Palestinian Law, Human Rights, & Palestinian Refugees Internships

I spent 1 week with the Excellence Center as part of their Human Rights program. I had some idea of what to expect before coming here, but had never been to the region before, so still had many questions. During my time in Hebron, the staff at the Excellence Center were incredibly welcoming, helpful, and provided me with an experience I will never forget. Throughout the week, I had the chance to study Arabic, engage with the local community, and volunteer as a protective presence for villagers in the Masafar Yatta region, all while gaining a better understanding of the situation in the West Bank. I had the opportunity to experience Palestinian culture and truly felt welcomed by the local community. I always felt safe and would recommend this program to anyone considering it!

I visited The Excellence Centre in Hebron for two weeks on the Human Rights program. Although my two weeks flew by, I was lucky enough to experience so much in such a short time.

Not only was it my first time in Palestine, but it was also my first time in an Arab country, therefore the cultural difference was initially a worry for me, however, I quickly learned that the locals are very welcoming of internationals, and I felt so looked after throughout my time in Hebron, both in and out of the center. The culture and environment are something I have found so heartwarming, something I would recommend everyone experience at least once if they can.

I arrived in Hebron not knowing how to even say hello, not only I can say hello, I can now greet people in different ways, ask people how they are, where they are from, and so on. I have learned more than I thought I would in such little time. I hope to develop this for my return visit of course!
I have visited many places, every day the center would organize visits for us to see different things, such as the Ibrahim Mosque, the Old Town of Hebron, glass factories, the original Kufiyya factory, the al Fawwar camp and we even got to stay the night at a village in the Masafer Yatta community. A very eye-opening experience to say the least.

One of the questions I had before my visit, was wondering if I would feel safe. As a young woman, I can now say there has not been one moment I did not feel safe, even walking at night. The locals are extremely friendly, they love to make conversation as they love a chance to practice their English. The Palestinians are honestly the most wonderful people I have ever had the chance to meet. I have made many friends that I hope to keep in touch with, and the people are a huge highlight of my visit overall.

My host family, Marwa, and Osama. I cannot thank them enough for their outstanding hospitality, they look after their volunteers so well. Before Ramadan started we would have breakfast together every day, prepared by the lovely Marwa. Now with Ramadan, she cooks the most delicious food for Iftar that we all have together. The apartment was very comfortable and in the perfect location near the center.

I loved my stay and very much hope to experience this again in the near future, to extend my Arabic and engage more in the amazing Palestine! Inshallah!

Marhaba! My name is Sierra, and I am 24 years old. I am from Alberta, Canada. I have a degree in Psychology from King’s University, and I spent two weeks participating in the Human Rights Internship program here at the Excellence Center in Hebron, Palestine.

I chose to intern in Palestine because I was very interested in the complex regional history and its impact on mental health outcomes and communal well-being. Having studied the effects of trauma and having travelled to regions experiencing conflict in the past, I have a keen interest in visiting places where resilience, hope, and empathy flourish amidst adversity. Palestine, with its ongoing challenges and rich culture, presented an amazing opportunity to contribute positively to meaningful change and gain invaluable life experiences that have transformed my understanding of the world. I specifically chose to intern with the Excellence Center because of its stellar reputation for providing international visitors with an authentic experience of Palestinian life. The Human Rights internship seemed like a good opportunity to gain hands-on experience in humanitarian aid, diplomacy, and international law.

My experience in Palestine has been extremely positive. I have been so touched by how genuinely friendly and welcoming everyone in Hebron has been during my stay. The staff at the Excellence Center were so welcoming to me and made sure I felt as comfortable as possible. The Hebron locals have also gone above and beyond to make me feel as welcomed, respected, and happy as possible. I have made friends at every coffee shop, shawarma place, and grocery store that I’ve been to. I want to give a special shout to Sara’s Cafe, kiddy corner to the Excellence Center, and all the lovely baristas there that have given me a lot of laughs and lattes.

During my time at the Excellence Center, I learned about Palestinian culture, visited various historical sites, interacted with various journalists and human rights advocates, spoke with local people about their lives under the occupation, visited Palestinians living in refugee camps, and taught English to locals, and enjoyed several lovely evenings by the fire, singing, eating, and smoking shisha. I also took Arabic lessons with my lovely teacher Jomana, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I even managed to have some very basic conversations with locals!

