Study Modern Standard Arabic: Engage in Palestine offers Super Intensive, Intensive and Non-Intensive Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) courses across 6 levels, from absolute beginner to advanced. MSA is the standard Arabic that forms the basis of all Arabic dialects (Levantine, Ammiya, Egyptian and North African) across the Arab world.  

With MSA, students are given a starting point from which to begin their own individual Arabic language journeys. By learning about the foundation stones of the language, they can then dive in to their own chosen dialect. Engage in Palestine’s Modern Standard Arabic program provides students at every level with a comprehensive study of the beautiful and poetic features of Arabic. They will learn all about its formulaic sentence structure, its expressive vocabulary and artistic script. It is often said that language is a reflection of culture and while generalisations of language and nationality can be tenuous in their value, MSA does in fact speak to the dramatic and vibrant heart of the Arab world.

Our Super Intensive, Intensive and Non-Intensive Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) programs in the West Bank, Palestine include: 

MSA, whose technical name in Arabic is الفصحى, or al-fusHa, was first developed in the 19^th and 20^th centuries as a way for Arabic publications to reach a wider audience without having to navigate the complexities of various dialects. Since its initial development, MSA has quickly become the contemporary standard for literary, legal and academic publications, as well as being widely used in an international context. It is recognized as an official language in 25 countries, including every member of the Arab League, as shown below:

• Algeria
• Bahrain
• Comoros
• Djibouti
• Egypt
• Iraq
• Jordan
• Kuwait
• Lebanon
• Libya
• Mauritania
• Morocco
• Oman
• Palestine
• Qatar
• Saudi Arabia
• Somalia
• Sudan
• Syria
• Tunisia

While the people within every one of these member states speak a unique colloquial dialect, Modern Standard Arabic has become a multinational unifier of Arabic speakers who would otherwise find themselves unable to communicate. MSA is therefore one of the most reliable ways to communicate with Arabic speakers across the Middle East and North Africa, as well as with the wider Arab diaspora. 

Close Relationship to Classical Arabic

Regardless of dialect, the vast majority of Arabic speakers will be able to recognize Standard Arabic as it derives directly from the Classical Arabic found in the Qur’an and other historical texts. Because of this close relationship to Classical Arabic, MSA has become the standardized form of contemporary written Arabic.

Additionally, many Arabic dialects share much of their lexicon with MSA, similar to classical Latin’s relationship to contemporary romance languages. Students who study Modern Standard Arabic are thus better prepared to interact with and understand the multitude of Arabic dialects. 

Online Modern Standard Arabic Courses

Our Modern Standard Arabic Online Program is an excellent choice for anyone interested in learning Arabic from the comfort of their home before venturing into the Arabic-speaking world. This is also an excellent opportunity for students or professionals with wider interests such as political science and international relations to gain a greater comprehension for their field while balancing their busy schedules. 

This Modern Standard Arabic Online course is especially ideal for university students to gain academic credit towards their degrees, and for recent graduates to maintain their Arabic language proficiency. Additionally, our Modern Standard Arabic online lesson is a suitable option for those who find travel logistically or financially challenging. 

Whatever the reason, our Modern Standard Arabic online courses are the perfect way for enthusiastic language learners to dip a toe into Arab culture. If this sounds like the program for you, reach out to us to begin your linguistic journey!

Summer Intensive Modern Standard Arabic Courses

For an immersive Arabic experience, Engage in Palestine offers the Summer Intensive Modern Standard Arabic abroad programme, which includes Intensive Arabic courses in addition to other non-intensive Arabic and area study courses. Each Summer Arabic course has a duration of four weeks and students are welcome to study from as little as one week to over three months, continuing onto the next level after passing a final exam and giving an oral presentation. 

Classical Or Modern Standard Arabic? 

The terms Modern Standard and Classical Arabic are sometimes used interchangeably, so it’s important to settle any confusion. Classical Arabic – also known as Quranic Arabic – is a form of Arabic that dates back to the 7^th century and the founding of Islam. Modern Standard Arabic is based on this classical style and very closely resembles Classical Arabic, with some minute differences such as their stylization and method of diction.

In contemporary language, Classical and Modern Standard Arabic are considered by many to be synonymous, and even the Arabic word Fus’ha does not differentiate between the two. Therefore, those who enroll in the MSA Program will be well-equipped to understand higher literary forms of Arabic, including those in the Qur’an. 

