By choosing to take part in the Arabic Summer Immersion Program with Volunteer in Germany 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 study abroad program in Arabic for students, and 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 from all around the world.
Volunteer in Germany (ViG) 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 demonstrating the utility of the Arabic language outside 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.
Arabic Summer Immersion Program 2025-2026
We are thrilled to introduce the Arabic Summer Immersion Program in Germany—an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in the dialects of the Levantine Arabic while exploring the dynamic cultural landscape of Halle, Germany. This summer-intensive program is tailored for individuals seeking to deepen their language skills and engage in cultural exchange in a vibrant, multicultural environment.
Running during the summer months, the program offers flexible durations ranging from 1 to 13 weeks. Participants will benefit from expert-led Arabic lessons, community-focused activities, and opportunities to connect with diverse groups, including local residents and refugees.
The Arabic Summer Immersion Program is ideal for language enthusiasts, students, and professionals eager to explore the richness of Arabic and German cultures, foster meaningful connections, and enhance their global perspective in an enriching and supportive setting. Join us this summer to embark on an unforgettable journey of language and culture!
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From May to September
The Intensive Summer Arabic Immersion Program in Halle runs from May to late September, with start and end dates being up to the participant. Starting on the 1st 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 ViG.
Studying Arabic Abroad in Europe
Volunteer in Germany is an amazing and well-known destination for intensive Arabic courses for young people. This opportunity to study Arabic in Europe as a student and community member is a great way to immerse yourself in the Arabic language.
Our center offers courses in Levantine Arabic dialects, including Palestinian, Jordanian, Syrian, and Lebanese dialects, as well as Modern Standard Arabic (MSA).
ViG not only provides the opportunity of an intensive summer Arabic program for the cultivation of personal skills, but also for college/university credits when needed. 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 our program with a Certificate of Completion and the credits to count towards any 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. The city of Halle in Saxony-Anhalt is home to thousands of refugees and migrants from the Middle East and North Africa and therefore has a large Arabic-speaking community.
For those reasons, 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 daily. 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 an Arabic-speaking community of refugees and migrants that the ViG 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. Not to mention, the diversity of the Arabic-speaking community in Halle means that students will have the opportunity to practice their Arabic regardless of their chosen dialect.
How Are Arabic Classes Conducted?
Classes are conducted in small groups. Students of a similar skill level will be grouped in groups of 2-5 people to learn as a team with the classes being intensive, immersive Arabic courses, just as described above.
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 and aim to develop understanding and engagement 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. The courses will also 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/or work in the Levantine region (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, ViG’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, and 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 ViG. 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.
Booking More Hours
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. This will lead to increased language exposure and proficiency inside and outside of the classroom. ViG 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. This 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.
It is important to note, however, that being hosted by a local Arabic-speaking family 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 host.
Arabic Summer Immersion Program Requirements
- Available to anyone between the ages of 18 – 75 (Exceptions made upon special request with the organization’s director)
- Available to all nationalities, religions, sexual orientations, and beliefs
- No prior knowledge of Arabic needed
- An upbeat and can-do attitude is required
- Interest in learning about other cultures is required
Why Join the Arabic Summer Immersion Program?
Here are a few reasons for joining the Summer Intensive Arabic Immersion Program in Halle, (Saale):
- 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 ViG’s connections in the community
- Education on human rights situations and helping local Arab refugees
- Staying with an Arabic family provides 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 support and support during your time in Germany
- (Optional) participation in the ViG’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
Arabic Summer Immersion Program Overview:
| Program | Arabic Summer Immersion Program |
| Place of Program | Halle (Saale), Germany |
| Program Fees | One month = 2350€ (Euro)* |
| Age | at least 18 years old |
| Background in Arabic: | Starter and beginner: None required Intermediate: One year of previous study in Arabic Advanced: Two years of previous study in Arabic |
| Minimum Duration | One month – 80 Class Hours |
| Maximum Duration | 3 months – 240 Class Hours |
| Teaching Hours | 4 hours a day, 5 days a week |
| One Teaching Hour | 45 Minutes |
| Average Class Size | 2–5 Students |
| Class periods | Mornings (8:30 – 12:30) Afternoons (12:30 – 16:00) |
| Starting/Ending Dates | May– September |
| Application Deadline | 1st of April 2024 |
| Days off | Two days (Saturday and Sundays) |
| Educational Degree | Not required |
| University Credit | Available |
*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
Volunteer in Germany has proudly earned several Community Awards, as it was recognized as the Best Language School Overseas, Top Arabic Summer Program in Germany Provider, and the Top Provider of Volunteer and Internship Opportunities abroad for the years 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023. For further details, please visit our profiles on GoOverseas.com and GoAbroad.com.
- +830 Reviews (96.8%) on Gooverseas.com
- +170 Reviews (9.3/10) on Goabroad.com
- Participants’ video testimonials
Visa to Germany
If you are from a European country that signed the Schengen agreement, you do not need a visa for Germany. For those who come from countries that are a part of this program, you can 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.
Arriving in Halle and Our Office
The easiest way to get to the Volunteer in Germany office is to fly to Leipzig/Halle Airport. It takes about 25 minutes to get from the airport to Halle via train; however, flights into the Leipzig/Halle Airport can be more expensive.
Alternatively, you can also fly into the airport in Berlin (BER), and then you have two ways to reach Halle. 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. This train ride takes around an hour and a half.
Conclusion
Volunteer in Germany 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, and our organization offers a chance to experience the distinctive blend of Arab and German cultures in Halle (Saale). Through the time spent here, people end up becoming a part of something greater than any one of us.
ViG’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 Volunteer in Germany 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 Arabic Summer Immersion Program’s Intensive Arabic Language Courses, 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.
Once you are ready to apply, write in the subject line of your email “Arabic Summer Immersion Program”. Upon writing back to you we will attach an application form to the email. Once you fill it out and return it to us, we will begin the onboarding process. We hope to hear from you soon!
Find Us Online
If you would like to learn more about affordable internships in Germany, please email us at info@eceurope.org at write to us at WhatsApp: +4917639353950
Our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/eceurope
Our Facebook profile: https://www.facebook.com/rafat.shan.39
Thank you very much. We would be happy to have you in Germany!