I understand why one might have reservations about travelling to Palestine during this challenging time. However, I felt entirely safe and comfortable during my stay. Hebron is just as safe—if not safer—than most major cities, and one should not have any issues if one takes normal safety precautions and follows the guidance of locals who know the situation here well.

Regarding my accommodation, I shared a modest apartment with my other female colleagues close to the center, equipped with a kitchen, nice bathrooms, a balcony, and comfortable beds. If you are coming in the winter, it does get cold, and I highly recommend bringing warm clothes! There are also plenty of lively cafes and shops that make it an enjoyable and pleasant area to reside.

I know I will be returning to the center in the future and highly encourage anyone who is curious about experiencing Palestine to join the Excellence Center family. I will cherish these memories forever. Shukran and beshufko, inshallah

I’m Emma from Scotland and I chose a one-week short-term course with the refugee program.

It was all VERY last minute with me, less than a week before actually coming to the Centre, there are a few other Centres I had contacted, but I found this one to be the most responsive.

I did a few Arabic lessons which were great as I’ve been to many Arabic-speaking countries before, but I wish I had longer to learn more as the experience was positive and the first time learning a new language in many years!

I liked that we had something different activity-wise every day, whether it be getting a tour of the old city, going to the glass / ceramic factory or the Keffyiah factory among other things, as well as what was most important for me, was to visit the refugee camp, which was a truly humbling heartwarming and heartbreaking experience.. we basically went everywhere tourist wise that there is in Hebron and always got a good explanation from Osama.

The staff was amazing and it all seemed like we were all just one big family all in it together, we would cook dinner together some evenings and breakfast was always at 10 am with the staff and the other volunteers.

It’s a very relaxed atmosphere and everyone is very easygoing time-wise, it’s not a strict schedule and everyone is extremely flexible.

The evenings were spent with other volunteers where we would head out for some tea and shisha and play cards or just chat and chill.

I chose to stay with a host family which was really wonderful to just see how people live and go about day-to-day life here.

I had only been in Jerusalem for a few days before I came here, so still have a lot to explore and hope to come back here again as it’s one of my more memorable travel experiences, especially with the warmth and kindness and if course hospitality of the Palestinian people.

It certainly opened my eyes to the struggles they go through now and have been going through for many years.

I taught conversational English to a young guy who just wanted to practice his English before applying for his USA visa to be a camp counselor, I have no teaching experience, but it really didn’t matter as he just wanted to talk and have me correct him on any mistakes. I really enjoyed that part, being able to help someone like this.

I came in February and the weather was very cold which I didn’t really expect, so bring warm clothes if coming in winter!

I just loved everything from the food, the people, just the whole vibe of the place. Everyone would say hi just walking down the street. I went out walking around alone a lot of the time and never once felt unsafe.

I feel very passionate about Palestine and its people and hope to return again soon! I definitely recommend this to anyone who wants to get into the culture and have a better understanding of what’s going on and how people actually live here. A time in my life I will never forget! Thanks to everyone who made this all possible and hope to be back soon!

The Excellence Center created a very professional and welcoming environment to learn and grow. I spent a month participating in the Human Rights Program. The staff of the Excellence Center, especially my Arabic teacher Duha, were incredible. They are all patient and understanding. Also, the traditional Palestinian breakfast every morning was something I always looked forward to. It was always made with love, and was a great introduction to Arabic dishes. All of us were also welcomed to have dinner or tea with Osama and Marwa at their home, which I always loved.

During my stay, I was able to visit essential sites to understand the complexity of the violence of apartheid. These visits included H2, Masafer Yatta, Al Fawwar Refugee camp, the office of Human Rights Defenders, a school for blind children, an Islamic orphanage for boys, a community kitchen run by women, the keffiyeh factory, a glass factory, and studios of various local artists. On my free time, I was very fortunate to hike in Hebron and to visit Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Ramallah with other volunteers as well as locals from Hebron I met during my stay. My living quarters were extremely nice, but rather cold in the winter. Everything you need is in walking distance.

I thought I understood the experience in Palestine, but now I realize how little I knew before coming here. It’s very valuable for any activist to come here to see it with your own eyes. There are so many stories that aren’t exposed through the media. This was the most special time in my life, and I can’t thank God and The Excellence Center enough for it all.

