I stayed at the Excellence Centre for two weeks and had a wonderful time. It was a deep learning experience, and I was fortunate to meet so many amazing people during my time there. At the centre, when we weren't out and about, I took Arabic language classes with another student under the tutelage of Haya. Haya is a wonderful teacher and person, and I learnt an abundance of Arabic in such a short period, from starting as a complete beginner. I still retain my notes from the classes and much of the Arabic I learnt. I look forward to returning to the Excellence Centre in the near future to continue building relationships, learning, and speaking Arabic.

I only came for a week so my experience will be different from those who stay for longer. Having been to The Excellence Center before it was wonderful to be welcomed back by Marwa and Osama. I stayed in a shared apartment with other international visitors and felt safe and comfortable. I think it is better to wander about with others as not everyone responds the same way to foreigners, particularly women. For the most part, the people of Hebron are very welcoming and hospitable and will go out of their way to make you feel welcome. You may run into someone here or there who is less welcoming (more so children you bump into on the street, interestingly). My advice is to work hard at learning the language so that people can see that you care about the people and their culture.

As far as the program itself, each day began with shared breakfast, Arabic lesson, and then an outing to learn more about human rights issues that are affecting Palestinians in Hebron and other areas of the West Bank. Each day offered something new that was eye-opening. I think it is especially important given the state of things currently to see for yourself what the people of Hebron face every day; most of them are eager to share and be heard. I hope to visit again soon and know that I will be welcomed back.

This was truly a life changing experience. Marwa and Osama were welcoming beyond expectations. They took such a good care of us volunteers. They organized many outings and activities and drove us everywhere.

My Arabic teacher Haya was so committed to me learning and checked in often with us about what we wanted to learn. We went on field trips too and i learned greetings and small conversational skills.

Doing to mini healthcare internship at the Greenland Foundation was very fulfilling. As an RMT I really enjoyed working with the physios and seeing how they practiced with the limited resources available.

I made lifelong friendships with some of the people there and it was also incredible to be with like-minded people volunteering there from all over the world.

If you're like me, you've probably found this site because you have a deep interest in learning more about the wonderful people of Palestine. I found that and more here at the Excellence Center. Our hosts welcomed me like family, and help me quickly feel at home in Al Khalil / Hebron. My fellow participants showed me the ropes and provided an invaluable support network. My Arabic teacher, Duha, made the most of every lesson. Her enthusiasm and dedication helped motivate me to really dive in with both feat to this beautiful, poetic language. As for the legal internship, I had the opportunity to spend time with a brilliant local attorney who brought me with him to court and his office, introduced me to local officials, and really elucidated the challenges facing litigators working under apartheid conditions and military occupation. Safety was never a concern, and the people of Al-Khalil/Hebron were incredibly welcoming. Osama and Marwa have built a beautiful community around the center, and you can tell by speaking to anyone in the vicinity that their efforts to bring people together across cultures to understand and fall in love with Palestine is appreciated. I had the opportunity to co-lead/co-teach an English club for local students. I was terrified to stand up at the front of a class at first, but it immediately became clear that these were amazing kids. Lastly, I would just want to impart the seriousness of the situation the people of Palestine are facing. While this trip has had lots of fun and excitement, it's not something that should be undertaken lightly. Many Palestinians families will never have the opportunity to visit their homeland, and being allowed to visit and share in the culture is an immense privilege. If you're looking to party and relax, this is not the program for you.

My time at the Excellence Center in Hebron was a truly meaningful and enriching experience. I stayed for about one month as part of the Human Rights Program, and from the very beginning I felt warmly welcomed into both the center and the local community.

Being there during Ramadan made my stay especially unique. I was often invited to join Iftar meals, which were not only veryyy delicious but also a beautiful way to connect with people and experience daily life more closely. Even though the rhythm of the city changes during Ramadan and things are generally less busy, the Excellence Center continued to organize a wide range of engaging activities that made my time both full and rewarding.

