The Study Palestinian Arabic Programs offer international students a unique chance to learn the Palestinian dialect of Arabic while immersing themselves in life and culture in the West Bank. Palestinian Arabic, a variant of Levantine Arabic spoken across Palestine and by millions worldwide, is the language of daily life, making it the most effective entry point for those wishing to communicate naturally with locals. Whether in the bustling markets of Hebron, during cultural exchanges, or while living with a Palestinian host family, students will be immersed in an environment that encourages constant practice and growth.
These programs are designed for learners of all levels, from complete beginners to advanced speakers, and are offered in non-intensive, intensive, and super-intensive formats. Courses combine structured classroom instruction with real-life application, giving participants the chance to engage directly with Palestinian communities and culture. Beyond language skills, students gain a deeper understanding of Palestinian history, society, and daily life, leaving the program with not only improved Arabic but also meaningful cross-cultural connections.
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Study Palestinian Colloquial Arabic
The Study Palestinian Arabic Immersion Program is an excellent opportunity for those wishing to learn the colloquial Palestinian dialect of Arabic, connect with the wider Palestinian diaspora, and immerse themselves in the diverse culture of Palestine and the greater Levant. Study Levantine Arabic School offers courses at four different levels and three different intensities, depending on your needs.
Our Palestinian Arabic immersion program is also ideal for those who would like to learn about this region’s rich history and culture or who wish to understand Palestine’s contemporary situation better. Another benefit of this program is that it is also a good opportunity for building relationships. Students may also have the opportunity to reside with a Palestinian host family for a fuller immersion into the culture and life of Palestinians.
What is Palestinian Arabic?
Palestinian Arabic is a colloquial (‘Ammiyya) dialect native to Palestine as well as the wider Palestinian diaspora. It is a sub-dialect of Levantine Arabic, the colloquial variant of Arabic spoken throughout the Levant. This region is located in the Eastern Mediterranean region of the Middle East. It includes Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Palestine, though broader definitions may also include Cyprus, Turkey, Egypt, and a small portion of Iraq.
With approximately 13 million native speakers worldwide, Palestinian ‘Ammiyya is one of the most widely spoken and recognizable dialects of Arabic. ‘Ammiyya is a term that refers to the regional varieties or vernaculars across the Arab world used for everyday speaking situations. In fact, ‘Ammiyya is the first language of every Arab, as they later acquire Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) in school. Unlike MSA, ‘Ammiyya does not adhere to the strict rules of grammar and word order and often loses other structured linguistic features.
Why Learn Palestinian Arabic?
The culture of Palestine is rich and diverse due to its long history, geographical position, and religious significance. Palestine lies at a crossroads between Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and the Mediterranean, and has played host to at least five major empires. Because of its significance in one of the most influential regions in the world, Palestinian Arabic is widely spoken and understood.
Palestinian Arabic closely resembles Modern Standard Arabic – the standard form used for writing and official purposes – making this dialect ideal for those wishing to study written Arabic or to use Arabic in professional environments. Either way, learning Palestinian Arabic is an ideal means for gaining a foothold in the Arabic-speaking world.
Intensive Semester Programs in Palestinian Arabic should appeal to a broad spectrum of participants, including students, young professionals, and retirees. Our Palestinian Arabic Immersion Program is ideal for university students seeking an immersive Arabic language program and cultural experience for a semester abroad. It can also be a great way to rapidly improve your Arabic abilities if you are searching for internship opportunities in the future in an Arabic-speaking context.
Additionally, Study Levantine Arabic School can provide academic credit through our partnership with the Palestinian Ministry of Education, so university students are especially encouraged to apply.
How Are Classes Conducted?
Study Levantine Arabic School offers international students Arabic classes that are second to none, creating a completely immersive experience for its participants. We can provide this due in part to its prime location in the bustling center of Hebron, which allows participants to engage with the Arabic language daily in an immersive way.
Our courses enable students to rapidly develop their Arabic skills through the immersion methodology of language acquisition, which reinforces formal studies by incorporating language use in daily life.
To cater to the diversity of our volunteers, classes are personalized and can be offered one-on-one or in small groups, depending on availability. Scheduling is dependent upon the level and intensity of the selected program; however, courses are generally conducted five days a week for those studying intensively and three days a week for those in non-intensive programs.
Start and End Dates
Classes at Study Levantine Arabic School are available year-round, for any timeframe from one week to three months. However, many students choose the summertime to take language courses in Arabic-speaking countries.
