Intensive Arabic Programs In Palestine (1-13 Weeks)

Name: Intensive Arabic Programs In Palestine (1-13 Weeks)
Brand: The Excellence Center
SKU: 51774
Rating: 4.87 (223 reviews)

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4.87 Rating

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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

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

Last Updated: Nov 25, 2024

Last Reviewed: Jun 02, 2025

Wish List

31 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

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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.

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

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.

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Program Reviews

4.87 Rating

based on 223 reviews

Leave a Review

Rating Spread Language

5 rating 87.44%
4 rating 12.11%
3 rating 0.45%
2 rating 0%
1 rating 0%

Instruction 4.8
Support 4.85
Fun 4.7
Housing 4.55
Value 4.75

Good for Students, Solo Travelers, Adventure travelers

Showing 105 - 112 of 223 reviews

I took weekly Arabic lessons at Excellence Center while living in Hebron for almost 1,5 years. When I returned to Norway, I was able to continue learning Arabic online with my teacher from Excellence, Marwa.

I immediately felt at home in Excellence Centre. The teachers and the administration in the centre are very welcoming, helpful and professional. Marwa is a very knowledgeable and kind person, and the lessons with her are always fun and useful. She also did her best to accomodate the lessons and material according to my needs and interests.

Altough I prefer face-to-face lessons, taking online lessons have worked out really well. I can recommend it especially to those with prior knowledgeable of Arabic.

Response from The Excellence Center

Greetings Birgitte,

I'm glad to hear about your positive experience learning Arabic at Excellence Center in Hebron. It's wonderful that you were able to continue your Arabic lessons online with your teacher, Marwa, even after returning to Norway. The welcoming and professional environment at the center, along with the helpfulness of the teachers and administration, made you feel at home from the start.

You mentioned that Marwa is a knowledgeable and kind person, and your lessons with her were both enjoyable and valuable. She was attentive to your specific needs and interests, ensuring that the lessons and materials were tailored accordingly. Although face-to-face lessons are your preference, you found that online lessons worked out well, especially for those with prior knowledge of Arabic. Thank you for sharing your recommendation and highlighting the positive aspects of your experience with Excellence Center. It's great to hear that you were able to continue your Arabic learning journey even after leaving Hebron.

Best wishes from Palestine,

By The Excellence Center in Palestine and Europe on June 21, 2023

Really blessed to join the online program. Rafat was always available to answer any queries to make the whole process run smoothly. Dua'a my teacher is great and so patient. We work together to arrange a schedule suitable for both of us. I have learned so much already and it's only been 3 months. I hope to continue and improve my Palestinian Arabic skills! Being of Palestinian heritage I feel an affinity to this dialect which I love. I definitely will recommend to family and friends. Thank you Excellence Centre.

Response from The Excellence Center

Hello Amina,

I'm delighted to hear that you had a blessed experience joining the online program with Excellence Center. It's wonderful to know that Rafat, along with the team, was readily available to address any queries and ensure a smooth process for you. Dua'a, your teacher, has been great and patient, working together with you to arrange a schedule that suits both of you.

In just three months, you've already learned so much and are eager to continue improving your Palestinian Arabic skills. As someone with Palestinian heritage, you feel a strong connection to this dialect, which you love. It's fantastic that you plan to recommend Excellence Center to your family and friends. Thank you for expressing your gratitude to Excellence Center. It's evident that you value the support, guidance, and progress you've experienced during your time in the online program. Keep up the excellent work, and I wish you continued success in your Arabic language journey!

Best wishes from Palestine,

By The Excellence Center in Palestine and Europe on June 21, 2023

I have been messing about with Arabic for several years now.
I spent three weeks on the intensive Arabic course at the Excellence Centre, and to my delight, my Arabic has improved enormously. I can communicate at last !

The Excellence Centre provides language classes, accommodation, volunteering and recreational activities. Everything can be tailored to your needs : the language learners and the volunteers I met at the Centre came from a variety of backgrounds and age groups, each of us having a different life experience and varying levels of Arabic. Everyone had a personalised programme according to their interests. This flexibility is one of the strengths of the Excellence Centre.

