Where to Study Arabic in Palestine in 2025: Studying Arabic in Palestine in 2025 offers a unique and immersive experience that goes beyond the classroom. As one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, Arabic is a gateway to understanding Middle Eastern culture, history, and politics. Learning the language in Palestine allows students to engage directly with native speakers, experience the region’s rich cultural traditions, and gain firsthand insight into Palestinian life.
Various cities offer distinct learning environments, from the bustling economic hub of Hebron to the cultural and political center of Ramallah. Students can choose a location that best suits their learning style and personal interests. Additionally, studying Arabic in Palestine supports local educators and contributes to community-based educational initiatives, making it a meaningful and impactful experience.
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Why Study Arabic in Palestine?
One of the world’s most spoken (and beautiful) languages, Arabic is spoken across the Middle East and Northern Africa (MENA) and in many diaspora communities around the globe. Learning Arabic is a challenging and rewarding journey.
One of the best ways to learn any language is through immersion. While apps like Duolingo are great, they pale compared to the opportunity to speak Arabic with real native speakers and hear Arabic conversations daily. Immersion offers the opportunity to rapidly develop your listening, comprehension, and speaking skills and apply them in everyday situations. Local people will be thrilled to know you’re trying to learn their language and will gladly practice with you.
Why learn Arabic in Palestine specifically? For one thing, Palestinian Arabic is the closest dialect to Modern Standard Arabic (more on that below), which makes it one of the most useful dialects to learn. It’s also part of the Levantine Arabic dialect, which is spoken across Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan. Learning this dialect gives you great reach when it comes to traveling and speaking with people from different places.
You should also study Arabic in Palestine because your support helps keep our wonderful teachers employed and allows us to continue providing English language and community development initiatives to the Palestinian community.
Best Cities to Study Arabic in Palestine
Great! We’re convinced you to come and study Arabic in Palestine! The next question might be, which part of Palestine? Despite the small area of the West Bank, its cities are diverse and interesting.
Each has different pros and cons for your study plans.
- Hebron: The economic hub of the West Bank, Hebron is an incredibly friendly place with a vibrant shopping and restaurant scene and many sites with historical and religious significance. Study Arabic in Hebron for full cultural immersion.
- Ramallah: A more modern and cosmopolitan city, Ramallah is the NGO capital of the West Bank. It boasts many cultural institutions like the Mahmoud Darwish Museum and the tomb of Yasser Arafat. Study Arabic in Ramallah to be in the political center of Palestine.
- Nablus: Tradition meets community in Nablus, one of the northernmost cities in the West Bank. Nablus is a bit more quiet than the other options, and is known for its lovely local markets and delicious kunefe (insider tip – buy the kunefe at night!). Study Arabic in Nablus for a calm environment.
- Bethlehem: One of the most religiously significant cities in the world, Bethlehem is situated just south of Jerusalem. In this beautiful city you can visit sites like the Church of the Nativity (where it’s said Jesus Christ was born), and the Milk Grotto. Learn Arabic in Bethlehem to explore historical sites and travel easily to Jerusalem.
Top Arabic Language Schools and Programs in Palestine
1. The Excellence Center in Palestine
The Excellence Center Palestine is situated in Hebron, just off lively Ein Sara Street. We have been in operation since 2011 and have had over 1,000 students and volunteers come to spend time with us. We offer a wide range of Arabic programs, including Palestinian Arabic, Modern Standard Arabic, and Levantine Arabic, as well as various intensity levels. Our courses can be customized to suit the learner’s goals, and we welcome anyone from complete beginners onwards.
2. Birzeit University’s Arabic program in Ramallah
Birzeit University’s Arabic program runs during the Spring and Fall Semesters, with a summer intensive program in the middle of the year. It offers Modern Standard Arabic, Colloquial Arabic, and some specialized short courses like Arabic Poetry. Established in 1924, Birzeit University offers a variety of interesting courses for prospective students.
3. Engage in Palestine
Engage in Palestine is based in Hebron and known for its Levantine (Shami) and Palestinian Arabic intensive courses, Engage Palestine offers immersive experiences for international students who would like to go to Palestine and study Arabic in the West Bank. Through diverse Arabic programs, participants engage in educational, social, and cultural initiatives, working alongside residents to support youth empowerment, women’s initiatives, and the well-being of Palestinian refugees.
