Best Online Syrian Arabic Classes for Travelers and Expats: Moving to a new country or preparing for an extended trip becomes a far more rewarding experience when you can communicate with local people in their own language. At the Excellence Center in Syria, our online Syrian Arabic classes are specifically designed for travelers, expatriates, international volunteers, students, and professionals who want to develop practical communication skills before or during their time in the Middle East. Learning Syrian Arabic opens the door to richer cultural experiences and more meaningful everyday interactions.
Our courses focus on real-life situations rather than memorizing vocabulary lists or grammar rules in isolation. Students learn how to introduce themselves, ask for directions, order meals, shop in local markets, communicate with neighbors, and handle common daily conversations with confidence. Alongside language instruction, our experienced teachers also introduce students to Syrian customs, traditions, and cultural etiquette, helping learners better understand the communities they interact with.
With flexible online classes, personalized instruction, and experienced native-speaking teachers, the Excellence Center in Syria makes it easy to fit language learning into even the busiest schedule. Whether you are preparing before your departure or continuing your studies while living abroad, our practical and interactive lessons help you become a more confident and independent Arabic speaker.
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Comprehensive Online Syrian Arabic Speaking Lessons for All Learners
Online Syrian Arabic Speaking Lessons provide an effective and accessible way to develop real Arabic communication skills, combining structured learning materials with the support of experienced and highly qualified teachers. This Syrian Arabic program is designed for a wide range of learners, including students, English speakers and native speakers, graduates, professionals, researchers, and even retirees who are interested in mastering conversational Arabic.
These lessons are tailored for beginners to intermediate learners and focus on helping students use Syrian Arabic in everyday situations. The program covers all four essential language skills—listening, speaking, reading, and writing—while placing special emphasis on speaking and real-life interaction. Students gradually build confidence in basic communication, while also learning the fundamentals of the Arabic writing system and developing the ability to read and write simple words and sentences.
Why Speaking Arabic Matters for Travelers and Expats
For travelers and expatriates, learning Arabic is much more than a practical skill—it is a gateway to meaningful cultural experiences and authentic human connections. While many people in the Middle East speak some English, everyday life is often conducted in local Arabic dialects, including Syrian Arabic in many Levantine communities. Being able to greet people, ask for directions, order food, shop at local markets, or simply engage in casual conversation demonstrates respect for the local culture and often leads to warmer interactions. Even a basic knowledge of spoken Arabic can help travelers feel more confident, independent, and comfortable as they explore new places and adapt to daily life abroad.
At the Excellence Center in Syria, we have seen firsthand how learning Syrian Arabic transforms our students’ experiences overseas. Whether relocating for work, volunteering with humanitarian organizations, studying abroad, or traveling through the region, speaking the local language allows learners to build genuine relationships that go beyond typical tourist encounters. It opens doors to a deeper understanding of local customs, traditions, and perspectives while making everyday tasks easier and more enjoyable. By investing in Arabic language skills before or during your stay, you gain not only a valuable means of communication but also a richer and more rewarding experience in the Arabic-speaking world.
Our Extensive Experience in Online Arabic Teaching
Since 2011, the Excellence Center in Syria has helped students from around the world achieve their Arabic language goals through personalized one-on-one online instruction. Over the years, we have worked with learners from a wide range of backgrounds, including university students, researchers, diplomats, journalists, humanitarian workers, business professionals, travelers, expatriates, and individuals learning Arabic for personal or family connections. This extensive experience has enabled us to develop effective teaching methods that adapt to the unique needs of every student.
Throughout our years of online teaching, we have refined a student-centered approach that emphasizes practical communication, cultural understanding, and individual progress. Rather than relying solely on standardized textbooks, our instructors tailor every lesson to the learner’s proficiency level, interests, and objectives. Whether a student is taking their very first Arabic lesson or working toward advanced fluency, our experienced native-speaking teachers create engaging, interactive sessions that encourage confidence and consistent improvement. This personalized methodology has helped thousands of learners develop real-world Arabic skills that they can use in academic, professional, and everyday settings.
The success of the Excellence Center in Syria is built on our commitment to quality education, experienced instructors, and genuine passion for teaching the Syrian Arabic dialect. As online language learning has evolved over the past decade and a half, we have continuously improved our curriculum, teaching resources, and digital learning environment to provide an engaging and effective experience for students worldwide. Today, our 15+ years of experience continue to guide everything we do, ensuring that every learner receives expert instruction, personalized support, and the opportunity to build lasting confidence in speaking Syrian Arabic.
Curriculum Used in the Course
The book we use in this course is called “اللهجة الشامية” – Shami dialect. This book offers a user-friendly approach, providing a thorough exploration of the language and equipping learners with practical, essential skills for engaging in fluid communication in Syrian/Shami Arabic across a wide range of day-to-day situations.
Through real conversations, grammar explanations, vocabulary building, and intensive practice and review, this book will not only provide you with Arabic speaking skills, but it will also increase your knowledge of the Arabic culture that is so inextricably blended with the language itself.
