Palestine offers a remarkable opportunity for individuals seeking to learn Arabic in Palestine, practice it in real-life settings, and fully immerse themselves in Palestinian culture. By studying Arabic intensively in Palestine, you can experience a once-in-a-lifetime journey that combines language learning with cultural exploration. The Palestine Center “GO Palestine,” situated in Hebron city, provides intensive and super intensive Arabic courses ranging from one week up to three months. Let’s explore the various programs and benefits of learning Arabic in Palestine.
One-on-One Language Courses
A crucial aspect of intensive language courses is the opportunity for students to actively engage in class discussions. In line with this principle, the Palestinian Center’s intensive courses adopt a communicative approach, which entails individualized one-on-one classes. This approach allows ample time for students to participate in discussions, receive personalized attention from Arabic teachers, and fosters a supportive learning environment. Moreover, by emphasizing the practical application of the language in real-life scenarios, students are equipped to effectively communicate with native speakers and fully immerse themselves in the Arabic language and culture. Through dynamic conversations and personalized instruction, students can enhance their language skills, expand their vocabulary, and develop a profound understanding of the language and its cultural context.
Interaction with Local People: Enhancing Your Arabic Skills
Learning a language in its native country is an unparalleled experience, and Palestine is no exception. Interacting with local people offers an incomparable opportunity to improve your Arabic skills rapidly. The daily use of Arabic in real-life situations accelerates your language learning journey in a way that cannot be replicated at home. Engaging with native speakers in Palestine allows you to practice conversational Arabic, expand your vocabulary, and gain a deeper understanding of the language.
Skilled and Experienced Arabic Teachers
At the Palestine Center, you will have the privilege of learning from local Arabic teachers who are native speakers with extensive knowledge of the language and specialized training in teaching it. Their insight into the language and culture provides a unique learning experience that other teachers may not offer. In turn, your interaction with local people can also facilitate a language exchange, where they can enhance their English skills while you improve your Arabic skills.
Majd Alameh
Duha Amro
Dua'a Qasim
Bessan Muhtaseb
Shourouk Dwaik
Nadine Mahmoud
Moh’d Nasser
Ahlam Odeh
Ayah Safi
Eyad Abu Zenah
Shatha Naneesh
Katia Nakhleh
Arabic Programs Offered by the Palestinian Center
- Study Shami Arabic in Palestine Program (1-12 Weeks): This program focuses on learning and studying Shami Arabic, also known as Levantine Arabic or Ammiya. Spoken by nearly 42 million people in Jordan, Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria, this dialect is easily understandable for people in the Gulf and northernmost regions of Africa. Learning Shami Arabic opens the door to communicating with a large audience and deepening your understanding of the Levantine culture.
- Study Modern Standard Arabic in Palestine (1-12 Weeks): The Study Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) program aims to teach the well-known modern Arabic language, which serves as the language of education, media, and journalism in the Arab world. The program covers all four language skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) and integrates linguistic, communicative, and cultural competencies.
- Study Colloquial Arabic in Palestine (Individual Classes): This unique program focuses on studying the spoken language of Palestinians as part of the Levantine dialects. Taught by qualified teachers with years of experience, the program utilizes effective teaching methods to help students quickly improve their colloquial Arabic skills.
- Intensive and Super Intensive Arabic Courses in Palestine (1-12 Weeks): These courses offer full immersion in both the Arabic language and Palestinian culture. Whether you choose to study Modern Standard Arabic or Levantine/Ammiya Arabic, the intensive nature of these courses, coupled with cultural immersion activities and daily practice, enables rapid progress in your Arabic language skills.
Study Arabic Online from Palestine
For those unable to attend in-person programs, Go Palestine also offers online Arabic courses. These courses provide comprehensive language learning materials and are taught by certified and professional Arabic native speakers. The online courses cover all four language skills and can be customized according to your specific needs.
Enriching Cultural Activities
In addition to language learning, the Palestinian Center organizes a variety of social, cultural, and community activities. From day trips to refugee camps in Bethlehem and Hebron to local visits exploring the landmarks of Hebron, these activities offer a deeper understanding of Palestinian life, history, and resilience. You’ll have the opportunity to engage with the local community, visit historical sites, explore markets, and savor traditional Palestinian.
Living Accommodations
The Palestinian Center offers various living arrangements to suit your preferences and budget. You can choose to stay with a local host family, which provides an authentic and immersive experience. Living with a Palestinian family allows you to practice Arabic outside of the classroom, experience daily life in Palestine, and gain a deeper appreciation for the local culture and traditions. Alternatively, you can opt for shared apartments or independent accommodations, depending on your preference and comfort level.
Safety and Support
The Palestinian Center prioritizes the safety and well-being of its participants. They provide comprehensive support throughout your stay, including airport transfers, orientation sessions, and 24/7 emergency assistance. The staff is dedicated to ensuring that you have a positive and enriching experience in Palestine.
How does your weekly schedule typically look like?
At GO Palestine, we strive to provide you with a diverse, enriching, and well-organized weekly schedule. It encompasses a range of educational, social, and enjoyable activities that will make your experience in Palestine truly special and unique.
- First Arabic Class: Begins at 8:30 AM and continues until breakfast at 9:30 AM.
- Breakfast: Served at 9:30 AM and includes a variety of ingredients to diversify the meal.
- Second Arabic Class: Starts at 10:15 AM immediately after breakfast and lasts until 11:15 AM, followed by a short break.
- Third Arabic Class: Begins at 11:20 AM directly after the break and continues until 12:20 PM.
- Homework & Revision: Scheduled from 12:20 PM to 2:00 PM, providing time to complete assignments and review class material.
