Where Can I Study Arabic In The Middle East? – Are you fascinated by the rich and diverse histories and cultures of the Middle East? Do you dream of learning Arabic, the fourth most spoken language in the world, which is spoken by over 420 million people? The Middle East, with its abundance of respected language schools and intensive language programs, is the ideal location for studying Arabic.
No matter your level of Arabic, whether you are a total beginner yet to start your Arabic learning journey or have previously studied Arabic, studying Arabic in the Middle East is sure to be an unforgettable and transformative experience. From the deserts of Morocco to the beaches of Oman, the Arab World offers many exciting locations for traveling or studying.
However, first we must consider that while there are many exciting destinations, there are also around 25 different dialects of Arabic, which gives Arabic learners many options! In this article, we will discuss various types of Arabic, determine which one is best to learn, and provide a recommendation for the best place to study Arabic.
Table of Contents
What Type Of Arabic Is Best For You?
First of all, it is essential to consider what type of Arabic is best for you. The broadest distinction is between Fus’ha (Modern Standard Arabic), which is the more formal Arabic used in newspapers and on television, and Aamiya, which refers to the local regional dialect. Choosing which type of Arabic is the best fit for you depends entirely on your goals and ambitions, whether for personal, professional, or academic reasons.
If, however, you’re more interested in socializing with locals or taking up volunteer opportunities in the Middle East, then learning the local dialect might be the better choice for you. This, of course, means, to some extent, limiting yourself to one region, but you will be able to branch out into a different dialect and region at a later stage if you wish.
What Are The Most Popular Dialects?
While there are around 25 dialects of Arabic, the three main ones in the Middle East are Mesopotamian, Shami, and Khaliji.
Mesopotamian refers to the Arabic spoken in the historical region of Mesopotamia, Iraq, and the North East of the area. Shami (also called Levantine Arabic) refers to the Arabic dialect spoken in the Levant (Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Palestine). Khaliji (also called Gulf Arabic) is the most popular dialect spoken in the Gulf States.
These are certainly not the only dialects in the Middle East, but they are the most popular. There are other dialects in North Africa, although these (with the possible exception of Egyptian) tend to be quite different from the Middle Eastern dialects.
If You Choose To Study A Dialect, Which Dialect To Choose?
Each dialect of Arabic has its own utility as well as advantages and disadvantages, depending on your own specific needs and goals.
If, for example, your husband is from Morocco and you wish to learn his language, then learning Moroccan Arabic would be most beneficial. If you are living in the UAE for work, then learning Gulf Arabic is much more sensible.
However, if you don’t have specific circumstances like this but want to choose an Arabic dialect that will be useful and understood in a wide variety of circumstances, we recommend Shami Arabic.
Shami/Levantine Arabic
Shami is helpful for several reasons. First of all, Shami is the most recognizable of all the dialects, so Shami speakers are generally understood from Morocco all the way to Oman, even if the reverse is not always necessarily true.
Additionally, many refugees around the world are initially from the Levant, so if you wish to work, support, communicate with, or befriend them in their own language, Shami is the perfect choice for you.
Finally, suppose you are interested in traveling through or volunteering in the Levant. In that case, Shami will be a tremendous asset and benefit, and it can open up a world of opportunities for you, both personally and professionally.
Available Arabic Course Intensity Options
We offer three different intensity levels for our Arabic courses, and you can check them out below:
Non-Intensive Arabic Course
We recommend that students interested in a more relaxed course load and longer program opt for the non-intensive Arabic courses. These courses are conducted in one to two sessions per week, each lasting 1.5 hours. This intensity is ideal for those with busy schedules or who learn better at longer intervals.
Intensive Arabic Course
The intensive Arabic course is designed to further immerse you in the Arabic language and culture, involving one session daily, 5 days a week. Each session is approximately 1.5 hours a week, totaling 7.5 hours of class time, excluding additional homework and expected out-of-classroom assignments.
Super-Intensive Arabic Course
Finally, our super-intensive courses are designed for students seeking an accelerated Arabic program with an immersive format in a high-intensity classroom setting. These super-intensive Arabic sessions are held twice daily, five days a week, and last 1.5 hours each. This equates to about 15 hours of class time per week.
Dedicated Summer Small Group Intensive Arabic Courses
We offer special small group intensive Arabic programs over the summer, lasting four weeks and starting on the first of each month from June through September. Our summer courses are available in each of the dialects we offer (MSA, Levantine/Shami, Colloquial Palestinian Arabic) and at all of the Arabic levels we offer. This allows you to spend up to three months (due to visa limitations) learning Arabic with us.
What Levels of Arabic Do We Offer?
