Arabic Study Abroad

It was an unbelievable experience, and learning about the different cultures and how life is. I totally recommend this experience it was a pleasure taking part in The Lingua Compass progam it is a must try.

Lingua Compass Institute for Language and Cultural Exchange responded to this reviewAugust 17, 2026

Thank you

the best program ever!! our guides were amazing, ensuring we had a lovely cultural immersion, making the most of our time, being kind and teaching us the culture! i left this place with a family forever

Lingua Compass Institute for Language and Cultural Exchange responded to this reviewAugust 17, 2026

Thank you for your review Ina. We hope to welcome you soon again in Morocco.

The school offers a very supportive environment: the staff are kind and welcomed me warmly. The teacher was highly qualified, and the course programme was very clear. I started practising the language from the first week. What I liked most was that the programme was based on real life situations, which allowed me to practise the language outside the classroom as well. People in the school are very welcoming and kind.

I spent nine weeks at the Excellence Center learning colloquial Arabic. I enjoyed the classes a lot and My teacher Duha was very supportive. There was a great mix of content and activities and I improved a lot in the time I was there. Marwa and Osama do an outstanding job of running the center as well. They were always there when I needed anything, and I had a great time joining in on cooking classes, field trips, Iftar dinners during Ramadan, and Eid celebrations. Hebron is a very safe place to visit as well, so if you're concerned at all about this, don't be!

I took an online arabic course with Ms. Dalia, and it was a very good experience. Ms. Dalia is patient and kind. She explains things in a simple way and makes you feel comfortable speaking, even if you make mistakes. One lesson I really remember was when we practiced ordering food in Arabic. We did a role-play where she acted like a restaurant worker, and I had to order in Palestinian dialect. It was fun, but also very helpful. I still remember the phrases because we practiced them in a real-life situation. She also explained the grammar clearly and gave examples that were easy to understand. The lessons were organized, and we always reviewed what we learned before. After the course, I feel more confident speaking Arabic. I highly recommend Ms. Dalia to anyone who wants to learn arabic in a supportive way.

I wasn't sure what to expect with the Excellence Centre but I felt so welcomed as soon as I arrived. Rafat is wonderful, considerate, proudly Palestinian, and treats everyone like family. I loved getting to know him and hearing about Palestine. Rafat would also make breakfast for everyone every morning, it was very homey. Muaz was my teacher for intensive Arabic, as a result, I spent around 3 hours a day with him for 5 days a week and became very fond of him. He's known for being very funny, but he is also very very compassionate, and as a refugee from Syria incredibly strong. I learned more in 2 weeks with him than I had for an entire year of studying Arabic. I can't really put into words how incredible he is at teaching, he has a gift for it, and the 3-hour classes always felt like 5 minutes. There were times when I used to sit beside the heater because it was warm and he would come sit next to me on the floor and teach me there, no questions asked. Another time when I wanted to try cooking Ful, so he came early in the morning and taught me Arabic whilst cooking with me. He would also always offer to make me tea which is really sweet. The classes are tailored around you. Everyone who works here is so lovely, and I'm going to struggle to find a teacher like Muaz again. The classes aren't like being in school/university, they are a lot more relaxed and personal, and the time goes by quickly. We took a class going around Halle and meeting Muaz's friend's shop who speaks Arabic and is very funny, we also took a class whilst touring around Leipzig, which was a lot of fun. Rafat also takes everyone out to dinner the day someone is leaving, we went to a beautiful Yemeni restaurant that is hidden away and you can't find it online. I was really sad to leave the Excellence Centre, I've made so many core memories there.

I am an autistic adult from the U.S. In order to prepare for an upcoming trip to Palestine, I decided to start studying Palestinian/Levantine Arabic. Since I'll be volunteering through the Excellence Center, I wanted to start my lessons through them. The application process was easy and fast, and I was connected with my wonderful teacher, Duha. I was anxious to try learning a new language as an adult, especially being autistic and having difficulties with processing and communication, but Duha immediately made me feel welcome and comfortable and confident. She's kind, patient, and encouraging. I wasn't sure how learning via video call would work, but it's been easy and Duha also sends along extra materials for studying in between lessons. I can't wait to continue my lessons before, during, and after my trip to Palestine.

The Arabic online program is fantastic for distance learners. I have been working with Lana for several months and have learned so much. People at the excellence center are true professionals and are dedicated to teaching the language. I am grateful for having started this program. It took my Arabic speaking and comprehension to another level!

