Study Modern Standard Arabic Programs: Study Levantine Arabic School offers a range of Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) programs designed to suit different needs, goals, and timeframes. Whether you prefer a Super-Intensive, Intensive, or Non-Intensive track, our programs cover six levels of proficiency—from absolute beginner to advanced. As the international standard for Arabic, MSA is an essential foundation for global communication and an excellent stepping stone before exploring regional dialects.
Our programs provide students at every level with a comprehensive and personalized journey into Modern Standard Arabic. Participants gain a deep understanding of its sentence structure, expressive vocabulary, and artistic script, while learning directly from qualified, native-speaking teachers in the heart of the Levant.
It is often said that language reflects culture, and MSA embodies the rich, diverse, and vibrant spirit of the Arab world. By enrolling in one of our programs, students not only acquire valuable language skills but also immerse themselves in the daily realities of Palestinian life.
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Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) Program
Study Levantine Arabic School offers Super Intensive, Intensive, and Non-Intensive Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) courses across six levels, from absolute beginner to advanced. MSA is the international standard for Arabic and is highly useful for global communication and a strong foundation before moving on to a chosen dialect.
Study Levantine Arabic School’s Modern Standard Arabic program provides students at every level with a comprehensive and personalized journey into Modern Arabic. They will learn all about its formulaic sentence structure, its expressive vocabulary, and artistic script from qualified, native speaking teachers in the heart of the Levant.
It is often said that language is a reflection of culture. While generalizations of language and nationality can be tenuous in their value, MSA does, in fact, speak to the dramatic and vibrant heart of the diverse Arab world.
What is Modern Standard Arabic?
Modern Standard Arabic is the standard Arabic that forms the basis of all Arabic dialects (Levantine, Ammiya, Egyptian, and North African, etc.) across the Arab world. Therefore, it is also one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. It is an official language of the United Nations. It is recognized as an official language in 25 countries, including every member of the Arab League: Algeria, Bahrain, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Tunisia.
While the people within every one of these member states speak a unique colloquial dialect, MSA has become a multinational unifier of Arabic speakers who would otherwise find it quite challenging to communicate. MSA is therefore one of the most reliable ways to communicate with Arabic speakers across the Middle East and North Africa, as well as with the wider Arab diaspora.
MSA was first developed in the 19th century to overcome the barrier posed by the many dialects of the Arab World for publications and communication. Since its initial development, MSA has quickly become the contemporary standard for literary, legal, and academic journals and media used in an international context.
A Close Relationship to Classical Arabic
Regardless of dialect, the vast majority of Arabic speakers will be able to recognize Standard Arabic as it derives directly from the Classical Arabic found in the Qur’an and other historical texts. Additionally, many Arabic dialects share much of their lexicon with MSA, similar to classical Latin’s relationship to contemporary romance languages. Students who study Modern Standard Arabic are thus better prepared to interact with and understand the multitude of Arabic dialects.
The terms Modern Standard and Classical Arabic are sometimes used interchangeably, so it’s essential to settle any confusion. Classical Arabic – also known as Qur’anic Arabic – is a form of Arabic that dates back to the 7th century and the founding of Islam. Modern Standard Arabic is based on this classical style and very closely resembles Classical Arabic, with some minute differences such as their stylization and method of diction. However, Classical and MSA are considered by many to be synonymous, and even the Arabic word FusHa does not differentiate between the two. Therefore, those who enroll in the MSA Program will be well-equipped to understand higher literary forms of Arabic, including those in the Qur’an.
Why Study Modern Standard Arabic?
As Arabic has become one of the fastest-growing languages worldwide, students from across the globe are finding that MSA is ideal for those who wish to gain a strong foothold in the Arabic language and for those who plan to expand their knowledge of colloquial variants later.
The language itself is widespread, as it is the primary form of Arabic taught in schools across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Arabic speakers across the region can therefore use it as a means of communication between speakers of different Arabic colloquialisms, and students studying MSA can likewise use it to communicate while traveling throughout the MENA region.
MSA is the standard lingua franca in critical areas related to literature, news, media, politics, academia, diplomacy, law, international business, and much more across MENA. Studying MSA gives one access to the literary world of Arabic and opens doors to professional advancement in a plethora of fields.
How Are Classes Conducted?
Students of Study Levantine Arabic School can expect to gain a strong understanding of Arabic while enjoying a fully immersive experience. The Arabic immersion program will introduce them to Arab culture and customs, while allowing them to converse with native speakers. Students will essentially have two options in terms of class style: one-on-one or small groups:
One-on-one: Students will have private lessons with one of our qualified Arabic language teachers, allowing for a more personalized approach to instruction. This also ensures that the student will have the instructor’s full attention while allowing the instructor to focus on any questions that the student may have.
Small groups: Typically 2 or 3 students, with a maximum of 5. While one-on-one courses are more personalized, small groups allow for structured interaction with peers at similar language proficiency levels, which is often an effective strategy for fostering collective linguistic growth. Students will be able to practice their Arabic together, collaborate on group projects, enjoy class excursions, and much more.