Depending on which dialect of Arabic you choose, we have between 4 and 6 different levels available for our short-term summer intensive Arabic courses. If you have previously studied Arabic but aren’t sure of your level, we will happily provide a free placement test for you.
For Shami/Levantine Arabic and Colloquial Palestinian Arabic (Ammiya), we offer the following four levels: Beginner, Elementary, Intermediate, and Advanced.
For Modern Standard Arabic, we have the following six levels available: Beginner, Elementary 1, Elementary 2, Intermediate 1, Intermediate 2, and Advanced.
Our Summer Intensive Arabic Programs Help You Learn Quickly
The intensive nature of our Arabic courses will help you learn and develop your Arabic abilities at a rapid pace. In addition to having 3-4 hours of classes per day, five days per week, you will also have homework and plenty of free time in which to study and relax.
Our friendly Arabic teachers are here to support you throughout your program, and they are well-qualified and experienced in teaching Arabic to international participants. You will also have numerous opportunities to hear, use, and speak Arabic in an immersive and authentic atmosphere. Not only that, but you will be surrounded by native Arabic speakers at our center and in Hebron generally.
Study Arabic Programs in the Middle East
Here you can check out which Study Arabic programs are available in the Middle East:
1. Intensive Palestinian Arabic Program
Intensive Palestinian Arabic Program: Study Palestinian Arabic School offers a variety of courses in Palestinian Arabic. These include intensive Palestinian Arabic courses, winter Arabic programs, summer Arabic programs, and online Palestinian Arabic programs. This is a unique opportunity for individuals who wish to learn the colloquial Palestinian dialect of Arabic (Ammiya or Levantine dialect), connect with the broader Palestinian diaspora, and immerse themselves in the vibrant culture of Palestine and the Levant region.
These lessons include Intensive Palestinian Arabic Courses, Summer and Winter Palestinian Arabic Programs, and Online Palestinian Arabic Lessons. Students have the chance to study 20 hours of instruction per week. With this format, students can quickly acquire Arabic skills and complete a full 80-hour course in just four weeks.
2. Winter Palestinian Arabic Program
Winter Palestinian Arabic Program: Explore our Arabic Winter Immersion Course in Palestine at Study Palestinian Arabic School, located in Hebron, West Bank. We offer courses in Palestinian Arabic Ammiya dialect, Levantine (Shami Arabic), and Modern Standard Arabic. Lying in the heart of the Levant, the West Bank is a captivating destination to explore the language’s rich history and culture.
Our Winter Immersion Course in Palestine is designed to enhance your Arabic language skills through interactive lessons led by experienced Palestinian instructors. Outside of the classroom, you’ll have the chance to practice your language skills in authentic settings, engaging with local Palestinians and participating in cultural activities.
3. Summer Arabic Immersion Program in Palestine
Summer Arabic Program: The Arabic Summer Immersion Program is an excellent opportunity for those seeking an intensive Arabic course during the summer in the West Bank, Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Israel, or the broader Middle East region. Recognized as one of the top Arabic language schools in Palestine, our Study Palestinian Arabic School offers enriching summer Palestinian Arabic courses suitable for all learners.
Whatever your reason, if you’re interested in learning Levantine Arabic (Shami dialect), our Summer Palestinian Arabic Immersion Program is for you. With options for super-intensive and intensive immersion summer programs in dialects such as Levantine (Ammiya), Palestinian colloquial Arabic, and Modern Standard Arabic, Study Palestinian Arabic School welcomes all guests seeking to learn this beautiful language. Our students include undergraduates, graduates, professionals, and even retirees with abilities ranging from beginner to advanced.
4. Intensive Jordanian Arabic Program
Our Intensive Jordanian Arabic Program in Amman, Jordan, is designed to accelerate your language learning through complete cultural and linguistic immersion. We offer year-round courses in Jordanian and Levantine Colloquial Arabic (Ammiyya), as well as Modern Standard Arabic (MSA). Online lessons are also available for those seeking more flexibility. For a more customized experience, we provide personalized courses tailored to your specific learning goals.
Our courses offer flexibility in both duration and timing, running from one to thirteen weeks and available year-round—spring, summer, fall, and winter. Whether you’re looking for a short, intensive Arabic program in Amman or elsewhere in the Middle East, or prefer a more extended stay to immerse yourself in the language and culture, we’re here to help you find the experience that fits your goals.
5. Summer Intensive Jordanian Arabic Program
Summer Intensive Jordanian Arabic in Amman provides an excellent opportunity for those interested in deepening their proficiency in Levantine Arabic or Ammiyya Arabic (اللهجة الشامية او العامية), spoken across a variety of regions, including Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and the broader Middle East. Recognized as one of the leading Arabic language schools in Jordan, we are committed to delivering high-quality, culturally immersive Arabic education.
