Best places to study Arabic in the Middle East: Whether it’s for work, study or pleasure, many people find studying Arabic in the Middle East with native speakers is the best way to learn. While there are many Modern Standard Arabic courses available in non-Arab countries, it’s often very difficult to learn a dialect (such as Levantine, Egyptian, Magrehbi, Khaliji or Sudanese Arabic) without traveling to a country where it is spoken. Additionally, studying with native speakers means they can correct your grammar and pronunciation, as well as giving you the ‘street language’ that you might not necessarily receive if you only study in the classroom. 

Not only that, but when you study Arabic in the Middle East, you will be surrounded by native speakers and you will be able to immerse yourself in not only the culture of your chosen study destination, but the language as well. This will give you many opportunities to practice by speaking the language in natural and authentic settings in your daily life. This might mean going out of your comfort zone but it will help you tremendously to grow as a person as well as to grow your Arabic proficiency. 

If you are considering studying Arabic in the Middle East but not sure where to go, keep reading to learn about some of the best places to study Arabic in the Middle East.  

Studying Arabic in Beirut, Lebanon

Many people choose Beirut when they are looking at where to study in the Middle East. The attractions are obvious: a cool lifestyle with a great location, situated close to the beach with the mix of Arabic and Western cultures, Beirut represents a fun place to begin (or continue your Arabic learning journey). The locals speak the Shami dialect which is the most instantly recognizable and understood dialect around the Arabic speaking world.  However, one of the drawbacks is that Beirut has typically been one of the most expensive cities in the Arab world, costing you dear in the pocket if you aren’t able to work while studying there. 

However, due the the financial, economic and political crises in Lebanon over the last few years, Lebanon is unstable. Since 2019, Lebanon has been experiencing one of the worst financial crises in the world since the 1850s. While visitors from overseas countries who arrive with US dollars in cash might find the cost of living much cheaper than it used to be, many locals struggle with affording and accessing necessities such as food, medication and medical care as well as fuel, due to the extremely high inflation.

In 2023, the Lebanese Pound hit a historic low where US$1 equals 100,000 Lebanese Pounds. Banks have recently been on strike and imposed very severe restrictions on withdrawing money from bank accounts. All of these factors make Lebanon unstable at the moment, so those looking to visit or study in Lebanon will need to decide if it is a wise choice at this time. 

Studying Arabic in Abu Dhabi or Dubai, UAE

Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the most populous cities in the United Arab Emirates can be attractive for many of the same reasons as Beirut – they are in a great location, full of interesting things to do and with a heady lifestyle. It can be a bit of a double edged sword though, the UAE is famous for its luxury tourism, so it isn’t a very budget-friendly destination and the weather is brutally hot and humid, particularly in summer.

On top of that, while the Khaliji dialect can be a profitable one to learn if you intend to find a job in the UAE, but it is not quite as well and widely known as the Levantine Arabic dialect. There is much wealth in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, so if you do master the language here, you can really turn that to your advantage in the future. However, there are many expats working in a wide variety of jobs in the UAE so English is widely spoken, so it isn’t the best option if you wish to be fully immersed in the Arabic language. 

Studying Arabic in Cairo, Egypt

Egypt is another popular destination to learn Arabic as well as being an incredibly popular tourist destination because of its rich culture and numerous ancient historical sites such as the pyramids in Giza. There are many destinations within Egypt offering Arabic courses with Cairo being one of the most popular. Cairo is the largest city in the Middle East and one of the largest in the world, which has pros and cons.

Some of the drawbacks that internationals may find is that it can be very busy with a lot of pollution and a lot of traffic with a very different standard of driving compared to western countries. However, the cost of living in Egypt is generally quite cheap and comfortable for internationals. Another pro is that Egyptian Arabic is widely understood in the Arab world because of the prominence of Egyptian movies, TV shows and music. If you wish to work or communicate with Egyptians, it will be a very beneficial dialect for you to learn. 

Studying Arabic in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia like Abu Dhabi can be a rewarding place to learn Arabic (when you consider the long term). Many jobs in Saudi Arabia are reserved for Saudis only, but if you make good connections while you learn Arabic there, this can lead to very lucrative work later down the line when your Arabic is better developed.

If you wish to be an English teacher in Saudi Arabia, there are numerous opportunities to do so, particularly for native English speakers. However, it can be quite expensive to live in Saudi Arabia, but the biggest drawback is that the culture shock is the most prominent out of all the locations that we talk about here. This is generally more manageable for men, but most Western women will find their freedoms severely circumscribed in comparison with their home countries.