In Which Language Is The Program Run?
All of our programs are geared toward English speakers. For the sake of immersion, however, the higher the Arabic course level, the less English will be utilized in the classroom. Students should note that the city of Hebron is predominantly Arabic-speaking. When navigating through Hebron, students will need to use their Arabic and rely on their skills to the best of their ability, thereby creating a fully immersive experience perfect for practicing real-world situations.
Qualified Teachers
Study Levantine Arabic School prides itself on its faculty and staff, all of whom are native Arabic speakers. Many of our teachers also have degrees in various related fields such as Teaching Arabic to Non-native Speakers, Teaching Arabic as a Second Language, Arabic Cultural Studies, Arabic Literary Studies, and many others.
Modern Standard Arabic Programs: Overview
Here is an overview of the available Modern Standard Arabic Programs:
1. Modern Standard Arabic Summer Program
Summer Modern Standard Arabic Program 2026: If you’re seeking an intensive Arabic learning experience this summer, explore our Summer Intensive Arabic Program 2026 in Palestine. This program offers full immersion into Palestinian culture, politics, and daily life in Hebron, West Bank.
Participants will have the opportunity to engage directly with local communities, visit nearby Palestinian refugee camps, and gain valuable insights into the current human rights challenges faced by Palestinian refugees. This combination of language education and cultural immersion creates a truly impactful and enriching experience.
This program is ideal for anyone searching for a summer Arabic study abroad education in the West Bank, Palestine, Israel, or the Middle East. Students will be immersed in Palestinian culture, politics, and daily life. The curriculum includes visits and trips to several Palestinian colleges and Bedouin regions, as well as opportunities to get to know local people.
2. Intensive Modern Standard Arabic Program
Intensive Modern Standard Arabic (1-13 Weeks): If you’re interested in learning Modern Standard Arabic (Fusha), our Intensive Arabic Language Program in the West Bank, Palestine, is the perfect fit for you, regardless of your motivation. Study Levantine Arabic School offers super-intensive, intensive, and non-intensive immersion Arabic programs in Modern Standard Arabic, as well as dialects such as Palestinian colloquial Arabic, a dialect of Levantine Arabic.
Whether you’re an undergraduate, graduate, professional, or retiree, our intensive Modern Standard Arabic language programs cater to your needs. Located in the city of Hebron, in the West Bank, our Arabic language programs welcome all levels of learners, from first-time learners and beginners to intermediate and advanced learners. If you’re currently enrolled in a college or university, you may also earn academic credit toward your studies by participating in our intensive Arabic immersion program.
3. Online Modern Standard Arabic Courses
Study Modern Standard Arabic Online is an excellent opportunity to learn a form of Arabic that people in twenty-two countries understand throughout the Arabic-speaking world. By taking this online course, you will learn the form of Arabic that is most often used in literary texts, in the press, in education, and in official transactions. This form of Arabic is also a direct descendant of the classical Arabic that is found in the Quran and other historical texts.
Studying Modern Standard Arabic Online provides students at every level with a comprehensive study of Arabic’s beautiful and poetic features. They will learn all about its formulaic sentence structure, expressive vocabulary, and artistic script. Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) was first developed in the 19th and 20th centuries as a way for Arabic publications to reach a wider audience without having to navigate the complexities of various dialects. Since its initial development, MSA has quickly become the contemporary standard for literary, legal, and academic publications and is widely used internationally.
Modern Standard Arabic Course Levels
Beginner Modern Standard Arabic Course
The Beginner’s MSA course is designed for students with absolutely no previous Arabic language experience. This course will introduce students to the Arabic alphabet, fundamentals of grammar, phonetics, and common vocabulary and phrases. The Beginner’s MSA program will create a strong foundation from which students may choose a dialect to study.
Elementary 1 Modern Standard Arabic Course
This course continues to entail introducing new vocabulary and slightly more complex grammatical rules into the curriculum, as well as regular reading, writing, and speaking exercises. Upon completing this course, students will be able to converse, read, and write about elementary subjects such as shopping, asking for directions, and expressing preferences.
Elementary 2 Modern Standard Arabic Course
This level builds on the Elementary Level 1 course, expanding into ever more intricate territory. This course will diversify vocabulary even further and will expand on topics introduced in the previous level. Subjects will still focus predominantly on elementary subjects, but more complex grammatical structures will be explored.
Intermediate 1 Modern Standard Arabic Course
This course will introduce students to a more immersive curriculum than previous levels. This includes venturing into the Palestinian community of Hebron to communicate with native speakers and complete everyday tasks. Students may purchase items from a Palestinian market, order from a restaurant, or discuss their preferences on a specific topic. Students will also be introduced to subjects such as culture, art, and politics, and will learn the vocabulary needed to converse on these topics concisely.