Why Study Modern Standard Arabic? 

Modern Standard Arabic is ideal for those who wish to gain a strong foothold in the Arabic language and who plan to expand their knowledge of colloquial variants in the future. The language itself is widespread, as it is the primary form of Arabic taught in schools across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Arabic speakers across the region can therefore use it as a means of communication between speakers of different Arabic colloquialisms, and students studying MSA can likewise use it to communicate while traveling throughout the MENA region. 

MSA’s use across a wide geographical range make it an excellent choice for those wishing to venture into the Arabic language. MSA is also incredibly important in areas related to literature, news media, academia, diplomacy, law, international business and much more. Studying MSA gives one access to the literary world of Arabic, and opens doors to professional advancement. 

Top Reasons For Learning Modern Standard Arabic  

As Arabic has become one of the fastest-growing languages worldwide, students from across the globe are asking themselves what the advantages are in learning Modern Standard Arabic. Here are some of the best reasons for learning Modern Standard Arabic:

• Modern Standard Arabic is an official language of 25 countries (22 of which are part of the Arab League), making it one of the most widely-spoken languages in the world. It is also an official language of the United Nations.
   
• Modern Standard Arabic is closely related to Classical Arabic, the language of the Qur’an and of all Classical Arabic texts. In this sense, studying MSA gives students a window (or a magnifying glass!) into a wealth of history and culture. 
   
• Modern Standard Arabic is the language of most media broadcasts in the modern Arab world. Students who study MSA will therefore be able to keep up to date with current events through their study of  MSA. 
   
• Students studying Modern Standard Arabic will gain access to millions of books and articles on a variety of topics which have been written in MSA. 
   
• There is a multitude of diverse resources and materials available in MSA that can help students learn the intricacies of the language. Although it has been claimed that Modern Standard Arabic is a difficult language to learn, as its grammar is so well-documented students can use these resources throughout their studies. 
   
• Modern Standard Arabic is the common language that unites all Arab countries. By learning Arabic, students can better understand the Arab world and its diverse cultures.

Why Engage In Palestine? 

Engage in Palestine is located in the bustling city of Hebron, where students will have ample opportunity to utilize their Arabic at home, in class and in the city.  During their stay here, students will live with a Palestinian host family which ensures that their learning experience will be a truly immersive one. Students will interact with locals on a daily basis, be they shopkeepers, taxi drivers, restaurant staff or curious passersby.

Hebron in the West Bank is also ideal for students wishing to explore other parts of Palestine. Engage in Palestine in fact regularly operates excursions to neighboring cities, cultural sites, natural wonders, refugee camps and areas of political significance so that students may better comprehend the complexity, diversity and beauty of Palestine.

Included in your Modern Standard Arabic Immersion Program will be:

• Assistance from well-qualified, attentive Arabic teachers with excellent educational backgrounds

• All books and learning material 

• Palestinian hospitality and a pleasant climate         
• Breakfast with other students, interns, volunteers and staff members  six days a week

• The opportunity to live in one of the most politically ambivalent regions in the Middle East

• The opportunity to visit unique tourist attractions from a native perspective,
• including Bethlehem, Ramallah, Nablus, Hebron, Tulkarm, Qalqilyah, Jenin and the Dead Sea near Jericho

• Access  to nearby cities such as Akko, Herzliya, Beersheva, Eilat, Tiberias, Netanya, Safed, Haifa, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Masada, Amman, Aqaba, Wadi Rum, and Nazareth

• Visits to various sites in the city of Hebron (including refugee camps, the old city and different factories)

• Support before departure and during your time in Palestine

• Accommodation with a Palestinian host family or in a shared flat

• A certificate upon completion

As an international student learning Arabic in Palestine, you will also have the opportunity to meet Palestinian university and school students as well as members of the Hebron community and local organizations.

Great Reviews and Community Awards

Engage in Palestine has been welcoming individuals from all over the world since 2011. While we continuously develop our programs to provide the best possible learning experience, our fundamental mission remains the same: to connect, teach and develop individuals within the local and international community.

We continue to strive towards excellence. In 2021 we were rated one of the top three programs worldwide for offering volunteer opportunities. We received the community choice award from Go Overseas in the category of “best language school”, and were also voted best for “fun” and “instruction.” 

