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 (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.

Reviews

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Ella
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Law firm internship by Go Palestine

At first, I didn't intentionally choose to come to Palestine. I thought it was a very dangerous place, but it's actually quite different from what I imagined. Not only is it very safe here, but the people are also very friendly. I even celebrated an unforgettable birthday here. The two weeks I've spent here have been very fulfilling. Through conversations with locals, I've gained a deeper understanding of the real situation in this country and the lives of the local people. I believe this experience will be of great help to me in both my personal life and work.

Pros
  • Personal growth
  • Enhance CV
  • Learn the culture and history
Cons
  • Eating sharwama a lot could be a problem
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Stephanie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing experience

During my time at the centre I completed a six week programme which focused on law and human rights.
During my time here we have visited several different refugee camps and we have met with loads of amazing people from many different human rights organisations and many locals who have shared their experiences growing up in Palestine. It has been such an eye opening experience which I will never forget.
The atmosphere at the centre is also amazing, it really does feel like a family. I'm so grateful to everyone that I have met during my stay here.
On my days off I was able to explore other cities like Jerusalem, ramallah and Jerico. Which you can get to really easily from hebron.
I also have felt extremely safe during my whole time here and everyone you meet on the streets and in shops are so polite and welcoming.
I would absolutely recommend this center and the law and human rights internship.

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Yavuzhan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

I will miss my time in Hebron!

During my month-long internship in Hebron, Palestine, about Law and Human Rights, I had an enriching experience that left a lasting impact. The opportunity to visit various human rights organizations, interact with activists, lawyers, and journalists provided me with a well-rounded perspective on the complexities of the region.

One of the standout aspects of the internship was the chance to study Arabic and immerse myself in the local culture. This allowed me to form meaningful connections with the locals. Learning about the conflict firsthand and hearing diverse viewpoints from individuals directly affected by it was eye-opening and invaluable to my understanding.

I must highlight the feeling of safety throughout my stay in Hebron, which was reassuring and allowed me to fully engage with the experience. Overall, I am immensely pleased with the knowledge I gained, the connections I established, and the insights I obtained into the field of law and human rights within this unique context.

Pros
  • Safety
  • People
Cons
  • Managing the apartment
Default avatar
Uzair
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Go Palestine!

I had a wonderful time in Palestine. The experience was amazing and the teachers are easy going and make sure you’re comfortable each step of the way.

The schedule is very easy work with. You get to the Centre for 10am and they provide you breakfast. Traditional Palestinian breakfast. Hummus with olive oil and zataar. Falafels are also provided. The English classes are helpful to the students as it gives them the opportunity to speak English. They may be uncomfortable at first but after the a few sessions, they become a lot more confident. When they get to know you, they even invite you over for dinner! As for the Arabic classes, the teachers are very friendly and polite and make it easy for you to learn the language. They go at a pace which you find comfortable. Any questions you have, they will answer.

Outside of the Centre, the people of the city are very kind and considerate. They invite you to talk with them as well as invite you to eat. They are also helpful with giving directions, asking questions as well as giving a history review of Hebron.

I say it is a must to come to Palestine and give the people the opportunity to learn. Everyone is fantastic and extremely considerate of you. You’ll definitely enjoy your time. I really want to come again and spend more time with families, making new friends as well as learning more about the culture.

Pros
  • The people
  • Arabic lessons
  • Making new friends
Cons
  • The english classes should be limited to an hour
Default avatar
Memona
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Go Palestine - Teaching English

Coming here was somewhat scary yet exciting. My fear came from all I saw and read in the media which was a mistake. From my journey here to now, the entire process has been relaxing and made me feel at ease. I felt safer here than I did in my home city. I learnt a lot about the Palestinian culture and even learnt to make Maqlouba, Rawaq Alainab (stuffed grape leaves) and Koshray (Egyptian dish). I will not be able to get hummus from Tesco in London after tasting the hummus here. The hummus in Palestine is very smooth and creamy. I am surprised that I went my entire stay here with healthy food consisting, black olives, eggs, cucumbers, tomatoes, labneh, hummus and bread. Palestinians are kind and welcoming in nature and they have a heart of gold. I have not experience this level of hospitality anywhere else. Growing up as a Muslim, it is eye opening to witness locations on the holy land such as Masjid Al Aqsa and Ibrahimi Mosque. I am the only one in my entire family generation to visit Al Aqsa mosque and I feel privilege to be able to do so. It is the third holiest site in Islam. The experience has reaffirmed me in my beliefs. This experience has changed me as a person. I am never going to be the same person again. I have become more empathetic and open minded and understanding towards Palestine, the cultural differences and its' people.

Pros
  • Feeling safe welcomed. People are very nice and kind and always welcome you with a drink and a treat. I felt safer here than i did in my home city.
  • Food. It is rich in flavour, you willnot missed food from your home country.
  • No day is the same. You learn new things everyday.
Cons
  • Not being able to use google maps as much for directions.
  • Public transport is via word of mouth i.e. using Sherut.

Programs

Displaying 1 - 5 of 5

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.

Manar Amro

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.