Go Palestine - The Palestinian Center for Cultural Exchange

Program Reviews

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Mariusz
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A great way to learn more about Human Rights situation in Palestine

Thanks to this internship I was able to gain a first-hand experience in the field of Human Rights and I was able to learn a lot about the life in Palestine. If you want to discover Palestine, understand the ongoing conflict, learn about how regular people and organisations deal with different difficulties you should definitely come to volunteer with GoPalestine, because their offer is very interesting and the staff is super nice and helpful. The center is also very conveniently located, on the main street in the city center. The apartment I was staying at was not even 10 minutes away, which was also very convenient!

Pros
  • Very helpful staff
  • Hebron is a city with a rich history and probably the best place to learn about the ongoing conflict
  • The schedule is full of interesting activities
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Amir
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Volunteer in the West Bank

Everyone in this blessed place is so amazing. Throw away your worries and any uneasy feelings you may have, and come visit Palestine. The political climate is thick, and the weather is hot. But the people are amazing and will make you feel welcomed. Visitors are treated with respect and love. Everywhere you go you will be greeted with a “salaam” or a “welcome.”
I will visit this beautiful country again, as soon as possible. This is my home away from home. I have found my second family here, and I will miss everyone.

Pros
  • Wonderful people
  • Inexpensive
  • Delicious and healthy food
Cons
  • Hot if you aren’t used to it
  • The occupation
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Sadaf
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Experience of Lifetime

I had a great experience with Go Palestine. Everyone felt like a family taking care of each other. I got a chance to teach student which was very fulfilling. I had the opportunity to visit the Al-Ahli Hospital. It was great experience to learn about the Healthcare system of Hebron.

I love the culture and hospitality of the people in Hebron. Very helpful and kind. Being a girl alone, walking on the street felt very safe. I never encountered any bad situation. It's a very safe city for girls. I recommend everyone to come once in their lifetime.

Pros
  • Culture
  • Hospitality
  • History
Cons
  • Accomodation
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Sebastian
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Really cool experience

I am Sebastian and I came from Spain to spend a short but very sweet week in Palestine. I study architecture and during my summer semester I chose to come to Palestine to teach English and volunteer at refugee camps. After a long search online I stumbled across Go-palestine and quickly came in contact with Mutaz who helped me get an idea of what I would be doing once in Palestine. I was presented with a weekly schedule that included teaching English, learning Arabic, visiting refugee camps and spending time learning about the culture.
Now that this week has passed I can say that it was truly one of the most amazing experiences. The people have been incredibly hospitable and friendly. Through teaching I was able to meet a lot of the locals who quickly took me in and invited me to have coffee or tea. One week was just too short! If you’re thinking about coming I can only reccomend it. Feel free to reach out to me @karreth if you have any questions!

Pros
  • Amazing people
  • Well organized
  • Informative
Cons
  • Hot!
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Peter
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Arabi Fi Falastine - I'm very thankful for the experience

My time in Hebron was a really special experience that I am so thankful for. I took a super intensive Arabic course at Go Study Arabic in Palestine - Go Palestine, and it was a decision that I will always treasure. During the month I was there, I had the chance to explore Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Jaffa, Ramallah, and, of course, Hebron itself.

I had a great teacher named Duaa who helped me a lot. She gave me lessons tailored to my needs to help me get better at speaking, listening, and writing in Arabic. With her help, I made a lot of progress in a short time and now I feel more confident in my language skills. Duaa was an amazing teacher, and I'm really grateful for her support and expertise.

While I was in Palestine, I was warmly welcomed to different social events like weddings, parties, and small gatherings for tea or coffee. These experiences allowed me to make deep connections with local Palestinians and other international participants at the center. I know the friendships I made will last a lifetime.

Aside from the social aspects, I also visited various organizations, museums, and refugee camps, which gave me a better understanding of the occupation and what life is like for Palestinians. These experiences not only opened my eyes to new perspectives but also helped me improve my Arabic skills.

