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Program Overview
The Intensive Arabic Semester program offers a holistic approach to language learning. During the course of the five-month program, our students learn Hebrew, both standard and spoken Arabic, Jewish/Israeli History and Middle Eastern History. Students experience Israeli Kibbutz life while simultaneously being immersed in the local Arab culture through field trips, home stay families, and weekly volunteering.
Our program is conducted by Givat Haviva, an established organization in Israel that brings together Jews and Arabs from all over Israel in the name of equality and understanding. Our students study Arabic at a top-notch institution in Israel, seven hours a day, five days a week, for five months. The Intensive Arabic Semester is a high standard program that provides you with the opportunity to learn spoken Arabic on a highly professional level, while immersing yourself in the local Jewish and Arab culture. Through field trips our students gain a deeper knowledge of the local, national, and international issues affecting the population here and through volunteering are able to connect with the local Arab community and give back.
Learn how to navigate both the Jewish and Arab cultures in Israel. Spend time with your Jewish Kibbutz Family for a Shabbat Dinner and then learn to make tabouleh with your Arab host family in the next village over. Guided excursions, field trips, and hikes throughout Israel will reveal, in a way that visitors don’t usually get to see, the rich history, natural beauty, and intricate cultural issues that exist in this country.
Why this program?
The Intensive Arabic Semester combines the experience of living in Israel among kibbutz members, enjoying Israeli culture and meeting other young adults. The topic of coexistence in Israel is a major feature in the program and learning Arabic and Jewish studies allows for participants to learn about both aspects and acquire leadership skills. Each participant will receive personal guidance and full time counselors will be available throughout the program.
Activities / Excursions
Activities in this program include encounters with participants from different countries, trips and hikes throughout Israel and many special social and educational experiences.
Facilities / Lodging / Meals
Participants of this program will be residing on a kibbutz in a rural atmosphere, accommodated with air-conditioned double rooms. Learning facilities include computer classrooms and a well equipped library.
Courses:
Total Arabic (classic and spoken): 456 academic hours
Total Hebrew: 67 academic hours
Weekly course in Israeli/Jewish History and Zionist studies
Weekly course in Middle East Politics
Weekly volunteering at school in local Arab village
Monthly field trips all over the country
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