Human Rights Program Review

Hello, I am a master student in Public International Law and I would like to share some insights from my time at the Excellence Center in Palestine, where I was privileged to be a part of their Human Rights Internship.

I stayed in an apartment with a few other male students from different parts of the world. The location was convenient, as the apartment was only a five-minute walk away from the Excellence Center. Moreover, our accommodation was not just comfortable but also became a place for lively discussions, great relaxation, and mutual learning,

One of the standout aspects of the Excellence Center is its dedication to language instruction. Although I had only experience with studying Modern Standard Arabic,
I was genuinely impressed by how much my Levantine Arabic language skills improved in such a short span. The tailored approach and commitment of my teacher Saja made that every class was both challenging and rewarding. In addition, the small group size allowed me, and the other student(s), to ask any questions we had both before, during, and after class.

Another standout aspect of the Excellence Center were the organized excursions. Our visits to the refugee camps were both heart-wrenching and eye-opening. Interacting with the residents and listening to their stories provided a first-hand perspective on the resilience and struggles faced by the Palestinians under the Israeli occupation. Additionally, meeting with several human rights activists and a seasoned Palestinian lawyer deepened my understanding of the complexities of human rights within the West Bank.

On weekends, I had the chance to explore different cities in the region. Each city, from Ramallah to Bethlehem, offered its unique charm, history, and experiences. Whether it was the bustling markets, ancient monuments, or the Palestinian cuisine, these weekend sojourns deepened my connection to the land and its people.

In sum, my internship at the Excellence Center was an experience filled with learning, growth, and profound personal connections. Beyond just academic and professional growth, it was a journey into understanding the intricacies of Palestine's history, culture, and its people's dreams for the future.

To anyone considering this internship: It is intellectually stimulating, emotionally enriching, and offers you a great opportunity to meet like-minded people from all of the world.