Teach English & Study Arabic in Palestine (1-13 Weeks)

I had an absolutely fantastic time in Hebron this year. It was my second time at the Excellence Center, and a testament to how amazing the people at this program are that I wanted to come back again. This year, I continued to teach English at the Center and I found it even more rewarding than my last stint teaching English. The students at the Center are amazingly kind, and passionate to learn and master English. The Center itself is clearly improving every year, and I can't wait to see how they will expand and continue to establish itself as a pillar of the Hebron community.

I taught English and learned Arabic (not intensive) for one week. My schedule was very flexible and included various activities and excursions related to Human Rights which I requested. My host family made sure we are comfortable, happy and are having fun. My host family provided us with fun experiences which immersed us in the local culture. Safety was never an issue and always felt comfortable. At the centre, home and Hebron in general.

Cons:
- The only issue I had was regarding the transportation as I was sometimes (not always) charged 2x-5x the local rate. Overall each route within Hebron never exceeded 5 euros so it was still manageable. But please keep that in mind if you are commuting alone or with other foreigners.

Overall the locals are extremely kind, hospitable and welcoming. This was an eye opening experince

I loved my time at the Excellence Center. Everyone was so kind and hardworking to make the programs great for students, and it's a warm and welcoming environment. I loved meeting the local students I taught English to and participating in programs planned by the Center, like trips and informational tours. On weekends, students visited Bethlehem, Ein Gedi, the Dead Sea, Jerusalem, Nablus, Haifa, and other places in the country. The staff at the Excellence Center work above and beyond to make the international students feel comfortable and plan our schedules. On the first day I arrived, we got a tour of the old city and met local shopkeepers, who I was able to build real friendships with. The students at the Center immediately bond, and everyone has such an open and kind attitude. My semi-intensive Arabic courses were so good, and I very rapidly advanced my speaking, reading, and writing skills. The people of Hebron are incredibly hospitable, interesting, and friendly, and the city has such deep beauty even with the political oppression and difficulties it faces.

Following my time at the Excellence Centre in Palestine (which was absolutely incredible), I wanted to continue learning Arabic and so I messaged Rafat and learned that I could take online lessons.

I have been taking remote Arabic lessons with Saja who is a really patient and approachable teacher. She really pushes me to do my best and I’ve learnt so much.

I’ve taken Arabic lessons remotely before and gave up after a few but with Saja, I’ve persevered as I really enjoy them and I’m learning so much. I recently travelled to an Arabic speaking country utilising my Arabic so I’m extremely happy that I continued learning.

Thank you Habibti ❤️💕

Hello! My name is Michael and I’m from the UK. I’ve been here at the Excellence Center for 3 months, doing a variety of different programs.

For the first month I did the ‘volunteering with Palestinian children’ program. This included providing English lessons at the Center to children of all ages, as well as visiting a number of local schools. I also visited other educational centres and refugee camps in the surrounding Hebron area, providing English lessons to students. This experience was so rewarding and the children of Palestine are absolutely amazing!

For the second month of my trip I completed 2 weeks of intensive Arabic, which allowed me to really practise and improve my Arabic, giving me the confidence to speak more with the local people. My teacher Saja has been amazing! I have really enjoyed my lessons. Saja has been very kind and supportive, making the lessons fun and engaging. She has helped me so much.

For the second month I also took part in the Human Rights Internship which has included visiting a variety of different places and organisations here in Hebron and the surrounding area to highlight the Human Rights situation for the Palestinian people. This has included a number of lectures about the history of Palestine and the current situation here in Hebron and the West Bank. I have visited the H2 area of the city and met a number of people and families living there who have told us about their daily lives lives, describing the difficulties of living in an Israeli controlled area. Some stories have been difficult to hear but seeing it with my own eyes has highlighted the importance of hearing and sharing their stories.

I have also visited places of historical importance, such as the old city and Ibrahimi Mosque and I have also met a number of individuals and organisations within Hebron such as schools for disabled children, the Hebron Center of Commerce, a law firm, hospitals, clinics, a radio station, a film production studio, a keffiyeh factory and refugee camps, that highlight the situation for Palestinians here in Hebron. In the surrounding Hebron area I have also visited Masafa Yatta, an area where Palestinian homes are at risk from demolition by the Israeli Government.

For my final month I mainly did the Human Rights internship, taking part in the activities described above as well as some teaching in local centres and refugee camps.

During the weekends I was able to travel to a number of different cities in the West Bank and Israel including Bethlehem, Jerusalem, the Dead Sea, Ramallah, Nazareth and Haifa. Palestine is amazing and beautiful! Being able to explore the country was wonderful.

I feel so safe in Hebron and the Palestinian people are the friendliest people I have ever met. During my time here I have lived in a flat with other male volunteers. The flat is nice, spacious and has all of the mod cons for a great stay.

I am a vegetarian, so although many local Palestinian dishes include meat, I was able find vegetarian food quite easily. Some of my favourite foods included falafel, hummus, fresh bread, a large variety of fruit and vegetables and salads.

The Excellence Center environment is so friendly and supportive. The staff have been amazing and supportive, listening to to any concerns you may have. When I wished to change my program slightly to incorporate more Human Rights, this was not a problem. The Center is also a great place to practise you Arabic in a supportive environment.

All of the volunteers at the Center have been from around the globe, so it has been so interesting and enjoyable to meet different people.

My lasting impression of Palestine is of a people who are so hospitable and kind. Despite the challenges of occupation, the people are wonderful. My experience has made me appreciate my life. Palestine is also so beautiful and I hope to return soon. Come to Palestine!

My time in Palestine has been absolutely wonderful. Even though I was the teacher, the stundents taught me more than I could have ever imgined and learing with them was a blessing. It will be something that I will be always grateful for. Whenever I needed help,
I could be sure that the center would do everything in order to help me. I can really recommend the excellence center to other people thinking about going to Palestine. You will be learing arabic, meeting great people and always have people to help you anywhere and anytime. It was an insightful journey!

Hi, my name is Osmn, and I’m from Norway. I have a master degree in teaching and I work as a primary school teacher back home in Norway.
I participated in the programme called Teach English & study Arabic for 4,5 weeks.

At the excellence center I taught at two private funded schools, and also students who study English at the excellence center. It was great fun! I have also participated at the arranged trips they offer to experience different parts of the West Bank.

I have had the best Arabic teacher I could have asked for. Saj’a is one of the most talented teachers I have met, and I have learned so much from her. Her way of teaching is inspiring and I will most definitely try to keep up with my Arabic when I go back home.

The staff and teachers at the center are so lovely, and I have had so many great conversations with them. Teaching with Isaac was very interesting and I have learnt a lot from him. I have also enjoyed being with the other internationals very much.

The male dorm was great. Good standards and a great place to chill.

I felt very secure in Hebron, even with the ongoing tension. Most people here are so friendly and you will get a lot of invitations by people on the street to come join them for coffee. I suggest you do it!
The food is of course amazing, especially compared to Norway. I will miss my daily falafel at the corner falafel place.

I really enjoyed the programme, and I will most definitely recommend it, especially for teachers who want to experience teaching abroad.

Me sjåast att!

My time in Hebron has been pleasantly and proufoundly insightful and enjoyable. From the staff and students at the Excellence Center, the local people and the host family, the people of Palestine are extremely hospitable and welcoming.
I have learn't a great deal about the education, medical and human rights presence as well as the cultural values. It has raised awareness in a differenet perspective and I hope to visit Palestine again and stay connected with the countless beautiful people I have met.