Intermediate 2 Modern Standard Arabic Course
This course is aimed at fluency and immersion in the language. As a result, this course level will focus mainly on comprehension in the context of listening, writing, reading, and speaking. It will involve the practical application of Arabic through interactions with shopkeepers and other locals in the community of Hebron.
Advanced Modern Standard Arabic Course
The Advanced course will combine all the previous courses’ curricula in a completely immersive nature while expanding into more complex reading, writing, and spoken exercises. Students will also conduct research in the community of Hebron on a variety of subjects. Here, students will be approaching a fluency beyond any previous levels. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to articulate their thoughts and opinions on complex matters such as politics, history, the environment, and the arts of Palestine and the Arab World.
Course Intensities
Course intensity signifies the number of hours spent in class, as well as the level of immersion and the amount of assigned homework.
Non-Intensive Modern Standard Arabic Course
We recommend that students who are interested in a long-term program, from one to three months in duration, enroll in non-intensive courses. This will provide you with plenty of in-class instruction (12 hours a week) while still leaving you with ample time to explore the city of Hebron and immerse yourself in Palestinian culture.
Intensive Modern Standard Arabic Course
This course is designed to further immerse students in the Arabic language and culture. These courses are held 5 days a week for approximately 4 hours each day, giving a total of around 20 hours of instruction per week. Intensive Arabic courses will also include additional homework and out-of-classroom assignments for participants.
Super-Intensive Modern Standard Arabic Course
These courses are designed for students seeking accelerated Arabic tuition in a completely immersive, high-intensity classroom setting. Super-Intensive Arabic courses are conducted 5 days a week for 6 hours per day, giving a total of approximately 30 lesson hours per week. We recommend this program for individuals who plan to study for less than a month or those seeking a challenge.
Start and End Dates
Studying Arabic with Study Levantine Arabic School is available year-round and has no official application deadlines; when you decide to start is entirely up to you! Students may choose their starting and end dates however they see fit, for up to a three-month stay. The minimum study duration of the MSA Program is one week. As the Intensive Courses take 4 weeks to complete, however, most students register for a period of from 4 to 13 weeks. On average, it takes 4 weeks of intensive study to complete one level (around 80 hours of class time).
Summer Semester
Especially for students seeking to study Arabic in summer or travel abroad for a gap year, Study Levantine Arabic School offers the Summer Intensive Modern Standard Arabic program, which includes Intensive Arabic courses in addition to other non-intensive study courses. These intensive courses are a great way to rapidly develop your Arabic ability, particularly if you are studying Arabic to take a volunteer opportunity or internship abroad in an Arabic-speaking country.
Each Summer Intensive Arabic course has a duration of four weeks, and students are welcome to study from one to three months. If you wish, you may continue onto the next level after passing a final exam and giving an oral presentation. Additionally, academic credit is available to current university students seeking a Summer internship in Palestine.
Which Arabic Course Is For Me?
Suppose you are having difficulty deciding on which course to enroll in. In that case, Study Levantine Arabic School offers a free placement test to evaluate students’ 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.
Study Modern Standard Arabic Programs
| Modern Standard Arabic Courses | Super-Intensive Program | Intensive Program | Non-Intensive Program |
| Program Duration | 1-13 weeks | 1-13 weeks | 1-13 weeks |
| Tuition Hours Per Week | 30 | 20 | 12 |
| Days Per Week In Class | 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 1Elementary 2Intermediate 1Intermediate 2Advanced | Beginner Elementary 1Elementary 2Intermediate 1Intermediate 2Advanced | Beginner Elementary 1Elementary 2Intermediate 1Intermediate 2Advanced |
| 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) | 450€ (confirm prices) | 370€ (confirm prices) |
| University Credit | Available | Available | Available |
Reviews and Awards
How To Apply
If you are interested in participating in our Study Modern Standard Arabic Program, please write to us at Info@ecpalestine.org. We should be able to respond to your initial inquiry within 1 – 3 business days.
In the subject line of your email, write “Study Modern Standard Arabic,” and we will reply with an application form attached. Please fill this out and return it to us to begin the process.
Conclusion
The Modern Standard Arabic Program offered by Study Levantine Arabic School provides you with an opportunity to immerse yourself in the Arabic-speaking world both inside and outside the classroom. In addition to staying in the heart of the Levant, surrounded by Palestinian culture, you will also acquire language skills that unify Arabic speakers across 25 countries and are recognized as the standard lingua franca in news, academia, and diplomacy. On top of that, MSA serves as a foundation for learning colloquial dialects later.
MSA is a linguistic passport to rich literature, religious studies, and philosophy unique to the Arab world. With Intensive, Super-Intensive, and Non-Intensive courses across six levels, from beginner to advanced, our classes can be personalized to your particular needs by our qualified and experienced teachers. If you are interested in joining our community in Hebron, West Bank, for the Modern Standard Arabic Program, please see our instructions above on how to begin your journey!