Through the center, I had the opportunity to meet many different people and explore Hebron in a very personal way. I visited places such as local markets, typical factories, local artists, and different neighborhoods across the city.

Spending time in the H2 area in particular gave me a much deeper understanding of what it means that Hebron is divided, and how closely nearby settlements affect the everyday lives of Palestinian residents. What made these experiences especially impactful was learning directly from people who are living under these conditions.

Alongside this, I was able to teach English in camps around Hebron. The students were incredibly kind, motivated, and welcoming, and teaching them was both enjoyable and eye-opening. I also took Arabic lessons during my stay, which added another meaningful layer to my experience. My teacher, Joomana, created such a fun and relaxed atmosphere that learning never felt like a task, but something I genuinely looked forward to.

The accommodation provided by the center was very comfortable, which made it easy to feel at home during my stay. At the same time, the sense of community among the volunteers was something I deeply appreciated. Everyone was kind, open-minded, and supportive, and sharing this experience with them made it even more special.

Overall, my time at the Excellence Center gave me not only valuable insights into human rights and daily life in Hebron, but also genuine human connections that I will carry with me. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone – students, travelers, or anyone interested in understanding more about the region. It is a unique opportunity to connect with the warmth and openness of Palestinian people and to learn in a way that goes far beyond what you can find in books. To sum it up: I can’t wait to come back!!

This experience has been unique and unforgettable. It has shaped my understanding of Palestine, its law, and most importantly, its people.

The center has allowed me to be exposed to the reality of the country, its challenges under occupation, and its most beautiful parts.

The people at the center make you feel at home from day one, being always welcoming and available for you to have the best experience. The Arabic teachers are very professional and amazing people that will become your friends.

You will be able to see, eat, live and experience anything you can imagine.

I cant wait to come back to my second home!

The communication before my arrival and during my stay was amazing! I had clear instructions how to arrive, felt very welcomed when I arrived and most important, I felt very safe.

During my stay the Centre made sure, that I had enough work to do and received all important information about the life of Palestinian people. The program was incredibly diverse: I taught English in private lessons as well as in the refugee camp, I visited the outskirts of Hebron several times and heard many different opinions. Is program is highly recommendable to people who want to experience the hospitality of Palestinian people and learn about the day to day during the conflict. You will feel, that you are truly helping and learning.

I have had the privilege of traveling around the world and immersing myself in many different cultures before arriving in Hebron. Without question, the Palestinian people are the friendliest and most welcoming group of people I have ever met. Everywhere you go, people make you feel like family—offering tea and coffee and never expecting anything in return. Everyone I interacted with was simply happy that we were learning about their culture and spending time with them. I made so many friends both inside and outside the Excellence Center, and I have already started making plans to return.

I didn’t know what to expect when I signed up for Arabic lessons, but the teachers at the center are incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and effective. After just three hours a week, I can understand, read, and speak more Arabic than I ever imagined I would be able to. My teacher quickly learned the best way to teach me, and I plan to continue lessons online when I return home.

Having the opportunity to hear firsthand accounts of what the Palestinian people are going through can be difficult at times. I felt helpless and wanted to do anything I could to help. If you feel the same way, I strongly encourage you to take the time to visit Hebron and learn about their culture. Many Palestinians I spoke with told me that the best way to help is to listen and share their experiences once you return home. When I arrived, I expected to find many people discouraged or broken in spirit. Instead, I saw the complete opposite. People are making the best of their situation and refusing to let it bring them down. Witnessing their resilience, positivity, and hospitality was one of the most powerful things I have ever experienced.

Osama and Marwa are the best hosts I could have asked for. They make everyone feel like part of their family, and their hospitality truly makes you want to stay longer. Almost every morning we shared a group breakfast they cooked for us, enjoyed home-cooked dinners most nights, and gathered around a fire at the end of the day. I wouldn’t change anything about my experience here. I’ve made friendships that will last a lifetime.