Birzeit University has been offering courses in the Arabic language and in Middle East-related social sciences to students from around the world for 9 years. Through the systematic study of a significant language and culture of this world, students achieve a high degree of understanding and appreciation of the region and the various issues that have affected its development. This systematic understanding is reinforced by observation in situ and by interaction between national and international students in a Palestinian environment.
Birzeit University's primary task is to impart knowledge and to contribute educationally to the development of Palestinian society and culture; Birzeit hopes additionally to make a significant contribution to the development of international understanding and thereby to contribute to international peace and justice. It accomplishes the latter goal through its international programmes that are intended to serve Palestinian as well as international students.
Drawing upon its inventory of reputable language and social science professors, Birzeit University has produced a comprehensive study programme, offering accredited courses of academic quality, together with a series of special lectures and field trips. The Palestine and Arabic Studies (PAS) programme is open to university students and graduates from around the world, and to those working in a field related to the Middle East who wish to gain an in-depth knowledge of the region, its language and cultures.
The PAS programme runs alongside the regular Birzeit semesters, offering students the option of any or all of three semesters in the academic year - a six-week intensive course during summer, and two longer, four-month semesters beginning in Autumn and Spring.
The Arabic courses, designed to teach the language as an integral part of the culture, include four levels of Modern Standard Arabic and three of Colloquial Arabic (Jerusalem Dialect). The social science courses, taught in English, provide analyses of Arab and Palestinian issues in the disciplines of politics, sociology, literature and history. International students fluent in Arabic may, with permission, take social science courses taught in Arabic and offered within the University's regular programme.
Birzeit University aims at integrating international students into its regular student body. To facilitate integration and to overcome cultural difficulties, PAS participants are required to participate in an orientation programme and students have access to advisors and counsellors in the University's Student Services Unit.
The full PAS brochure will be available soon on this website. More information is available via airmail or e-mail from the PAS Coordinator. E-mail PAS at pas-isp@admin.birzeit.edu or visit the PAS website for the online brochure.
Every summer for 15 years, during the month of August, the university has offered international students the opportunity to join Birzeit University students in work on different projects in the Palestinian community. The summer workcamps last for two weeks and offer visitors the chance to visit various parts of Palestine as well as participating in the agricultural, building and landscaping work organised by the Community Work Department in the Student Affairs office.
To join a workcamp, write to the Dean of Student Affairs at the Student Affairs Office at the university address given on our homepage or visit the Student Affairs Office summer workcamps website.