Our Journey in Teaching Levantine Arabic
The Levantine Arabic Institute was founded in 2024 to make learning Levantine (Shami) Arabic accessible to students around the world. Building on years of educational and cultural experience through the Excellence Center and its programs in Palestine and Germany, we are committed to helping learners develop practical Arabic communication skills while discovering the rich cultures of the Levant.
Through online courses and in-person learning opportunities, experienced native Arabic teachers and tutors, and immersive language programs, we connect students with authentic spoken Arabic and everyday life in the region. Our goal is to make Arabic learning engaging, practical, and meaningful for learners of all backgrounds and proficiency levels.
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Our Story and Development
The Excellence Center in Palestine – 2011
Our journey began with the establishment of the Excellence Center in Hebron, Palestine, in June 2011. The center was created to provide educational, cultural, and community development opportunities for Palestinians and international students, interns, and volunteers. Over the years, it has developed a strong foundation in language education, intercultural exchange, and community engagement.
The Excellence Center in Europe – 2018
In 2018, our work expanded to Halle, Germany, with the establishment of the Excellence Center in Europe. Through educational programs, language instruction, and international exchange, the center created opportunities for people from different backgrounds to learn from one another and build meaningful connections.
Engage in Palestine – 2021
In June 2021, Engage in Palestine expanded our educational and cultural initiatives in Hebron. The program became known for its intensive Palestinian and Levantine Arabic courses, cultural activities, and opportunities for international students to experience everyday life in Palestine while connecting with local communities.
Volunteer in Palestine – 2022
In 2022, Volunteer in Palestine further developed our community engagement initiatives by connecting international participants with Palestinian students and communities. Through educational, cultural, and social activities, the program strengthened our commitment to intercultural understanding and meaningful exchange.
The Levantine Arabic Institute – 2024
Founded in 2024, the Levantine Arabic Institute builds on this educational experience to focus specifically on teaching Levantine Arabic (Shami / ʿAmmiyya) to learners worldwide.
We offer flexible online lessons, in-person courses, intensive programs, and seasonal learning opportunities. Students learn with experienced native Arabic teachers and tutors through interactive conversations, listening activities, practical exercises, and personalized instruction.
Our courses cover the major spoken varieties of Levantine Arabic, including Palestinian, Jordanian, Syrian, and Lebanese Arabic. Rather than focusing solely on grammar and textbooks, we emphasize the vocabulary, expressions, and conversational skills learners need to communicate naturally in everyday situations.
Whether you are a complete beginner, preparing to travel, connecting with family and friends, or improving your existing Arabic skills, our programs help you build confidence while gaining a deeper understanding of Levantine culture.
Our International Presence
With educational roots in Palestine and an international outlook, the Levantine Arabic Institute connects learners with the language and cultures of the Levant. Our wider educational network includes offices in Damascus, Syria; Irbid, Jordan; and Halle, Germany, supporting our commitment to language learning, cultural exchange, and international connections.
Our main headquarters is located in Hebron, Palestine:
Address: Ein Sarah Street (Street 420), Building No. 7, next to Al Hussein Mosque, Hebron, Palestine.