- Lunch Break: Starts at 2:00 PM and lasts for one hour. Participants can either purchase lunch from nearby restaurants offering a variety of meals or buy ingredients to cook their own meal at the center.
- Day Trips to Refugee Camps: Organized once a week to Hebron and Bethlehem, as well as politically significant areas. Departure from the center at 10:45 AM and return around 2:00 or 3:00 PM.
- Local Visits to City Landmarks: Scheduled every two weeks, participants explore historical and economic landmarks in Hebron, including the Ibrahimi Mosque, the Old City, Al-Shuhada Street, and various factories.
- Prepare & Cook a Traditional Palestinian Dish: Every two or three weeks, volunteers, interns, and Arabic language students come together to prepare and cook a traditional Palestinian dish.
- Free Time: Begins at 4:00 or 4:30 PM, allowing participants to socialize with others by visiting cafes, coffee shops, or nearby parks. The center’s location offers access to various lively options in the evening.
Our Achievements
- Experience in organizing international volunteer & internship programs for over 12 years.
- Hosted international participants from 42 countries worldwide.
- Cooperated with more than 30 local community organizations in Hebron and Bethlehem.
- Teachers & staff participated in international trainings and workshops across Europe and the Middle East, including Spain, Germany, Belgium, Finland, Cyprus, Jordan, Turkey, and India.
- Represented the International Kangaroo Mathematics Competition in Hebron as GO Palestine.
- Established partnerships with international organizations such as Go Abroad, Go Overseas, Idealist, Hey Success, Volunteer Match, and others.
What is the Application Process?
The application process consists of several steps. Firstly, you need to email us requesting the application form. Once we receive your request, we will promptly send you the application form. It is important that you fill out the form accurately and completely, and then send it back to us. Our team will review your application and assess your eligibility for the program. If you meet our criteria, we may invite you for an interview, which will be conducted through Skype or WhatsApp. The interview is an opportunity for us to learn more about you and your qualifications.
After that, we will send you a confirmation form. This form needs to be filled out and returned to us to confirm your participation. Once we receive the confirmation, we will proceed with the next steps. You will receive the Invitation Letter and the Contract, outlining the program details and requirements. Additionally, we will send you an invoice for payment, which will include all the necessary information regarding payment options.
To secure your place in the program, you will need to sign the contract and make the payment as per the instructions provided. Once this is done, we will send you an Orientation Booklet and travel instructions. These documents will provide you with all the necessary information on how to reach Hebron and contact the Center. Furthermore, within an email sent to you, we will share the contact number of one of our coordinators who will be available to assist you throughout the program.
Please find below some reviews from previous participants of our program:
I stayed in Hebron for one month with a Palestinian host family and completed the intensive Arabic course at Go Palestine. I cannot even begin to describe my time here in Palestine, and how happy I am that I chose this experience. During my stay, I have traveled to Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Jaffa, Ramallah, and of course, Hebron. I have been invited to and attended weddings, other parties, and simple dinner and tea/coffee invitations. I have met so many lifelong friends, both from Palestine and other internationals at the center. I’ve had the opportunity to learn more about the occupation and Palestinian daily life through visits to several organizations, museums and refugee camps and, along with massively improving my Arabic skills. Sydney from the USA.
Marhaba! My name is Francesco and I am a Lecturer in International Relations at the University of Derby, England. I decided to come to Palestine and Hebron particularly because I am interested in the politics of the place as well as the Arabic language. I had also visited Palestine on previous occasions and I was impressed by its friendly people and beautiful cities. Despite the negative stereotypes you might have heard about Palestine and Hebron in particular, it is a really safe place and an ideal environment to study Levantine Dialect.
My experience at the Palestinian centre has been very positive. I have taken the Intensive Arabic Course and I have seen great improvements in my language skills. I have spent only 2 weeks in Palestine this summer, but I would like to return later on for a longer period. The centre organizes interesting activities every day, so the programmes are also a great chance to learn more about the people of Hebron, Palestinian-Israeli relations and life under occupation. As someone that works in education, I am convinced that Go Palestine offers a great formative experience for those interested in the Arabic language and in the culture, politics and history of Palestine. Francesco from Italy
“My tutor Dua’a has been fantastic! Considering I started as a complete beginner and had the added challenge of learning online, my Arabic tuition has been a delightful mix of fun, engagement, challenges, and rewards. Dua’a has been incredibly accommodating and supportive throughout my language journey. Scheduling lessons was always effortless, and the content was perfectly tailored to challenge me while keeping it enjoyable. I eagerly anticipate more lessons in the future. Highly recommended!” – Jacob from the UK.
Documents you’ll receive from us!
Obtaining a Visa for Entry into Palestine
To enter Palestine, the visa process depends on your nationality and the specific border crossing you plan to use. If you are a citizen of an exempted country, you can typically obtain a visa upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv or at the Allenby-King Hussein Bridge border crossing. However, please note that the border in Gaza with Egypt is controlled by Hamas. Tourist visas are typically valid for 90 days, and most American and European visitors are granted three-month visas upon arrival after clearing customs.
If your home country does not have an exemption agreement with Israel, you will need to acquire a visa from the Israeli embassy or consulate in your home country before your visit. It is worth mentioning that due to the non-acceptance of Israeli stamps on passports by many Arab countries, Israel now issues visas on a separate small card. This card contains a bar code indicating the visa’s validity period. It is important to keep this visa card with your passport at all times. To determine whether your native country participates in a visa exemption agreement, you can check the relevant information provided by the authorities.
How do I apply or receive additional information?
To apply for or obtain more information, please reach out to Mr. Tamimi by sending an email to info@gopalestine.org. Ensure to include “Study Arabic in Palestine Program” in the subject line. In the body of the email, express your interest, ask any questions you may have, and request an application. We will promptly respond to your email with the information you seek.