The people of Hebron are very welcoming indeed. Tourists and foreign language students are never harassed in the streets, on the contrary, we are greeted in the friendliest manner possible.

You can spend time in Hebron immersing yourself in language and culture, barely coming into contact with the political situation. For those interested in Human Rights and the problems of the Occupation, there is ample opportunity to dig deeper and to engage in solidarity actions. Again, the Excellence Centre offers a range of activities, after that, its all up to you !

I thoroughly enjoyed my time here, discovering a fascinating city while improving my language skills.

Alison aged 48, from France.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?

Just one word of warning to future students : if you come in the winter, bring plenty of warm clothes !

My name's Jasmine, 26 years old from Manchester UK. I wanted to visit Palestine alone, and do an intensive Arabic course. For two weeks I did three hours per day with Bisaan -- wow she is an amazing teacher. It is one-on-one teaching and all my needs were met.

It is completely safe here. Even though I have been learning about Palestine for years, and have Palestinian friends in the UK, I was still a little nervous to come alone. After this experience I can say it is 100% safe, the people are SO welcoming, and I would recommend it to anyone, any age, from any place.

I lived in Hebron for two months from November 5, 2019 to January 5, 2020. During that time I took five two hour individual lessons at the Excellence Center. My teacher was Dua'a Qasim. I benefitted greatly from those lessons and learned a great deal. I recommend Ms. Qasim most highly. She was highly focused and the time was spent efficiently. She used Whats App quite effectively to give me audio homework for further study and I appreciated that. Her love of the language and enthusiasm was infectious. My time at the Excellence Center with Ms. Qasim was both enjoyable and profitable.

Great time spent at the excellence center. I had 5 lessons with Nadine over a week. I learned so much and was provided a free tour from the center into H2. I felt incredibly safe in the area: the hospitality is just amazing in Hebron. The coffeeshop across the center started giving me free tea and coffee simply because I had been there frequently. Great stay, great city, great program.

I spent 5 days at the Excellence Center receiving 1-on-1 Arabic lesson with Nadine. The instruction was superb. I felt free to change the lesson method how I pleased and Nadine was sure to switch from vocab, to writing, to listening comprehension with videos/conversation as I pleased. I have lived in Palestine before and have not felt safer than I have at the Excellence Center. The neighborhood is clean, the people are warm-hearted and hospitable and the environment is safe and caring.

What would you improve about this program?

Living situation can be very cold.

My name is Remi, I from France and I learning arabic 3 weeks in Hebron

The school is very good and welcoming, has a great location in the center of Hebron and close to everything.

The breakfast served every day is great and allows us to spend sometime with teachers and other students.

Bisanne is an excellent teacher with a lot of energy and passion to learn arabic and speak about Palestine, I had a great time with her

Hebron is a very safe city with a part occupied by the israëlis but I met really welcoming people, the tours organized by the center excellence are great for visiting and understanding the history of the city.

Just for those we want to come in winter, it's cold to bring warm clothes.

Rémi, french

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 Programs 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

The Excellence Center/Engage in Palestine, established in June 2011, provides intensive Arabic Levantine/Palestinian programs, online Arabic lessons, and educational, cultural, social, and community development services to international students, interns, and volunteers, as well as to Palestinian children, refugees, women, and youth in Hebron, West...

Program Details

Pricing

Program Highlights

Study Arabic Online Program 

The Summer Intensive Arabic Program 

Study Levantine (Shami) Arabic Program 

Short-Term Volunteer Projects In Palestine In 2025 (1-13 Weeks)

Intensive & Super Intensive Arabic Courses in Palestine (1-12 Weeks)

Study Arabic Language in Palestine

Response from The Excellence Center

Response from The Excellence Center

Alumni Interviews

Rosalind Dyveke Dale

Why did you choose this program?

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

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

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

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

Staff Interviews

Rafat Shantir

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

What sets the Excellence Center apart from other organizations?

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

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

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

Short-Term Volunteer Projects In Palestine In 2025 (1-13 Weeks)

Intensive & Super Intensive Arabic Courses in Palestine (1-12 Weeks)

Study Arabic Language in Palestine

Study Arabic Online Program

The Summer Intensive Arabic Program

Study Levantine (Shami) Arabic Program