Short term immersive Arabic courses: Whether it’s for work, study, travel, love or family relatives, many people want to learn the language of Arabic. There’s plenty of ways to do this, of course, but one of the best ways to improve your language level rapidly over a short period of time is with an immersive Arabic course. In this handy guide we will tell you all your need to know about how and where you can take a short term immersive Arabic course.
Where can I take a short term immersive Arabic course?
First of all, we should say that if you are not from the Middle East, it is perfectly possible to take a short term immersive Arabic course in your home country. The Arab diaspora is such that most major cities have Arab populations including tutors who will be more than willing to teach you Arabic. However, we would recommend actually coming to the Middle East to learn the language so that you can improve your level that much quicker with the immersion experience.
Where you go depends on your priorities – if you want to learn Levantine dialect (Shami Arabic), then you should take a course in Lebanon or Palestine or Jordan, but if you want to learn the Khaliji dialect, then you should head to the Gulf States. Modern Standard Arabic is taught everywhere and you can usually combine it with a dialect.
Who should I take an Arabic course with?
As mentioned, taking a class with an individual tutor is a perfectly valid strategy, but more often the better choice is to do with it a professional, accredited language school, training centre or university that offers classes.
You can usually be confident in their teaching and they will have a better network for introducing you to other students or Arabic speakers who you can befriend and practise with later on, once you have finished your course.
Why Is the Immersion Factor so Important?
The fast way to rapidly improve your language level is not by your classroom learning, but by your exposure to the target language. An English speaker living in London for example, will learn Arabic much more slowly than an English speaker living in Lebanon (all other things being equally because she will have far fewer opportunities to encounter used language naturally and organically.
This is a key part of language learning as you find out about the language which the locals are actually using, compared with classroom language which can be quite abstract.
Other tips for immersing yourself in the language
Other great ways to immerse yourself in Arabic include watching Arabic TV and films – if you want to learn Levantine dialect, there are some great Lebanese films which make use of this dialect.
Equally listening to the radio can help you pick up new words and practise your listening skills. Likewise, reading articles can help with your reading skills and your vocabulary (particularly, if you want to study Modern Standard Arabic).
Taking a short term immersive Arabic course in Hebron, West Bank
Engage in Palestine in Hebron (or Al Khalil as the locals call it) in the South of the West Bank offers short term immersive Arabic courses from a couple of weeks in length right up to three months (the maximum time afforded by an Israeli tourist visa). You will be assigned a personal Arabic tutor to instruct you in the language with up to five hours of tuition per day, focusing on the four core skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening. Learning in the atmosphere of this Palestinian learning centre, you will have great opportunity to practise the latter two skills with the staff at the centre and also in the wider community of the city.
Programmes are offered in Modern Standard Arabic and the Levantine Shami dialect depending on your goals and priorities – most of the locals speak Ammiya the local slang, but fussha (Modern Standard) is used for official business and in professional environments.
In addition to the Arabic teaching, you are provided accommodation and many of your meals as part of your programme, along with visits to various places in the historical city of Hebron and the surrounding countryside as the basis for the culture exchange which underpinned by the language skills.
List of Short Term Immersive Arabic Courses
We provide immersive Arabic programs here at Engage in Palestine in a range of dialects and intensities, as can be seen below:
Intensive Arabic Language Courses
Engage in Palestine’s Short Term Immersive Arabic Courses are open to any student who would like to learn or progress their Arabic skills rapidly. Whether you are an undergraduate or postgraduate student, or simply an avid language lover, these classes will help to improve your Arabic through the technique of classroom immersion.
Engage in Palestine’s intensive courses include Modern Standard Arabic, Palestinian Arabic and Levantine Colloquial Arabic. Please find more information below.
Modern Standard Arabic Intensive Courses
Modern Standard Arabic and Classical Arabic are largely considered the same dialect, except for minor differentiations in phrasing and diction. Because Modern Standard and Classical Arabic share identical vocabulary, those who enrol in our Modern Standard Arabic programs will be well equipped to understand Classical Arabic.
At Engage in Palestine, Modern Standard Arabic is taught at eight different levels, from complete beginner to highly advanced.
Modern Standard Arabic Course Details: >>
Palestinian Colloquial Arabic Courses
The Study Palestinian Arabic program is perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in the diverse culture of Palestine and the Levant or wish to connect with the wider Palestinian diaspora. Travelling to Hebron and acquiring the Palestinian spoken dialect will connect you with the region’s rich history and will better help you to understand its contemporary role in the Arab world and internationally.
