Best Arabic Language Schools in Palestine and Syria: Arabic is one of the world’s most widely spoken languages, an official language of the United Nations, and the language of some of the world’s biggest geopolitical and international affairs issues. Some people might learn Arabic because they are connected to or interested in the Middle East region. Some people study classical Arabic in order to read the Quran. Some might need language skills for their work.
Whatever your reason for learning Arabic, it’s important to look at a few key questions before you start learning: Where am I going to learn, what kind of Arabic should I study, and which language school is best for me? Regarding where to learn, immersion is one of the best ways to pick up a new language. For that reason, studying in the Middle East is a great way to deepen your learning experience. But where in the Middle East? Learning Arabic in Palestine is a great option for a number of reasons.
First, the dialect is widely understood by many people in the Arabic-speaking world. This makes your Arabic skills much more useful in a variety of contexts. Second, language is deeply bound up with culture, and Palestine has an incredibly rich history and culture for you to explore alongside your classes. Finally, Palestine has some really high-quality and affordable language learning options that make it accessible for learners at all levels.
This article will explore some of the best language schools in Palestine to help you make the best choice for your Arabic learning goals!
Table of Contents
Why Learn Arabic in Palestine?
There are many great reasons to study Arabic in Palestine.
First, let’s talk about dialect. Modern Standard Arabic (also called MSA or FusHa) is, as its name suggests, a standard universal Arabic. This is usually used across media, in official documents, and in books. However, MSA is a very formal version of Arabic that is not usually spoken. Speaking MSA has been likened to speaking Shakespearean English – people might understand what you’re trying to say, but it’s not good for everyday conversation. Each area of the Middle East and Northern Africa has its own spoken dialect of Arabic, and these vary in differences and similarities to MSA and to each other.
For example, Egyptian Arabic is really different from MSA, but many TV shows and movies come from Egypt, so the dialect is actually quite widely understood. Morocco’s Arabic, however, is almost like a completely different language for most other Arabic speakers. Palestinian Arabic falls under the umbrella of Levantine Arabic, a dialect spoken across Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and Palestine. This dialect is the closest to MSA, which means that it is widely understood as well as being widely spoken. Learning Palestinian Arabic is the best of all worlds when it comes to selecting a dialect.
Next, let’s talk about immersion. As mentioned above, immersing yourself in a community that speaks the language you want to learn is a sure-fire way to accelerate your learning. Daily exposure to and involvement with spoken language helps to take your learning from off the page (or off the app) and into real life. Learning in Palestine is great for this reason, because there are plenty of people who are curious about international travellers and who would be very happy to practice Arabic with you. Palestine is also a place where language and culture intersect deeply, so involvement in everyday activities will help to build your vocabulary and embed the language even more.
Finally, compared to some Arabic-speaking countries, Palestine has some very affordable and flexible learning programs. These cost-effective options mean that Arabic learning is much more accessible in Palestine. Program flexibility (in length and in intensity) means people can study depending on their needs, not having to fit into a rigid structure that might only take people for a certain number of weeks or at certain times of year.
What Makes a Great Arabic Language School?
Experienced Instructors: Native speakers with formal teaching experience
Teaching a language is no easy feat – there’s a reason why people get qualifications in order to teach a second language. It’s important to make sure the instructors at the school you select are native speakers with an excellent grasp of English themselves, have experience teaching, and especially in teaching Arabic to foreigners. When learning a language, your words can get mixed up, and you might struggle with pronunciation. A good instructor should be able to know what you’re trying to say and help you along the path to speaking well.
Small Class Sizes: Personalized Learning and Interaction
Small class sizes are best when trying to learn a new language, because they allow the teacher to focus on each student’s individual journey. Having small classes means teachers can easily pick up on and correct any mistakes, spend time speaking with each student, and get to know their strengths, weaknesses, and learning needs.
Varied Teaching Methods: Mix of Classroom Learning, Conversation Practice, and Cultural Activities
Great language schools have varied teaching methods because language is never learned in just one way. While classroom learning is essential for memorising grammar and vocabulary, it’s just as important to apply the language in real-life situations. Using tools like conversation practice or going to a coffee shop to order what you want in the local language is a great way to work on your language comprehension. Additionally, engaging in cultural activities is a great way to pick up new words and understand the context of your classes.
Flexible Programs: Options for short-term, intensive, and long-term courses.’
Language schools with flexible programming are much more accessible to a wider audience. Look for a school that can work around your attendance needs, like the duration of your course or the time of year that you are available to study. A good language school should also offer courses that cater to levels from beginner onwards and that vary in intensity.
The Best Arabic Language Schools in Palestine and Syria
Salam Palestine
About
Salam Palestine was founded by dedicated local community servants to create a bridge between Palestine and the world.
