Now accepting applications for the 2026/2027 academic year. Our programs seamlessly integrate rigorous language instruction with meaningful cultural and community engagement.
Designed for students, professionals, and language enthusiasts from around the world, our immersive programs provide a distinctive opportunity to master Levantine (Ammiyya) Arabic through real-life practice, cultural integration, and expert-led instruction. Whether you choose to study on-site in Amman or participate online, these courses offer an exceptional blend of structure, flexibility, and authentic cultural engagement.
We offer super-intensive, intensive, and non-intensive online Levantine (Shami or Ammiya ุงููุบุฉ ุงูุนุงู ูุฉ) courses, encompassing Palestinian, Jordanian, Syrian, and Lebanese Arabic dialects. Tailored for international students, these courses are designed to elevate Arabic language proficiency and provide an immersive experience in the dynamic culture of the Levant.
Our Volunteer Programs offer a distinctive opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich culture, history, and daily life of the Levant while making a tangible difference in local communities. Designed for students, graduates, professionals, retirees, and individuals from all backgrounds, these programs enable participants to engage in meaningful projects across education, community development, the arts, and refugee support.
From Jordanian colloquial to Modern Standard Arabic, from regular to super-intensive โ discover the program that aligns with your goals, your schedule, and your passion for the Levant.
The Shami methodology does not treat Arabic as a foreign language to be decoded. It approaches it as a cultural heritage to be embraced โ with warmth, curiosity, and deep respect for the people who speak it every day.
Listen First
We begin where language begins โ with sound. Before grammar, before vocabulary, you learn to hear the music of Shami Arabic: its rhythms, its warmth, and its cadence.
Speak in Context
Every phrase is rooted in a real-world scenario โ ordering knafeh in Nablus, bargaining in Souk al-Hamidiyeh, or sharing stories over morning coffee. Language flourishes in context.
Build Through Culture
Grammar emerges naturally from proverbs, folk songs, and daily rituals. We do not teach rules in isolation โ we allow the culture to illuminate the language.
Features
The Most Complete Arabic Experience
Founded in 2011, the Shami Arabic Institute in Jordan offers intensive Levantine and Jordanian Arabic courses, online Arabic instruction, and a diverse range of volunteer, internship, and community programs in Amman. Participants learn Arabic, connect with peers from around the world, and engage with local communities โ contributing to meaningful educational and social initiatives that create a lasting impact on Jordanian children, refugees, women, and youth.
Since our founding, we have welcomed students, graduates, professionals, and retirees from more than 30 countries who seek to live and learn among Levantine communities. We have been honored with multiple Community Awards and recognized as the Best Arabic Language School and Top Provider of Volunteer and Internship Opportunities for 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024.
+900
reviews on GoOverseas
96.8% satisfaction
+190
reviews on GoAbroad
93% satisfaction
Diverse course formats: super-intensive (30 hrs/week), intensive (20 hrs/week), and regular (10โ15 hrs/week)
Instruction from highly qualified, attentive native Levantine educators with advanced degrees in linguistics
Small class sizes โ maximum 5 students per group, ensuring personalized attention
Guaranteed availability year-round: spring, summer, autumn, and winter โ commence any week
Programs ranging from 1 to 13 weeks with fully flexible start and end dates
Certificate of completion awarded upon finishing your chosen program
Daily cultural engagement: visits to local communities, markets, and historical sites
Online and in-person options to accommodate every lifestyle and location
One-on-one private lessons available for fully personalized instruction
Option to combine Arabic study with volunteer or internship programs
Volunteering Programs
Volunteer Programs in Jordan 2026/2027
Applications are now open for our 2026/2027 Volunteer Programs in Jordan. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact while immersing yourself in the rich culture, history, and daily life of Amman. These programs welcome individuals from all backgrounds โ including students, graduates, professionals, and retirees โ who are eager to contribute to education, community development, the arts, and refugee support. Whether you wish to teach English, work with children, lead creative projects, or support refugee initiatives, there is a program designed to align with your interests, skills, and availability.
Teach Arabic & Community Outreach
1โ13 Weeks
Open to native and non-native speakers alike. Teach Arabic language and culture to children, youth, and adults in local communities while deepening your own Levantine Arabic proficiency through daily immersion.
Refugee Support Program
2โ13 Weeks
Work alongside local NGOs to support displaced families through education, arts programs, and community development. Gain profound insight into the human dimension of the Levantine experience.