Studying Arabic in Palestine

Palestine can be an interesting and unique choice for studying Arabic, and despite what you may have heard on the news – Palestine is a safe destination for internationals to visit. The cost of living is generally lower and more stable here than in Lebanon and the UAE, but you can still learn the all important Levantine dialect. Palestinian people are generally very friendly, welcoming and happy to chat with you and help in any way they can.

If nightlife is what you are looking for, Ramallah, Jericho and Bethlehem all home to interesting things to do at night. Beyond that, there are fantastic locations of historical and cultural interest – this is the Holy Land after all, and despite the Israeli Occupation, it is fairly easy for foreigners to travel around and explore this fascinating country.

Finding The Right Organization And Course 

When you are researching Arabic course options, it is important to consider a few things to help ensure you find the right program for you. Firstly, decide the type of Arabic you wish to study and this will help you to narrow down your options. For example, if you wish to study Levantine or Palestinian Arabic, it wouldn’t be logical to choose Morocco as your study destination because Moroccan Arabic is vastly different.

Secondly, think about whether you wish to take group classes or private classes. Studying one-on-one is usually more expensive, but it means you will have all of your teacher’s attention and they can tailor your classes to meet your individual needs. 

After that, you can consider what time of the year you would like to study, for how long and whether you wish to take an intensive or non-intensive course. Additionally, it is important to find a course that is at the right level for you. If you have previously studied Arabic but aren’t sure of your current level, you can check with the organizations that you are considering if they offer a free placement test. Finally, browsing reviews or testimonials from previous participants can help you decide if you have found a worthy and reputable organization and course. 

Considering all of the above factors will help you to choose the best option for you and remember to contact the organization if you have any questions or would like more information.

Preparing For Your Overseas Arabic Course 

Once you have find the right Arabic course, it’s time to start preparing for your trip. Most importantly, you will need to check the entry requirements for your destination country and if you will need a visa. It is also necessary to book flights and arrange travel insurance, but it is wise to do plenty of research first to make sure you find the best deal for you, before making any purchases. You may also need to notify your bank that you are traveling abroad, as well as check any fees that your bank will charge for using overseas ATMs.

When packing your bags, research the weather and the attitudes towards dress in your destination country to help you pack appropriate clothing. While the Middle East is very diverse, in many places it is either expected or a good idea to dress modestly. It is also a good idea to research if there are any products that are best to bring with you from home (for example feminine hygiene products, sunscreen, medication, etc).

If you have studied Arabic before, you might wish to brush up on your Arabic before starting your course. You can also decide if you wish to bring notebooks and stationary from your home country or purchase them after arriving at your destination.

Study Arabic with Engage in Palestine in Hebron, Palestine 

We invite you to study Arabic with us at Engage in Palestine in Hebron (or Al Khalil as it’s called in Arabic). It is a great place to study Arabic because not only is the cost of living affordable, but English is not as widely spoken as in more touristic cities in the Middle East. This means you have the opportunity to be truly immersed in the language and will have many opportunities to practice your Arabic with friendly locals. 

Engage in Palestine runs intensive Arabic courses, involving up to five hours of tuition per day to rapidly improve your Arabic levels. Courses are offered in the local dialect or in Modern Standard Arabic (or both in parallel alongside each other), depending on your preferences. You will be assigned a dedicated professional native Arabic tutor to oversee your development and you will have the chance to make friends with local Palestinians who will informally be vital to your continuing language learning. Students find one of the best things about the program is making lifelong friends with whom they can practice their Arabic with via WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger long after they have left Palestine.

We are located in Hebron, which is situated on the frontline of the Israeli Occupation, with part of the city taken over by a settlement, which many international observers (particularly people who have studied international affairs or international relations) consider a fascinating dynamic. The city itself is safe, however. You can walk the streets at night in the H1 area (Palestinian only) without fear, and when there are clashes and demonstrations these are always restricted to a small section of the H2 part of the city (where Palestinians live often next to Israeli settlers). It’s therefore easy enough for foreigners to avoid any outbreaks of violence, so long as they are sensible.

Our Arabic Course Offerings

Summer Programs to Study Arabic

If you are looking to study Arabic in Palestine or the Middle East in summer, Engage in Palestine offers dedicated intensive small-group one-month courses during the summer months (June through September) that begin on the first day of each month. Typically there are 2-5 students in each small group.

You may choose whether you wish to study Modern Standard Arabic, Levantine or Colloquial Palestinian Arabic. Each type of Arabic is offered in a number of different levels, from total beginner up to advanced. You may also choose whether you wish to study with us for one month, two months or three months. Studying with us in summer is a wonderful opportunity for students or anyone else with an extended break during summer.

