Program Reviews

My name is Allie, and I am a graduate student studying Media Studies in the United States. My time working with the Palestine Center in Hebron has been exceptional. For three months, I have worked at the center. Because of my extended trip, I was able to participate in several of the Palestinian Center’s programs, including the Media Program, the Conflict Resolution Program, and the Palestinian Refugee Program. I am very thankful to be able to gain a more holistic view of the reality in Palestine through each of these programs. For the programs, we met with experts in each field and conducted field visits to relevant organizations in and around the city of Hebron. We work for five days each week at the center and have two days off per week. Though the week is scheduled ahead of time, it is common for plans to fall through or need to be rearranged, so I encourage all potential volunteers to be flexible! I have learned to embrace a “go with the flow” attitude here.

I took weekly Arabic lessons and taught English a few times each week. My students were engaged and quick to learn and always came to class excited. My Arabic teacher was highly educated and spoke fluent English and we became very good friends!

I was invited to speak at a university in Bethlehem at a media conference. I attended cultural symposiums and movie screenings all over the West Bank. I ate amazing food (my favorite Palestinian dish is maklouba) and gorged myself on kunafa (the best dessert in the world). I learned so much about Palestinian culture and was able to talk at length to my students, professors, and others about culture exchange.

I want to emphasize how safe Hebron is. I never once felt fearful or threatened and as a woman, I was comfortable walking around the city by myself, even at night. Though you often hear of clashes in the news, I never felt threatened as a tourist in Hebron nor anywhere else in Palestine. Furthermore, Palestinians are extremely welcoming and love to meet tourists. I have been invited to many peoples’ homes for dinner, which has allowed me to integrate more deeply into Palestinian culture and lifestyle.

Everyone who works at the center is incredibly kind and welcoming. Meeting volunteers from all over the world was exciting. We frequently had group dinners at the center and became so close that we celebrated my birthday together as well. I am so sad to be leaving the center but entirely sure that I will come back soon to see my Palestinian friends here! I highly recommend volunteering at the Palestinian Center in Hebron!

My experience with the Palestine center was one of the most fulfilling experiences I have done in my many years of travelling. Whilst, I was here I was able to help teach school children in a refugee camp essential English skill that could really change the course of their future.

The center was also great in preparing visits in our free time to see other cities in Palestine and they exhibited a real interest in ensuring everyone who stays with them has a robust experience with regards to the culture and the amazing food that exists in the country. I, like many, had some trepidation before travelling to Palestine and Hebron. However, after arriving at the center, my thoughts on safety could not have been further from the truth. The people in Hebron are so accommodating and kind, as well as the center putting a great emphasis on the safety of those who stay at the center.

I regularly would go out in the city at night and not have any fear of my safety given how amazing the hospitality and virtue of the Palestinian people was. I would highly recommend anyone who has ever thought about visiting Palestine and the West Bank to definitely consider the center as it was one of the best decisions I have made in my life and made for a fulfilling and eye opening experience

Hi, my name is Marco, I'm 21 years old, I'm an History student at the Florence university in Italy and I'm about to graduate.
My experience in Hebron, in particular at the Palestinian Center, was very very beautiful, we do a lot of things, from visit the local Expo to visit the entire old city with all of this important sites like the Ibrahimi Mosque or the market.
We met a lot of human rights associations and so we met a great amount of beautiful people, workers, students, employee.
We make a lot of friends in Hebron, from the Cultural Symposium to simple shop's owner.
The main tasks that we have in the center is to teach English to other people's and try to learn arabic trough lesson and very good teacher's.
We also went to Aida camp( suburbs of Bethlehem now) and little village called Fawwar (after 1948 used to be a tent camp) in south of Hebron.
There was a very strong but important experience. I recommend to all the people.
I liked a lot the palestinian culture, the food and traditional clothes above all.
I'm felt very safe in Palestine and in Hebron too, when we go around with the people of the center or with the friends that we make, we felt like at home, i think that the major danger came from the occupants,they carry a lot of weapons, they do a lot of control and check so this make me felt unsecure.
I recommend this type of journey, of experience ,at the people from all over the world, here In Palestine and in with the people of Palestinian center too.
Is a very good way to try the palestinian life, culture, way of life.
Is a perfect experience to learn about a far culture(for me that I'm italian) like this.

Being short: people are very friendly (as a very shy person I didn't struggle making new friends), the Center is very good and the internship is good for everything (networking, studying arabic, university...) and the personnell is great (thanks Manar!). Also don't be scared by the safety issue: my internship was during both Kippur and Intifada anniversary but we NEVER felt uncomfortable or at risk. Both soldiers and palestinians are friendly with strangers and Palestine will become a new home!!!

I am a 49 year old trial attorney with over 20 years experience defending the rights of the accused which recently has included people from the Levant including Palestine.
Prior to this program I studied Fusha (MSA) for two years and studied the Egyptian Dialect in Cairo for 2 weeks with some travel to Jordan and Jerusalem.

My program was only for two weeks but I wish it would have been longer. During this brief time, Mohammad Tamimi coordinated trips to Fawwar Refugee Camp, Masafer Yatta, Umm al-Khair, Women’s Studies Center, Palestinian Courts (Hebron and Halhool), Hebron Delegation of the Red Cross and Ibrahimi Mosque.

Breakfast was provided every morning with Um Mohannad making fresh Zaatar bread with falafel and hummus. Mohammad Aburumoooz was an awesome arabic teacher providing daily lessons of the Palestinian Dialect.

Prior to the trip I had questions and Mutaz Tamimi answered them via zoom calls.

On my last day in Hebron, I was having some difficulty finding a taxi in Hebron due to the empty streets during the celebration of Eid al-Adha. Thankfully at the last minute I texted Mohammad Tamimi via Whatsapp and with short notice he was able to have a taxi pick me up at my flat.

In short, I highly recommend this program for their professionalism and knowledge of the community.

Hi. My name is Jack McGrath. I am 28 years old and from Ireland. I am currently a teacher of English and History in Dubai. I participated in "Go Palestine" program for 3 weeks this Summer.
During my time at the "Go Palestine" Centre, I participated in a wide variety of teaching in the West Bank area. These included, teachers that needed extra help in speaking English and students doing Summer camp. Further from this, I also visited many areas around the city. These include, a visit to Hebron villages around the city, to Bethlehem, refugee camps and the Old city of Hebron itself. These trips allowed me to further educate myself of the current political situation as well as gain a greater appreciation for Palestinian history and culture.
During my time at the Centre I studied Arabic from an excellent teacher called Mrs. Shurook. She was incredibly encouraging and supportive. She was able to tailor the lessons to my needs of a student. Were we able to go at my pace due to it being a one on one lesson.
I really enjoyed the environment at the Go Palestine Centre. The staff are all very nice and instantly make you feel pat of the community. I was also able to make strong friendships with many of the other volunteers due to our shared interests in Palestine.

I stayed in Hebron for one month with a Palestinian host family and completed the intensive Arabic course at Go Palestine. I cannot even begin to describe my time here in Palestine, and how happy I am that I chose this experience. During my stay, I have traveled to Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Jaffa, Ramallah, and of course, Hebron. I have been invited to and attended weddings, other parties, and simple dinner and tea/coffee invitations. I have met so many lifelong friends, both from Palestine and other internationals at the center. I’ve had the opportunity to learn more about the occupation and Palestinian daily life through visits to several organizations, museums and refugee camps and, along with massively improving my Arabic skills.

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!