Go Palestine - The Palestinian Center for Cultural Exchange

Program Reviews

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Siobhán
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Beyond my expectations!

My name is Siobhán. I've participated in the Media in Palestine Internship Program in Hebron with Go Palestine for one month. My experience exceeded all expectations, thanks to the warm welcome from my host family in Halhul and the rich cultural insights gained from local volunteers and daily activities.

The program offered a diverse daily schedule that included meetings with journalists and media experts, explorations of Hebron, Arabic lessons, and teaching media skills to students. Despite being in an occupied territory, Hebron felt safe and welcoming, thanks to the generous hospitality of the locals. This incredible experience allowed me to make lifelong friends and fully immerse myself in a new culture. I hope to return in the future!

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Kritis
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Fantastic Online Arabic Classes

I have had a fantastic experience taking online Arabic classes with Dua’a. She was kindly able to accommodate my busy schedule.

As a beginner to Arabic I have found Dua’a’s teaching to be very clear and systematic. It is evident she has a lot of experience as a teacher, because she can anticipate my questions before I ask them.

She is a very kind and patient teacher while also being fun and engaging. In addition to Arabic I am learning a lot about Palestinian culture.

I cannot recommend Dua’a enough!

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Soren
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

I highly recommend visiting Palestine

During my time in Hebron, the Palestinian Center helped me learn a lot about the conflict and the local conditions. Teaching English both in Hebron and at a nearby refugee camp gave me a great chance to meet people, understand their views, and learn about their customs while making new friends. I also connected with local activists and discovered various projects aimed at improving life for the Palestinian people.

I’ve found Palestinian culture to be very open and kind, with delicious food. It was easy to make friends, and I even got invited into people’s homes. Although there are often demonstrations, Hebron is generally safe for foreigners even in these hard times.

I highly recommend visiting Hebron and volunteering at the Palestinian Center if you're interested in Arabic language and culture, politics, or international relations. You'll gain valuable experience and a better understanding of the Palestinian situation.

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Lucas
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Next time I will stay longer

I’m Lucas from Spain. After spending the last two years in Jordan studying Arabic, I wanted to keep improving my Levantine dialect and learn more about human rights in Palestine, especially in the West Bank. Two months ago, I joined a program in Hebron, which I found to be the most interesting city in the West Bank, despite worries about the occupation and the current situation.

Exploring both parts of the city, one controlled by Israel and the other by the Palestinian Authority was very intersting. The center gave me a comforting routine with organized tours and meetings that provided deep insights into local culture, history, and current issues. Highlights included visiting Shuhada Street, the Keffiyeh factory in the West Bank, and meeting professors, lawyers, and activists.

My program was special because I documented the center’s activities with photography and videos, which made my experience more diverse. I also taught English and helped with the center's website. The staff was flexible and supportive, making my time in Hebron very fulfilling.

Palestinian hospitality is amazing, and I strongly recommend accepting invitations for coffee or meals they give a real taste of the local culture. I never felt unsafe in Hebron; the locals were welcoming and respectful, although I understand that women might face different challenges. Overall, it was an incredible experience that deepened my understanding of the region and its people.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
I attended a Palestinian wedding in Hebron, and it was an amazing thing to do there. Hospitality of Palestinians is indescribable.
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William
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Experience Authentic Palestine

My time in Hebron and at the Palestinian center has been amazing and unforgettable. I interacted with Palestinians every day, learned about their daily lives, and made new friends.

During my volunteer work, I taught English at the Al-Fawwar refugee camp and organized an academic writing workshop for Hebron University students, thanks to Dr. Naim.

One thing that really stood out to me about Palestinian culture is the strong sense of community and spirit. The people in Hebron are very friendly and welcoming, always going out of their way to make you feel at home. The children in the Al-Arroub and Al-Fawwar camps are eager to learn English and bring a lot of positive energy to every class.

Despite what you might hear in Western media, Palestine is a safe country, and Hebron is a very friendly city, even with the current situation. I highly recommend this program to anyone who wants to see the real Palestine, not just the one most people imagine.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
The checkpoints in the West Bank were among the most distressing things I’ve ever seen. These checkpoints control the daily lives of Palestinians.
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Emily
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

I would diffently do it again!

