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Go Palestine - The Palestinian Center

Go Palestine - The Palestinian Center for Cultural Exchange

4.84 Rating
50 reviews
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Why choose Go Palestine - The Palestinian Center for Cultural Exchange?

The Palestinian Center (Go Palestine) for Education and Cultural Exchange was established as a youth initiative to offer educational and community services to its Palestinian population by means of a diverse and international staff. It is located in the heart of Hebron on Ein Sarah Street, and it is under the supervision of the Palestinian Authority. The Center's convenient location makes it easy for internationals and Palestinian students to access it.

Website
gopalestine.org
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Community Photos

Teaching in Al-Arroub
Students
Food day
View of Hebron
Hirbawi Factory
Teaching
Avraham Avinu
Wadi Qelt
Glass Factory

Reviews

Default avatar
Luke
23
Male
United Kingdom
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Media & Journalism Internship in Palestine (1-12 Weeks)

Incredible experience

May 17, 2023

Incredible experience. I spent 3 weeks with GoPalestine on their "Media and Journalism" internship and I honestly think that this is one of the most unique and special experiences you could choose to do. Being with the people at GoPalestine gives you inside access to chat to just about anyone in Hebron, so my time was filled with interesting stories and conversation. I certainly feel like I understand the political dynamics of the region so much more, having experienced it first hand. Teaching English is fun and rewarding. The other volunteers became good friends, and the Palestinians are the most kind, hospitable and trustworthy people you could wish to meet. I was able to explore other cities in my time off including Bethlehem and Jerusalem, and got an authentic experience of Arabic culture, customs and food. I really couldn't have asked for a better introduction to the Middle East. I would love to come back someday, inshallah.

Pros
  • Authentic cultural experience
  • Get first-hand understanding on political and humanitarian challenges
  • Great company and friendships
Cons
  • Travel around the region is slow due to Israeli checkpoints
Default avatar
Samantha
28
Female
United States
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Intensive & Super Intensive Arabic Courses in Palestine (1-12 Weeks)

Learning Arabic has never been so fun - thanks to Palestine!

May 1, 2023

Al Salam Alikum! Ana "أنا" Samantha :) I am from the USA. I had the incredible opportunity to participate in the intensive Arabic program, and it was truly a life-changing experience. This program is not a typical language course, it's an immersive, one-on-one program that takes place in the beautiful country of Palestine.

I had the pleasure of working with Nadine, my amazing teacher who provided personalized instruction and helped me build practical language skills in speaking, listening, and writing Arabic. With one-on-one instruction, I was able to make significant progress in a short amount of time and feel more confident in my abilities.

But the program wasn't just about language instruction – it also included unforgettable day trips to the refugee camp in Hebron and Bethlehem, giving me the chance to understand the Palestinian culture and society. I even had the chance to stay with a host family, which allowed me to truly immerse myself in the local culture and practice my language skills with the locals.

I recommend the Arabic intensive program to anyone looking for an immersive, memorable and unique experience. Not only will you build valuable Arabic language skills, but you'll make unforgettable memories. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity!

Pros
  • Personalized, one-on-one instruction
  • Immersive cultural experiences
  • Effective language learning
one of my classes :)
Visiting a refugee camp
Azza Camp
Default avatar
Julian
21
Male
Australia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Media & Journalism Internship in Palestine (1-12 Weeks)

My Unforgettable Media Internship Experience

Apr 11, 2023

If you're looking for an unforgettable and enriching experience, I highly recommend the Media & Journalism Internship program in Palestine with Go Palestine. As a 27-year-old student who studied media, I can attest to the life-changing impact of this internship.

Throughout my time in Palestine, I had the opportunity to visit local media institutions, including local radio stations and TV studios, which allowed me to gain valuable insights into the media landscape in Palestine. Additionally, I had the privilege of taking Arabic classes with my incredible teacher Shourouk, which helped me better understand the language and culture of the region.

One of the most rewarding experiences during my internship was teaching English to Palestinian adults, which allowed me to give back to the community in a meaningful way. Additionally, visiting the refugee camps in Hebron and Bethlehem provided me with a firsthand perspective on the challenges faced by Palestinian refugees and their families.

Staying with a host family during my internship was an exceptional experience that provided me with an authentic and immersive experience of Palestinian culture. This, combined with the opportunity to live and work in Palestine, made for an unforgettable journey that I would highly recommend to anyone who wants to truly immerse themselves in the Palestinian culture.

