contact information is located at the bottom of this page, along with links to our Facebook page and other social media platforms.
Levantine Arabic Program Information Overview
| Levantine 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 | 5 students | 5 students | 5 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 (Confirm Prices Here) | €450 (Confirm Prices Here) | €370 (Confirm Prices Here) |
| University Credit | Available | Available | Available |
Start and End Dates
Studying Arabic with Study Levantine Arabic is available year-round and has no official application deadlines. Therefore, when you decide to start your Levantine journey, it is up to you! Students may choose their starting and end dates however they see fit, up to a three-month stay.
However, particularly for students, our Summer Semester, offered from June to Augus,t is especially popular. This is ideal for students on summer break who are interested in studying Arabic, seeking academic credit, or preparing for a summer internship in the Levant. Our summer Arabic courses are also ideal for anyone looking to begin studying or improve their Arabic skills with real-world experience.
Student Requirements
Study Levantine Arabic does not discriminate on any basis. This includes nationality, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or any other discernible means. There are only 3 main criteria for participants:
● Students should be between 18 and 70 years of age. The director of Study Levantine Arabic may waive this age restriction if special permission is requested.
● We require all prospective students to have a working knowledge of English and/or Arabic, as 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.
Reviews and Awards
Study Levantine Arabic has been honored with several prestigious Community Awards and recognized as the Best Language School and Top Volunteer and Internship Program Provider for 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024. For more details, please visit our profiles on GoOverseas.com and GoAbroad.com.
- +880 reviews (96.8%) on gooverseas.com
- +190 reviews (93%) on goabroad.com
- Participants’ video testimonials
Conclusion
For anyone wishing to learn spoken Levantine Arabic (Shami), expand their knowledge of Palestinian or Levantine history and culture, and live in a dynamic and bustling city in the West Bank, Study Levantine Arabic’s Intensive Levantine Arabic program is for you! Our programs offer an unmatched opportunity to become immersed in Levantine culture and master the Levantine dialect.
Arabic immersion programs at Study Levantine Arabic emphasize the colloquial language, giving students the knowledge and confidence to tackle everyday tasks. With students residing in the heart of the Levant, potentially with a host family, and engaging in daily life, our programs combine classroom knowledge with real-world practice. Through regular excursions to Hebron and the West Bank, students will gain firsthand experience of the culture and customs of Palestine. By integrating individualized teaching and cultural immersion, our Intensive Levantine Arabic program promises to be a transformative experience.
From all of us at Study Levantine Arabic, we would be delighted to have you as part of our family here in Hebron. Apply today and begin your linguistic journey!
How to Apply
If you are interested in participating in our Study Levantine Arabic Program, please contact us at Info@ecpalestine.org.
When sending your email, please use the subject line “Study Levantine Colloquial Arabic.” We will promptly reply to your email with an application form attached.
Find Us Online
Do you have questions about our work? Contact us:
Email: info@ecpalestine.org
WhatsApp: +972 599 479 880
EC Website: https://excellencenter.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/excellence.center
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ExcellenceCenter
Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsQSLdFZWZcBm6Uj0XMYuKg