Location
Multiple Locations +2
  • Palestine
  • Online
Length
1 to 13 weeks
Language
Arabic
General grants/scholarships

Program Details

Language Level
BeginnerIntermediateAdvanced
Immersion Level
Intensive Online Standard
Specialized Courses
Business Medical Professional Specific Purposes Teaching
Class Size
Private Lessons Small Class (1-7) Medium Class (8-15) Large Class (15+)
Weekly Classroom Hours
30
Housing
Apartment Guesthouse Host Family Hostel
Age Min.
18

Pricing

Starting Price
450
Price Details
The program fees include: pre-departure support, accommodations with a host family, some meals, full coordination while volunteering in Palestine, and some visits to different sites in the city of Hebron.
What's Included
Accommodation Some Activities Classes Some Meals
What's Not Included
Some Activities Airfare Some Meals
Nov 25, 2024
Feb 11, 2025
29 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

The Excellence Center/Engage in Palestine offers immersive and intensive Arabic language programs in the heart of the West Bank. Located in the city of Hebron, these programs are designed for learners of all levels who wish to master Levantine Arabic (اللهجة الشامية), which covers Jordan, Palestine, Syria, and Lebanon, Palestinian Arabic, or Modern Standard Arabic. Whether you're looking to study for one week or up to 13 weeks, our programs provide an in-depth, hands-on learning experience where language and culture blend seamlessly

Through these courses, you will not only develop strong Arabic language skills but also gain firsthand exposure to Palestinian culture, politics, and daily life. With options ranging from super-intensive and intensive to more flexible, non-intensive programs, students can choose the pace that best suits their goals

The Center also offers online Levantine/Palestinian Arabic lessons, Summer Arabic programs, Winter Arabic courses, and year-round courses

Video and Photos

Impact

With all our Arabic courses and volunteer programs, we aim to make a long term difference for the Palestinian local community through the exchange of ideas and “walking in each other’s shoes”. Our programs and courses foster shared learning, for both our community and you. During your Arabic course, you will get to learn so much more than just the language. You will also get to learn a lot about Palestinian culture and customs and the political situation in Palestine. Additionally, you will have many opportunities while outside the classroom to practice your Arabic in a natural and authentic way while navigating your new life in Hebron. Your time with us in Hebron will also provide you with many opportunities of cultural exchange and mutual learning, both with local Palestinians as well as with our other international participants.

Program Highlights

  • Besides developing your Arabic language skills, students will experience various aspects of the Palestinian culture through their living arrangements with host families and various local trips as well as the Excellence Center’s in-house and local activiti
  • The Study Arabic Program in Palestine will give you the opportunity to live in and gain impressions from one of the most politically divisive and ambivalent regions of the Middle East.
  • The Intensive Arabic Courses offered in our programs: Modern Standard Arabic, Levantine (Shami) dialects, Ammiya, Classical and Palestinian Arabic using up-to-date teaching techniques in an intensive learning environment.
  • The Arabic Immersion Program will provide you the chance to visit unique tourist attractions with a particular native perspective – locations including Bethlehem, Ramallah, Nablus, Hebron, Tulkarm, Qalqilyah, Jenin and the Dead Sea in Jericho.
  • Our center is staffed by well-qualified, attentive Arabic teachers, each with an excellent educational background, ready and happy to help you.

Popular Programs

Arabic

Study Arabic Online Program: In addition to our in-person programs held at the center, Engage in Palestine also offers online Arabic language classes in Modern Standard, Levantine (Shami) and Palestinian Arabic (Ammiya) . Depending upon your intended purpose for studying, each online Arabic program has its own advantages as colloquial variants are better suited for those simply travelling and conversing, whilst Modern Standard is ideal for those needing Arabic professionally.

Summer

The Summer Intensive Arabic Program offers a fantastic opportunity for individuals seeking an immersive Arabic course during the summer in various Middle Eastern regions such as the West Bank, Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Israel, or the broader Middle East. Renowned as one of the top Arabic language schools in Palestine, we provide exceptional Arabic language learning experiences.

Arabic

The Levantine Arabic Program offered by Volunteer in Palestine is a unique opportunity for anyone looking to expand their spoken Arabic to include the Levantine dialect, travel through the Levant, and immerse themselves in Levantine culture, history and politics. Fortunately, for those looking to study Arabic with us, we are located in the West Bank, Palestine, in the heart of the Levant, and in the busy and vibrant city of Hebron.

Related Programs

Program Reviews

4.87 Rating
based on 216 reviews
  • 5 rating 87.04%
  • 4 rating 12.5%
  • 3 rating 0.46%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Instruction 4.8
  • Support 4.85
  • Fun 4.7
  • Housing 4.55
  • Value 4.75
Showing 1 - 8 of 216 reviews
Default avatar
Zahra
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great way to learn Palestinian colloquial Arabic

Lana is an amazing teacher. She is knowledgable in all the grammatical nuances and structures of the language, as well as the everyday language of locals in Palestine. As a Palestinian who grew up in North America without learning Arabic, I had a lot of fear and guilt about not being fluent in my mother tongue, and Lana has made me feel so comfortable and confident in learning. She insists that I speak up and ask questions about what's not clear so that I can really learn and correct my mistakes. A great experience that I'd recommend to anyone wanting to learn how to communicate with Palestinians in our native language.

