9 Intensive Levantine Arabic Study Programs: If you’re interested in learning Shami Arabic (Ammiya), Levantine Colloquial Arabic, or Modern Standard Arabic, then the Excellence Center in Jordan and Palestine is for you! We offer several options, including super-intensive, intensive, and non-intensive Arabic immersion courses.
The Excellence Center welcomes all who are seeking to learn this beautiful language and immerse themselves in the exquisite Arabic culture. Whether you are an undergraduate, graduate, professional, or retiree, our Arabic language programs are for everyone.
Our courses are also available at all levels of Levantine Arabic. If you are a current college or university student, we can provide academic credit toward your studies! Throughout your specific Arabic program, you will also immerse yourself in the Arabic culture and daily life.
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Levantine Colloquial Arabic Immersion Classes
This course can span from one week to three months and runs year-round. We also offer a four-week intensive Levantine course in a small group setting during the Summer. We are highly flexible and can accommodate any of your needs.
Levantine Arabic Courses
The Center’s Levantine Arabic courses teach daily colloquial tasks, covering idioms and phrases. Students learn to speak, write, read, and listen using Levantine phonetics. Topics tailored for conversation are included based on the course level. Choose from four difficulty levels: beginner, elementary, intermediate, and advanced.
Formats include intensive, super-intensive, and non-intensive, differing in weekly instruction hours and degrees of cultural immersion. Courses by the Excellence Center are year-round with no set deadlines, allowing flexibility in starting your Levantine journey.
Intensive Arabic Language Course
The Excellence Center offers unparalleled intensive Arabic courses in Hebron, Palestine, and Amman, Jordan, creating a full immersion experience. Its prime location enables daily engagement with the Arabic language. The Levantine Colloquial Arabic course employs immersion for rapid skill development, integrating classroom study with daily life. Residents can easily explore Palestine and Jordan, and the broader Levant region.
Studying Arabic at the Excellence Center in Jordan provides a unique chance to live with an Arabic host family, offering insights into culture and customs. Note that host family stays are a guarantee only for female students and are subject to availability for males due to gender-based spheres in the community. This opportunity fosters not only language practice but also an intimate understanding of Arabic life.
What is the Levant and Levantine Arabic?
The Levant, a geohistorical term denoting the Eastern Mediterranean of western Asia, encompasses Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Palestine, and more. Its population of about 44.5 million comprises diverse cultures and ethnicities, including Arabic, Aramaic, Armenian, and others.
Situated in the Fertile Crescent, the Levant’s strategic location connected Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, fostering a melting pot shaped by civilizations like the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans. These influences persist today. Learning Levantine Arabic unveils the region’s rich history and cultural blend, providing access to its diverse world and the wider Arab diaspora.
What is Levantine Arabic?
Levantine, also known as Shami due to the Arabic word for the Levant being “Sham,” is a major Arabic dialect alongside Egyptian. With around 38 million native speakers in the Levant and the Arab diaspora, it’s widely taught to non-natives and understood across Arabic-speaking nations. Levantine is closely related to Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), sharing about 50% of its vocabulary, making it highly recognizable.
What are the Levantine Subdialects?
Levantine Arabic sub-dialects split into northern and southern groups. North Levantine, or Syro-Lebanese Arabic, is found in Lebanon, the northern Levant countries, Turkey’s coastal areas, and parts of Syria. Southern Levantine is spoken in Palestine, Jordan, and southern Syria, mainly in the Hauran region.
General Information About Levantine Arabic
| Number of Speakers | Approximately 44 Million |
| Language Family | Afro-Asiatic > Semitic |
| Dialects | North LevantineSouth Levantine |
| Writing System | Arabic alphabet |
Intensive Levantine Arabic Programs in Palestine and Jordan
Here you can find the list of programs for studying Arabic in Palestine and Jordan in 2026 and 2027.
1. Intensive Arabic Language Courses
Our intensive Arabic language courses enable students to learn Arabic quickly through full immersion in the language and culture. We offer year-round classes (spring, summer, fall, and winter) in Palestinian and Levantine colloquial Arabic, the Ammiyya dialect, and Modern Standard Arabic. These intensive Arabic immersion courses range in length from one to thirteen weeks, and take place year-round. We can accommodate you if you are looking for a short, intensive Arabic course. By staying with us at the West Bank, Jordan, Middle East, you will experience a full cultural experience.