Arts, Music & Culture Program
1โ13 Weeks
Contribute to arts and music initiatives in local communities. Lead creative projects, workshops, and cultural exchange programs while forging lasting connections with local artists and artisans.
Women's Education Initiative
2โ13 Weeks
Support women's educational and professional development programs. This initiative empowers local women through literacy, vocational training, and intercultural dialogue.
Teaching English in Jordan
1โ13 Weeks
Teaching English in Jordan offers a deeply rewarding experience for those who wish to engage with Jordanian youth, children, women, refugees, and community members in Amman. Volunteers teach English to Jordanian students at the Excellence Center in Jordan, local community development centers, Jordanian schools, government institutions, non-governmental organizations, and refugee support centers.
By joining our volunteer programs, you embark on a transformative journey that combines service, learning, and cultural immersion โ creating a lasting impact on both participants and the communities they serve.
Arabic Studies, Middle Eastern Studies, Political Science
Working Professionals
Diplomats, journalists, NGO and humanitarian affairs professionals
Travelers & Explorers
Those seeking authentic connection with Levantine culture
Volunteers & Social Workers
Individuals engaged in community or refugee support initiatives
Teachers & Educators
Native and non-native English speakers seeking to teach abroad
Retirees & Lifelong Learners
Individuals of all ages with a genuine passion for Arabic language and culture
Your Guides
Meet the Teachers
Samer Ayman
Lead Arabic Instructor & Program Manager
Amman, Jordan
Samer Ayman is the Manager of the Shami Arabic Institute in Jordan, bringing over 12 years of experience teaching Arabic to non-native speakers. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Arabic and has guided students from around the world in improving their language proficiency while gaining a deeper understanding of Jordanian and Levantine culture. Beyond the classroom, Samer has collaborated with language centers, embassies, consulates, and NGOs across Jordan, and is deeply committed to creating authentic cultural exchange experiences through language learning, community immersion, and international engagement.
Testimonials
What Our Students Say
"
I spent two weeks in the volunteer program and it was one of the most enriching experiences of my life. The teachers don't just teach you grammar โ they invite you into the language, into the culture, into their world. My Shami Arabic improved more in two weeks than in a year of self-study.
Sarah Santicola
Intensive Arabic + Volunteer
"
What sets this institute apart is the genuine warmth of the instructors. Classes were small โ just four of us โ which meant I got real feedback every single day. The weekly cultural visits to the old city and local markets were worth the tuition alone.
Elinor Finch
Super-Intensive Arabic
"
As a professional working in humanitarian aid, being able to communicate in Shami Arabic changed everything. The conversations I can now have with the communities I serve are deeper, more human. The course structure is thoughtful, the teachers are exceptional.
desirae krzeczkowski
Intensive Online Course
"
I came as a complete beginner and left able to hold real conversations. The methodology of learning through culture โ through proverbs, songs, and stories โ made it stick in a way that traditional classes never had. Honestly life-changing.
Eric Kasper
Foundations of Shami
Transparent Pricing
Classes & Fees
All programs are offered year-round for 1 to 13 weeks. Prices shown in US Dollars โ toggle above to switch.
Private one-on-one instruction with a native-speaking teacher
10 Hours ยท 10 hours
$18/hr per hour
$183
130 JOD
15 Hours ยท 15 hours
$17/hr per hour
$254
180 JOD
Best Value
20 Hours ยท 20 hours
$14/hr per hour
$282
200 JOD
30 Hours ยท 30 hours
$14/hr per hour
$408
290 JOD
* Prices shown in USD ($). Toggle to switch currency.
Our flagship digital platform brings the Shami Arabic Institute classroom to your fingertips โ practice, track, and master Levantine and Modern Standard Arabic anywhere, at your own pace.
Flagship Product
The LearnShami App Platform
A complete digital learning environment built by the Shami Arabic Institute โ combining interactive lessons, progress tracking, and structured Levantine & MSA modules in one app.
Interactive Arabic Lessons
Bite-sized, interactive lessons that build real conversational fluency in Levantine and Modern Standard Arabic.
Student Tracking
Monitor progress, streaks, and mastery in real time with a built-in student dashboard and progress reports.
Levantine & MSA Modules
Structured learning paths for both Spoken Levantine (Shami) and Modern Standard Arabic, from beginner to advanced.
Programs are offered year-round for 1 to 13 weeks. Combine intensive Arabic study with volunteering and internship opportunities. Students from more than 30 countries have chosen us โ we invite you to join them.
Recognized as the Best Arabic Language School Abroad for 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023 & 2024.