For an immersive Arabic experience, Study Levantine Arabic School offers the Intensive Palestinian Arabic Summer Study program, which includes intensive Arabic courses in addition to non-intensive classes of another study. This is perfect for students on a summer break seeking an opportunity to study abroad from June through August. It is also a very beneficial program to take to quickly develop your Arabic abilities if you wish to pursue internship opportunities in the future and are required to speak Arabic.
While summer study programs are indeed more popular, Study Levantine Arabic School also offers Intensive Palestinian (Ammiya) Arabic Winter programs. Students seeking to enhance their Arabic skills through a four-week accredited study abroad program during winter break will find our December and January sessions to be the ideal opportunity to do just that.
Study Palestinian Arabic Programs
Here you can check out the available Palestinian Arabic Programs:
1. Intensive Arabic Language Courses
Our Intensive Arabic Language Program in Palestine is designed to accelerate Arabic learning through complete language and cultural immersion. We offer year-round classes in Palestinian and Levantine Colloquial Arabic (Ammiyya) and Modern Standard Arabic (MSA). Our courses are flexible, ranging in duration from one to thirteen weeks, and are available throughout the year during spring, summer, fall, and winter.
2. Intensive Summer Arabic Program in Palestine
Summer Intensive Arabic Program: If you’re seeking an immersive Arabic education this summer, look no further than our Summer Arabic Immersion Program. Visiting nearby refugee camps and Palestinian communities will offer a unique opportunity to understand the current human rights situation faced by Palestinian refugees.
3. Study Palestinian Colloquial Arabic Program
The Study Palestinian Colloquial Arabic program offers a unique opportunity for individuals seeking to learn the colloquial Palestinian dialect of Arabic (Ammiya or Levantine dialect), connect with the broader Palestinian diaspora, and immerse themselves in the vibrant culture of Palestine and the Levant region.
4. Study Arabic Online Program
Study Arabic Online Program: In addition to our in-person programs at the center, Study Levantine Arabic School offers online Arabic language classes in Modern Standard, Levantine (Shami), and Palestinian Arabic (Ammiya). Depending on your intended study purpose, each online Arabic program has its advantages; colloquial variants are better suited for those simply traveling and conversing, while Modern Standard is ideal for those needing Arabic professionally.
Are the Courses Taught in English?
Yes – all of our Palestinian Arabic classes are geared towards English speakers. However, for the sake of immersion, the higher the course level, the less English will be utilized in the classroom. Please also keep in mind that while Study Levantine Arabic School’s center is geared towards English speakers, the city of Hebron is predominantly Arabic-speaking. When navigating through Hebron, students will need to utilize their Arabic and rely on their skills to the best of their ability, thereby creating a fully immersive experience.
Qualified Teachers
Study Levantine Arabic School prides itself on its faculty and staff, all of whom are native Palestinian Arabic speakers. Many of our teachers also have degrees in related fields such as Teaching Arabic to Non-native Speakers, Teaching Arabic as a Second Language, Arabic Cultural Studies, Arabic Literary Studies, and many more.
Essential to our intensive Arabic language courses is participation in lively class conversations. We employ a communicative approach and limit class size to five students, leaving ample opportunity for discussion and inclusive participation, as well as for receiving individual attention from Arabic teachers.
Palestinian Arabic Course Levels
Beginner Palestinian Arabic Course
This course is designed for students with no previous Arabic language experience of any kind. This course will introduce students to basic concepts such as the Arabic alphabet, writing systems, fundamentals of grammar, phonetics, vocabulary, and common colloquial phrases. The beginner’s course will create a strong linguistic foundation from which students can work into more advanced courses.
Elementary Palestinian Arabic Course
This course continues where the previous course left off, building on the student’s foundational Arabic language knowledge. This entails introducing new vocabulary and slightly more complex grammatical rules into the curriculum, as well as regular reading, writing, and speaking exercises. Upon completion, students will be able to converse, read, and write about elementary subjects such as shopping, asking for directions, and expressing preferences.
Intermediate Palestinian Arabic Course
The intermediate course will introduce students to a more immersive curriculum than the previous levels. This will entail venturing into the Palestinian community of Hebron to communicate with native speakers and complete everyday tasks. Students may be instructed to purchase items from a Palestinian market, order from a restaurant, discuss preferences on a particular topic, and perform other activities. Students will also be introduced to subjects that touch upon specific issues such as culture, art, and politics. They will learn the vocabulary needed to converse about these topics in a concise and well-informed manner.
