Go Palestine - The Palestinian Center

Go Palestine - The Palestinian Center for Cultural Exchange

Why choose Go Palestine - The Palestinian Center for Cultural Exchange?

The Palestinian Center for Education and Cultural Exchange – Go Palestine, was founded with the goal of fulfilling the cultural, social, and educational requirements of the Palestinian community. Our center designs and facilitates various educational and community programs to enhance the skill sets of Palestinians in a range of areas. Through targeted tutoring and educational initiatives, we offer unwavering support to the youth of Palestine

Experience Palestine at Go Palestine (The Palestinian Center) in Hebron, where an array of volunteer and internship programs are designed to educate individuals about life in Palestine. Our programs cover a wide range of topics, including Media, Law, Refugees, Culture, the Palestine-Israel Conflict, Human Rights, and Healthcare. At Go Palestine, we also provide Arabic language courses, ranging from intensive to non-intensive and super-intensive levels, catering to beginners as well as advanced learners.

Reviews

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Ari
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

First 10 online lessons with Dua'a

Dua'a is a phenomenal teacher. She is kind, wise and I learn a lot every lesson. I feel confident that with her, I can achieve my goal of becoming semi-fluent in conversational Palestinian Arabic and spend time in the West Bank.

She her own way of teaching me each letter one at a time which is gradual and intentional. By the time I finished learning the alphabet, I knew around 200 important words and know as we being our next 10 lessons I am excited to learn sentence structures and simple conversations.

Thank you for all that you do!

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Luca
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Inspiring!

My time in Hebron was inspiring. Each day, I’d head to the center around 9:30 a.m. and spend my time visiting local radio stations and media organizations in Hebron. These field visits were incredible for meeting people in the industry and getting a firsthand look at Palestinian media.

I also took Arabic classes, which were a huge help in building my conversational skills. My teacher was amazing, every lesson was fun, and I learned so much. Even though I’d studied some Arabic before, these classes really boosted my confidence with the language. Before coming here, I’d heard mixed things about safety in Palestine. But from my experience, it’s been nothing but welcoming.

I felt safe walking around alone, even at night, and the locals were incredibly kind. I first visited Palestine on my own in 2019, and I felt just as comfortable now in Hebron. If you’re considering Go Palestine, I can’t recommend it enough. It’s a chance to learn, connect, and experience a beautiful, welcoming culture firsthand.

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Alex
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A Month in Palestine

Hello, my name is Alex, and I'm from the United States. I had the privilege of participating in the Lawyers in Palestine program, where I spent an unforgettable month in Palestine. My time there was nothing short of incredible.

The people were overwhelmingly kind even in these hard times, always ready to lend a hand and make sure I was well taken care of, happy, and enjoying my experience. The hospitality here is unmatched. Throughout the program, every day was filled with new learning and adventures.

I met numerous lawyers, attended court sessions, and even visited hospitals and schools. I had the unique opportunity to sit in on a class at the College of Law at Hebron University, where I was able to engage with the Dean and other students. Beyond my academic experiences, the Go Palestine team organized excursions to Bethlehem, Nablus, Ramallah, and other smaller cities around Hebron. I also met with various human rights organizations that gave me valuable insights into the complexities of the Israeli occupation and Palestinian law. One of the things that stood out to me most was the legal system in Palestine.

There is such a fascinating and intricate mix of laws at play Israeli law, British Mandate law, Jordanian law, Sharia law, and civil law. It was eye-opening to see how all these different legal frameworks interact, and the Go Palestine program made sure I had the chance to meet experts from each area to understand how they shape the daily lives of Palestinians. Throughout my stay, I always felt safe.

Even when traveling through checkpoints, I was well-informed about the procedures and knew exactly what to expect. I would encourage everyone to visit Palestine, and if you're unsure about how to go about it, I highly recommend the Go Palestine program. They made me feel like family, and they will do the same for you.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Learn about the different laws in Palestine, Israeli, British, Jordanian, Sharia, and civil. It’s a great chance to see how these laws affect people’s lives. This experience will open your mind and stay with you.
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Mia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Make Palestine Your Next Destination :)

Hello! I’m Mia from Australia. With the current situation in Gaza, my visit to the West Bank to help refugees felt very important. I’ve always been interested in Palestine, and this trip let me connect with the wonderful people of Hebron.

I volunteered with Go Palestine, teaching English to kids in Al Aroop Camp age 11 to 12. Their excitement about having a new teacher, even for a few days, warmed my heart. I also took some Arabic lessons from a fantastic teacher named Asma, who made learning fun. A highlight of my trip was visiting the old city of Hebron and the Hirbawi factory, the last place making traditional Palestinian Keffiyeh. Seeing this craft up close was unforgettable.

I was welcomed by a local family, which helped me experience daily life in Hebron. I loved every moment and often wished I could stay longer. The hospitality of the Palestinian people is amazing, especially given the challenges they face every day.

Even with the tensions in the area, I felt safe and welcomed. When you show genuine interest in the culture, the locals are kind and friendly. The history, traditions, and delicious food I enjoyed left a big impression on me.

Hebron can be tense, but I found peace and connection there. If you’re curious about the region and want a meaningful experience, I highly recommend volunteering in Hebron. It deepens your understanding of the culture and creates lasting memories. I can’t wait to return and continue this journey!

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
It was when I had to try a new dish with a local family in Hebron. I was worried I wouldn’t like it or wouldn’t know how to eat it properly. To get through it, I reminded myself to be open minded and just enjoy the experience. When I tasted the food, it was delicious, and I ended up having a great time sharing a meal with them!
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Ethan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Exploring Palestinian Culture and Law

I spent two weeks in Hebron, Palestine, and the experience was unforgettable. The people here are incredibly welcoming, and their kindness is something I’ll never forget. I’ve learned so much about Palestinian culture, picked up some of the language, and seen how their legal system works, which is very different from what I know in the UK.