3 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Natalie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Totally worth it!

I enrolled in the Palestinian Arabic online class and it was the best decision I made during my Arabic learning journey so far! My teacher Doha is very experienced and professional, she creates a challenging and engaging learning atmosphere. The price is more than fair for the quality of teaching received - including all the materials. The administrative staff was also very supported and took time to answer my questions. All in all, I can only recommend this course to anyone interested in starting to learn or wanting to improve their Arabic skills!

5 people found this review helpful.
Response from The Excellence Center

Salam Natalie,

Thank you so much for your thoughtful review!

We’re thrilled to hear that your experience with our Palestinian Arabic online course was so positive. Doha is indeed an excellent teacher, and we’re glad you enjoyed the engaging learning atmosphere she creates.

It’s wonderful to hear that you found the course to be both valuable and fairly priced. We’re excited that you’d recommend the program, and we look forward to continuing to support your Arabic learning journey!

Greetings from Palestine 🇵🇸 تحياتنا من فِلَسْطِينَ
The Excellence Center team

Default avatar
Sofia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Highly recommend in person programs!!

The Excellence Center offers a wide range of incredible topics to learn and invaluable in-person learning opportunities. They are so welcoming and kind and answered all kinds of questions about the travel journey making me really comfortable with the process. They provide wonderful accommodations and daily trips that make the experience a true cultural immersion and life-changing education. I highly recommend this center to anyone looking for more knowledge and insight about Arabic, Palestine, and any of the wide variety of topics they offer.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
If I could change one thing it would be to stay longer. I only had two weeks and I there was so much to do and see and really wish I could have been there longer. The time flies by so fast and I definitely plan to go back for a longer time!
Pros
  • Incredibly welcoming
  • Amazing staff
  • Daily educational and cultural experiences
Cons
  • Wish I could have stayed longer
6 people found this review helpful.
Response from The Excellence Center

Salam Sofia,

Thank you for your wonderful review!

We’re so happy to hear that you had such a positive experience at the Excellence Center in Palestine. It's great to know that our team made you feel comfortable and well-supported throughout your journey, and that the accommodations and cultural immersion helped make your experience even more meaningful.

Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we’re thrilled that you found the variety of topics we offer both valuable and life-changing. We look forward to welcoming you again in the future!

Greetings from Palestine 🇵🇸 تحياتنا من فِلَسْطِينَ
The Excellence Center team

Default avatar
Ubaydah
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A week in Hebron

If you have fears or worries or concerns; trust me, I know, that was me. But my positive experience with the center began before I arrived- the staff at the center were always responsive and understanding of the questions I had via WhatsApp and it was reassuring to go over everything with them before I even arrived. Their flexibility and willingness to accommodate was a sign of things to come and a reoccurring theme of my experience in Hebron.

With regards to the center itself and your daily routine, its always fun. There is something new to do everyday and if something strikes your fancy, those at the center are always willing to try and fit it in. The Arabic lessons themselves were great, and again, always flexible. You know how you learn and should have input in your own teaching, and the Arabic teachers are here are always responsive to that. Want to focus on grammar? No problem. Maybe you're more interested in particular vocab? No stress. I even got sick at one point and we moved my lessons around.

If you're interested in visiting Palestine and the center, do it. You won't regret it.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
The most surprising thing was the occupation itself. Although you may think you are ready to see it it, it is another thing to witness in person.
Pros
  • Hospitality at the Center
  • Flexibility of the people at the center
  • Activities
Cons
  • Wasn't prepared cold weather (my fault)
  • Israeli immigration
  • Internet (only have 3g)
12 people found this review helpful.
Response from The Excellence Center

Salam brother Ubaydah,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience in Palestine

We're glad to hear that the support and flexibility from our team made your journey to the Excellence Center smoother and more reassuring. It’s wonderful that you found the Arabic lessons both enjoyable and adaptable to your needs, as we always aim to tailor our approach to each individual’s learning style.

Your recommendation means a lot, and we're thrilled that your time in Palestine was both fun and meaningful. We look forward to welcoming you back whenever you're ready!

Greetings from Palestine 🇵🇸 تحياتنا من فِلَسْطِينَ
The Excellence Center team

Default avatar
Cody
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great Introduction to Arabic language and Palestinian Life

I spent a week taking cooking classes and Arabic lessons at the center. My teachers were patient and attentive, and all of the staff were incredibly warm and helpful, always checking in to see how I was doing. I feel like I'm coming away with a lot more Arabic knowledge than I expected in such a short time, and I'm very excited to attempt the delicious Palestinian dishes on my own back home! It was also wonderful to get to experience the city of Hebron, I stayed in an apartment about a 20 minute walk from the center and tried probably every falafel place along the way. Most people I encountered were very friendly and I always felt safe on my walks around the city!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Take advantage of the Arabic lessons! The teachers are excellent and getting to learn some basics of the language in a classroom setting is a unique opportunity.
Pros
  • Everyone was very kind and open
  • Arabic was well-taught
Cons
  • Sometimes the day's schedule wasn't quite as structured as I would like
25 people found this review helpful.
Response from The Excellence Center

Salam Habibi Cody,

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us at the Excellence Center in Palestine! We're delighted to hear that your week of cooking classes and Arabic lessons was so rewarding. Our Palestinian team strives to create a warm and supportive environment, and it's wonderful to know that you found our teachers patient and attentive.