I have nothing to say but this was an exceptional opportunity for anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of Palestinian culture, media, and community. Don't hesitate to apply and embark on a journey of a lifetime!

Pros
  • Cultural immersion
  • Deeper understanding
  • Media insights
Media Internship in Palestine
Yammy Food
Great weather in Hebron
Default avatar
Julian
21
Male
Australia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Israeli-Palestinian Conflict & Refugees Internship Program

A Journey of Learning and Empathy: My Experience in Palestine

Apr 9, 2023

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.

Pros
  • On the ground experience
  • The experience of living with a family was amazing
  • I learned a lot about the Arabic language and Palestinian culture
A Journey of Learning and Empathy: My Experience in Palestine
A Journey of Learning and Empathy: My Experience in Palestine
A Journey of Learning and Empathy: My Experience in Palestine
Default avatar
Oliver
34
Male
United States
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Volunteer with Palestinian Refugees (1-12 Weeks)

An experience I won't forget!

Apr 5, 2023

Merhaba! My name is Oliver from the USA. I took part in the volunteer with refugees program for two weeks. Being immersed in the Palestinian culture and seeing the country is just an additional perk to the overall program. I had the opportunity to help the Palestinian refugees to learn English, and it was a great experience. The Go Palestine's staff is amazing, they will be there anytime you ask for a help, they will make your experience more enjoyable. They were awesome.

I also experienced visiting refugee camps in Hebron and Bethlehem every Monday, and it was an eye-opening to me. During the two weeks, I was able to help to teach conversational English to school students aged 12–17 years old, I had amazing and funny moments with them during the classes. Finally, I want to say that, the Go Palestine volunteer program is an excellent opportunity for anyone looking to volunteer and make a meaningful impact on the community in Palestine. Will come again Inshallah!

Pros
  • Great teaching experience.
  • Understanding the Palestinian case.
  • Leaving an impact on people
Al Fawar Camp
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Programs

Displaying 1 - 5 of 5

Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Luke Hawkins

Program
Media & Journalism Internship in Palestine (1-12 Weeks)

Interview

Why did you choose this program?

A bit of a coincidence really. I was planning a long trip to the Middle East and remembered someone who came in to my secondary school to talk about the Israel/Palestine conflict for Religious Education. He'd been volunteering with a human rights programme there. I remember thinking that it sounded really exciting, so I searched online for humanitarian volunteering in Palestine. GoPalestine was one the first to come up.

What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

The people at GoPalestine assisted me with everything I needed. Before the trip we had several conversations so that I knew what to pack, what to expect and how to get there. When you arrive, you are their guest and they look after you with all the warm Middle Eastern hospitality you could wish for. It's kind of like having personal guides taking you round the city and introducing you to people.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

This is such a friendly and relaxed programme, the only advice I would really want to give someone is to take every opportunity to make the most of it. If people invite you for a meal, or for coffee, say yes. If they offer to take you to see someone, say yes. If they give you the opportunity to contribute to some project, say yes. Basically just keep saying yes. They're the best people you could hope to meet, and you'll end up with lots of experiences and lots of friends.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

You get a schedule before the week starts. Breakfast is at 8:30 each morning, and after that you'll have sessions teaching English, learning Arabic, or going to meet people who work in your area. For me, this meant going to meet lots of journalists, human rights lawyers, entrepreneurs etc. You get free time, too, and at weekends (Friday and Saturday here) the days are yours to explore as you like.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

I was not really bothered about security - the West Bank is not very dangerous currently, and I felt safe throughout. My biggest worries were over how nice the accommodation would be, and if I'd get on with the other volunteers. There were no problems with either in the end. In reality the hardest thing is the travel itself, because there are lots of suspicious Israeli checkpoints and security guards, so you'll need as much sincerity and confidence as you can manage.

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Manar Amro

Program
Volunteer with Palestinian Refugees (1-12 Weeks)
Job Title
International Activities Coordinator
Ms. Manar Amro is an experienced International Activities Coordinator at Go Palestine. With a passion for working with international volunteers and interns, she has spent many years dedicating herself to the field. As part of her role, she oversees the weekly schedules of all volunteers and interns, organizing their visits, meetings, and activities in the city of Hebron and Bethlehem.

