Program Reviews

I chose this volunteer program because I wanted to practice my English, brush up on my German, and enjoy a sort of “semi-holiday” within a group with a common goal. I had already visited Germany, but this time I wanted to return on my own. I was also drawn to the idea of reconnecting with Syrian or Palestinian people, as I had visited Syria years ago.

My expectations were not only met but truly exceeded. The other volunteers and students have been bold, curious, and enriching individuals — a real source of inspiration. My roommate was just wonderful, and the students I was assigned to (special shout-out to Hussean, Halloren !) were kind and welcoming. I also had the joy of spending time with lovely, authentic young siblings (all female, from 0 to 11 years old) from a Syrian family.

It’s true that the program’s organization can sometimes be a bit confusing — schedules change, and class times aren't always clear — but you can always talk things through. Rafat, the coordinator, is very approachable, understanding and kind, and that makes a huge difference.

The atmosphere in the school is laid back, in a good way, e.g., you can feel free to find your teaching space... Just as another volunteer said: "it looks more like being in a living-room than in a school".

I’m leaving this experience feeling truly grateful and fortunate, even if I'm sad because I have to leave... Bitter sweet !

Honestly, I was somewhat nervous before I arrived here, but after staying with the Excellence Center for 4 weeks I can say with full confidence that I have never met a more warm, welcoming, fun and accepting group of people. The people I've met at the center have left a lasting impact on me and left me with memories that I will treasure forever, but most of all I want to show appreciation for the staff. Rafat, Muaz and Ali have been absolutely fantastic, and so welcoming, treating every single one of us students like family. They are all such amazing people with so many stories to tell, and they are what makes the Excellence center so great. Muaz has been one of the best teachers I've ever had, and his patience and encouragement when teaching has made learning German incredibly fun and productive for me. I've genuinely felt so at home at the center, and honestly the thought of leaving makes me want to cry. I'd absolutely stay longer if I could. I've valued my time and experience here so dearly, and would encourage absolutely anyone and everyone to sign up for this program. I'll absolutely be visiting again in future. :)

The Excellence center provides a wonderful look at life in the west bank through cultural immersion, classes, and support while you explore the area. The staff are so friendly and happy to answer questions. They also have an excellent network of contacts to help you learn more about anything that interests you in the area. They provided helpful arabic classes and had very comfortable accommodation that was close to the center
As a volunteer with the Medicine and Healthcare program, I also bore witness to the realities of medical apartheid in Palestine. In most areas of the West Bank, Palestinians are not allowed to build hospitals or clinics, even on land that they own. The Excellence Center connected me with the Palestinian Medical Relief Society and the Green Land Society, which have offices based in Hebron and send mobile clinics to areas where there are no medical facilities. I also spoke with many healthcare professionals who told of how, even in areas with medical facilities, resources are limited, including several crucial medications which are blocked from being imported into the West Bank. And yet, Palestinians are among the most resilient and resourceful people, finding ways to take care of each other in spite of all these barriers.

I'm extremely happy with my decision to spend a month teaching English at the Excellence Center. I met so many great people, many of whom I hope to stay in contact with. As cheesy as it sounds, we truly were a family. I felt like I grew so much over the course of the program, not only through interacting with other interns but also from the students I taught, who were all lovely people as well. I was able to realize that I would like to pursue teaching in some manner in the future, even perhaps as a career.

I did the Media and Journalism program and I had a great time. Everyone at The Excellence Center is super welcoming, nice, fun, and available. Rafat is supportive and helpful, and he really made me feel part of a family. Muaz and Ali are amazing teachers and people. I learned so much during my time here, I met such a wide array of people from all around the world, began learning Arabic, and overall grew so much. I am so thankful I was able to have this opportunity and meet all these wonderful people. I really recommend coming to The Excellence Center, it was so formative and fun.

I honestly didn’t expect to love this program as much as I did! What started as just something new to try turned into one of the most exciting, meaningful, and happiest experiences of my life. I’ve never felt more included, welcomed, and comfortable in a new place. Helping teach English and connecting with refugees made me feel so proud to be part of something with such a real impact. Rafat, the founder, is absolutely amazing—his energy, kindness, and passion for creating a space where everyone feels valued made the whole experience even better. I’m beyond grateful for the memories, friendships, and confidence this program gave me!

I feel so blessed to have been part of this program. Everyone here is so nice and welcoming and I immediately felt connections when I first came. Rafat, Muaz, and Ali are always here to help if you need it and want everyone to feel included. I learned German with Muaz and he was always patient with me and I love his belief that mistakes are part of the learning process. I also had the pleasure to teach some refugees English. I also made many everlasting friends. I highly recommend this program!

Volunteering at the Excellence Center was such a great experience. I’d never taught English before and was a little bit nervous but I really enjoyed it! It was rewarding figuring out my own teaching style and my students were great.

I also studied German at the Center. I arrived at an intermediate level but didn’t feel super confident using the language in real life. The classes were small, fun, interactive and really practical, led by a great teacher. Now I feel comfortable speaking German in everyday situations.

The vast majority of volunteers come by themselves, which means it’s super easy to make friends. Everyone is really welcoming and you will feel part of the team from Day 1.

Overall, a fun and fulfilling experience—would totally recommend it!

The Excellence Centre in Hebron is a wonderful place to volunteer. The staff at the center are hilarious, kind and welcoming. The experience of teaching English here is one that I will never forget and appreciate a lot. Hebron is an interesting city which is filled with history and culture. Furthermore, Palestine is the most hospitable country that I have travelled to in my life.

I am honestly so fortunate to have visited and volunteered at the center in Hebron and to have had the opportunity to see Palestine. Alongside volunteering, the center provided me with numerous opportunities to travel during my time in Palestine. I visited Masaffer Yatta, Bethlehem, Bateer and all of Hebron and its environs thanks to the center.

Despite the tense security situation, at no point did I fear for my safety thanks due to the advice provided by the center. I managed also to ingratiate myself with Palestinian society and improve my Arabic skills thanks to the help of the center.

The students that I taught English to were eager to learn, exciting and hilarious. I am very thankful that I had this opportunity and cannot recommend the Excellence Center in Hebron enough.

I wanted to come to Palestine for many reasons, namely, to understand the situation on the ground greater, to improve my Arabic language skills and to see Palestine. I can comfortably say that all the goals I had before coming to Palestine were fulfilled and more.

I have volunteered with the Excellence Center through the month of June 2025, right when yet another series of bombings would burn away the night skies and, and in its wake, riptide hopes for peace and security for those on the ground. A dire context which only reinforced the pressure exerted by the violent -and omnipresent- occupation regime.

Despite it all, words could hardly paint out how grateful I am to Marwa and Osama, who welcomed me like family, and made sure that I would be able to provide help to the communities in need of it, all the while providing me with the best introduction to a culture one can hope for when visiting a country.

Not only do I think the Human Rights Program is a most suited point into assisting the Palestinian struggle for peace, freedom and justice, I would also highly recommend it to anyone initiative-driven, wishing to help the local communities, as the Center -besides Arabic lessons and daily visits- provides you with a framework to basically do anything, and ensures you get the right tools and connections on the ground to do so. To me at least, that such a service exists for Palestine is not only desireable : it is crucial.