4. Bethlehem Arabic language Programs
The Bethlehem Arabic Language Programs offer regular courses consisting of 80 academic hours, which include 60 hours with a teacher and 20 hours of self-study over a period of 4 months. Private lessons are also available. The programs cater to all levels of spoken Arabic for foreigners, covering SPAR Level 1 through SPAR Level 4. Classes are scheduled on either Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday, with each session lasting one and a half hours.
Types of Arabic Courses Available in Palestine in 2025
The type of Arabic course you select will be directly linked to your language learning goals and your resources. If you have a lot of time and no particular deadline, you might choose a non-intensive course to learn more leisurely. If you need to improve your Arabic quickly for work, you might come to do an intensive program. If you want to speak with local people, you might focus more on spoken colloquial Arabic; if you want to keep up with the news, you might focus more on formal Arabic.
1. Intensive Arabic Language Courses
Our Intensive Arabic Language Program in Palestine is designed to accelerate Arabic learning through complete language and cultural immersion. We offer year-round classes in Palestinian and Levantine Colloquial Arabic (Ammiyya) and Modern Standard Arabic (MSA). Our courses are flexible, ranging in duration from one to thirteen weeks and are available throughout the year during spring, summer, fall, and winter.
2. Intensive Summer Arabic Program in Palestine
Summer Intensive Arabic Program 2025: If you’re seeking an immersive Arabic education this summer, look no further than our Summer Arabic Immersion Program. Visiting nearby refugee camps and Palestinian communities will offer a unique opportunity to understand the current human rights situation faced by Palestinian refugees.
3. Study Levantine Colloquial Arabic Program
The Levantine Colloquial Arabic (Shami or Ammiya Dialect) program, offered by Engage in Palestine, provides a unique opportunity for individuals eager to enhance their spoken Arabic skills by learning the Levantine dialect (Shami Arabic). Whether you opt for the intensive or non-intensive track, this program helps you expand your linguistic abilities and offers an immersive journey into the rich culture and history of the Levant region.
4. Study Palestinian Colloquial Arabic Program
The Study Palestinian Colloquial Arabic program offers a unique opportunity for individuals seeking 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.
5. Study Modern Standard Arabic Program
Study Modern Standard Arabic (MSA): Engage in Palestine offers Super-Intensive, Intensive, and Non-Intensive MSA courses tailored to six proficiency levels, from beginner to advanced. Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), also known as الفصحى (Fus-ha) or Literary Arabic, is the formal, standardized version of Arabic used in writing, media, and formal communication across the Arab world.
6. One-On-One Private Arabic Courses
One-on-One Private Arabic Courses (Online & In-Person): Engage in Palestine offers personalized, one-on-one Arabic lessons in Palestinian Arabic, Levantine dialect (Levantine Arabic, also called Shami (autonym: شامي šāmi or اللهجة الشامية el-lahje š-šāmiyye), Modern Standard Arabic, and Ammiyya Arabic, available both online and in-person.
7. Study Arabic Online Program
Study Arabic Online Program: Besides our in-person programs at the center, Engage in Palestine offers online Arabic language classes in Modern Standard, Levantine (Shami), and Palestinian Arabic (Ammiya). Depending upon your intended study purpose, each online Arabic program has its advantages, as colloquial variants are better suited for those simply traveling and conversing, whilst Modern Standard is ideal for those needing Arabic professionally.
Cost and Budgeting for Studying Arabic in Palestine
Covering costs is another thing to consider when learning Arabic in Palestine. One of these costs will be the fees for your Arabic program. Make sure to check what your organization of choice covers within their program fees. At Engage in Palestine, your fees cover:
- Secure, modern, and fully-equipped accommodation close to the Center and Hebron’s main Ein Sara Street for the duration of your stay.
- Great, experienced Arabic teachers who can adjust the program to suit your needs and goals.
- Breakfast five days a week, consisting of everything you might find on a Palestinian breakfast table: bread, hommus, shakshuka, olive oil and za’atar, avocado, labna, and more! All served with tea and coffee, of course.
- Orientation activities, including visits to major sites around Hebron city, to help you get settled in and learn more about the local context.
