Israeli-Palestinian Conflict & Refugees Internship Program

Hi! I'm Julian, a 21-year-old student from Australia. My experience in Palestine was truly eye-opening. I was eager to learn more about the complex conflict in the region and gain a deeper understanding of the refugee crisis. I spent three weeks in the program, during which I had the opportunity to learn the Palestinian dialect, stay with a host family, and visit three refugee camps.

Learning the Palestinian dialect was one of the highlights of the program for me. It was challenging at times, but my Arabic instructor Mr. Muhammad was patient and helpful, and I was able to make significant progress. Speaking the language allowed me to better connect with the local community in Hebron and gain a deeper understanding of their perspectives.

Staying with a host family was also a great experience. They were incredibly welcoming and kind, and I learned so much from them about the local culture and way of life. It was fascinating to see how people live in the region and to experience their customs and traditions firsthand.

But perhaps the most impactful part of the internship was visiting the refugee camps. It was heart-wrenching to see the living conditions and the struggles that the refugees face on a daily basis. However, it was also inspiring to see their resilience and determination to create a better life for themselves and their families.

This internship with no doubt was an incredible experience that gave me a deeper understanding of the conflict and the human impact it has had. It also allowed me to connect with the local community, learn a new language, and gain a new perspective on global issues. I would highly recommend this program to anyone who wants to learn more about the conflict and make a positive impact in the world.

Hi, my name is Cathal, I am 27 years old and from Ireland. Earlier this year I decided to partake on the Human Rights and Conflict program for two weeks in Hebron – Palestine. I am currently a student at Queens University Belfast studying International Relations and Conflict Studies. It made so much sense to apply for an internship with GO Palestine regarding my study field however for long Ireland has held strong solidarity with the Palestinian struggle for freedom while under its current occupation. Therefore, it was essential I traveled to Palestine to gain an on the ground experience of the struggle and of course experience the famous warm hospitality.

My experience in Hebron and at the Palestinian center has been excellent. On arrival I was greeted with open arms and throughout my duration of stay closely cared for. Hebron is a city that never sleeps which if fantastic as there is much to see and much to do. The hustle and bustle of the city will keep you entertained and will most importantly will make you feel at home with the hospitality.

My days in Hebron consisted of meeting Human Rights Organizations, Refugee Camps, Field Visits and local craft businesses. I also got to experience at first hand the daily struggles Palestinians face from checkpoints and the physical presence of armed occupation.

Safety is the centers number one priority and as an international visitor they are aware of the probable concern that will exist. I will be honest and say that of course I was anxious but my nerves where soon settled by the organization, from the center staff and the many local Palestinians. I know this matter will be first and foremost highly thought of as a travelling international but please be reassured that you will be safe.

Fun is to be had in Palestine with trips to Ramallah and Bethlehem but you will stay most of your time in Hebron. Hebron’s culture is vivid with socializing being at the heart of it. I have made strong friendships over the two weeks with other internationals but also amazing local Palestinians that have kept me entertained to the max which I am entirely grateful for.

I am writing this two week review although already planning my next trip to Palestine but next time will be for longer. The experience is rewarding and will of course enhance my political aspirations. Please do not think twice about applying at GO Palestine as I did not. There is much to see! Apply now!

Do not recommend!!

The Palestinian Center for Education and knowledge exchange in Hebron, owned by a manager and his son (currently in Germany) are NOT the right place for international students and I strongly discourage you to get involved with this center!!

Having planned a conflict internship for three months in Hebron, an employee had promised me a hostfamily, Arabic lessons, local visits and a 36-hour a week full internship program with "conflict experts, history academics, political academics, number of NGO, refugee centers etc". However, from my first day at the Centre there was NOTHING planned. Zero meetings, zero activities, an entire empty schedule for three months. The hostfamily was not a hostfamily, but I stayed at the (unclean) apartment of his father who is also the manager. The Centre as well is extremely dirty and unhygienic with on occasion even being provided with products that had passed their date.

The only local visit I got was to the Old Town which is an easy 10-min walk from the Center and very much possible on your own. Hence you should have to pay for that separately. In terms of the internship, nothing had been taken care of. Not before my arrival and not during my arrival. There was not even a list with organisations or experts and an employee told me that there are no conflict experts in Palestine (even though it says so in the website and he repeatedly mentioned this to me before). Rather, they had no idea what a conflict internship truly entails and just try to get money from students without giving anything in return. His father even made me pay for transport and a museum that should have been included in the price. Even after repeated conversatios with an employee in which he in detail promised me several educational activities and meetings, none of those came true. He lied in my face and after quitting my internship (that did not exist in the first place) even threathened me that I breached the contract and I got into a legal battle afterwards in order to get my money back.

His father, even tried to take me as an intern to the Israeli terrirory in which people were being attacked with teargas.

Eventually I stopped my internship after 3 weeks instead of 3 months and eventually got only part (80%) of my money back. Therefore, my honest opinion is that the management of this Centre are liars and frauds. My opinion is they exploit international students and take advantage from them both financially and practically by pushing them to become English teachers. I would strongly discourage any student to do any internship within this Centre.

My name is Jasmine and I am Italian, but I live in London and I am studying International Relations. My studies specialise in the Middle East and U.S. relations with Israel and the Middle East, so I was very motivated to come to Hebron to learn more about Israeli human rights abuses and how the occupation is affecting Palestinians.

I also wanted to learn more about the Israel-Palestinian conflict as well as human rights issues in Palestine from my own perspective. Hebron in particular, is a very important city to understand more about the conflict as Hebron is completely divided into two part: H1 and H2. H1 being controlled by the Palestinians and H2 being controlled by the Israelis.

In your own time, I would recommend visiting H2 to see what life is like inside an Israeli settlement. It is a very eerie environment, filled with a disproportionate amount of heavily armed soldiers for the settlers and you can use your time there to learn about life for the remaining Palestinians living in H2 and how they deal with harassment from the Israelis.

So far I have visited NGOs, refugee camps, universities and Palestinians living in H1 who shared their stories about living under the occupation and allowed us to ask more questions. The stories shared were incredibly moving and showed the resilience of the Palestinians, yet it was difficult to understand how Israeli human rights abuses can continue unchecked.

People in Palestine are laid back and enjoy spending their time connecting with one another. It is not uncommon for a shop owner to see you walk past and invite you into his store for tea or coffee. From when I arrived in Hebron trying to find the Centre, to looking for the nearest ATM or trying to travel to other Palestinian cities - people were always quick to help.

Do not let the media discourage you from visiting Hebron or other Palestinian cities. Generally, Palestinians are very generous and welcoming people, especially to tourists. The cities in Palestine are full of life and always safe to visit.