In 2019, we received our first “Go Overseas Community Choice Award” in acknowledgement of Engage in Palestine’s impact on the community of world travellers. Engage in Palestine continues to be highly rated by travel organizations across its range of programs. Check out our many great reviews here:

• +500 Reviews and ratings (95%) on Gooverseas.com
• Reviews and ratings (91%) on Goabroad.com
• Participants’ video testimonials

How Will Courses Be Conducted? 

Students enrolled in Engage in Palestine’s Intensive Modern Standard Arabic Program can expect to gain a strong understanding of Arabic while enjoying a fully immersive experience. The Arabic Immersion program will introduce them to Arab culture and customs, while giving them the opportunity to converse with native speakers. Students of this program will essentially have two options in terms of class style: one-on-one or small groups. 

In the one-on-one Intensive Modern Standard Arabic courses, students will have private lessons with an Arabic language teacher, allowing for a more personalized approach to instruction. This also ensures that the student will have the instructor’s full attention, while allowing the instructor to fully focus on any questions that the student may have. 

The second option for students is to study as part of a small group, typically 2 or 3 students. While one-on-one courses are more personalized, small groups allow for structured interaction with peers at similar language proficiency levels, which is often an effective strategy for fostering collective linguistic growth. Students will be able to practice their Arabic together, collaborate on group projects, enjoy class excursions and much more. 

While both styles have their own benefits, we recommend that prospective students choose the option which will best suit their own unique learning style. 

Arabic Course Levels On Offer

• Beginner 

The Beginner’s Modern Standard Arabic course is designed for students with absolutely no previous Arabic language experience. This course will introduce students to basic concepts such as the Arabic alphabet, writing systems, fundamentals of grammar, phonetics and common vocabulary and phrases. The Beginner’s MSA program will create a strong linguistic foundation from which students may delve into the diversity and complexity of the Arabic language. 

• Elementary Level 1

The Elementary Level 1 Modern Standard Arabic course is intended to continue where the previous course left off, building on students’ 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 the completion of this course, students will be able to converse, read and write about elementary subjects such as shopping, asking for directions and expressing preferences.

• Elementary Level 2

The Elementary Level 2 Modern Standard Arabic course will take the subjects addressed in the Elementary Level 1 course and build on the curricula, expanding into ever more intricate territory.

Generally speaking, this course will diversify vocabulary even further and will expand on topics introduced in the previous level. The Level 2 course will still focus predominantly on elementary subjects, but will also explore more complex grammatical structures. 

• Intermediate Level 1

The Intermediate Level 1 Modern Standard Arabic course will introduce students to a more immersive curriculum than previous levels. This will entail venturing into the Palestinian community of Hebron in order to communicate with native speakers and complete everyday tasks.

Students, for example, may be instructed to purchase items from a Palestinian market, order from a restaurant, discuss their preferences on a certain topic or engage in other such colloquial activities. Students will also be introduced to subjects which touch upon specific issues such as culture, art and politics, and will learn the vocabulary needed to converse on these topics in a concise and well-informed manner. 

• Intermediate Level 2

The Intermediate Level 2 Modern Standard Arabic course is aimed at those possessing an extensive Arabic vocabulary who are seeking further immersion in the language. As a result, this course level will focus mainly on comprehension in the context of  listening, writing, reading and speaking.

It will, like the previous course level, involve the practical application of Arabic through interactions with shopkeepers and other locals in the community of Hebron. 

• Advanced

The Advanced Modern Standard Arabic course will combine all the previous courses’ curricula, maintaining the immersive nature of the Intermediate levels while expanding into more complex reading, writing and spoken exercises. Students will also be conducting research in the community of Hebron on a variety of subjects.

With all these methods and materials combined, students will be able to establish a firm understanding of, and a grammatical competency in Modern Standard 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. 

What Is The Difference Between Course Intensities?

Not to be confused with course levels, course intensity signifies the frequency with which classes are held, as well as their level of immersion and the amount of assigned homework. 

We recommend that students who are interested in a long-term program of from one to three months duration enroll in non-intensive courses, which will provide them with plenty of in-class instruction (4 hours per day for 3 days a week) while still leaving them with ample time in which to explore the city of Hebron and immerse themselves in Palestinian culture. 