At Engage in Palestine, the Palestinian Colloquial Arabic courses are available at six different levels ranging from beginners to intermediate and advanced levels. | Palestinian Colloquial Arabic: Course details: >>
Levantine Colloquial Arabic
The Study Levantine Arabic program is an ideal opportunity to expand your spoken Arabic to include the Levantine dialect.
Fortunately for participants of this program, our center is located in the heart of the Levant in the vibrant city of Hebron. As Levantine Arabic is one of the most widely spoken Arabic dialects, its acquisition is the ultimate passport connecting you with the Arabic-speaking world. Levantine Colloquial Arabic Course details: >>
Individual Arabic Courses
Engage in Palestine offers intensive and non-intensive private Arabic lessons in a wide range of dialects, all taught one-to-one by an Engage in Palestine Arabic teacher. As an Arabic student, you will have the opportunity to customize your Arabic course according to your needs and wishes. Our Palestinian teachers will prepare a curriculum to meet your needs, whether your wish is to study Palestinian spoken Arabic, Levantine or Classical/Standard Arabic.
Our wide range of immersive Arabic courses cover both standardised Arabic classes and specific colloquial dialects from Syria, Palestine and other regions of the Levant. As such, our Arabic lessons are suitable for a wide range of learners, from international businesspeople, diplomats and travellers to people wishing to read the Quran. Our flexible private lessons can specialise your curriculum to suit your needs and requirements.
Online Arabic Courses
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.
However, you’re able to tailor your program too to suit your specific needs and interests. Are you someone who wants to travel throughout the Levant in their personal time but also needs to analyse historical texts for your profession? Then you could merge together Modern Standard and Levantine Arabic as we are more than capable of accommodating your preferences.
Dealing with all aspects of language learning, our online Arabic programs focus on phonetics, conversation, writing, reading and listening comprehension as well as learning common idioms, completing daily tasks and discussing various subjects suited for your course level. By doing so, this ensures you have a wide range of Arabic understanding.
Engage in Palestine offers six different levels for Arabic instruction: beginner, elementary levels 1 and 2, intermediate levels 1 and 2 and advanced. Additionally, each course level is offered at three intensities: non-intensive, intensive and super-intensive, the difference being the course load and frequency of sessions. As our online courses are available any day of the week and offered year-round with no official application deadline, when you start your Arabic journey is completely up to you!
Online Arabic Courses for Children
In addition to the adult courses, Engage in Palestine also offers Arabic tuition for children, which is a great opportunity to begin acclimating your child to the Arabic language and culture in a formal and accessible setting. Differing from our adult programs through the content and methodology in which they are taught in order to keep their interest, we incorporate more dynamic, immersive methods such as image recognition, flashcards, games and songs.
Our online Arabic courses are an excellent way to introduce children to an authentic Arabic experience from the comfort of home. Specially designed for children in a virtual format, the course includes all picture books, articles on various subjects and digital media. So if you are looking to introduce your child to the Arabic-speaking world, enroll them in our Arabic Online Program to begin their language journey!
More information on these programs can be found at this link : Levantine and Palestinian Arabic online lessons.
Non-Intensive, Intensive And Super-Intensive Arabic Courses
All Short Term Immersive Arabic Courses are available at different intensities, the level of which will determine the frequency of classes as well as the level of immersion and out-of-classroom coursework.
- Non-Intensive Arabic lessons are taught for a total of 12 hours per week, with three hours of study a day for three days each week. Learning progresses through in-class immersion as well as through your day-to-day interactions with people in the city of Hebron. We recommend students interested in a long-term program (between 1 – 3 months) enrol in a non-intensive Arabic course.
- The Intensive Arabic course is designed to enhance any previous immersion in Arabic language and culture. These courses are held for 20 hours each week, with approximately four hours of Arabic language instruction per day, five days a week. Intensive Arabic courses include additional homework and out-of-classroom assignments.
- The third and final course intensity, the Super-Intensive Arabic program, is for those who want a completely immersive, high-intensity classroom-oriented experience. These courses offer 30 hours of instruction per week, with five hours of language instruction per day, five days a week. We generally recommend super intensive courses for those enrolling in shorter programs (1 – 4 weeks) due to the larger study load.
