Language Schools

Intensive Arabic Courses in Palestine (1–13 Weeks)

Name: Intensive Arabic Courses in Palestine (1–13 Weeks)
Brand: The Excellence Center
SKU: 51774
Rating: 4.88 (253 reviews)

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The Excellence Center

4.88 (253 reviews)

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Intensive Arabic Courses in Palestine (1–13 Weeks)

The Excellence Center

4.88 · 253 reviews

Community Choice Award Winner

Location

Multiple Locations +2

Palestine
Online

Length

1 to 13 weeks

Language

Arabic

General grants/scholarships

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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

Housing

Apartment Guesthouse Host Family Hostel

Age Min.

Pricing

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

Last Updated: Feb 14, 2026

Last Reviewed: Jun 04, 2026

Wish List

32 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

The Excellence Center/Engage in Palestine offers immersive Arabic language programs in Hebron, West Bank, perfect for students who want to study Arabic in Palestine while experiencing authentic Palestinian culture. Our intensive Arabic programs cater to all levels and focus on Levantine Arabic (Ammiyya Dialect and also Shami Arabic) (اللهجة الشامية)—spoken in Jordan, Palestine, Syria, and Lebanon—Palestinian Arabic, and Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) Courses range from 1 to 13 weeks and combine structured classroom learning with real-life language practice.

Students enhance their Arabic speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills while gaining firsthand insight into authentic Palestinian culture, history, politics, and daily life. Options include super-intensive, intensive, and flexible non-intensive courses. The Center also offers online Levantine and Palestinian Arabic lessons, Summer Arabic programs, Winter Arabic courses, and year-round Arabic study opportunities in Palestine.

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COMMUNITY REVIEWS SUMMARY

The program offers personalized Arabic lessons with skilled, patient teachers and a warm, family-like atmosphere.

AI-generated summary from verified community reviews Read reviews →

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.

Join Our Family In Palestine & Germany In 2026

We offer volunteer programs with refugees, intensive Levantine and Palestinian Arabic courses, and summer internships in Palestine and Germany. Open to all nationalities and backgrounds, no degree required. Whether working with refugees, teaching English, supporting human rights, or exploring media and journalism, our 2026 programs provide hands-on experience, skill development, and cross-cultural learning.

Learn More

Join Our Family In Palestine & Germany In 2026

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Impact 🌎

Ethical 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.

Popular Programs

Study Arabic Online Program

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.

The Summer Intensive Arabic Program

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.

Study Levantine (Shami) Arabic Program

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

4.88 Rating

based on 253 reviews

Leave a Review

Rating Spread Language

5 rating 88.54%
4 rating 11.07%
3 rating 0.4%
2 rating 0%
1 rating 0%

Instruction 4.85
Support 4.9
Fun 4.75
Housing 4.6
Value 4.75

Good for Students, Solo Travelers, Adventure travelers

Showing 1 - 8 of 253 reviews

I absolutely loved taking online Arabic classes with Haya. As a complete beginner, it was intimidating to start from scratch but Haya was so welcoming, accommodating and fun and I really looked forward to our lessons each week. She is a fantastic teacher and I was so happy with what I achieved under her guidance over the course. The classes were very good value for money too and being online meant that I could learn from my own home. I can’t recommend her and The Excellence Centre enough and I can’t wait to return to classes again in the future!

Response from The Excellence Center

Salam Ya Emily,

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed your online Arabic classes with Haya and that she was able to make your learning experience welcoming, enjoyable, and effective from the very beginning.

We really appreciate your kind words and recommendation, and we’re happy you found the classes valuable and flexible.

We look forward to welcoming you back to The Excellence Center again in the future!

Warm regards,
The Excellence Center Team

By The Excellence Center in Palestine and Europe on June 30, 2026

Everyone at the Excellence Centre made me feel so welcome. My lessons were really fun, and I learnt a lot - both about Arabic and about Palestine. My teacher was very knowledgeable and supportive. She spoke perfect English, and always found a way to make the lessons accessible and interesting. We worked at my own pace, and I was able to ask questions and direct content to whatever interested me.

Although the situation in Palestine is very sad, I felt completely safe in Al Khalil/Hebron. The people here were very welcoming, and everyone was keen to show me the best that Palestine had to offer. I was comfortable walking around by myself, even in the evenings. There would always be someone from the centre available to help me if I needed, and I've made friends for life. The food is amazing, and I've even learnt to cook whilst here!

If I could give any advice to someone reading this, it is to just book it and come! Yes, it is expensive. But Palestine is such a beautiful country, and the centre is a very safe way to experience it. I was guided to see the best sites, and I have met the absolute best people here. My Arabic has improved so much in a relatively short time (one month), and I'm now confident speaking to people in Arabic. All of this is thanks to the Excellence Centre, and their wonderful staff and volunteers.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?

I would come for longer! The visa is 3 months, regardless of whether you stay for one week or the full three months. I wish that I had saved up more money so I could've stayed for longer.

Pros

I always felt welcome and part of the family
My Arabic is so good now!
The food is amazing, and I have learnt to cook

Cons

It is expensive, honestly. The money goes to good use, but it was hard to justify such a big expense in my life.