Our Summer Intensive Arabic program provides a range of study options for Arabic dialects tailored to different goals and proficiency levels. Choose from intensive or super-intensive courses in Levantine (Ammiya), Jordanian colloquial Arabic, or Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), and gain language skills in a dynamic, supportive environment rooted in an authentic regional context.
6. Winter Jordanian Arabic Program
Winter Jordanian Arabic Program offers an exceptional opportunity for learners looking to deepen their proficiency in Levantine or Ammiyya Arabic (اللهجة الشامية او العامية), spoken across regions such as Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and the broader Middle East. As one of Jordan’s leading Arabic language schools, we are dedicated to providing high-quality instruction grounded in cultural immersion and meaningful community engagement.
Studying Arabic in Jordan during the winter offers a unique and enriching experience. You’ll explore the vibrant culture of Amman, enjoy the renowned warmth of Jordanian hospitality, and form lasting connections with the local community. Jordanians are known for their friendliness and generosity, creating an environment where students feel welcomed and encouraged to engage with the language and culture every day.
7. Intensive Syrian Arabic Program
Intensive Syrian Arabic Program in Damascus, at Study Syrian Arabic School offers a unique chance to learn the Syrian dialect through full immersion in Damascus. As one of the most widely spoken Arabic dialects, mastering Syrian Arabic provides access not only to Syria but to much of the Arabic-speaking world.
Courses emphasize colloquial language and practical communication, helping students quickly gain real-world proficiency. In addition to reading and listening skills, students learn to speak and write using Syrian phonetics. All levels are available, with topics focused on daily life in Damascus. Students can also stay with host families for deeper cultural immersion.
8. Syrian Summer Arabic Program
Syrian Summer Arabic Program in Damascus offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the Levantine (Shami) dialect, Syrian colloquial Arabic, or Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) while experiencing the rich cultural and historical landscape of Syria. Hosted in Damascus, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, this program is ideal for learners at all levels, from complete beginners to advanced students.
Whether you’re a university student, professional, or retiree, you’ll find a welcoming and supportive environment at Study Syrian Arabic School. Our experienced instructors and immersive curriculum ensure that your summer in Syria is both academically enriching and personally transformative.
9. Winter Syrian Arabic Program
The Winter Syrian Arabic Program in Damascus offers a rich opportunity to study Arabic in the heart of the Levant—Damascus, Syria. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an advanced learner, this immersive program is designed to help you develop fluency in Syrian Colloquial Arabic, Levantine (Shami) Arabic, or Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) while experiencing the warmth of Syrian hospitality and the depth of its cultural heritage.
Running throughout December, January, and February, the program is ideal for students, professionals, and lifelong learners seeking a meaningful winter experience that combines language learning with cultural exploration. With small class sizes, experienced instructors, and cultural experiences that extend beyond the classroom, our Winter Immersion Course in Syria offers a fulfilling experience that goes beyond the textbooks.
One-on-one Or Small Group Classes
We teach our Arabic classes either one-on-one or in small groups of between 2 and 5 students. This will depend on availability as well as your preferences, and there are advantages to both.
One-on-one classes will mean that you will have all of your teacher’s attention throughout your lessons. While small-group courses will mean you have a lot of individual attention from your teacher, you will also have other students to practice with during your classes.
In either case, our Arabic courses offer a significant advantage over larger classes, as they can be personalized to your individual needs.
Reviews and Awards
Summary
Overall, the journey of learning Arabic is an incredibly rewarding (although often challenging) one, no matter which dialect of Arabic you choose to learn. While we think the Levantine or Shami dialect of Arabic is a great, well-rounded dialect to learn, another dialect may be a better choice for you, depending on your circumstances, needs, and goals. Learning Arabic in the Middle East is one way to make your Arabic journey much more exciting, enriching, and progress faster.
We invite interested prospective students to study either MSA, Shami, or Colloquial Palestinian Arabic with us in Hebron, West Bank, Palestine. Suppose you are looking to study Arabic in the Middle East, in the region of Palestine, the West Bank, or Israel, and near Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, or Bethlehem. In that case, we offer high-quality individual or small group Arabic courses at a competitive price.
There are many ways Arabic students can benefit from our short-term flexible Arabic courses. In addition to well-qualified and attentive native Arabic teachers, we offer a range of other benefits and inclusions such as daily breakfast (except Fridays), accommodation, and excursions in and around Hebron.
Whether you are a total beginner, an advanced learner, or anywhere in between, we have the right courses for you. So we invite you to pack your bags and get ready to have an unforgettable experience that will teach you so much more than just the Arabic language.
We look forward to welcoming you to Engage in Palestine in the near future!
Contact Us
Tags: Best places to study Arabic, Intensive Arabic language courses, Learn Arabic abroad in the Middle East
