Arabic Study Abroad

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.