They offer educational, cultural, social, and community programs to a diverse range of international students, interns, and volunteers. With a wide variety of topics to choose from, Salam Palestine has something for everyone interested in learning about and experiencing life in Palestine.
Since they began in 2011, Salam Palestine has provided a rich and immersive learning experience for over 1000 international visitors, with great benefits to the local community, including children, Palestinian refugees, youth, and women.
Courses Offered
Palestinian Arabic, Modern Standard Arabic, and Levantine Arabic from beginner onwards.
Summer Arabic Immersion Program
Available in person or online
Nonintensive, intensive, or super-intensive courses offered.
Teaching Methodology
Small classes, conversation practice, immersive approach, cultural integration, and practical application.
Is academic credit offered?
Yes
Accommodation
Modern apartments or home-stays are located close to the Salam Palestine campus. Private rooms or private accommodation can be organized on request.
Birzeit University
About
Birzeit University strives to promote excellence in higher education by providing quality academic teaching, training, research, and relevant community programs within the context of sustainable development, emphasizing social conscience and democratic values in a free, civil Palestinian society.
Courses Offered
Modern Standard Arabic I-IV
Colloquial Arabic I-IV
Social and Political Science Courses
Is academic credit offered?
Yes
Teaching Methodology
Arabic classes are taught alongside social sciences classes
Field trips and cultural immersion
Accommodation
Shared or single accommodation. The University can help students find housing, or students may find their own housing.
Bethlehem University
About
The Arabic School for Foreigners at Bethlehem University has been a popular choice for students for the past 18 years. Their programs utilize special methodologies, and their course materials are designed by professors who are experts in teaching Arabic, particularly to nonnative speakers. Their teachers are well-trained and qualified to teach both colloquial and classical Arabic to foreign students.
Courses Offered
Spoken Arabic
Modern Standard Arabic
Media Arabic
Is academic credit offered?
Yes
Teaching methodology
Flexible learning, group or individual learning options
Accommodation
Student accommodation or students can find their own accommodation in Bethlehem
Additional Benefits of Studying in Palestine
Exploring Palestinian Cities
There’s more than just your chosen language school in Palestine! Studying in the West Bank means you will have access to some of the most beautiful, historical, and religiously significant places in the world. Whether you’re based in Hebron in the south or Nablus in the north, there are plenty of opportunities to travel to cities like cosmopolitan Ramallah, ancient Bethlehem, or classic Nablus. Getting around Palestine isn’t very difficult – there are shared taxis called Services (Servees) that go between cities and are usually quite affordable to use.
Cultural Activities
Studying in Palestine also means exposure to Palestine’s rich culture. Food is one of the big cornerstones of life here, so you will likely experience (and learn to make!) a lot of traditional dishes like maqlooba, kunefe, and a delicious local drink called sahlab. You will run into something old and significant wherever you go in Palestine. Tours around cities such as Hebron, Bethlehem, and Jerusalem will immerse you in the vast histories of these places and help you understand some of the current context.
Networking & Community
While studying in Palestine, you will undoubtedly make new networks and friendships with various people. Local people are incredibly friendly and will want to speak to you about where you come from and why you have come to stay in Palestine. They will also have incredible stories to share about life under occupation. Your fellow students at whichever language school you choose will undoubtedly become a strong social foundation for you, whether it’s doing homework together, travelling to different cities, or finding a favourite local cafe.
What is Syrian Arabic?
Syrian Arabic (اللّهجة السّورية – al-Lahja as-Sūriyya) is a central dialect within the Levantine Arabic family, widely spoken across Syria and the Syrian diaspora worldwide. As one of the most prominent dialects in the Arab world, it has more than 17 million speakers, including those in neighboring countries such as Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey, and further across Europe and the Americas. Syrian Arabic has been influenced by historical and geographical factors, including Turkish, French, Kurdish, and Aramaic, due to Syria’s rich cultural past, shaped by the Ottoman and French colonial periods.
This dialect shares similarities with other Levantine Arabic varieties, such as Lebanese and Palestinian Arabic, but it stands out with its own unique features in pronunciation, vocabulary, and informal usage. While Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) is used in formal contexts like writing, education, and media, Syrian Arabic thrives in daily interactions and informal settings. It plays a significant role in Syrian popular culture, especially through TV dramas, music, and social media, which contribute to its prominence in the Arab-speaking world.
Syrian Arabic has also been shaped by its diaspora, with speakers adapting and integrating local influences wherever they reside. While the dialect may vary between regions, with notable differences between urban, rural, and Bedouin forms, it remains mutually intelligible across the Levant. The language is both dynamic and evolving, blending traditional elements with modern innovations, making it a key dialect for learners interested in connecting with the broader Arabic-speaking world.
