The Palestinian Center - Go Palestine

Loved Hebron and the media Internship that I did for the month of May! Although I wasn’t doing this in uni, I have a keen interest in media and the history of the West Bank. What I got to learn with this program was unbelievable; most of which I couldn’t have done myself. I had the chance to talk to the reporters, owners and managers of some of the regions most influential radio stations, refugee camps, and many independent journalists. I also got so much valuable local knowledge from travelling in Hebron. Also with the 2 days off in the week, I had the chance to visit the other cities and sites in the region.
The programme also offers other chances; with my Arabic lessons and helping students with English development I learned so much about the local youth culture.
I would highly recommend the programme, and would also add that safety was surprisingly not an issue at all. If any problems do emerge, Motaz is happy to tweak your timetable to suit your preferences if possible. If you’re adventurous and would like to learn about media in an occupied territory and the Palestinian culture, this is for you✌️

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!

My name is Lillian, and I am from America. I am in my third year of university at the Pennsylvania State University, where I am in a dual-degree program pursuing a Bachelor of International Politics and a Masters of International Affairs at the same time. My primary focus in Middle Eastern Politics.

I’ve really enjoyed my time at the Palestinian Center for Education and Cultural Exchange in the Human Rights Internship program. In the morning, we always eat breakfast together at the center. The food is incredible. It’s also a really great time to catch up with everyone at the center, since some of us are in different programs or in the same program but with different schedules. After breakfast, we visit an organization related to human rights, such as the Independent Commission on Human Rights, or a family. We learn about topics ranging from the everyday life for Palestinians living near Israeli settlers to the treatment of Palestinian prisoners.

After the morning visit, we return to the center to teach English to Palestinian students for around 2 hours. The students are nice, and they’re usually super excited to practice English with a native speaker and learn about life in other countries. The international participants all have lunch together after the classes. There are a lot of great restaurants on Ain Sara Street, so we usually wander around a bit and eat somewhere new every day. After lunch, I always have Arabic class. My teacher Nadine is amazing and customizes our lessons to fit my interests and goals.

On Monday, we usually have a day trip. My first week, we spent the day in Bethlehem. This week, we went to the Al Aroub refugee camp.

I would absolutely recommend coming to Hebron! Despite everything I had heard in the media about the West Bank, I’ve never felt unsafe here. The people are incredibly welcoming. I can’t count the number of times I’ve been invited for coffee or tea after just meeting someone. Everyone has a story and wants to practice their English and hear what you think about Hebron. I can’t wait to hopefully come back in the future!

My time in Palestine with Go Palestine was full of events, food and culture. From waking up daily and eating fresh falafels and hummus, to the trips and places visited daily. The English lesson I had given are very open based and you are very free to teach comfortably. Mr. mohammad, one of the gentleman responsible for this organization, had planned daily activities after the lessons. I had experienced the Ibrahimi mosqus and the shrines in it, the Old Hebron city, refugee camps, bowling and arcade, Herbawi Kuffyieh factory, Bethlehem and more! Lastly, I would 100% recommend anyone thinking about going to Palesfine through this organization, to do so. Do not let the media fool you on the safety on Palestine, I felt like I was between my family during my stay, and I’m looking forward to going again soon!

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 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.