General Information Regarding Intensive And Non-Intensive Arabic Courses:
| Super-Intensive Program | Intensive Program | Non-Intensive Program | |
| Program duration | 1-13 Weeks | 1-13 Weeks | 1-13 Weeks |
| Hours of tuition per week | 30 Hours | 20 Hours | 12 Hours |
| Days of tuition per week | 5 Days | 5 Days | 3 Days |
| Lesson duration | 45 Minutes | 45 Minutes | 45 Minutes |
| Average number of students in class | 1-3 Students | 1-3 Students | 1-3 Students |
| Maximum number of students in class | 3 Students | 3 Students | 3 Students |
| Program levels | 6 Levels (Beginner to Advanced) | 6 Levels (Beginner to Advanced) | 6 Levels (Beginner to Advanced) |
| Lesson periods | Morning (8:30 – 12:30), Afternoon (12:30 – 16:00) | Morning (8:30 – 12:30), Afternoon (12:30 – 16:00) | Morning (8:30 – 12:30), Afternoon (12:30 –16:00) |
| Application deadline | None | None | None |
| Start/End dates | Any time | Any time | Any time |
| Program fees per week | 700$ | 450$ | 370$ |
| University credit | Available | Available | Available |
| Reviews, Ratings and Testimonials | Reviews and ratings on Gooverseas.com | Reviews and ratings on Goabroad.com | Participants’ video testimonials |
- One lesson = 45 minutes
- Registration fee: Once-off registration fee of $30
- Study materials: Free
- Placement test: Free
- Certificate of completion
- Fees include: breakfast, accommodation, Arabic classes and visits to different institutions in the city of Hebron such as the old city, glass and ceramic factories, local companies, refugee camps, public parks and local universities such as the Palestine Polytechnic University and Hebron University.
Our Success
We continue to adapt and develop our teaching methods in order to enhance the quality of instruction in both our in-class and online Arabic immersion programs. Our fundamental mission remains the same, however: to connect, teach and develop individuals from the local and international community.
We strive for excellence, and in 2021 we were rated one of the top three volunteer programs worldwide. We received a Community Choice Award from Go Overseas for “Best Language School”, and were voted best in the categories of “fun” and “instruction.”
In 2019, our first “Go Overseas Community Choice Award” acknowledged Engage in Palestine’s impact on the community of travellers around the world, and we continue to receive high ratings across our programs. Check out our reviews and testimonials here:
- 500+ reviews and ratings (95%) on Gooverseas.com
- Reviews and ratings (91%) on Goabroad.com
- Participants’ video testimonials
Intensive Arabic Programs And Study Options
You may enrol in your Short Term Immersive Arabic Courses directly or as part of the following Intensive Arabic Study Abroad Programs.
1. Flexible Year-Round Intensive Arabic Courses
Intensive Arabic programs can be taken on a year-round basis. Each course has a duration of four weeks and students can continue on to the next level after passing a final exam and giving an oral presentation.
2. Intensive Study Abroad Programs
The Study Abroad Arabic immersion programs include intensive courses, cultural activities, and trips, making them ideal for students seeking an accredited academic program to improve their Arabic as well as gaining insight into Arabic culture and society. Engage in Palestine offers the following intensive Arabic Study Abroad programs:
3. Summer Intensive Arabic Programs
For an immersive Arabic experience, Engage in Palestine offers the Intensive Arabic Study Abroad summer program, which includes intensive Arabic courses in addition to other non-intensive Arabic and area study courses.
4. Winter Intensive Arabic Programs
While summer study abroad programs are more popular with students, Engage in Palestine also offers Arabic Intensive Programs through the winter months. Students who wish to improve their Arabic through an accredited study abroad experience for four weeks during the winter break will be able to study in our December and January sessions.
4. Intensive Arabic Semester Or Year Programs
Intensive Arabic Semester programs are ideal for university students seeking an immersive Arabic language and cultural experience for their semester abroad. Engage in Palestine provides intensive Arabic courses through this program as well as study courses in a variety of other specialised subjects.
How do I apply for the Arabic course?
Simply email Info@ecpalestine.org and type “Short Term Immersive Arabic Courses” in the subject line. Engage In Palestine will email you back an application form that you return at your convenience.
Upon receiving the form, we will contact the applicant to discuss program details and to answer their questions via Whatsapp or Skype.
Application Deadline
Please submit your application via email at least two weeks prior to the starting date of theShort Term Immersive Arabic Courses in Hebron, Palestine.
If you are late, you may always inquire via email whether we still have available places in our courses in Hebron at the Excellence Center.
Additional information
Please click here (Frequently Asked Questions) to find more information regarding accommodation, visa and the application process etc.
Questions?
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact: Info@ecpalestine.org
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