Ms. Amro has built a wide network of local and national organizations that work in various fields, including human rights, education, and social development. She is well-known for her ability to connect with other NGOs, activists, and researchers, which allows her to provide unique opportunities for volunteers and interns to gain exposure to various aspects of Palestinian life and culture.

With her exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, Ms. Amro has proven to be a valuable member of the Go Palestine team. Her ability to coordinate activities and events with precision and care has contributed to the success of many programs and projects. Through her work, she has helped to foster meaningful relationships between international volunteers and the local community, creating a powerful platform for cross-cultural exchange and understanding.
Manar Amro holding a certificate with another person at The Palestinian Center

What is your favorite travel memory?

One of my favorite travel memories is from a trip I took to Nablus in Palestine a year ago. I went with a group of friends, and we decided to take a cooking class to learn how to make some traditional Kenafah dish.

The class was held in a small outdoor kitchen and our instructor was a kind older woman who spoke Nablusi dialect. She taught us how to make dishes like a great Nabulsi Kenafah. At the end of the class, we all sat down to enjoy our creations together. . It was a truly unforgettable experience to not only learn about this traditional sweet in Palestine but to also connect with the people in Nablus.

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

As the International Activities Coordinator of Go Palestine, I have grown in many ways since joining the organization. I have developed my communication skills by working with a diverse group of international volunteers and interns, which has taught me to be more patient and understanding of different cultures and backgrounds.

I have also gained a better understanding of the importance of networking and building relationships with other NGOs, activists, and researchers in the field of human rights and social justice. Through organizing visits and meetings for our volunteers and interns, I have been able to connect with other like-minded individuals and organizations, and this has helped to strengthen our work and impact.

Additionally, organizing weekly schedules for the volunteers and interns has helped me to become more organized and efficient in my work. I have learned to manage my time better and prioritize tasks to ensure that our volunteers and interns have the best possible experience during their time in Palestine.

Overall, working with Go Palestine has allowed me to grow both personally and professionally, and I am grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of our volunteers, interns, and the local community.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

One volunteer was teaching English at a local school in Hebron and had become particularly close to one of her students. The student had a difficult home life and often struggled in class, but the volunteer worked with her after school and provided extra support. Near the end of the volunteer's program, the student surprised her with a hand-drawn card expressing her gratitude and affection.

The volunteer was moved to tears and felt a deep sense of fulfillment knowing that she had made a positive impact on this young girl's life. This experience inspired her to continue volunteering and pursuing a career in education

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

If I could go on any program that Go Palestine offers, I would choose the Media and Journalism Internship program. As someone who is interested in media and journalism, I believe that this program would provide me with a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the field while also learning about the challenges facing media in Palestine.

Through this program, I would have the chance to visit local media stations and learn about the constraints to media production and the ways in which the occupation inhibits freedom of speech in media. I would also have the opportunity to meet with Palestinian journalists and dialogue with them about media issues in Palestine.

Additionally, I would be able to learn Arabic and visit a number of historic and cultural sites in the city of Hebron. The program would also give me the chance to produce a short film about Palestine, which would be an incredible opportunity to learn about visual storytelling and documentary production.

I believe that the Media and Journalism Internship program would be an incredibly enriching experience that would allow me to develop my skills as a journalist while also gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges facing media in Palestine.

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

One thing that makes our company unique is our emphasis on cultural immersion and community engagement. We strive to create programs that allow participants to not only learn about the local culture, but also actively participate in it through volunteer work, homestays, and other activities.

I was especially proud of my team when we organized a successful community event that brought together international volunteers, local residents, and representatives from various NGOs in the area. The event included cultural performances, interactive activities, and discussions on issues related to human rights and social justice. Seeing the positive impact our team had on the community and the connections that were formed between people from different backgrounds was truly inspiring.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

I believe that the biggest factor in our success is our commitment to building meaningful relationships with our community partners and the people we serve. By working closely with local organizations, activists, and community members, we are able to better understand their needs and perspectives, and design programs that are responsive to their concerns.

Additionally, we are proud of our team's dedication to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for our international volunteers and interns, while also providing opportunities for them to engage with and learn from Palestinian culture and society. By combining our commitment to community engagement and our focus on providing impactful and enriching experiences for our participants, we have been able to establish Go Palestine as a trusted and respected organization in Palestine.