The Intensive Syrian Arabic Program at Study Levantine Arabic School offers a unique chance to learn the Syrian dialect through full immersion in Damascus. As one of the most widely spoken Arabic dialects, mastering Syrian Arabic provides access not only to Syria but to much of the Arabic-speaking world.
Courses emphasize colloquial language and practical communication, helping students quickly gain real-world proficiency. In addition to reading and listening skills, students learn to speak and write using Syrian phonetics. All levels are available, with topics focused on daily life in Damascus. Students can also stay with host families for deeper cultural immersion.
Our Intensive Syrian Arabic classes are available throughout the year, ranging from one-week intensive courses to three-month (13-week) programs. Whether you’re looking for a short or extended stay, you can choose a schedule and level that fits your goals and experience.
Intensive Syrian Arabic Courses in 2025/2026
Study Levantine Arabic School is now accepting applications for its 2025/2026 Study Arabic in Syria Programs, including Intensive Syrian Arabic Language Courses, Modern Standard Arabic lessons, Shami Summer Arabic Study Programs in Damascus area, and Winter Syrian 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 in the eastern Mediterranean, typically including Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Palestine. Broader definitions may also include Cyprus, parts of Turkey, Egypt, and Iraq. Home to about 44.5 million people, the Levant is rich in cultural and ethnic diversity, with languages such as Arabic, Aramaic, Armenian, Assyrian, Greek, Hebrew, Kurdish, Turkish, and more.
Arabic was introduced to the Levant in 634 CE during the Muslim conquest and has since become the region’s dominant language. Over 1,400 years, this Arabic evolved into a regional dialect known as Shami or Levantine Arabic. While distinct from other dialects, it shares about 50% of its vocabulary with Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), making it one of the most widely understood spoken varieties.
Levantine Arabic Dialects:
- Northern Levantine: Spoken in Lebanon, parts of Syria (including areas near Aleppo and Damascus), and coastal regions of southern Turkey (e.g., Adana, Hatay, Mersin).
- Southern Levantine: Spoken across most of Jordan, Palestine, southern Syria, and parts of Lebanon. This includes the dialect used in and around Damascus.
What is the Difference Between Levantine Arabic and Ammiyya Arabic?
Ammiyya refers broadly to the everyday spoken Arabic dialects across the Arab world. It is the native, informal language used in conversation, unlike Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), which is learned later in school for writing and formal contexts. Ammiyya lacks the rigid grammar rules of MSA.
Levantine Arabic vs. Ammiyya Arabic
Though often used interchangeably, ‘Ammiyya Arabic is a general term for all regional spoken dialects, while Levantine Arabic is a specific variety within that umbrella. Levantine Arabic has distinct features and vocabulary shaped by the Levant’s history and culture.
Why Learn Levantine Arabic?
Spoken by an estimated 38 million people in the Levant and beyond, Levantine Arabic (Shami) is one of the two most prominent Arabic dialects, alongside Egyptian. Learning it enables deeper engagement with the region’s cultures, histories, and current affairs.
Given the Levant’s historical, political, and cultural significance, understanding this dialect is valuable for those interested in the Middle East—from travel and diplomacy to literature, religion, or social justice. It also helps connect with Arabic-speaking communities worldwide, including diaspora communities at home.
Qualified Teachers
Study Levantine Arabic School 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. With a class cap of five students, participants receive personalized instruction and ample speaking time.
Immersive Class Experience
Located in the bustling center of Damascus, our courses provide a full immersion environment where students use Arabic daily in real-life contexts—material learned in the classroom is reinforced by its use in daily life. This hands-on learning method accelerates language acquisition through either private or small group classes:
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.
Language of Instruction
While we offer support in English, our courses are conducted primarily in Arabic to maximize immersion. As students advance, English use decreases. Outside the classroom, navigating daily life in Arabic further enhances language skills.
Arabic Course Levels
Beginner Syrian 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 Syrian 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 Syrian Arabic Program
The intermediate course offers a more immersive curriculum than the previous levels. Students will venture into the Syrian community in Damascus to communicate with native speakers and complete everyday tasks. Instructors may instruct students to purchase items from a Syrian market, order from a restaurant, discuss preferences about a certain topic, or engage in other colloquial activities.
Advanced Syrian 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 Damascus community on various subjects. By combining all these methods, students will establish a solid understanding of Syrian Arabic. Upon completing this course, students will be able to articulate their thoughts and opinions on complex topics, including politics, history, the environment, and Syrian art.
Program Instensity Overview
| Super Intensive Syrian (Ammiya) Arabic | Intensive course for beginners in Syrian Colloquial Arabic |
| Summer Syrian Arabic Programs | Virtual course for studying Syrian Dialect Arabic online |
| Private Syrian Colloquial Arabic Lessons | One-on-one lessons for learning Colloquial Syrian Arabic |
| Online Syrian Colloquial (Ammiya) Course | Various course levels are available for learning Arabic |
Arabic Course Intensity Options
Non-Intensive
This Syrian 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 Damascus and immerse yourself in Syrian culture.
Intensive
This Syrian 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 Syrian 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 Syria 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 School 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.
Syrian Arabic Program Information Overview
| Syrian 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 |
Program Dates
Studying Arabic with Study Levantine Arabic School is available year-round and has no official application deadlines. Therefore, when you decide to start your Syrian 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 August, 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 School 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 School 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.
How to Apply
If you are interested in participating in our Study Syrian Arabic Program, please contact us at Info@studyarabic.org.
When sending your email, please use the subject line “Study Syrian Colloquial Arabic.” We will promptly reply to your email with an application form attached.
Reviews and Awards
Study Levantine Arabic School 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.
Check out what our former students are saying about us here:
- +890 reviews (96.8%) on gooverseas.com
- +190 reviews (93%) on goabroad.com
- Participants’ video testimonials
Find Us Online
Do you have questions about our work? Contact us:
Email: Info@studyarabic.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