The Benefits of Studying Arabic at Engage in Palestine

We offer a high degree of flexibility, you can choose your preferred dialect from our available offerings and you have the choice between three different intensities (super intensive, intensive and non-intensive). You are also free to choose the length of your course (from 1-13 weeks) and your own start and end dates. 

As part of your Arabic course, we will provide you with all learning materials, accommodation (either with a Palestinian host family or in an all-male dorm), breakfast for each day that you are at our center and occasional dinners. Also included are organized trips to the sights of Hebron like the famous Ibrahim Mosque, the glass factory and the kuffiyeh factory (Arabic headdresses often worn as scarves), along with local organizations of political or cultural significance. 

In addition to being immersed in Palestinian culture during your time, the combination of permanent Palestinian staff and temporary international volunteers, interns and students at our center makes for a fantastic melting pot of different cultures and influences which ensures you will thoroughly enjoy your time here.

Depending on the intensity of your course, you will have at least two days off per week, leaving you with plenty of time to organize your own trips to explore the fascinating nearby cities and places such as Jerusalem, Ramallah, Bethlehem, Nablus, Jericho and the Dead Sea. You will be able to explore by yourself or with the new friends that you will undoubtedly make here.

The Impact of Studying Arabic with us in Palestine

With all of our Arabic courses and volunteer or internship programs, we aim to make a long term difference for both the Palestinian local community and you, through the exchange of ideas and “walking in each other’s shoes”. Our programs and courses foster shared learning, for both our community and you. During your chosen Arabic course, you will have the chance to learn so much more than just the Arabic language.

You will also get to learn a lot about Palestinian culture and customs as well as the political situation in Palestine. Additionally, you will have many opportunities while outside the classroom to practice your Arabic in a natural and authentic way while navigating your new life in Hebron. No matter how developed your Arabic abilities are, you will find that many Palestinians are patient communicators and will be happy that you have taken an interest and are making an effort to speak in their language. 

Our Reviews and Community Awards

Engage in Palestine has welcomed over 1,000 individuals from all over the world since 2011. While we continuously develop our programs to provide the best possible learning experience, our fundamental mission remains the same: to connect, teach and develop individuals within the local and international community.

In 2022 we were rated one of the top three programs worldwide in offering volunteer opportunities and one of the top three language schools worldwide by Go Overseas. We received a total of five Go Overseas Community Choice Awards in 2022 and were recognized as one of the top Teach Abroad Providers for the category of “benefits” and one of the Top Internship Abroad Providers for the categories of “growth” and “support”.

In 2021, we were rated one of the top three programs worldwide in offering volunteer opportunities. We received the community choice awards by Go Overseas in the categories “best language school”, and voted best on “fun” and “instruction.” 

In 2019, we received our first “Go Overseas Community Choice Awards” to acknowledge the Excellence Center’s impact on the community of travelers around the world. The Excellence Center continues to be a highly rated travel organization across its selection of programs

Check out our reviews and testimonials from previous participants, linked below, to see if we are the right organization for you.

• 570+ Reviews (96%) on Gooverseas.com
• 100+ Reviews (94%) on Goabroad.com
• Participants’ video testimonials

Summary 

Studying Arabic in the Middle East is one of the best ways to learn Arabic, especially if you wish to study a spoken dialect instead of Modern Standard Arabic. The Middle East is a very diverse and rich region historically, culturally and linguistically. Studying Arabic here will not only greatly improve your Arabic level, but you will have a memorable experience getting to travel, make friends while being immersed in a new culture. 

While there are many study destinations to choose from, such as Lebanon, Egypt, Morocco, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, we invite you to consider coming to Palestine to study Arabic with us. Our courses are not only taught by wonderful native Arabic-speaking teachers, but they are very flexible so you can choose when you would like to study and for how long (between 1-13 weeks).

On top of that, you will get to be immersed in Palestinian culture, and as part of your program we include accommodation, daily breakfast and a number of visits around Hebron city to help you learn more about Palestine politically and culturally. We also host many internationals who study or volunteer with us, so you will have the chance to make friends with Palestinians as well as people from all over the world.

We look forward to receiving your application for the intensive Arabic course at Engage in Palestine soon!

Related Arabic Intensive Programs

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Website: https://ecpalestine.org/

EC Website: https://excellencenter.org/

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Tags: Learn Arabic in the Middle East, Levantine Arabic Courses, Study Arabic in Palestine, Summar Arabic courses