List of Best Arabic Language Programs in Palestine and Syria
The Study Arabic programs provide 20 hours of instruction each week, allowing students to enhance their Arabic skills rapidly and complete an extensive 80-hour course in just four weeks. Below is a list of the seven Arabic study programs available in Syria and Palestine for the 2025/2026 academic year.
1. Intensive Arabic Language Courses
Study Syrian Arabic School’s Short-Term Intensive 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.
2. 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 enroll in our Modern Standard Arabic programs will be well-equipped to understand Classical Arabic. Here, Modern Standard Arabic is taught at eight different levels, from complete beginner to highly advanced.
3. 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. Traveling 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.
4. 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.
5. Individual Arabic Courses
Study Syrian Arabic School offers intensive and non-intensive private Arabic lessons in a wide range of dialects, all taught one-on-one by a Study Syrian Arabic School Arabic teacher. As an Arabic student, you will have the opportunity to customize your Arabic course according to your needs and wishes. Our teachers will prepare a curriculum to according to your specific needs and goals.
6. Online Arabic Courses
Study Syrian Arabic School also offers online Arabic language classes in Modern Standard, Levantine (Shami), and Palestinian Arabic (Ammiya). Depending upon your purpose for studying, each online Arabic program has its advantages, as colloquial variants are better able to help with traveling and conversing, whilst Modern Standard is ideal for those needing Arabic professionally.
7. Syrian Summer Arabic Program
The Summer Syrian Arabic Program 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.
8. Intensive Syrian Arabic Program
The Intensive Syrian Arabic Program 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.
9. Syrian Arabic Winter Program
The Winter Syrian Arabic Program 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.
How to Apply & Practical Tips
Application Process: How to Get Started?
First, check the eligibility requirements to make sure you are able to apply for your chosen program. Then, check the application steps. Do they require any proof of prior learning? Do you need to write any kind of application letter? Once you know if you can apply, follow the steps on the school website or email them for more information about how to apply.
Visa & Travel Information: What international students need to know
Once you have been accepted into your chosen program, it’s time to start planning your trip to Palestine! The first thing to know is that there is no separate visa to enter Palestine – you will need to get a tourist visa from Israel on arrival. We have some tips on how to travel from Jordan to Palestine that can help you with the process. As of January 1st, 2025, anyone traveling to Palestine needs to fill out an Electronic Travel Authorization form prior to departure.
Budget & Cost of Living: Tuition fees, accommodation, and daily expenses
The next big thing to think about is budgeting for your study. Things to consider are tuition fees, accommodation, travel costs, and daily expenses. At some schools, like Study Syrian Arabic School, tuition fees are inclusive of accommodation and breakfast. Choosing a program like this can significantly reduce your costs. The currency in Palestine is the New Israeli Shekel. You can use a currency converter tool to see the rate and check websites like Numbeo to get a sense of the current cost of living for everyday expenses.
Safety & Local Etiquette: Tips for Travelers in Palestine
Contrary to what you might hear in the news, life for internationals in Palestine is incredibly safe. Getting into the country can be a little bit difficult at times, as Israeli border security can be very strict depending on the security situation. Our best advice is not to mention Palestine or the West Bank or learning Arabic, and instead, talk about doing tourism in Israel. Once you are across the border, traveling to your destination is easy.
Reviews on Palestinian/Syrian Arabic Online Course
Study Syrian Arabic School has been honored with several prestigious Community Awards and recognized as the Best Language School and Top Volunteer and Internship Program Provider for 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024. For more details, please visit our profiles on GoOverseas.com and GoAbroad.com.
- Check our Awards here
- +900 reviews (96%) on gooverseas.com
- +190 reviews (96%) on goabroad.com
- Participants’ video testimonials
Conclusion
Whatever your reason for learning Arabic, studying in Palestine is a great way to reach your language goals. Schools in Palestine provide a great opportunity for immersive learning, a cultural experience, and the opportunity to use your Arabic skills daily with the many friends you’ll meet along the way.
At Study Syrian Arabic School, we welcome you with open arms as you look to take the next step in your Arabic journey. Check out our Arabic programs online, or simply email us for more information or to express interest in studying Arabic with us in Hebron.
Find Us Online
Do you have questions about our work? Contact us:
Email: info@ecpalestine.org
WhatsApp: +972 599 479 880
Website: https://salampalestine.org/
EC Website: https://excellencenter.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/excellence.center
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ExcellenceCenter
Facebook account: https://www.facebook.com/RafatECHebron
Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsQSLdFZWZcBm6Uj0XMYuKg
Visit and Explore Palestine: https://www.facebook.com/ExplorePalestine