2. Intensive Summer Arabic Program in Palestine
The Intensive Summer Arabic Program in Palestine offers an excellent opportunity for those interested in deepening their proficiency in Levantine Arabic (اللهجة الشامية أو العامية), spoken across Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and the broader Middle East. Recognized as one of the leading Arabic language schools in the Levant, we are committed to delivering high-quality, culturally immersive Arabic education.
Our Summer Intensive Arabic program offers a range of study options in 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.
3. Study Levantine Colloquial Arabic Program
The Intensive Levantine Arabic Program is a unique opportunity for anyone looking to expand their spoken Arabic to include the Levantine dialect. It is also a great opportunity for those wanting to travel through the Levant and immerse themselves in Levantine culture, history, and politics. Fortunately, for those looking to study Arabic with us, we are located in the West Bank of Palestine. This is in the heart of the Levant, within the busy and vibrant city of Hebron. Levantine Arabic is one of the most widely spoken Arabic dialects. This makes its acquisition the ultimate passport to the Arabic-speaking world.
4. Study Palestinian Colloquial Arabic Program
Study Palestinian Colloquial Arabic Program: Join our premier language program to study Palestinian Arabic! Our strategic location in Hebron, an affordable and bustling city in the West Bank, provides an ideal atmosphere for learning the Palestinian/Levantine Arabic dialect, which people speak in Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, and Jordan. Explore our intensive Palestinian Arabic Immersion Program, a special chance to learn everyday Palestinian Arabic.
You’ll connect with people from the Palestinian diaspora and experience the diverse culture of Palestine and the broader Levant region. This intensive Arabic program is also for those interested in learning about the region’s history and Palestinian culture, and for those who want to understand what’s happening in Palestine today while building real and meaningful relationships with the Palestinian people and community.
5. Study Modern Standard Arabic Program
Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) Program: Our School offers Super Intensive, Intensive, and Non-Intensive Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) courses across 6 levels, from absolute beginner to advanced. MSA is the international standard for Arabic and is highly useful for international communication. It is strongly recommended to establish a strong foundation with MSA before moving on to a chosen dialect.
This Modern Standard Arabic program provides students at every level with a comprehensive and personalized journey into Modern Arabic. They will learn all about its formulaic sentence structure, expressive vocabulary, and artistic script from qualified, native-speaking teachers in the heart of the Levant and Middle East.
6. Intensive Jordanian Arabic Program
Our Intensive Jordanian Arabic Program is designed to accelerate your language learning through full immersion in Jordanian culture and language. 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 offer courses tailored to your 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 longer stay to immerse yourself in the language and culture, we’re here to help you find the experience that fits your goals.
7. Study Jordanian Arabic Online Program
Study Jordanian Arabic Online Program: The Excellence Center in Jordan offers a range of online Jordanian Arabic programs tailored to help non-Arabic-speaking expatriates integrate more effectively into the local Jordanian community. Our courses emphasize practical conversation, focusing on vocabulary and phrases relevant to everyday situations. This ensures that students gain confidence in communicating with ease, whether visiting Jordan or traveling throughout the Middle East.
8. Summer Intensive Jordanian Arabic Program
Summer Intensive Jordanian Arabic 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 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 offers a range of study options in 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.
9. 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 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.
Specific Course Information
The Study Levantine Arabic Program is available in 4 distinct course levels, with course loads offered in either intensive, super-intensive, or non-intensive formats for each. The variety of Levantine Arabic courses is designed to give students the maximum amount of learning options, all while being tailored to fit their specific language needs.
Each Levantine Colloquial Arabic course offered by the Excellence Center in Jordan is designed to immerse students in Arabic language and culture, as well as prepare them for the lifelong process of learning another language! Below you may find the list of courses available in this program.
Arabic Course Levels on Offer
The Excellence Center in Jordan provides the following Levantine Arabic courses
| Levantine Arabic Intensive Program | Summer Levantine Arabic Courses |
| Arabic (Colloquial Levantine) Beginners Course | Online Levantine Arabic Programs |
1. Levantine Arabic Beginner Courses
The Beginner course is designed for students with absolutely no previous Arabic language experience of any kind. This course will introduce students to basic concepts, including the Arabic alphabet, writing systems, grammar fundamentals, phonetics, and common vocabulary and colloquial phrases.
The Beginner Levantine Arabic will create a strong linguistic foundation from which students may leap into the diverse, complex, and ever-expanding world of the Levant.
2. Levantine Arabic Elementary Courses
The goal of this course is to build on students’ foundational knowledge of Arabic, continuing where the previous course left off. This entails the introduction of new vocabulary and slightly more complex grammatical rules into the curriculum, as well as regular reading, writing, and speaking exercises.
