Summer Arabic Program: By choosing to study Arabic with the Excellence Center in Halle (Saale), Germany in the summer, students can learn about the language and culture of the Arabic Diaspora. It is the perfect place to conduct a summer Arabic study abroad program for students, or can even count as an intensive Arabic summer internship for recent graduates. The Arabic Immersion Program is not limited to students or young people though! Applicants of all ages are welcomed and from all around the world.

The Excellence Center in Europe (EC) is a unique place where the German and Arabic languages and cultures converge. Many refugees, migrants, and asylum seekers live in Halle, creating a blend of cultures that demonstrates the utility of the Arabic language outside of the Middle East and North Africa. Over the past 25 years, the Arabic language has become increasingly important to intercultural and international relations- especially in places like Germany.

From May to September

The Intensive Summer Arabic Immersion Program in Halle runs from May to late September, and beginning and end dates are up to the participant. Starting on the 1^st day of each month (May, June, July, August, and September), there are three 4-week sessions, so if you desire, you can spend up to three months living and studying Arabic with us here at the Excellence Center.

Studying Arabic Abroad in Europe

The Excellence Center is an amazing and well-known destination for intensive Arabic courses for young people- including students looking for summer internships in Europe. The Intensive Summer Arabic Immersion Program is offered from May to September, which is an especially popular time to join the Excellence Center. This opportunity to study Arabic in Europe as a student and community member is a great way to immerse yourself in the Arabic language.

The Center offers courses in Levantine Arabic dialects, including Palestinian, Jordanian, Syrian, and Lebanese dialects, as well as Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) and Palestinian Arabic courses in Germany. This Summer Arabic Program provides an exceptional opportunity to learn a language abroad or to engage in a summer internship in Germany.

The Excellence Center in Europe not only provides the opportunity of an intensive Summer Arabic program for the cultivation of personal skills but also for college/university credits. In our accredited summer Arabic intensive courses, students can make exceptional progress in their language skills, preparing for life after college when these skills can be crucial in a competitive job market. Students will leave the Excellence Center with a Certificate of Completion and the credits to count towards the required internship.

Why Study Arabic in Germany?

Germany is home to a large population of native Arabic speakers with over one million people using Arabic in their homes here in Germany. Furthermore, Germany is also the largest host to refugees in Europe, creating diverse communities of many languages across the country. In fact, Halle has a large Arabic-speaking community of refugees and migrants that the Excellence Center has been supporting since 2018. 

Therefore, this program is great if you are looking for an Intensive Arabic language program that is immersive and lets you interact with native Arabic speakers on a daily basis. The city of Halle in Saxony-Anhalt is home to thousands of refugees and migrants from the Middle East and North Africa. The experience is meant to be an immersive approach to intensive Arabic language courses- without needing to visit the Middle East or North Africa.

A Summer of Intensive Arabic Courses and Community

Halle has its own Arabic-speaking community of refugees and migrants that the Excellence Center has been supporting since 2018. Most refugees are from Syria and Palestine, but there are communities of people from many Arab countries such as Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Jordan, Iraq, and Egypt.

Students who choose to study Arabic in Germany will have access to diverse representatives of the Arabic world. Further, the diversity of the Arabic-speaking community in Halle means that students will have the opportunity to practice their Arabic, no matter the dialect. 

How Are Arabic Classes Conducted?

Classes are conducted in small groups. Students of a similar skill level will be grouped together in groups of 2-5 people to learn as a team. These classes are also intensive, immersive Arabic courses, just as described above.

Moreso, this method allows students to work on group projects, go through the process of learning a new language as a team, and make new friends from around the world! 

Language Proficiency Levels

We offer a full Arabic curriculum, (with books and all course materials included), at six different levels to accommodate students of all language experiences and proficiencies.

1. Starter Arabic Courses

This level is for those who do not have any prior knowledge of the Arabic language and would like to start with learning the alphabet. These courses will allow you to gain fundamental skills in reading and writing Arabic as well as understanding and engaging in simple, day-to-day conversations.