Response from The Excellence Center

Salam Ya Becca,

Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful review! We’re really happy to hear that you enjoyed your lessons, felt supported by your teacher, and were able to learn so much Arabic and about Palestine during your stay.

It’s also wonderful to know that you felt safe, welcomed, and able to connect with the local community and fellow volunteers. We truly appreciate your feedback and your recommendation.

We hope to welcome you back to The Excellence Center again in the future!

Warm regards,
The Excellence Center Team

By The Excellence Center in Palestine and Europe on June 30, 2026

My experience with the Excellence Centre was great. I did 20 hours online with Haya, she was an excellent teacher, friendly, and it was a fantastic experience all round. Communication and organisation of lessons was flexible, and payment was straightforward. I'd highly recommend it to anyone looking for a professional, accessible online approach to learning Arabic. Unfortunately my schedule means further lessons are not currently an option for me but I certainly hope to come back to Excellence Centre some time in the future.

Pros

Fantastic teacher
Flexible planning
Effective class materials

Response from The Excellence Center

Dear John,

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! It was a pleasure to have you as part of The Excellence Center.

Thank you for your kind words, and we hope to welcome you back again in the future!

Warm regards,

The Excellence Center Team

By The Excellence Center in Palestine and Europe on June 30, 2026

I had the pleasure of having Haya as my Arabic teacher. She’s a bright teacher with a great and helping personality that really wants to see you succeed. As well as the other teachers I have seen. I honestly don’t believe they could have picked a team of better teachers.

Whether you learn how to speak or write in Arabic, the group of teachers are very patient and adaptive to your learning style. Success is the key thing they want to see with you. I love this center with all my heart. And I hope they continue having more and more students and volunteers

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?

I’d get more hours to study

Response from The Excellence Center

Salam Ya Habibi Jaylen,

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! It was a pleasure to have you as part of The Excellence Center.

Thank you for your kind words, and we hope to welcome you back again in the future!

Warm regards,

The Excellence Center Team

By The Excellence Center in Palestine and Europe on June 30, 2026

I've been taking online Arabic classes with Duha and they've been amazing - it has a great balance of colloquial language and more technical learning points, and Duha is a wonderful person to chat to about anything. I started as a complete beginner and could read the script within a couple of weeks. Duha makes learning Arabic feel possible and fun, rather than intimidatingly hard. I'd highly recommend these classes to anyone interested in learning about the Arabic language and Palestinian culture :)

Response from The Excellence Center

Salam Habibi Bandit,

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear that you've enjoyed your online Arabic classes with Duha.

Thank you for your recommendation, and we look forward to continuing your Arabic learning journey with you!

Warm regards,

The Excellence Center Team

By The Excellence Center in Palestine and Europe on June 30, 2026

I have been doing bi-weekly classes with Duha for several months now. What impressed me the most is how quickly she was able to assess my level and main gaps and therefore tailored the instruction accordingly. She is so sweet, fun and supportive. Arabic class is the highlight of my week, always gets me in a good mood. She provided with all the necessary materials and she is always available for any questions. I improved my level so much in just 10 sessions remotely. I can imagine this would be even better in person. I absolutely recommend it.

Response from The Excellence Center

Thank you so much, Elisa, for your wonderful feedback! We’re delighted to hear that you’ve had such a positive experience with Duha and that the lessons have been both enjoyable and effective for your Arabic progress.

We truly appreciate your recommendation and look forward to continuing to support your learning journey!

Warm regards,
The Excellence Center in Palestine Team 🇵🇸

By The Excellence Center in Palestine and Europe on May 10, 2026

I have been taking virtual Arabic lessons with the Excellence Center for a couple months now and the lessons have been wonderful! My teacher is very kind, helpful, and professional. She helps me to practice during our lessons and gives me homework to work on before our next lesson. She is very communicative and makes the lessons very fun and interactive. She teaches me how to speak, read, and write. I am excited to continue taking Arabic lessons and highly recommend the Excellence Center to others!

Response from The Excellence Center

Thank you so much, Nadia, for your kind review! We are very happy to hear that you are enjoying your virtual Arabic lessons and benefiting from the interactive and supportive teaching style.

We truly appreciate your recommendation and look forward to continuing your Arabic learning journey with us!

Warm regards,
The Excellence Center In Palestine Team 🇵🇸

By The Excellence Center in Palestine and Europe on May 10, 2026

I've been taking online classes with Duha since September. She is very professional, the program is very progressive and logic.

At first, I just wanted to learn to talk but she convinced me to learn how to write and read and I do not regret it!

I take a lot of pleasure learning and Duha is very efficient and understanding. She knows how to help when I don't understand and makes learning fun.

I would really recommend taking classes with the Excellence Center if you want to learn levantine arabic!

Response from The Excellence Center

Thank you so much, Alex, for your thoughtful review! We’re very happy to hear that you’ve had such a positive and enjoyable learning experience with Duha and that the program has helped you progress in reading, writing, and speaking Arabic.

We truly appreciate your recommendation and are glad to be part of your Arabic learning journey!