Outside of the program fee, other potential costs include mobile data for your roaming, e-sim, or local SIM card, dinner at restaurants along Ein Sara Street with other volunteers, or traveling to other cities in the West Bank like Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Jericho, or Ramallah. What you spend during your time here really depends on your lifestyle and how many souvenirs you can fit into your suitcase!
Bank account looking a little on the empty side? Fundraising is one way to help cover the costs of your chosen program. Crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe offer a platform for your friends and family to get involved in supporting your learning experience. Sharing your motivations for coming to Palestine and a link for people to donate is an easy way to get support. Other fundraising ideas could include setting up a bake sale, doing a running challenge and asking people to sponsor you, or organizing a clothes-swap event at your local community center.
Engage in Palestine offers university credit, so if you are studying, make sure to check whether they have any scholarships to help you spend a semester of a summer studying Arabic with us!
Visa and Travel Considerations in 2025
Currently, in order to travel to Palestine, you need to secure a visa from Israel. Tourist visas are issued on arrival at the border and can last for up to 90 days, although the immigration officer you get may issue a visa for less time than this at their own discretion. As of January 1st, 2025, you must fill out an Electronic Travel Authorisation before departure.
There are two key crossings into the West Bank: a land crossing through Jordan at the King Hussein Bridge or arriving at Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport just outside of Tel Aviv. Travel through Jordan is highly recommended, as many people have recently faced difficulty entering Israel through Ben Gurion Airport. The way takes a bit longer and is a bit more complicated, but there is generally a better chance that you will be granted entry.
We have an article outlining travel into Palestine with far more details. For more information, please contact our team at Info@ecpalestine.org.
Safety Tips and Practical Advice
Travel in Palestine is generally very safe, and most people enjoy their time here without any problems. Like traveling anywhere, it is important to take some safety precautions, such as having good health insurance and knowing the contact information for the local emergency services. However, there are also some safety and security tips that are unique to travel in Palestine.
The restriction of movement in the West Bank is a tactic of the Israeli occupation. Since October 7th and the January Ceasefire in Gaza, travel between cities in the West Bank has become incredibly difficult due to Israeli checkpoints, increased gates in and out of cities that can close at any time, and long wait times to enter or leave some areas. When you are planning your travel within Palestine, it is important to keep these restrictions in mind – a trip that should only take an hour can sometimes take over four, depending on the day.
Due to the current security situation, we recommend you watch the news and talk to the Center staff before traveling. Some places, like Jenin in the north, are currently not possible to access because of increasing attacks and deteriorating security.
Reviews and Awards
Engage in Palestine has been honored with several prestigious Community Awards, and it has been recognized as the Best Language School and Top Volunteer and Internship Program Provider for the years 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024. For more details, please visit our profiles on GoOverseas.com and GoAbroad.com.
- +860 Reviews and ratings (96.8%) on gooverseas.com
- +175 Reviews and ratings on goabroad.com
- Participants’ video testimonials
Summary
Choosing to study Arabic in Palestine in 2025 is an enriching journey that combines language learning with cultural immersion and social engagement. Whether you opt for an intensive program, a summer immersion course, or one-on-one private lessons, the experience will enhance your Arabic skills while deepening your understanding of Palestinian life and history. Beyond language acquisition, your time in Palestine will provide you with lasting connections, unforgettable experiences, and a broader perspective on the region.
By supporting local language programs and engaging with Palestinian communities, you contribute to preserving and sharing the rich heritage of the Arabic language. No matter which city or program you choose, studying Arabic in Palestine is an investment in personal and academic growth, ensuring a truly transformative experience.
How To Apply
If you want to participate in one of the study Arabic in Palestine in 2025 programs, please email us at Info@ecpalestine.org.
In the subject line of your email, write “Where to Study Arabic in Palestine in 2025.” We should be able to respond to your initial inquiry within 1-2 business days.
Contact Us
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at:
WhatsApp:+972 599 479 880
Website: https://ecpalestine.org/
EC Website: https://excellencenter.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/excellence.center
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ExcellenceCenter
Tags: Arabic language schools in Palestine, Best Arabic programs in Palestine, immersive Arabic courses in Palestine, Learn Arabic in the West Bank, study Arabic in Palestine 2025