2. Beginner Arabic Courses

The beginner Arabic courses are offered at two levels: Beginner I and Beginner II. These Arabic lessons are designed for participants who already have a basic knowledge of Arabic and would like to develop their speaking, writing, reading, and listening skills.

3. Intermediate Arabic Courses

The intermediate Arabic courses are also offered at two levels: Intermediate I and Intermediate II. Typically, these lessons provide you with the opportunity for Arabic conversations with native speakers to improve your conversational and colloquial skills. Moreover, the courses will focus on further improving your reading, writing, and listening abilities.

4. Advanced Arabic Courses

At this level, you will concentrate on refining and perfecting your speaking and writing skills by learning sophisticated and technical vocabulary, that can be used in most topics and discussions.

A Wide Range of Arabic Dialects

Arabic is an incredibly diverse language with numerous dialects. Therefore, before choosing their desired Arabic course, we recommend students think about why they desire to learn Arabic, as different dialects will be beneficial for different purposes. For example, taking our Intensive Summer Palestinian Arabic course or Levantine Summer intensive program may be more beneficial for those wishing to travel and work in the Levantine (Syria, Palestine, Lebanon, and Jordan).

In contrast, our Modern Standard Arabic Summer courses or the Intensive Classical Arabic courses would be more useful to those wishing to study formal Arabic texts, such as in literature, law, history, and international relations. Considering this, the EC’s Summer Arabic language courses cover a wide range of dialects, including:

• Modern Standard Arabic (MSA)
• Classical Arabic (Fusha)/اللغة الفصحى
• Palestinian Colloquial Arabic 
• Colloquial Levantine Arabic (covering Palestinian, Jordanian, Syrian, Lebanese Arabic)
• Ammiya Arabic/اللهجة العامية

If students are unsure as to which Arabic Immersion Program they should enroll in, feel free to reach out and contact us at the Excellence Center. We would be happy to help students find the Arabic course that is right for them!

Courses last anywhere from 1 to 13 weeks, as the duration of the courses is up to the students enrolling. With 80 hours of Arabic language instruction per monthly session, you will study your desired dialect in class for four hours a day, five days a week.

I Love Learning Arabic! Can I take More Hours?

Of course! Students in all of our Summer Intensive Arabic Immersion Programs are free to add in additional Arabic language hours, with each hour costing 30€. If you are interested in adding extra hours, please mention this in your email and we will be more than happy to organize them for you.

Immersion Within an Arabic Host Family

In addition to having an excellent Arabic language experience, students will stay with an Arabic-speaking host family, leading to increased language exposure and proficiency inside and outside of the classroom. The Excellence Center will also provide the opportunity to participate in community outreach programs including cookouts, football matches, nights on the town, workshops, and more. Participating in these activities is not mandatory for students however, it is highly recommended for the best experience possible. 

Staying with an Arabic-speaking host family is the best way to ensure students continue to learn outside of class, and creates a greater understanding of the culture of the host family, along with deepening the connection to the Arabic community in Halle. While it may seem daunting at first, the host families provide a stable and warm place to call home while you explore a new language, city, and culture.

However, homestay is only guaranteed for female students and is subject to availability for male students. Therefore, we encourage enrolling in your preferred program as soon as possible to secure your spot and homestay.

Applicants Eligibility Requirements

• Available to anyone between the ages of 18 – 75 (Exceptions made upon special request with the Center’s director) 
• Available to all nationalities, religions, sexual orientations, and beliefs
• No prior knowledge of Arabic needed
• An upbeat and can-do attitude
• Interest in learning about other cultures

Why Should I Join?

