Why did you choose this program?
When I saw the situation in Palestine I knew I needed to do something to help. The volunteer organizations in the US weren't really for me, but I had the time and the means to go help in person. I looked up volunteer opportunities and the Excellence Center had the best reputation. I found out its reputation is well-deserved!
What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?
The Excellence Center helped me with everything I needed. They gave me a flat, free breakfast, volunteer work, Arabic lessons, and guidance for anything else I asked about, including finding more work with other organizations.
All I organized on my own was getting other meals and traveling around Palestine independently.
What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?
If you're coming to Palestine you need to be aware of the political situation. It sounds obvious, but one would-be volunteer had her visa denied because of her radicalism on social media. Don't do that. You're here to help - maybe by teaching kids English, or advocating for women's rights, or volunteering at a hospital. Don't get carried away.
What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?
Your daily activities change as you spend more time in the program, but for a beginner: Eat breakfast with other volunteers at 10 AM, and study Arabic from 11 to 12 or 1. Then, go on a trip to somewhere in or near Hebron to learn about life in Palestine and experience the culture, do volunteer activities, and spend the evening studying and hanging out with other volunteers.
Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?
My biggest fear when I came to Palestine was that I'd be a victim of the current situation - hurt or worse, by one side or the other. Talking to the other volunteers before I came eased my anxiety. After spending time here I feel my fears were unfounded. It's clear what places and situations are dangerous and as foreigners, we're free to avoid them.