Hebron is a city that will forever be imprinted on my heart. I feel grateful beyond measure to for the opportunity to spend four amazing weeks with everyone that I had the pleasure of meeting at the Excellence Center. The staff and volunteers welcome everyone with open and loving arms, truly making you feel like family. All the teachers I've had, Duha, Saja, and Haya, were by far the most impressive. Their level of English was astounding, making the process of learning Arabic so easy. I was speaking Arabic in public after just one week of lessons, which I could have never imagined possible. I hope to come back each year to continue my Arabic studies with them.

The various people you meet along this journey, who only radiate genuine love and kindness amidst so much pain and devastation, force you to alter your way of thinking. They remind you of what is truly important in life. They share the tragic details of their lives but always with a resilient spirit. Hearing and reading about Palestine before coming here is one thing, but living and connecting with these people on a personal level is an experience that I will never forget and will treasure forever. Hearing their stories absolutely breaks your heart, but their endless love and kindness remind you to always appreciate the little things in life, just as they do.

My heart is and always will be with the Palestinian people.

Volunteering with the Excellence Center in the human rights program was not only very fulfilling, but gave me a lot more insight into the human rights situation in Palestine that cannot be directly observed from a foreigner's lens. The administration is highly knowledgeable about the political and social landscape of Palestine, and were more than willing to share their knowledge with the volunteers.

Throughout my time at the center, I took shami arabic lessons every morning to improve my arabic skills. I would then practice what I learned throughout Al Khalil by communicating with the locals. After the arabic lessons, myself and other volunteers would go to significant sights such as the Ibrahimi Mosque, Musafar Yatta, Fawwar refugee camp and Al Quds.

I had the incredible opportunity to volunteer in Hebron, Palestine, for two weeks in November/December 2024, and it was an experience I will never forget. My time there was a perfect blend of meaningful work, cultural immersion, and personal growth, and I can't recommend it enough to anyone considering a similar opportunity.

I stayed in a comfortable, well-organized apartment just a short walk from the Excellence Center, which made it really easy to get to work each day. The apartment was perfect—quiet, clean, and in a great location. It allowed me to rest after busy days, and I truly felt at home. The Excellence Center itself is an inspiring place, offering a mix of educational programs and community engagement. My main role was teaching English to students at the center as well as at the nearby Al-Fawwar refugee camp. The students were motivated, eager to learn, and the experience of teaching them was both rewarding and humbling. There was also a great community of local teachers at the center, many of whom taught both English and Arabic. They were warm, supportive, and made me feel part of the team right away.

In addition to the teaching, the Excellence Center organized several cultural explorations, which were an eye-opening experience. These guided tours took me around Hebron and the surrounding areas, offering valuable insights into Palestinian society and life. We visited important sites in the city, explored the contrasts of the old and new parts of Hebron, and delved into the complex history and politics of the region. I also had the chance to visit Jerusalem and Bethlehem, and throughout my time in Palestine, I always felt safe. The people are incredibly friendly and welcoming, and the atmosphere is one of openness and hospitality. Everyone I met, whether in Hebron or in other parts of the West Bank, was eager to share their stories and culture, which made my experience even richer.

While the situation in the region is complex and it's important to stay informed about the current political climate, I personally felt well-prepared and safe throughout my time in Palestine. My advice to anyone considering a visit would be to do some research and stay up-to-date on the situation—it’s important to be informed and prepared, but if you do that, you will have an amazing experience.

Hebron itself is a city that’s both fascinating and deeply moving, with its rich religious and political history. Visiting the city, I found that it gave me a deeper understanding of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the challenges faced by Palestinians on a daily basis. It’s not just a city you visit, it’s a place that challenges you to reflect and understand.

Finally, I must mention how affordable everything was in comparison to what I’m used to in Western Europe. From accommodation to food, the costs were much lower, making the whole experience even more accessible.

Overall, my time volunteering in Hebron was a truly unforgettable experience. The people, the work, and the cultural immersion were all fantastic. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone looking to make a positive impact, gain new perspectives, and immerse themselves in a different culture. The Excellence Center and the community there made this an enriching and worthwhile experience, and I can’t wait to go back one day.