The intensive Modern Standard Arabic courses are designed to further immerse students in Arabic language and culture. These courses are held 5 days a week for approximately 4 hours each day, giving a total of around 20 hours of instruction per week. Intensive Arabic courses will also include additional homework and out of classroom assignments for participants. 

Finally, our super-intensive courses are designed for students who are looking for accelerated Arabic tuition in a completely immersive, high-intensity classroom setting. Super-intensive Arabic courses are conducted 5 days a week for 6 hours per day, giving a total of approximately 30 lesson hours per week. We recommend that those who are intending to study for less than a month enroll in this program. 

Which Arabic Course Is For Me? 

If you are having difficulty deciding on which course to enroll in, Engage in Palestine offers a free placement test to evaluate students’ Arabic language skills in 4 crucial areas: speaking, reading, writing and listening.

We are always happy to consult with you if you have any questions regarding course levels or intensity. Our contact information can be found at the bottom of this page, along with our Facebook page and our other social media platforms. 

Program Costs And Information

Priced competitively in comparison to other Arabic language courses, program costs at Engage in Palestine vary depending on the course intensity. Tuition charges per week are as follows:

• 370 Euros for non-intensive courses 
• 500 Euros for intensive courses
• 700 Euros for super-intensive courses

Program costs cover language courses, accommodation, complimentary breakfast each day the participant is at the center, operating costs and group excursions. There are no additional or hidden fees applied to these programs, as the price quoted above is the complete and final cost participants will pay.

Program Fees Cover:

• Accommodation
• Language courses
• Operating costs
• Complimentary breakfast 
• Group excursions into Hebron 

Qualified Teachers

Engage in Palestine prides itself on its faculty and staff, all of whom are native Arabic speakers. Many of our teachers also have degrees in various related fields such as Teaching Arabic to Non-native Speakers, Teaching Arabic as a Second Language, Arabic Cultural Studies, Arabic Literary Studies and many others. 

A Unique Experience

Although the Center hosts volunteers and students from all over the world, many people are unaware of the diversity and culture of Palestine which stretches back thousands of years. 

By enrolling in this Arabic immersion program students will experience something unique which will be sure to change perspectives and dispel any preconceived notions about Palestine and the wider Arabic-speaking world. Additionally, the opportunity to live in Hebron with a Palestinian host family will provide students with a level of Arabic immersion that is second to none, creating many opportunities for cross-cultural and linguistic learning. 

In Which Language Is The Program Run? 

All of our programs are geared toward English speakers. For the sake of immersion, however, the higher the Arabic course level the less English will be utilized in the classroom. Students will be presented with many opportunities for utilizing their Arabic skills when navigating through Palestine, thereby ensuring a fully immersive experience.

General Information Regarding Courses

Additional Information

• 30€ one-time registration fee
• No charge for study materials including books 
• Free placement test
• Certificate of completion
• Monthly program fee covers:
  • Arabic courses
  • Breakfast
  • Accommodation
  • Center-led excursions in Hebron
  • Operational costs

Who Can Participate?

Engage in Palestine does not discriminate on any basis; this includes nationality, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation or any other basis. Engage in Palestine has a long history of welcoming people from around the globe, from all walks of life, and from all backgrounds and identities. All are welcome!

Previous participants on Engage in Palestine’s programs have hailed from the following countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States! 

Are There Any Criteria For Participants? 

There are only 3 criteria for participants, the first being conversational fluency in either of the program languages (English or Arabic). Secondly, participants should be aged between 18 and 70, although exceptions can be made in special circumstances. Finally, we ask participants to have a positive attitude and an eagerness to learn.

Participant Requirements: 

• Colloquial fluency in English
• 18 – 70 years of age (unless granted special permission by the Center’s director) 
• A positive attitude and an eagerness to learn

Traveling To Hebron, Palestine 

Reaching the Engage in Palestine Center in Hebron may entail a lot of traveling, but it need not be arduous. Although there are some obstacles to be overcome when traveling to Hebron, Engage in Palestine has compiled a list of resources which will help participants reach us in an efficient, safe and practical manner.

Please read our articles below on planning your trip, flying to Palestine, the different routes to Hebron and on Israeli and Palestinian taxi services: 

• How to fly to Palestine
• How to get to Hebron, Palestine
• Planning your trip to Palestine
• How to get from the Ben Gurion Airport (Israel) to Hebron

If you have any further enquiries about traveling to Palestine, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team. Our contact information can be found at the bottom of this page. 