My name is Alex and I am British. I am 38 and worked as a lawyer doing human rights for ten years before taking a career break. I spent two months doing an intensive Arabic course (four hours a day) at the Excellence Center. The Arabic classes were brilliant. My teacher, Saja, was brilliant! I was a complete beginner and the amount of material we covered in two months was incredible. I will spend at least six months after this just going over what I have learned already to consolidate! I learned so much and I have gained confidence in reading, writing and speaking. Saja was very kind, patient, and knowledgeable. And I think she also knows more about the English language than I do! She was able to pitch her teaching to my level and was very encouraging. I couldn’t have asked for better quality teaching. In winter there are fewer students at the center compared to summer, and so most of the time my classes were 1:1. I was not expecting so much individual attention. I think being here is the best way to learn Arabic as you have the opportunity to practice all the time. In addition to my Arabic classes every day, I was regularly invited to join other volunteers for trips around Hebron, for example to see the Old City and meet with local activists. It was very educational. I learned all about life in the city for Palestinians, what it is like to live under occupation, and how people find ways to live and enjoy their lives as much as possible, despite the limitations imposed. We visited the parts of the city that are controlled by the Israeli army, and I was invited into a number of family homes for dinner. I witnessed a lot of resilience and resistance by Palestinians in Hebron, which was very inspiring. At weekends, on Fridays and Saturdays, I went on trips to visit other parts of the West Bank, such as Bethlehem, Ramallah, the Dead Sea, and Nablus. People cannot move freely in the West Bank due to the military control imposed by Israel. I experienced just a small piece of this - long delays at checkpoints as soldiers check cars and interrogate drivers, closed checkpoints, and as a result lots of traffic jams. I had the opportunity to see quite a lot whilst I was here, but you cannot make plans in the same way that you can in a country with freedom of movement. You have to be flexible depending on the situation and the day. The environment at the center is really positive. It is like a big family. The staff are all welcoming and kind, and it is interesting to meet the other internationals who come to Hebron from all around the world. Every morning you eat breakfast together and there is a lot of tea and coffee all day! It is a social place and I have made deep and lasting friendships. Whenever I am in Palestine (and I definitely want to come back!) I will come back to Hebron to visit and learn more Arabic. I arrived in Hebron just before the ceasefire deal was made in Gaza. There was an escalation in military incursions by Israel into the West Bank following this, particularly in the North of the West Bank. There were incidents in the South too - for example raids by soldiers in refugee camps in the South and shootings. Although I always personally felt safe as an international, I will be honest and say it is not easy to witness what is happening in the West Bank. I am fortunate and privileged to be born in a country that is at peace and I have not experienced the instability of living in a country where the situation can change rapidly. I would encourage people to come to the West Bank and experience this because you will develop your empathy and understanding of what life is like for Palestinians here. It is extremely unlikely that something will happen to an international in the West Bank, because we are much safer than anyone else, but I would say you need to have psychological resilience to do this. Witnessing such intense oppression is emotionally and psychologically challenging. And it is important to be challenged sometimes. The learning curve is high and I will be processing what I have learned for a long time. I have absolutely no regrets about going, and I am committed to returning and doing what I can for Palestinians’ freedom. There have also been many beautiful experiences being in Palestine. Everyone talks about the hospitality culture for a good reason! Palestinians are so kind, so generous, and so friendly. I have been fed so much food! The food is incredibly delicious and you feel the warmth of the people’s generosity. When you walk down the street in Hebron, people come up and talk to you all the time and ask you where you are from, wanting to talk and make friends with you. I have been so moved by the warmth of the culture in Hebron. This is the reason I feel so strongly about doing whatever is in my power to be a good friend and ally to Palestine. The faith, beauty, and kindness of the Palestinians is truly inspiring.

I have been taking online Palestinian Arabic classes for almost a year. After trying different venues, I have to say that my classes with Saja via the Excellence Center have been the best fit. She is a warm encouraging teacher who is patient and helpful. I have learned a lot and am planning to travel to Hebron this year to continue my studies at the Center. I highly recommend Arabic lessons with the Excellence Center!

I cannot recommend the Excellence Centre enough for learning Arabic. I have been taking classes with Saja for a year and it has been an amazing experience. The classes are interactive, informal and great fun. It's been a great learning experience and I feel I have made great progress over the past year!