It's fantastic that you feel you've gained a significant amount of Arabic knowledge in such a short time, and we're excited to hear about your plans to recreate the delicious Palestinian dishes at home.

Thank you for your kind words, Cody! We hope to see you again for more cooking and language fun!

Best regards from Hebron, Palestine 🇵🇸

Default avatar
Hunter
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing learning Experience

I had an amazing two weeks at the center. I wish I had the time to stay longer, as it was one of the best experiences I've ever had. The people at the center were helpful and encouraging with me as I practiced my Arabic skills. My teacher, Saja, was always available to help and was very patient with my mistakes. She was the best teacher I've had. I learned more about Arabic culture, language and food in two weeks than I had expected to with her help. I got to see the old city of Hebron, and on the weekends had time to visit some of the nearby historical cities like Jericho and Bethlehem. The people in Palestine are some of the most welcoming and nice people I've ever met, and I never felt like I wasn't safe during my time here. Couldn't Recommend more.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
The most stressful moment for me was going through checkpoints, but our guides always kept calm, which helped me stay calm as well.
Pros
  • Learning Arabic
  • Friendly People
  • Amazing Food
Cons
  • Hot Weather
29 people found this review helpful.
Response from The Excellence Center

Salam Hunter,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience at our center! We are thrilled to hear that your two weeks with us were among the best you’ve ever had. It’s great to know that you found our team helpful and encouraging as you practiced your Arabic skills.

We're especially pleased to hear your kind words about Saja. She will be delighted to know that you appreciated her patience and dedication. It’s heartening to learn that you gained so much knowledge about Arabic culture, language, and cuisine in such a short period.

Your recommendation means a lot to us, Hunter. We hope you’ll have the opportunity to return and stay with us even longer in the future.

Best regards from Hebron, Palestine!

Default avatar
Malik
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Palestine in debth

As a palestinian who grew up in Germany I visited my family in the west bank many times, but my time in the center was a totaly new experience. I got to see the more troubling and politicized sides of the country, which left me with a realistic and in depth understanding of what it means to live under occupation. The impressions I got here definetely heavily impacted my political and moral thinking and shaped me for everything thats still to come in my life.
The arabic lessons with my teacher saja were always very fun, but also productive and professional. In general all of the teaching staff is amazing and always enables and helps you to move forward in your arabic journey.
But the best thing about my stay were the people. I stayed 3 and a half months and I met dozens of amazing and interesting people that made the time in Khalil unforgettable. I made good friends from all over the globe.
I would encourage everybody thats interested in the Arabic language but also in the troubling circumstances of the Palestinian people to visit the center in Khalil and broaden your horizon.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
Brain, and suprisingly it was amazing.
Pros
  • Great teaching staff
  • Meet people from all over the world
  • Palestinian food
30 people found this review helpful.
Response from The Excellence Center

Salam Malik,

Thank you for your thoughtful review, Malik. We're honored that your time at the Excellence Center provided you with a deeper and more nuanced understanding of life under occupation. It’s wonderful to hear that the Arabic lessons with Saja were both enjoyable and productive, and that you found our teaching staff supportive and professional.

We’re delighted that you made lasting friendships and had such a memorable experience in Khalil. Your recommendation for those interested in the Arabic language and the Palestinian context is greatly appreciated.

Thank you for sharing your impactful experience, and we hope to welcome you back in the future, Malik!

With kind regards from Palestine!

Default avatar
Brandon
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great way to get involved in the West Bank!

I had a great experience studying Arabic at the Excellence Center. Everyone is extremely welcoming, and my Arabic improved a lot. I came in having studied previously in Amman, Jordan and with a high fluency level, but my instructor Mahmoud was able to push me and help me to improve, especially with the Hebron dialect. Outside of classes, I was able to learn more about the situation in Palestine and make plenty of new friendships and relationships. I was able to visit Nablus, Jenin, Jericho, Ramallah and the center was highly flexible with helping me move around my schedule and my classes. Highly recommend!

32 people found this review helpful.
Response from The Excellence Center

Salam Brandon,

Thank you for your great review, Brandon! We’re thrilled to hear that your experience studying Arabic at the Excellence Center was so positive. It’s fantastic to know that Mahmoud helped you improve your skills, especially with the Hebron dialect, and that you found the program flexible and accommodating.

We’re also glad you had the chance to explore various cities and build new friendships while learning more about the situation in Palestine.

Your recommendation means a lot to us. Thanks for sharing, and we hope to see you again soon, Brandon!

Greetings from Palestine Habibi :)

Questions & Answers