Hi, my name is Emily. In the last two weeks, I joined the Teaching Conversational English in Palestine program in Hebron, where I taught kids aged 8-12 English. It was an amazing experience. I had never taught English on a large scale before, so I was a little worried, but it turned out to be the most amazing experience ever for me. The kids I taught were eager to learn, and we laughed a lot during the sessions.

The staff were very helpful, the host family was hospitable, and oh, Palestinian food is the best! This program is perfect for anyone looking for a new experience and also to understand the situation in Palestine. I can't recommend it more highly.

Pros
  • Amazing people
  • Very delicious food
  • Hospitable host family
Response from Go Palestine - The Palestinian Center for Cultural Exchange

Hi Emily! Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us! We're thrilled to hear that your time in the Teaching Conversational English program in Hebron was so rewarding. We truly appreciate your recommendation, and we hope to see you back again soon for another incredible experience :)

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Amelia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A Fantastic Experience

Learning Palestinian Arabic online was a fantastic experience! The classes with Duaa were incredibly engaging, and her teaching style made every lesson enjoyable and informative. Duaa's flexibility in scheduling was a significant advantage, as it perfectly accommodated my busy and often unpredictable schedule, ensuring I never missed a class. Her expertise and patience helped me build a strong foundation in the language.

I now feel much more better speaking Arabic and can't wait to visit Palestine to use my new skills in real-life situations. This immersive learning journey has enriched my understanding of the culture and language. I highly recommend it!

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Sara
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

No words can describe! absolutely amazing

Teaching English in Hebron was an amazing experience. The students either adults and kids were eager to learn and their enthusiasm was contagious. Living in Hebron provided a unique cultural immersion that enriched my understanding of the Palestinian people and their daily struggle.

The community's hospitality was incredible, making me feel welcomed and appreciated. This program is perfect for anyone looking to make a tangible impact while gaining a deeper appreciation for Palestinian culture. Highly recommended!

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Ema
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Volunteering in Alfawar Camp in Hebron

My experience with Go Palestine's volunteer program with refugees in Hebron was truly transformative. The staff was incredibly welcoming and always available to help. From the moment I arrived, I felt like a part of the community.

The program was well-organized, offering a variety of activities that allowed me to engage deeply with the refugees in Alfawar camp. Teaching English and helping with daily activities provided a meaningful way to contribute and also learn from the resilient and inspiring people I met. The cultural immersion was profound; living in Hebron gave me a firsthand understanding of the challenges and the incredible spirit of the Palestinian people.

It was heartwarming to see how the community in Hebron opened their homes and hearts to us volunteers. The program coordinators ensured we had everything we needed, from safety to cultural insights.

I would highly recommend this program to anyone looking to make a positive impact while experiencing the Palestinians culture. It’s an eye opening experience that has left a lasting impression on me. Shukran Go Palestine, for this unforgettable journey :)

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Mariem
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing experience!

Loved the people, the food, the experience overall has been amazing. It has been very intresting to learn about the history of Hebron, the different families and their daily struggles under occupation. The food is also really good and the people have been really helpful everywhere, even strangers offer you guidance and help when needed. I also loved the activities we partook in, very educational and interesting. I really loved my time here and I hope to come back again next time when there’s finally a ceasefire and the people of Gaza can live in peace .

What would you improve about this program?
The timetables should be updated better. There should be better communication with the volunteers too.
Pros
  • Great opportunity
  • Amazing students
  • Nice environment
Cons
  • No timetable
  • Disorganised
  • Lack of communication between staff and volunteers
Response from Go Palestine - The Palestinian Center for Cultural Exchange

Thank you so much for your review, Mariem! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed the people, the food, and the overall experience. It's wonderful that you found learning about Hebron's history and the local families' daily lives enriching.

We're glad you appreciated the hospitality and helpfulness of the people here, and it's great to know that you found the activities educational and interesting. Your kind words mean a lot to us.

Regarding the schedule, there might be some changes at times due to the unstable situation in the West Bank. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility in this matter.

We truly hope to welcome you back again soon. Let's all hope for peace and a brighter future for everyone in Gaza. Safe travels until we meet again!