Here are a few reasons for joining the Summer Intensive Arabic Immersion Program in Halle, (Saale), Germany:

• Education from well-qualified, attentive Arabic teachers with excellent educational backgrounds 
• Diverse Arabic courses to choose from such as Modern Standard Arabic, Levantine (Shami) dialects, Ammiya, Classical, and Palestinian Arabic using up-to-date teaching techniques in an intensive learning environment
• Engagement in educational, social, and community activities
• Access to the Arabic community in Halle, as well as to the Center’s personal connections in the community
• Understanding of the human rights situation and helping local Arab refugees
• Staying with an Arabic family, providing ample opportunity to practice new language skills
• Access to the numerous Arab small businesses, shops, and cultural sights in the city
• Breakfast with other participants (5 times a week)
• Pre-departure and support during your time in Germany
• The option to participate in the Center’s community outreach activities with the Arab community
• Opportunities to visit German historical sights and cultural centers such as: Leipzig, Weimar, Dresden, Frankfurt, and Berlin
• An opportunity to learn about the unique fusion of German and Arab cultures that has taken place in the past decade
• University credits offered
• A certificate upon completion

Program Overview: 

*Costs include study materials, booklet and books, placement test, a tour of Halle, breakfast four days a week, accommodation with a host family or in a shared apartment, in-country and pre-departure support with logistics and travel, Arabic classes, and a certificate of completion. Registration fee: 50€ paid once at registration.

Classes Include:

• Class readings and discussions
• Book work
• Meetings with local Arab refugees and migrants
• Participation in community and cultural activities
• Daily homework
• Quizzes
• Full immersion in Arab-German culture

Reviews and Community Awards

The Excellence Center in Halle has been working with the Arabic-speaking community in Halle since 2018, building a positive relationship and developing our lessons to be as effective as possible.

We continue to strive towards “excellence”. In 2021 we were rated one of the top three programs worldwide in offering volunteer opportunities. We received the community choice awards from 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 many great reviews here:

• +740 Reviews (4.8/5) on Gooverseas.com
• +100 Reviews (9.3/10) on Goabroad.com
• Participants’ video testimonials

Visa to Germany

If you are coming from a European country that has signed the Schengen agreement, then you do not need a visa to enter Germany. For those who come from countries that are a part of this program, you are permitted to stay in Germany for up to three months.

All other travelers will need to apply for a Schengen visa to enter Germany. This visa will allow you to enter and stay in Germany for a maximum period of 3 months (90 days). Please note that this visa prohibits visa-holders from getting a job (even as a freelancer) during their stay.

Getting to the Excellence Center

The easiest way to get to the Excellence Center in Germany is to fly to Leipzig/Halle Airport. It takes about 25 minutes to get from the airport to the Excellence Center via train; however, flights into the Leipzig/Halle Airport can be more expensive.

You can also fly into the airport in Berlin (BER), and then you have two ways to get to the Excellence Center. The first is to come by bus. You can take a bus operated by companies such as FlixBus or Eurolines. The bus ride takes about two hours. The second choice is to come by train through Berlin-Central Station or Berlin Südkreuz. The train ride takes around an hour and a half.

Summary

The Excellence Center in Europe is a community that sits on the historic convergence of Arab culture in Germany. The Arabic language continues to gain relevance in today’s world, which can be seen no place better than in Germany. The Excellence Center in Halle (Saale) offers a chance to experience the distinctive blend of Arab and German cultures and make the most of this opportunity by becoming a part of something greater than any one of us.

The EC’s Summer Intensive and Non-Intensive Arabic courses, internships, and study abroad programs offer an exceptional opportunity to study Arabic in Germany. Students can choose which dialect and skill level to study, in any class size of 1-5 people, and for any amount of time from 1-13 weeks. Students will leave the Excellence Center with an understanding of Arab culture and language and a certificate of completion. Finally, students will leave as a member of our unique family, and with an experience you can truly gain nowhere else in the world.

Application Questions and Concerns 

If you are interested in participating in Intensive Arabic Language Courses, Summer Arabic Study Abroad Program, Arabic Language Summer Internship, or Non-Intensive Arabic courses, please write to us at Info@eceurope.org. We should respond to your initial inquiry within 1 – 3 business days. Do not hesitate to ask us any questions or concerns you may have.

When you are ready to apply, write in the subject line of your email “Summer Arabic Immersion Program”. Upon writing back to you we attach an application form, which you will fill out and return to us to begin the on-boarding process. We hope to hear from you soon!