Go Palestine - The Palestinian Center for Cultural Exchange

Program Reviews

Yavuzhan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

I will miss my time in Hebron!

During my month-long internship in Hebron, Palestine, about Law and Human Rights, I had an enriching experience that left a lasting impact. The opportunity to visit various human rights organizations, interact with activists, lawyers, and journalists provided me with a well-rounded perspective on the complexities of the region.

One of the standout aspects of the internship was the chance to study Arabic and immerse myself in the local culture. This allowed me to form meaningful connections with the locals. Learning about the conflict firsthand and hearing diverse viewpoints from individuals directly affected by it was eye-opening and invaluable to my understanding.

I must highlight the feeling of safety throughout my stay in Hebron, which was reassuring and allowed me to fully engage with the experience. Overall, I am immensely pleased with the knowledge I gained, the connections I established, and the insights I obtained into the field of law and human rights within this unique context.

Pros
  • Safety
  • People
Cons
  • Managing the apartment
Uzair
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Go Palestine!

I had a wonderful time in Palestine. The experience was amazing and the teachers are easy going and make sure you’re comfortable each step of the way.

The schedule is very easy work with. You get to the Centre for 10am and they provide you breakfast. Traditional Palestinian breakfast. Hummus with olive oil and zataar. Falafels are also provided. The English classes are helpful to the students as it gives them the opportunity to speak English. They may be uncomfortable at first but after the a few sessions, they become a lot more confident. When they get to know you, they even invite you over for dinner! As for the Arabic classes, the teachers are very friendly and polite and make it easy for you to learn the language. They go at a pace which you find comfortable. Any questions you have, they will answer.

Outside of the Centre, the people of the city are very kind and considerate. They invite you to talk with them as well as invite you to eat. They are also helpful with giving directions, asking questions as well as giving a history review of Hebron.

I say it is a must to come to Palestine and give the people the opportunity to learn. Everyone is fantastic and extremely considerate of you. You’ll definitely enjoy your time. I really want to come again and spend more time with families, making new friends as well as learning more about the culture.

Pros
  • The people
  • Arabic lessons
  • Making new friends
Cons
  • The english classes should be limited to an hour
Memona
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Go Palestine - Teaching English

Coming here was somewhat scary yet exciting. My fear came from all I saw and read in the media which was a mistake. From my journey here to now, the entire process has been relaxing and made me feel at ease. I felt safer here than I did in my home city. I learnt a lot about the Palestinian culture and even learnt to make Maqlouba, Rawaq Alainab (stuffed grape leaves) and Koshray (Egyptian dish). I will not be able to get hummus from Tesco in London after tasting the hummus here. The hummus in Palestine is very smooth and creamy. I am surprised that I went my entire stay here with healthy food consisting, black olives, eggs, cucumbers, tomatoes, labneh, hummus and bread. Palestinians are kind and welcoming in nature and they have a heart of gold. I have not experience this level of hospitality anywhere else. Growing up as a Muslim, it is eye opening to witness locations on the holy land such as Masjid Al Aqsa and Ibrahimi Mosque. I am the only one in my entire family generation to visit Al Aqsa mosque and I feel privilege to be able to do so. It is the third holiest site in Islam. The experience has reaffirmed me in my beliefs. This experience has changed me as a person. I am never going to be the same person again. I have become more empathetic and open minded and understanding towards Palestine, the cultural differences and its' people.

Pros
  • Feeling safe welcomed. People are very nice and kind and always welcome you with a drink and a treat. I felt safer here than i did in my home city.
  • Food. It is rich in flavour, you willnot missed food from your home country.
  • No day is the same. You learn new things everyday.
Cons
  • Not being able to use google maps as much for directions.
  • Public transport is via word of mouth i.e. using Sherut.
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
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
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
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!
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
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
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