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
Jun 02, 2025
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

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 223 reviews
  • 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
Showing 17 - 24 of 223 reviews
Default avatar
Tahani
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Palestinian Arabic

I’ve taken standard Arabic classes before but wanted to focus on being able to speak better and specifically in the Palestinian dialect to understand the older generation of my family. Saja was my teacher and she helped me feel more confident in speaking even if I made mistakes. She helped me with grammar and vocabulary and using dialect instead of the standard which is more helpful to communicate with others. I’ve noticed I can understand more when people talk to me and I can form sentences better. I took the basic 10 class course and I really enjoyed it and looked forward to my classes if anything I wish I had taken more classes and that they were a little longer. Saja was always helpful, kind, and supportive of my journey and always made sure to ask if I understood or needed anything to help me succeed.

What was your funniest moment?
This is more a fun thing than funny, but having a teacher who is my age and has a similar family dynamic was really nice and felt like I was learning with a close friend.
Pros
  • Flexible times
  • Course materials are very useful and applicable
  • Pricing is fair
62 people found this review helpful.
Response from The Excellence Center

Salam Tahani,

Thank you so much for your thoughtful review!

We’re thrilled to hear that your experience with our Arabic classes, especially focusing on the Palestinian dialect, has been so positive and impactful. It’s great to know that Saja’s teaching helped you feel more confident in speaking, improved your understanding, and enhanced your ability to communicate with others. We’re glad that the grammar and vocabulary lessons, tailored to the dialect, met your needs and supported your personal goals.

Your feedback about wanting longer classes and more opportunities for learning is valuable, and we appreciate your enthusiasm for the course. We’re proud of Saja’s supportive and kind approach and will share your kind words with her. Thank you for being part of our program, and we wish you all the best with your language journey in the future, Tahani!

Kind greetings from Hebron, Palestine!

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

Living Arabic

My first course in Arabic was 50 years ago. As I progressed through the academic hierarchy I took several other courses and did fairly well. However, there was no breath in the MSA. Recently, I decided that I needed to make the Arabic I knew into a living, breathing Arabic, no longer a language stuck to pages and inside books, but a vehicle of communication and laughter, tears and agony in real life. It has been my good fortune that I found Duha Amro at this online course with Go Overseas. She has been an exemplary teacher, compassionate, yet disciplined; a sense of humor; and a warmth of heart known to the Palestinians. As a language teacher myself, I recommend her and this program highly.

What would you improve about this program?
IF the times for sessions could be measured in days and not hours
Pros
  • Personalble
  • intelligent
  • empathetic
67 people found this review helpful.
Response from The Excellence Center

Salam Mark,

Thank you for sharing your heartfelt and insightful review. It is truly inspiring to hear about your lifelong journey with the Arabic language and your quest to transform it into a vibrant, living means of communication. We are thrilled that you found our online course and Duha Amro's instruction to be precisely what you were looking for.

Duha's compassionate and disciplined teaching style, coupled with her sense of humor and warmth, embodies the essence of Palestinian hospitality and dedication to education. Your commendation, especially coming from a fellow language teacher, holds great value and encourages us to continue striving for excellence in our programs. We are grateful for your recommendation and delighted to have played a part in bringing Arabic to life for you, Mark.

Warm regards from Hebron, Palestine!

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

Online Lessons

I had online lessons with Saja. We initially discussed all my requirements and she fully understood what I was trying to achieve. I was looking for basic day to day conversation. Saja subsequently implemented what we had discussed and put in place a well structured series of lessons tailored to my needs and objectives - and I was able to achieve my objectives fairly quickly. Saja was fun to work with and made learning enjoyable.
Highly recommended - I am looking forward to my visit in person next year.

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

Salam George,

Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that your online Arabic lessons with Saja were effective and enjoyable. It's great that she understood your requirements from the start and tailored the lessons to help you achieve your goals quickly.

We're glad you found the experience fun and productive. Thank you for the high recommendation, and we look forward to welcoming you in person next year, George!

Greetings from Hebron, Palestine!

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

On-line Arabic course

I have been taking on-line lessons with Doha Amro for a couple of months. Since I was an absolute beginner, we started with the alphabet. Doha did a great job of introducing and drilling the forms of the letters. She also has presented basic Levantine vocabulary and grammar. And I had the chance to practice what I learned not only with Doha, but also with several of her relatives who made guest appearances during our lessons. I have enjoyed my classes, and I look forward to continuing the study of Arabic.

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

Hi George

Thank you for sharing your positive experience! We're thrilled you've enjoyed your online lessons with Doha and the interactive approach. It's fantastic that you're looking forward to continuing your Arabic studies. If you have any specific areas you'd like to focus on, feel free to let us know.

Best regards from Palestine!

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

Best Online Arabic Classes

I have been taking online (Levantine) Arabic classes for the past few months, and it has been amazing! I was concerned at first about how well I would learn a new language in a virtual environment, but it's been great so far. The best part of the online classes is my teacher, she is kind, patient, and her style of teaching makes the lessons easy to understand for a native English speaker with zero prior Arabic language experience. Also, I am based in the US and most language classes here cost at least three times as much as the classes at the Excellence Center and don't offer 1-on-1 instruction. I plan to continue taking online classes with the Excellence Center for the foreseeable future and hope to visit the Center in Palestine!