I highly recommend The Excellent Centre for learning Arabic. I have been studying with Ibrahim for half a year, and I am really enjoying the lessons. Every lesson is carefully planned based on my level and learning goals. I feel that I am seeing a lot of improvement and am grateful for Ibrahim’s strong and supportive instruction. He is a great teacher.

Lana is an amazing teacher. She is knowledgable in all the grammatical nuances and structures of the language, as well as the everyday language of locals in Palestine. As a Palestinian who grew up in North America without learning Arabic, I had a lot of fear and guilt about not being fluent in my mother tongue, and Lana has made me feel so comfortable and confident in learning. She insists that I speak up and ask questions about what's not clear so that I can really learn and correct my mistakes. A great experience that I'd recommend to anyone wanting to learn how to communicate with Palestinians in our native language.

The program so far has been fantastic. I have started as a complete beginner and i have been very lucky to also have a wonderful professor both as a person and as a teacher. I would recommend this program anytime all the time!

I cannot reccommend Haya’s teaching highly enough. She is an amazing teacher, very patient and knowledgeable, and each class she delivered was effective and relevant to my learning goals. She is very supportive and her teaching style genuinely motivates you to study. I learned so much more than I ever expected to be capable of. I can’t wait to return to her classes in the future.

I have been taking on-line classes in Colloquial Arabic for about a year and a half now. My teacher is Haya Maswadi and she is really the best possible tutor. Starting as an absolute beginner, I have now learned the alphabet so that I can read and write simple sentences and messages. Learning Arabic this way has been an amazing adventure, and with the help and support of Haya I have made progress far beyond my expectations! My most heartfelt thanks to Haya and the Center!

I enrolled in the Palestinian Arabic class and it was the best decision I made during my Arabic learning journey so far! My teacher Doha is very experienced and professional, she creates a challenging and engaging learning atmosphere. The price is more than fair for the quality of teaching received - including all the materials. The administrative staff was also very supported and took time to answer all my questions. All in all, I can only recommend this course to anyone interested in starting to learn or wanting to improve their Arabic skills!

The excellence center has incredible teachers and courses that teach a wide variety of topics. I highly recommend in person volunteering/interning they provide invaluable educational experiences. They assist in everything from questions about travel and accommodations, to daily trips and cultural experiences.

I wasn't sure what to expect with the Excellence Centre but I felt so welcomed as soon as I arrived. Rafat is wonderful, considerate, proudly Palestinian, treats everyone like family. I loved getting to know him and hearing about Palestine. Rafat would also make breakfast for everyone every morning, it was very homey. Muaz was my teacher for intensive arabic, as a result I spent around 3hours a day with him for 5 days a week and became very fond of him. He's known for being very funny, but he is also very very compassionate, and as a refugee from Syria incredibly strong. I learnt more in 2 weeks with him than I had for an entire year of studying Arabic. I can't really put into words how incredible he is at teaching, he has a gift for it, and the 3 hour classes always felt like 5 minutes. There were times where I used to sit besides the heater because it was warm and he would come sit next to me on the floor and teach me there, no questions asked. Another time where I wanted to try cooking Ful, so he came early in the morning and taught me Arabic whilst cooking with me. He would also always offer to make me tea which is really sweet. The classes are tailored around you. Everyone who works here is so lovely, and I'm going to struggle to find a teacher like Muaz again. The classes aren't like being in school/university, they are a lot more relaxed and personal; the time goes by quick. We took a class going around Halle and meeting Muaz's friend's shop who speaks Arabic and is very funny, we also took a class whilst touring around Leipzig, which was a lot of fun. Rafat also takes everyone out to dinner the day someone is leaving, we went to a beautiful Yemeni restaurant that is hidden away and you can't find online. I was really sad to leave the Excellence Centre, I've made so many core memories there.

If you have fears or worries or concerns; trust me, I know, that was me. But my positive experience with the center began before I arrived- the staff at the center were always responsive and understanding of the questions I had via WhatsApp and it was reassuring to go over everything with them before I even arrived. Their flexibility and willingness to accommodate was a sign of things to come and a reoccurring theme of my experience in Hebron. With regards to the center itself and your daily routine, its always fun. There is something new to do everyday and if something strikes your fancy, those at the center are always willing to try and fit it in. The Arabic lessons themselves were great, and again, always flexible. You know how you learn and should have input in your own teaching, and the Arabic teachers are here are always responsive to that. Want to focus on grammar? No problem. Maybe you're more interested in particular vocab? No stress. I even got sick at one point and we moved my lessons around. If you're interested in visiting Palestine and the center, do it. You won't regret it.