During the program, we met local Palestinian lawyers and learned about their jobs. We also visited courts to watch how cases are handled and spoke with different NGOs and human rights groups. This was an eye opening experience, helping us see how the law is put into action and how these groups support the community.

I felt safe throughout my time here. Palestine, and Hebron in particular, is beautiful, and I felt secure and always welcomed. I highly recommend this experience to anyone who wants to discover the true beauty of Palestine and see its unique legal system.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
The most surprising thing I saw in Palestine was the strength and kindness of the people, even with the difficulties they face from the occupation. I visited a small village where the community was under a lot of pressure regarding their land and resources. What really touched me was how the villagers welcomed us into their homes. They shared stories, traditional food, and hope for a better future. Their ability to keep their culture alive and stay connected as a community was inspiring. It showed me the power of the human spirit and the importance of coming together, which is often missed in the larger political discussions about the region.

Programs

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Alumni Interviews

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

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.

Mohammad Nasser

Job Title
Arabic & English Teacher at Go Palestine
As an Arabic & English Teacher at Go Palestine, I am passionate about fostering cross-cultural communication and understanding. With a strong background in language education and a deep appreciation for diverse cultures, I create engaging and effective lessons tailored to the needs of my students.

My approach combines traditional and innovative teaching methods to ensure that learners not only grasp the language but also appreciate its cultural context. Whether you are looking to improve your language skills for personal growth, academic purposes, or professional development, I am committed to helping you achieve your goals and build meaningful connections through language.
Woman holding a certificate standing between two men in front of a maroon wall

What is your favorite travel memory?

One of my favorite travel memories is exploring the vibrant markets of Marrakech, Morocco. The bustling souks were filled with an array of colorful spices, handcrafted goods, and the rich scent of local cuisine. I vividly remember the friendly shopkeepers, the intricate designs of traditional Moroccan lamps, and the exhilarating experience of haggling for a beautiful rug. As the sun set, the city transformed with music, street performers, and the enchanting atmosphere of Jemaa el-Fnaa square. It was a sensory overload in the best possible way, leaving me with unforgettable memories of a city that felt alive with history and culture.

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

Since working for Go Palestine, I have experienced significant personal and professional growth. Immersed in a diverse and dynamic environment, I have honed my language teaching skills and developed innovative methods to engage students of varying backgrounds. This role has deepened my cultural awareness and empathy, as I interact with individuals from all over the world, each bringing unique perspectives and experiences.

Additionally, working at Go Palestine has enhanced my adaptability and problem-solving abilities. Navigating the challenges of language barriers and different learning styles has made me more resourceful and patient. Overall, this experience has not only improved my proficiency as an educator but also enriched my understanding of global cultures and strengthened my commitment to fostering cross-cultural communication.

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

One of the best stories I've heard from a return student is about how their language skills transformed their career. This student, originally from Europe, had taken my Arabic classes at Go Palestine to prepare for a job in international development. After completing the course, they secured a position with a non-profit organization working in the Middle East.

A few months later, they returned to share their experience. They recounted how their ability to communicate in Arabic not only helped them navigate their new environment more effectively but also allowed them to build genuine relationships with local colleagues and community members. This connection led to more impactful and meaningful work, as they could better understand and address the needs of the people they were serving.

The student expressed deep gratitude for the language skills and cultural insights gained at Go Palestine, emphasizing how it had opened doors and enriched their professional and personal life. This story was incredibly rewarding and reaffirmed the importance and impact of language education.

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

If given the opportunity, I would choose the immersive Arabic language program offered by Go Palestine. This program stands out to me because it not only focuses on language proficiency but also provides a deep cultural immersion experience in Palestine.

I am eager to explore the rich history, traditions, and daily life of Palestine firsthand, as these elements are integral to understanding the Arabic language in its cultural context. Being immersed in such an environment would not only enhance my language skills but also deepen my appreciation for Palestinian culture and society.

Moreover, interacting with local communities and learning from native speakers would offer invaluable insights and perspectives that cannot be fully captured in a classroom setting. This immersive program would not only be a transformative educational experience but also a meaningful cultural exchange opportunity that aligns perfectly with my passion for language and cross-cultural communication.

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

Go Palestine stands out for its unique approach to language education, blending linguistic proficiency with cultural immersion in the Palestinian context. What makes our company truly distinctive is our commitment to not only teaching languages but also fostering deep cross-cultural understanding and empathy among our students.

I was especially proud of my team during a recent cultural event we organized for our students. We had worked tirelessly to create an authentic experience that showcased Palestinian traditions, music, cuisine, and hospitality. Seeing our students fully engaged, asking insightful questions, and forming connections with local participants was incredibly rewarding.

Our team's dedication to providing a transformative educational experience and their passion for promoting cultural exchange were evident throughout the event. It was a moment of pride for me to witness how our collective efforts contributed to meaningful interactions and enriched learning experiences for everyone involved.

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

In my view, the biggest factor in being a successful company is a strong sense of purpose and a clear mission that resonates with both employees and customers. When a company has a compelling purpose beyond just making profits—whether it's about making a positive impact on society, solving a pressing problem, or enriching people's lives—it not only attracts passionate and dedicated employees but also builds strong customer loyalty.

Additionally, effective leadership plays a crucial role in guiding the company towards its goals, fostering innovation, and maintaining a positive work culture. A successful company also prioritizes continuous learning and adaptation, staying responsive to market changes and customer needs.

Ultimately, a successful company is one that aligns its actions with its values, consistently delivers value to its customers, and creates a positive impact in the broader community it serves.