Pros
  • Amazing teacher!
  • 1-on-1 classes
  • Best price for online Arabic classes
72 people found this review helpful.
Response from The Excellence Center

Hi Alex,

That sounds like an incredible experience, and I'm delighted to hear that your online Arabic classes with the Excellence Center have been so rewarding. It's fantastic that you've found a teacher who makes the learning process enjoyable and accessible. The affordability and one-on-one instruction are definite advantages, especially compared to the costlier options in the US.

It's inspiring to hear about your commitment to continue with the Excellence Center and your future plans to visit the Center in Palestine. I'm sure your dedication will lead to even greater proficiency in Levantine Arabic. Wishing you continued success on your language-learning journey!

Best regards from Palestine,

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

A Transformative Arabic Learning Experience with Excellence Center in Palestine

I recently completed the 10 online Arabic classes focusing on the Shami dialect at the Excellence Center, and my experience has been nothing short of extraordinary. As a remote student, I was initially hesitant about the effectiveness of virtual learning, but Saja, my brilliant instructor, completely changed my perspective.

Saja's teaching style is a perfect blend of brilliance and patience. She not only provided thorough explanations of the deeper meanings behind phrases but also delved into the cultural context, enriching my understanding of words. Despite the virtual setting, Saja went above and beyond, repeating sentences and offering invaluable guidance on pronunciation during our Zoom calls. She has an intuitive understanding of how much information is enough to push students just a little bit further each class. This personalized approach made every session engaging and productive, leaving me eager to explore more on my own and to practice before the next session.

In conclusion, my time with Saja in the virtual space at the Excellence Center has not only enhanced my Arabic language skills but has also sparked a genuine eagerness to visit the center in person. I highly recommend the Excellence Center in Palestine to anyone seeking a transformative and culturally enriching language learning journey.

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

Salam Sarah,

Thank you immensely for sharing your wonderful experience with the Excellence Center's online Arabic classes, specifically focusing on the Shami dialect. We are thrilled to hear that your virtual learning journey exceeded expectations and that Saja played a pivotal role in making it extraordinary.

It's fantastic to know that Saja's teaching style resonated with you and that she brought brilliance and patience to the virtual classroom. Delving into the deeper meanings of phrases and providing cultural context is a testament to the comprehensive education we strive to deliver. We're delighted that Saja's guidance on pronunciation, even in the virtual setting, was invaluable, contributing to a richer understanding of the language.

Thank you for recommending the Excellence Center in Palestine. We're committed to providing transformative and culturally enriching language learning journeys, and your endorsement reaffirms our dedication to this mission.

Sarah, wishing you continued success in your Arabic language endeavors and hoping to welcome you to our center in person someday.

Best regards from Palestine!

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

two weeks intensive Arabic course

My Time at the excellance center and palestine has been a truely precious and unforgetable experience. Firstly the course was not only really fun with great teaching but also provided me with valuable foundation in arabic that I plan to take futher. I have felt extremely welcomed and comfortable in the center and in palestine in general. Palestinian hospitality is truely remarkable and sincere. I felt extremely safe due to the helpfullness of the local people and am extremely thankful for such an incredible experience.

Pros
  • Housing provided by the Center
  • Breakfast Everyday
  • Local culture
Cons
  • Situation in the place
  • Distant from housing to center
84 people found this review helpful.
Response from The Excellence Center

Hi Chiara,

Thank you for sharing your truly precious and unforgettable experience at the Excellence Center and in Palestine. It's heartening to hear that your Arabic course was not only enjoyable but also laid a valuable foundation for your future language learning endeavors.

The warmth and hospitality you encountered in Palestine are indeed remarkable and sincere. Feeling welcomed and comfortable in both the center and the country as a whole is a testament to the genuine kindness of the local people.

We're thrilled to know that you felt safe during your time in Palestine, thanks to the helpfulness of the local community. Your appreciation for this incredible experience is greatly valued, and we hope it continues to inspire and enrich your life journey.

Chiara, thank you for choosing the Excellence Center!

With kind regards from Palestine!

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

Interesting experience

I spent a week at the EC where I learned arabic the teacher was friendly and experinced and good funThe centre was helpful and friendly and was there to support me in any way which i appreciated. My host famile were the loveliest kindest people who looked after me took me around the town and fed me constantly. You will enjoy your experience here its unique! I found Hebron very safe i never felt threatened or afraid whatver time of day. In facthe people were respectful and friendly and oten wanted to chat on the street to practice their engish.

Pros
  • Excellent teaching
  • Wonderful people (staff, people in Hebron, students from the center)
  • Experience Palestinian culture
Cons
  • due to the situation there are few green spaces to relax
  • no shared accommodation for females (female dorms)
87 people found this review helpful.
Response from The Excellence Center

Hi Julia,

Thank you for your positive review! We're delighted to hear that you had a wonderful experience learning Arabic at the EC. It's great to know that you found the teacher, center, and your host family to be friendly and supportive.

We're thrilled you felt safe in Hebron and had the chance to engage with the friendly locals. We hope to welcome you back soon, Julia!

With kind regards,

Questions & Answers