Advanced Palestinian Arabic Course
This course maintains the immersive nature of the intermediate level while expanding into more complex reading, writing, and spoken materials. Additionally, students will conduct research in the community of Hebron on a variety of subjects. Students will be able to establish a firm understanding of and a grammatical competence in Palestinian Arabic. 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.
Palestinian Arabic Courses Intensity Options
Non-Intensive Palestinian Arabic Courses
This course load would mean students spend approximately 12 hours per week in Arabic classes. We recommend that students interested in a long-term program lasting 2-3 months enroll in our Non-Intensive course. This will provide you with plenty of in-class instruction while still leaving ample time to explore the city of Hebron and immerse yourself in Palestinian culture when not completing homework.
Intensive Palestinian Arabic Courses
This course load would mean students spend about 20 hours per week in Arabic classes, with additional assigned homework and extracurricular activities on top. For those looking to study for a month or less, we recommend enrolling in our Intensive courses.
Super Intensive Palestinian Arabic Courses
This course load includes up to 30 hours of in-class Arabic lessons per week. This intensity is for those looking for a challenge, and for anyone who wants to make significant gains in their language abilities. However, this does not account for the extra-curricular activities for which Study Levantine Arabic School is well known, and may be an overwhelming study load for some. There is no doubt you will leave Palestine with an accentuated and advanced knowledge of Arabic after this course.
Which Course is for Me?
Suppose you are having difficulty deciding on which course level 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 happy to consult with you if you have any questions regarding course levels or intensities. Our contact information can be found at the bottom of this page, along with our address on Facebook and other social media platforms.
Our location in Hebron is famous for Palestinian hospitality and a pleasant climate, with access to nearby cities such as Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Jericho, Ramallah, Nablus, and the Dead Sea. As a member of the community and international student learning Arabic in Palestine, you will also have the opportunity to meet Palestinian students and members of the Hebron community and local organizations.
Living with a Palestinian Host Family
One of the more attractive parts of this program doesn’t occur in the classroom at all. During their time in Hebron, students may have the opportunity to reside with a Palestinian host family! This valuable experience will immerse students completely in the local dialect of Arabic, as well as provide them with a rare look into Palestinian home life and culture. Students may get to share some family meals, attend local cultural events, and become familiar with daily life in Hebron, and much more.
Previous participants have found the time spent with their host families to be as rewarding, fulfilling, and educational as their time in class. Cat, a participant from the UK, remarked that “during my stay here, I was able to immerse myself in the local culture and learn a lot about life in Palestine, which was just as important to me as the academic side. The people of Hebron are overwhelmingly generous and friendly, making my stay here a wonderful experience.”
However, homestay is only guaranteed for female students and is subject to availability for male students. We recommend applying to your chosen program as early as possible to secure your place and homestay.
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 three primary criteria we request from participants:
- Students should be between 18 and 70 years of age. This age restriction may be waived, provided that Study Levantine Arabic School’s director grants special permission.
- We require all prospective students to have working knowledge of English and/or Arabic, since 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.
Study Palestinian Arabic Programs: Overview
| Colloquial 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 | 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) | €450 (confirm prices) | €370 (confirm prices) |
| University Credit | Available | Available | Available |
How to Apply
If you are interested in participating in our Study Palestinian Arabic Immersion 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 Palestinian Arabic 1-13 Weeks,” and we will reply with an application form attached. Please fill this out and return it to us to begin the process.
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Conclusion
Study Levantine Arabic School offers an opportunity to learn colloquial Palestinian Arabic, connect with the Palestinian diaspora, and immerse oneself in the diverse culture of Palestine and the Levant. We offer Non-Intensive, Intensive, and Super-Intensive variations for each level – beginner, elementary, intermediate, and advanced. Students can choose the timings and level of studies to suit their needs, language ability, and preferences. This program is also ideal for those who want to learn about the region’s rich history and culture, gain academic credit, or expand their professional profile.
With approximately 13 million native Palestinian speakers worldwide, Palestinian Arabic is one of the most widely spoken and recognizable dialects of Arabic, while still similar to MSA, making it ideal for those wishing to study written Arabic or to use Arabic in professional environments.
Students will also immerse themselves in Palestinian culture and possibly family life if they are able to live with a host family. Students will become members of the community and have the opportunity to see the many nearby historical sights.
From all of us at Study Levantine Arabic School, we would be more than happy to have you as part of our family here in Hebron. Apply today and begin your linguistic journey!
