I am thinking about studying Arabic in Syria this summer during the months of July and August. I am looking for a good school to study at and is wondering if anyone has a recommendation. I came across the Arabic Teaching Institute for Non-Arabic Speakers but their summer courses start too early for me. I also found a course a Damascus University with class sizes of 8-20 which seems a bit high. I've been having trouble finding info on the internet at a lot of websites seem very out of date. Any information would be appreciated.

Only a tiny bit of info for you, but maybe it'll help a little...
When I was in Syria about 12 months ago I met several English speakers studying Arabic, both in Aleppo and Damascus. The folks in Aleppo seemed to have more positive stories, explaining that Aleppo forced them to immerse themselves in the culture more deeply than the more foreigner-friendly Damascus.

Nawafir and Arabesk are both decent companies that work with Americans and help you get accomodation and visa into Syria.

Now here is the thing: Syrians kinda speak two languages. Sharija and Classic. If you are taking classes at Damascus University you'll be learning classical Arabic...which is not used in the streets. For instance, I can have a long, intense conversation in street language. I can make my points and I can argue with the best of them. But put me up against classical Arabic and I immediatly feel stupid. there are a million little differences.

I would opt for the language that most Syrians speak because 1. it will actually help you while you're there and 2. it's easier (I'm biased).

Nawafir and arabesk give options of private tutors that will teach you the common language. They can also point you in the direction of language centers that teach it.

Google both and email them, they'll be happy to send you a personalized outline of study and accomodation.