It's hard to put into words how much this journey in Palestine meant to me. I am incredibly grateful for the chance to be fully immersed in Palestinian culture, make meaningful connections, and learn so much about the region. Choosing to have this experience was one of the best decisions I have ever made.

Pros
  • Brilliant Instructor
  • Friendly Staff
  • Chance to visit Refugees Camps
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Eloise
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My Trip to Palestine

Embarking on a journey to Palestine was a choice which filled me with curiosity and anticipation. I wanted to immerse myself in the people's history, culture and everyday lives. This trip was also an opportunity to make a meaningful impact by teaching individuals English whilst exploring the cities within the West Bank. Whilst exploring these places I gained a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by Palestinians under Israeli occupation.
My journey began with the opportunity to volunteer, where I taught English to enthusiastic Palestinian students. Engaging with the minds of individuals filled me with pleasure and gave me a sense of purpose. In a classroom filled with laughter and inquisitiveness, I experienced the perseverance of these students to gain a new language skill which could open the door to a new future. This experience of exchanging knowledge and adopting connections through the language was rewarding.
Hebron is a city enriched in history which captivated me with its unique mixture of ancient heritage wrapped in a modern reality. Making my way through the bustling streets of the Old City, I was fascinated by the architecture and market, where friendly voices would echo asking ‘How are you? Or ‘hello.’ Amongst the charm, the tension from the presence of Israeli settlements and soldiers couldn’t be ignored, a reminder of the complex dynamics which exist under occupation.
One of the most profound aspects of my trip was the generosity of the Palestinian people. This ranged from sharing meals with local families as well as hearing their stories and experiences. Listening to these stories a gained the common characteristics of the people of Palestine: resilience, perseverance, and unwavering hope. These interactions allowed me to witness first-hand the strength of the human mind and the unwavering desire for freedom, justice, and a peaceful existence.
As I delved deeper into the Palestinian experience, the impact of the Israeli occupation became painfully apparent. Visiting areas affected by settlements, witnessing the restrictions imposed by checkpoints, and hearing personal accounts of displacement and injustice highlighted the daily struggles faced by Palestinians. The occupation’s toll on infrastructure, livelihoods, and freedom of movement cast a shadow over the lives of the people I met. It compelled me to reflect on the importance of advocacy, solidarity, and the pursuit of a just and peaceful resolution to the occupation.
My trip to Palestine was an extraordinary experience which transcended mere tourism. Teaching English, exploring Hebron and Nablus, and engaging with locals allowed me to connect with the vibrant fabric of Palestinian society. The course deepened my understanding of the realities faced by Palestinians living under occupation and reinforced my commitment to raising awareness and supporting their pursuit of justice and freedom. As I bid farewell to Palestine, I carry with me a renewed sense of empathy, a determination to share the stories I encountered, and a belief in the power of collective action to create a peaceful way to co-exist.

Pros
  • Learn a new language
  • Immerse in a new culture
  • Meet new people
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Luke
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Incredible experience

Incredible experience. I spent 3 weeks with GoPalestine on their "Media and Journalism" internship and I honestly think that this is one of the most unique and special experiences you could choose to do. Being with the people at GoPalestine gives you inside access to chat to just about anyone in Hebron, so my time was filled with interesting stories and conversation. I certainly feel like I understand the political dynamics of the region so much more, having experienced it first hand. Teaching English is fun and rewarding. The other volunteers became good friends, and the Palestinians are the most kind, hospitable and trustworthy people you could wish to meet. I was able to explore other cities in my time off including Bethlehem and Jerusalem, and got an authentic experience of Arabic culture, customs and food. I really couldn't have asked for a better introduction to the Middle East. I would love to come back someday, inshallah.

Pros
  • Authentic cultural experience
  • Get first-hand understanding on political and humanitarian challenges
  • Great company and friendships
Cons
  • Travel around the region is slow due to Israeli checkpoints
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Samantha
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Learning Arabic has never been so fun - thanks to Palestine!