Warm regards,
The Excellence Center in Palestine Team

By The Excellence Center in Palestine and Europe on May 10, 2026

Questions & Answers

Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Why did you choose this program?

I previously visited the Excellence Center in Hebron last year to do Intensive Arabic and I really enjoyed the two weeks I had; however, I wished I was staying longer, as two weeks went to fast. This year I was for one month and, in the future, I hope to stay for longer. I have a desire to become fluent in Arabic and coming to the Excellence Center was a great opportunity for me to improve my Arabic, even though that was not the main focus of the visit. The main focus was to conduct research for my dissertation in BSc Anthropology and, with the help from the Excellence Center, this became easier for me to complete.

What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

I had in advance of this program created a questionnaire and interview questions and done some readings to prepare for the fieldwork. When I arrived at the Excellence Center, I had a short meeting with some staff at the Excellence Center about what I needed for my research and, from that point, the Center organised all the interviewees I conducted and all the questionnaires I collected. The only thing I needed to do was to tell them what I needed, and then they organised the rest. This made the research I conducted very easy and possible to complete within the limited time I had.

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What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

Be prepared for Arab time. You might have heard about the Arab time before, but if you haven't, now you will. It basically means that times works a bit differently; 9 might mean 9.30, the afternoon might be 12.00 or 14.00, and 5 minutes might be 30 minutes. When deciding to come to this Center, be prepared and accept that time runs differently, and embrace it!

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

At 9.30 am, it is Palestinian traditional breakfast at the Center together with other volunteers and staff at the Center. After that, I usually talked to the Excellence Center staff about my day.

As I did research, some days the Excellence Center staff had fixed an interview or a focus group that could fill in my questionnaire. Other days I was working on transcribing interviews. I also had two 1.5 hour lecture of Arabic each week, so when I didn't work on my research, I practised my Arabic.

At around 5 pm, I would go back home and use the rest of the day with my host family and relax. As the main focus was my own research, the weeks were very flexible, and I mostly shaped the weeks myself.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

Last year was a bit more terrifying than it was this year. Traveling alone and living in a host family with a completely different culture than my own was a bit scary, as I did not know what to expect. However, the friendliness of the host family made this fear disappear and they actually made my stay even better as I had a family to come back to after a long day at the Center.

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Rafat Shantir

Program

Intensive Arabic Courses in Palestine (1–13 Weeks)

Job Title

Manager

Rafat Shantir is the manager of the Excellence Center. Rafat has participated and volunteered in many community development projects in places as diverse as Mongolia, Denmark, Egypt, and Jordan. He has worked for community development for several years in Palestine, and he strongly believes in the role of community activities and cultural exchanges in the lives of Palestinians and members of the world community. Rafat has received his higher education in Germany. As manager, Rafat answers some interview questions:

What does the future hold for the Excellence Center – any exciting and new programs to share?

In Summer 2015 the Excellence Center sponsored more than 40 internationals from all over the world, and the Center looks forward to continued growth in international volunteers, interns, visitors, and Arabic students. Recently, the Excellence Center has launched a new program called “Trip to Palestine” which will provide services to tourists who come to Palestine.

What sets the Excellence Center apart from other organizations?

The Excellence Center offers unique programs that provide international students, interns, volunteers, and visitors with direct participation and immersion into Palestinian culture and daily life. This immersion occurs by virtue of living with Palestinian host families and participating in family life, visiting local universities and meeting university students, visiting local businesses and industries, and the chance to learn Arabic where it is spoken. All of these opportunities create a unique learning environment.

Should program participants learn Arabic before they arrive at the Excellence Center? If so, why?

The answer to this depends on certain factors: the length of the person’s stay and the purpose for the journey. In the last four years, the Excellence Center has sponsored more than 150 internationals; many of them did not speak Arabic and relied solely on English. Many internationals began to learn Arabic due to their immersion in the environment. They related that it was much easier to learn Arabic in Palestine simply because they were immersed in the culture and language on a 24/7 basis.

Rafat, what is your favorite participant story in the Excellence Center’s programs?

Excellence Center had an Irish volunteer who was only 18 years old. Before she came to Palestine, she told us, her family was vehemently opposed to her going to volunteer in Palestine. Nevertheless, she made her decision to come to Palestine, and she developed a bit of anxiety before her arrival. After she had spent one month here, she did not want to return home. She said that she wished to stay in Palestine to learn Arabic and to help the Palestinian people. How happy we all were to hear her expression of deep feeling.

What would you tell someone who is thinking of becoming a future participant at the Excellence Center?

The Excellence Center has so many unique cultural, social, educational, and community opportunities available to international students, interns, volunteers, and visitors. If you want to meet Palestinian people, interact with them, and travel Palestine, then the Excellence Center is the place for you. The opportunities offered by the Excellence Center are unique and singular. They are opportunities for those wanting to make a difference in the lives of others, as well as your own!

About The Excellence Center

Founded in 2011, the Excellence Center/Engage in Palestine offers intensive Levantine and Palestinian Arabic courses, online Arabic lessons, and a variety of volunteer, internship, and community programs in Hebron, West Bank. Participants can learn Arabic, meet new people from around the world, and engage with local communities, contributing to...