- Learning units that contain different daily topics
- Explain the grammar to easily understand and memorize its rules
- Learn basic skills such as listening, writing, reading, and speaking
- Tips to help you learn the language easily and in a short time
- You will learn about the culture of the Levant and the most prominent customs and social events
- Develop your listening skills by listening to different conversations
- Exams, homework, and exercises to help you evaluate your educational performance and track your progression in proficiency
The Benefits of Learning Syrian Arabic Online
- It will help you learn Syrian (Shami) Arabic using the most progressive learning methods.
- Learn online, offering a more frugal and widely viable option to those unable to make a trip to the Middle East.
- The first online lesson is free, allowing you to decide later whether you want to continue with the course.
- It will be organized to fit your schedule best.
- The Ammiya (Syrian Colloquial Arabic) online course is very flexible, allowing you to decide the hours, days, and overall length of the course.
- It can be performed individually or as a group of 1-3 students.
- The Arabic course will enable you to engage in conversation with other students around the world to practice the material, promoting invaluable global enrichment.
What Levels of Syrian Arabic are Available?
The Excellence Center in Syria offers Syrian Arabic courses for all proficiency levels, ranging from Starter Level to Advanced, and everything in between.
1. Syrian Arabic Starter Course
This level will teach the student to understand and use basic everyday expressions and phrases that are designed to meet specific needs. At the course’s conclusion, the student will be able to introduce him or herself and ask and answer questions about personal details, such as where he or she lives, the people he or she knows, and the things he or she owns. The student will also be able to slowly engage in basic conversation.
2. Syrian Arabic Beginner Course
After this course, the student will be able to understand frequently used phrases that are related to personal and family background, shopping, local geography and directions, and employment. He or she will be able to converse on routine topics and will be able to describe in simple terms his or her character, the environment, and issues concerning immediate needs.
3. Syrian Arabic Intermediate Course
After this level, the student will be able to understand familiar issues relating to work, recreation, school, and daily travel, as well as be able to deal with more complicated situations likely to arise during travel.
The student will be able to write simple text on familiar or personal topics, and he or she will be able to describe experiences, events, dreams, hopes, and aspirations, and briefly give reasons and interpretations of opinions and plans.
4. Syrian Arabic Advanced Course
At this advanced level, the student will be able to understand the main ideas of complex texts, both in specific topics and in the abstract, including topics within specialized areas. After this stage, the student will be able to interact with a degree of spontaneity and fluency that makes regular interaction with native speakers nearly completely fluid from both sides.
The student will be able to produce clear and detailed texts on a wide range of subjects. He or she will be able to explain his or her point of view on a complex social or political topic and describe the pros and cons of the issue.
Online Syrian Arabic Speaking Lessons – Programs
Here is a brief summary of Online Syrian Arabic Speaking Programs available:
1. Syrian Arabic Online Program
Syrian Online Course: The Study Syrian Arabic Online Program is a valuable opportunity for those who want to learn and study the increasingly relevant and critical dialect (also known as Ammiya, Shami, or Levantine Colloquial Arabic) and practice with other students. Shami Arabic is spoken by nearly 42 million people in four Arab countries: Jordan, Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria.
Syrian Arabic (Levantine dialect) is the most easily understandable dialect for people in the MENA region (including countries of the Gulf and Arab countries in the northernmost areas of the African continent, such as Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Egypt, and Libya) and is the dialect most similar to Modern Standard Arabic. Its wide comprehensibility allows speakers of this dialect to communicate with a broad audience of Arabic speakers. Thus, learning the Shami dialect is a gateway to connecting with people across a wide, culturally diverse region.
2. Studying Levantine Arabic Online
Studying Levantine Arabic Online: Levantine Arabic, also known as Shami Arabic or the Ammiyya dialect, is a fantastic option for those who want to learn this widely spoken and increasingly important dialect from the comfort of their home. Spoken by approximately 42 million people across Jordan, Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria, Levantine Arabic is a cornerstone of the Levant region. It is easily understood throughout the broader Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
This dialect bridges linguistic gaps, enabling communication with people in countries like Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, and the Gulf states. Studying Levantine Arabic online allows you to immerse yourself in the language, practice with other learners, and build the skills needed to connect with diverse communities throughout the Arab world.
3. Online Arabic for Kids and Teens
Online Arabic for Kids: The Excellence Center offers online Arabic courses for children and young people aged 10 to 17 years old. Perfect for anyone eager to learn about the Arabic language and culture, these elementary classes differ from adult learning in content as well as teaching method, e.g., image recognition and games play a huge role, as well as the ability to access children’s Arabic digital media, including TV shows, books, and articles on a wide range of subjects.
Our online Arabic courses are an excellent way to introduce children to an authentic Arabic language, culture, and media from the comfort of home. Specially designed for children, the course includes age-appropriate picture books, articles, and digital media in a virtual format. If you are looking to introduce your child to the Arabic-speaking world, then enroll them in our Arabic Online Program to begin their language journey!
