Go Palestine - The Palestinian Center for Cultural Exchange

Program Reviews

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Chelsea
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing time!

My time with Go Palestine was short but amazing. I gained a valuable insight into the daily life of Palestinians and met so many amazing people. Visiting the refugee camps was an experience I won't forget.

At Go Palestine you feel supported and encouraged to make the most out of your experience there. You will be able to practice your Arabic as well make new friends. Seeing the realities of life in Hebron is a privilege I won't forget, being able to spend time listening to thew refugees in the camps is a a huge honour.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I would stay for longer!!
Pros
  • Meet amazing people
  • Leanr more about the history
  • Experience the daily life under occupation.
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C
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

An insightful and fun experience

This program gave me the opportunity to shadow an attorney and visit different courts in the West Bank. During the health and environment part of the program, I got to meet with relevant organizations like prisoners' rights groups, family planning centers, and environmental monitoring bodies. Alongside these activities, I studied Arabic and then got to practice it through immersion while living in Hebron. I also highly recommend exploring Hebron for its wonderful history and beautiful glasswork.

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Nicholas
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Like no other place in the world

I came here because I felt a strong calling to connect with Palestinian culture and people and I found myself integrating here very quickly. People here really value generosity and have invited me to celebrations, weddings, meals and into their houses for tea on a daily basis. I feel completely safe here and would recommend anybody who is interested in the true culture of the Holy Land to take a trip here and experience the hospitality and warmth of the people. I highly recommend it and everyone should come here.

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Obada
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My Experience with GO Palestine

My experience volunteering at GO Palestine was an incredible opportunity for me to immerse myself in Palestinian culture, connect with locals, and gain a deeper understanding of their daily struggles, resilience, and traditions. Through meaningful interactions, I learned about the challenges Palestinians face, their rich history, and their strong sense of community. The experience was both eye-opening and rewarding, allowing me to contribute while also broadening my perspective on life in Palestine.

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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.
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Rebecca
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Wonderful Levantine Arabic experience

As a beginner to Arabic, I was nervous to embark on an unfamiliar linguistic experience. My teacher Dua’a created a safe, welcoming, and invigorating space to learn about Palestinian language and culture. My knowledge of Arabic has vastly expanded and helped me to connect to Palestinian history and culture. I think of Arabic as the mother to many languages, my linguistic horizons have expanded. I feel grateful to Dua’a for her patience, flexibility, and encouragement during this special journey.