Upon the completion of this course, students will be able to converse, read, and write about elementary subjects such as shopping, asking for directions, and expressing preferences.
3. Levantine Arabic Intermediate Courses
The intermediate course will introduce students to a more immersive curriculum than previous levels, including a visit to the Arabic community to communicate with native speakers and complete everyday tasks.
For example, students will get the chance to purchase items from an Arabic market, order from a restaurant, discuss preferences about a certain topic, or do other colloquial activities. Students will also be introduced to subjects in class that address specific issues such as culture, art, and politics, and will learn the vocabulary needed to discuss these topics concisely and well-informedly.
4. Levantine Arabic Advanced Courses
This course will combine all the previous courses’ curricula, maintaining the immersive nature of the Intermediate level while also expanding into complex reading, writing, and spoken materials. Additionally, students will conduct research in the community on a variety of subjects.
With all these methods and materials combined, students will be able to establish a firm understanding and grammatical competency of Levantine Arabic. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to articulate their thoughts and opinions on complex matters such as politics, history, the environment, and the arts of Palestine.
What is the Difference Between the Paces?
Not to be mistaken with the course level itself, course intensities refer to the number of classes, the frequency at which classes are held, as well as their level of immersion and the amount of assigned homework.
1. Non-intensive Course
If you are interested in a long-term program of 1-3 months, we recommend students enroll in a non-intensive course, which will provide you with plenty of in-class instruction(4 lesson hours* per day, 3 days a week) while still leaving ample time to explore the city and immerse yourself in Arabic culture.
2. Intensive Course
The intensive course is designed to further immerse students in the Arabic language and culture. These courses are held 5 days a week for approximately 4 lesson hours* each day, giving a total of about 20 lesson hours* of instruction per week. Intensive Arabic courses will also include additional homework and out-of-classroom assignments for participants.
3. Super-intensive Course
Finally, our super-intensive courses are designed for students who are looking for an accelerated Arabic course in a completely immersive, high-intensity classroom setting. Super-intensive Arabic courses are conducted 5 days a week at 6 lesson hours* of instruction per day, totaling approximately 30 lesson hours* per week. We recommend that those studying for less than a month enroll in this program.
* Please note that 1 lesson hour = 45 minutes.
Study Levantine Colloquial Arabic in Summer
Summer is the peak period at the Excellence Center, bustling with international students and volunteers. From late June to September, our Levantine Colloquial Arabic courses follow a unique format. New four-week intensive courses start on the first of each month (July, August, September), offering 4-6 hours of daily Arabic lessons, five days per week, totaling 80 lesson hours per month. You can immerse yourself for up to three months.
Choose your level or take a placement test upon arrival for accurate placement. Levels range from Beginner to Advanced. Small groups of 2-5 students ensure collaborative learning in and out of class. Enjoy two days off (Friday and Saturday) for travel and exploration, and connect with fellow students and volunteers.
Reviews and Awards
The Excellence Center has received several prestigious Community Awards and has been 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.
- +950 reviews (96.8%) on gooverseas.com
- +190 reviews (93%) on goabroad.com
- Participants’ video testimonials
- Our Awards
How to Apply?
If you want to participate in our Intensive Levantine Arabic Study Programs, please write to us at Info@ecjordan.org. We will respond to your initial inquiry within 1-2 business days.
In the subject line of your email, please write “Intensive Levantine Arabic Study Programs.” We will reply with an application form attached. Please fill this out and return it to us to begin the onboarding process. Shukran (Thank you)!
Summary
The Excellence Center’s Study Levantine Arabic programs offer a transformative experience for those seeking spoken Arabic proficiency, cultural immersion, and vibrant Arabic city life. Our unique approach extends beyond classrooms, integrating diverse Arabic learning opportunities with real-world usage. This immersive Levantine Arabic course caters to students of all backgrounds, including university students who can earn academic credit.
Beyond Arabic classes, you will step deep into Arabic culture and daily life, with free days to explore and organized visits to key sites. Interact with international peers and embrace a flexible Intensive Arabic course, available for 1-13 weeks year-round. Join our family, apply today, and embark on your linguistic journey!
Find Us Online
WhatsApp: +962 78 509 1450
Email: Info@ecjordan.org
Address: Badr Ad-Din Zaza St. 2, Amman 11190, Jordan
Volunteer In Jordan: https://volunteerinjordan.org/
Study in Jordan: https://studyinjordan.org/
Study Jordanian Arabic: https://studyjordanianarabic.com/
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