Learning Arabic in Israel
Academic institutions in Israel invite you to participate in international programs, earn credits or complete your degree. This is a wonderful opportunity for you to see the sites, to meet new people from all around the world, to hear Hebrew and Arabic, and to come to a closer understanding of Israeli society.
Arabic Language - Schools and Classes in Israel
Great sayings come in many dialects
Arabic study programs offer courses in Palestinian Arabic, Modern Standard Arabic, Classical Literally Arabic and more. What makes them unique is the fact that the tracks include studies as well as volunteer work, field trips, cultural events and much more.
Thus, students can see the life of Arabs (and Jews) in Israel and make the most of their stay in Israel. The study programs vary in their content, level and location. You can live with a Druze family in Daliyat al-Karmel, stay in Western or Eastern Jerusalem, in Tel-Aviv or in a kibbutz. The options are numerous and each offers a completely different experience.
Study Programs
Most tracks focus on Palestinian Arabic and Modern Standard Arabic (Literary Arabic). Courses in other dialects as well as in Classical Arabic are also available, mostly at universities. The basic courses familiarize the students with the Arabic alphabet, basic vocabulary and basic grammar. Advanced programs focus on grammar and speaking skills. You can find courses for all levels; many institutions require a proficiency test in Arabic in order to determine the recommended course for each student.
Most Israeli programs include field trips to Arabic cities, villages and museums as well as other activities such as movie screenings, cooking lessons or dinner parties that give the participants the chance to get better acquainted with Arabic culture.
Study Arabic in Israeli Universities
The most popular choice among undergraduate and graduate students is Israeli universities that offer intensive summer courses as well semestrial classes. Universities offer Palestinian Arabic classes in various levels as well as classes in other dialects and Classical Arabic. The credit points earned in such courses are recognized by various academic institutions around the world.
Only students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher may apply for university programs. Students who stay a semester or more at universities may take in addition to their Arabic course, classes in various subjects: Middle Eastern studies, engineering, law, humanities, science and social sciences. You can find a variety of courses taught in English in Israel.
More Options
Other options that are popular with visitors are to live and study in Israel while taking both Arabic and Hebrew classes. Such studies are available in universities as well as in the Kibbutzim, Barkai and Giv'at Haviva.
There are several tracks provided by Arabic Institutions including Al Quds Center for Jerusalem Studies in Eastern Jerusalem and Mount Carmel Arabic Immersion Program in Daliyat al-Karmel and Usfiya (Northern Israel, near Haifa).
List of Programs and Institutions
Below, a table with more detailed information on each program:
| Institution | Location | Course Description | Duration |
Tuition Fees (housing and other expenses are not included) |
| The Hebrew University | Jerusalem | Beginners and Advanced; program includes field trips, culture club etc. | Semester or a year | $7,900 - $12,500 |
| Tel Aviv University | Tel Aviv | Beginners, intermediate and Advanced | 4 weeks in summer | $1,450 |
| University of Haifa | Haifa | Modern Standard Arabic, Spoken Arabic, Arabic Culture; Students may choose the Immersion Experience and stay at Druze villages | 4 weeks in summer, or semester | $900 - $1,300 |
| Ben Gurion University of the Negev | Be'er-Sheva | Intensive Spoken Arabic; students may participate in field trips and other activities | 4 weeks in summer | $1,100 (fees do not include field trips) |
| The Kibbutz Program Center | Kibbutz Barkai (near Hadera) | 500 hours of Spoken and Classical Arabic, 75 hours of Hebrew lessons, Middle Eastern, Jewish and Zionism Studies, trips, cultural and social activities | 5 months, starting in January and August | $11,900 |
| MASA | Givat Haviva (near Hadera) | 500 hours of Spoken and Classical Arabic, 70 hours of Hebrew, Middle Eastern Studies, trips, cultural and social activities, volunteer work (partly in Arabic centers) | 5 months, starting in January | $11,900 |
| Center for Jerusalem Studies (Al Quds) | Eastern Jerusalem | Beginners, intermediate and advanced classes in Spoken Arabic, Modern Standard Arabic and courses focusing on media and politics | 1- 2 months; Most courses are twice a week in morning or evening | NIS 1,910 - 4,180 |
| Mount Carmel Immersion Program | Dliyat al-Karmel and Usfiya (Carmel, near Haifa) | Beginners, intermediate and advanced classes in Spoken Arabic, Modern Standard Arabic and courses focusing on the Quran, business Arabic etc. Students may choose to live with an Arabic family during their stay or at a private apartment. Both group and private courses are available. Programs include field trips, cultural events, volunteer work and more. | 4 weeks for group classes; duration of private courses vary – depends on the student's needs |
$30 per hour in a private session;
Tuition fees at group and private courses vary.
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