Take a Free Arabic Lesson Online
The Excellence Center in Syria offers Syrian Arabic courses for all proficiency levels, from Starter to Advanced and beyond. To ensure appropriate placement, students will take a placement test to determine their Arabic proficiency level. The first class is a complimentary trial; if satisfied, participants can register and pay the course fees.
Online Syrian Arabic Speaking Lessons: Overview
| Course type | One-to-one Arabic course |
| Course duration | 10-100 Hours (Student’s choice) |
| Hours per week | 2-4 (Flexible) |
| One teaching hour | Students will get it as a PDF |
| Cost of 10 hours | 199 Euro (Confirm Prices Here) |
| Average students per class | Students will get it as a PDF |
| Participants | People aged between 12 and 75 |
| Days of the week | Saturday-Friday |
| Levels | 6 levels (starters to advanced) |
| Time of classes | Flexible (Students and teachers decide it) |
| Choice of learning | Syrian (Shami Arabic) Levantine Arabic |
| University Credit | Available |
| Arabic books | Students will get it as a PDF |
Do I Need to Take an Arabic Placement Test?
- Arabic students with prior knowledge of Arabic are expected to take a placement test after registering for the course to assess their language level.
- Students with no knowledge of Arabic will take a starter-level course. Online Syrian Arabic programs with native speakers primarily focus on speaking, reading, writing, and listening skills.
Who Guides the Syrian Arabic Courses?
At the Excellence Center in Syria, our dedicated team of Syrian teachers is proficient in both Arabic and English. Our instructors are highly qualified, with university degrees in Arabic language literature and teaching methods from diverse global institutions. They bring a combination of skills and experience to teach Arabic as a second language effectively.
For Whom is the Program Suitable?
In general, the Study Syrian (Shami) Arabic Online Course is suitable for:
- Applicants between the ages of 12 and 75 years from any country in the world
- Students who want to learn or improve their conversational Shami dialect
- People who are interested in immersing themselves in the culture of the Levant
- Those who want to work as a social worker or as a volunteer in NGOs that work with refugees in or from the region
- Participants who want to either work in an Arabic-speaking country or study at one of the colleges or universities that offer Arabic-based degrees.
- University and college students who study Arabic Literature, Middle Eastern Studies, Islamic Studies, Journalism, Political Science, Languages, and many other subjects.
- Employees who work in Arabic-based jobs and want to improve their Arabic Shami skills.
Program Costs
Below, you may find the list of hours and prices (Confirm Prices Here). You can choose how many hours you want to book, but we ask that it be at least 10 hours.
| Arabic Hours | Prices in Euros |
| 10 | 199 Euro |
| 20 | 399 Euro |
| 30 | 599 Euro |
| 50 | 999 Euro |
- Lesson = 45 minutes
- Registration fee: 30€ paid once at registration
- Study materials booklet and books: Free (PDF)
- Placement Test: Free
Certificate of Completion
Upon completion of the Online Syrian Arabic Speaking Lessons, the Excellence Center in Syria awards a Certificate of Completion. It will be available as a PDF document and sent via email.
Material Included
The course includes a PDF copy of the book “اللهجة الشامية,” which will be sent to the student. It also includes online exercises, quizzes, and exams, along with videos, presentations, and audio.
What are the Enrollment Requirements?
To enroll in the online course, you need the following:
- A functional laptop, smartphone, or iPad (or any other device that meets the requirements)
- These devices must have a functioning camera, microphone, and speakers.
- Good internet connection
- A work setting that provides a quiet space with little to no interruption and/or disturbance
Reviews and Awards
The Excellence Center in Syria has been honored with several prestigious Community Awards and recognized as the Best Language School and Top Volunteer and Internship Program Provider for 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. For more details, please visit our profiles on GoOverseas.com and GoAbroad.com.
- +1000 reviews (96%) on gooverseas.com
- +190 reviews (96%) on goabroad.com
- Participants’ video testimonials
- Our Awards
How to Register
Please email us at Info@ecsyria.org to express your interest, and we will promptly send you the application form. In the subject line of your email, please write “Best Online Syrian Arabic Classes for Travelers and Expats”.
Complete the application form and return it to us. We expect to respond within 1 to 2 days, along with the arrangements for your complimentary one-hour trial class.
Conclusion
Learning Syrian Arabic can transform your experience as a traveler or expatriate by making everyday communication more comfortable and allowing you to build genuine relationships with local communities. At the Excellence Center in Syria, our courses are designed to give students practical language skills that can be immediately applied in real-life situations, making every lesson both useful and engaging.
Our experienced instructors focus on conversation, listening comprehension, pronunciation, and cultural understanding, helping learners gain confidence while developing the ability to communicate naturally. Rather than simply teaching vocabulary, we prepare students to navigate everyday life with greater ease and to appreciate the cultural richness that accompanies the language.
Whether you are relocating for work, volunteering, studying abroad, or planning an extended journey through the Levant, the Excellence Center in Syria provides the guidance, flexibility, and expertise needed to help you communicate confidently and make the most of your experience abroad.