Al Salam Alikum! Ana "أنا" Samantha :) I am from the USA. I had the incredible opportunity to participate in the intensive Arabic program, and it was truly a life-changing experience. This program is not a typical language course, it's an immersive, one-on-one program that takes place in the beautiful country of Palestine.

I had the pleasure of working with Nadine, my amazing teacher who provided personalized instruction and helped me build practical language skills in speaking, listening, and writing Arabic. With one-on-one instruction, I was able to make significant progress in a short amount of time and feel more confident in my abilities.

But the program wasn't just about language instruction – it also included unforgettable day trips to the refugee camp in Hebron and Bethlehem, giving me the chance to understand the Palestinian culture and society. I even had the chance to stay with a host family, which allowed me to truly immerse myself in the local culture and practice my language skills with the locals.

I recommend the Arabic intensive program to anyone looking for an immersive, memorable and unique experience. Not only will you build valuable Arabic language skills, but you'll make unforgettable memories. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity!

Pros
  • Personalized, one-on-one instruction
  • Immersive cultural experiences
  • Effective language learning
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Julian
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My Unforgettable Media Internship Experience

If you're looking for an unforgettable and enriching experience, I highly recommend the Media & Journalism Internship program in Palestine with Go Palestine. As a 27-year-old student who studied media, I can attest to the life-changing impact of this internship.

Throughout my time in Palestine, I had the opportunity to visit local media institutions, including local radio stations and TV studios, which allowed me to gain valuable insights into the media landscape in Palestine. Additionally, I had the privilege of taking Arabic classes with my incredible teacher Shourouk, which helped me better understand the language and culture of the region.

One of the most rewarding experiences during my internship was teaching English to Palestinian adults, which allowed me to give back to the community in a meaningful way. Additionally, visiting the refugee camps in Hebron and Bethlehem provided me with a firsthand perspective on the challenges faced by Palestinian refugees and their families.

Staying with a host family during my internship was an exceptional experience that provided me with an authentic and immersive experience of Palestinian culture. This, combined with the opportunity to live and work in Palestine, made for an unforgettable journey that I would highly recommend to anyone who wants to truly immerse themselves in the Palestinian culture.

I have nothing to say but this was an exceptional opportunity for anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of Palestinian culture, media, and community. Don't hesitate to apply and embark on a journey of a lifetime!

Pros
  • Cultural immersion
  • Deeper understanding
  • Media insights
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Julian
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A Journey of Learning and Empathy: My Experience in Palestine

Hi! I'm Julian, a 21-year-old student from Australia. My experience in Palestine was truly eye-opening. I was eager to learn more about the complex conflict in the region and gain a deeper understanding of the refugee crisis. I spent three weeks in the program, during which I had the opportunity to learn the Palestinian dialect, stay with a host family, and visit three refugee camps.

Learning the Palestinian dialect was one of the highlights of the program for me. It was challenging at times, but my Arabic instructor Mr. Muhammad was patient and helpful, and I was able to make significant progress. Speaking the language allowed me to better connect with the local community in Hebron and gain a deeper understanding of their perspectives.

Staying with a host family was also a great experience. They were incredibly welcoming and kind, and I learned so much from them about the local culture and way of life. It was fascinating to see how people live in the region and to experience their customs and traditions firsthand.

But perhaps the most impactful part of the internship was visiting the refugee camps. It was heart-wrenching to see the living conditions and the struggles that the refugees face on a daily basis. However, it was also inspiring to see their resilience and determination to create a better life for themselves and their families.

This internship with no doubt was an incredible experience that gave me a deeper understanding of the conflict and the human impact it has had. It also allowed me to connect with the local community, learn a new language, and gain a new perspective on global issues. I would highly recommend this program to anyone who wants to learn more about the conflict and make a positive impact in the world.

Pros
  • On the ground experience
  • The experience of living with a family was amazing
  • I learned a lot about the Arabic language and Palestinian culture