Living In Palestine

Accommodation

While staying in Hebron, you will have the option of residing with a Palestinian host family or in a dorm. There are advantages to both options. For those staying in a dorm, you will have extra time in which to become acquainted with other participants and volunteers. Furthermore, the dorms are located in Hebron’s metropolitan center, providing ample opportunities for exploring the city, on your own or in the company of your colleagues.

The second option of residing with a Palestinian host family will give participants an intimate view of daily Palestinian life, customs and culture, while also giving them a chance to become familiar with family structures and to sample some delicious Palestinian cuisine. It’s also likely that participants residing with a host family will be invited to family gatherings and cultural events, guaranteeing a culturally immersive experience! 

Whichever housing option participants choose, their time in Palestine is guaranteed to be immersive, enriching and memorable! 

Interacting With Palestinian Culture

Participants in the Modern Standard Arabic Program will find the majority of Palestinian people to be incredibly friendly and open to foreigners. If participants utilize their Arabic skills, no matter how well-developed, they will find that Palestinians are enthusiastic and patient communicators who are delighted that people have taken an interest in their language and culture. 

Palestine is located at the heart of the Levant (the area associated with the Eastern Mediterranean), providing ample opportunities for visiting cultural sights, historical monuments and many other landmarks. Although Palestine’s situation can at times be difficult, participants will find that the Palestinian people are friendly and open, and that Palestine in general is a safe place to visit! 

Don’t Just Take Our Word For It!

If you are having any doubts about the safety of Palestine – and more specifically Hebron – it might be reassuring to know that prior to the COVID pandemic, Engage in Palestine welcomed around 80 participants each year. Since travel into the West Bank has resumed, we are again seeing a steady stream of participants to our center. 

You can hear about the experiences of past volunteers to Engage in Palestine under the descriptions of the various programs, as well as reading the testimony below which comes from Archie, a volunteer from the UK:  

“Throughout my stay in Palestine, as a male, I have felt completely safe. I have never felt that I have been in danger. It is safer to walk through Hebron at night than it is to walk through Leeds in the UK.”  

Should you have any questions in relation to traveling to and within Palestine, or if you have any concerns regarding safety and security, please do not hesitate to reach out! Our contact information can be found at the bottom of this page. 

What Is The Minimum Duration Of The Intensive Course? 

The minimum study duration of the Modern Standard Arabic Program is one week. As the Intensive Courses take 4 weeks to complete, however, most students register for a period of from 4 to 13 weeks. 

How Long Does It Take To Complete One Intensive Course? 

It takes 4 weeks of intensive study on a Modern Standard Arabic Program to complete one course (around 80 hours of class time). 

What If There Aren’t Any Students At My Proficiency Level? 

Engage in Palestine hosts roughly 50 students every year! Occasionally we receive students who are the only ones at their proficiency level. When this happens, the student can continue to take the group courses they originally chose, at a reduced number of class hours, until more students join the class.

Summary 

Our Modern Standard Arabic immersion Programs are ideal for those wishing to gain a firm understanding of the grammatical nature of Arabic, immerse themselves in its literary world, or use it in a variety of professions such as law, diplomacy, journalism, academia or international business.

By choosing to study Modern Standard Arabic in Palestine, participants may find it easier to learn any of the vast number of colloquial dialects that exist in the Arabic-speaking world. Learning MSA will also help you in your travels throughout the countries of the Middle East and North Africa, as well as providing you with the linguisitic context for interacting with the Arab diaspora. 

Modern Standard Arabic is a vital asset to have when traveling through various Arabic-speaking countries, from Morocco to Iraq and down into the Gulf. If you are interested in enrolling in our Modern Standard Arabic Program, please see our instructions below on how to begin your linguistic journey!  

How To Apply

If you are interested in participating in our Study Modern Standard Arabic Program, please write to us atInfo@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 Modern Standard Arabic” and we will reply with an application form attached. Please fill this out and return to us to begin the process.

Find us online

Whatsapp:+972599479880

Website: https://ecpalestine.org/

EC Website: https://excellencenter.org/

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Excellence Center’s Facebook account: https://www.facebook.com/RafatECHebron

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