Program Reviews

This was a really lovely opportunity to get a foot into the community with a supportive organization in order to branch out and learn more about the community. The Arabic classes were super helpful and informative. There were opportunities to talk to local community members to get a better understanding of the social-political situation from a local and global perspective.

In terms of safety, Israeli soldiers walk through the city sometimes. On Saturdays, the settlers walk through the Old City and the IDF will clear the streets during that time. It is best not to aggravate the soldiers as this can make things more difficult for those who live in the area in case retaliation occurs.

The Excellence Center was such an amazing program. So much so I came back a second time and plan to come again soon! The center as well as the city was so safe and just a great experience. I understand that people may be hesitant but I never had to worry about anything my entire month here. And I know my fellow volunteers felt the same. Safety was definitely ensured. The programs are so interactive with the children who are so much fun when the class starts. The teachers are some of the friendliest I've ever had. Patient, warm, caring, etc. The city is so friendly and lively. The people are great. The organizers are like family to me now. I love everyone at the center.

I had the opportunity to work in a very meaningful setting with a lot of really great people. Aid work like this is set to be my career so learning in this way is very important. Learning Arabic in Hebron and being imbedded into Palestine builds character and a resume. Palestine as it is now is one of the most extreme examples of political violence today and its because of that, that working with the Excellence Center is one of the best ways to learn about state violence and related ideas firsthand. The Excellence center offers so many avenues to work directly with Palestinians in Hebron as well as in some of the most disenfranchised communities around it.

Our week with the program was truly transformative — both for our students and for ourselves as teachers. From the moment we arrived, we felt welcomed and supported by the entire team. Special thanks to Muaz, Raffat, Douchenne and Ali, whose dedication, warmth, and insight created a safe and inspiring space for growth.

The Circle sessions were powerful — a place where deep connection and reflection was built. These moments truly made the group feel like a community. The breath work sessions offered a unique opportunity for reflection and inner calm, something our students still talk about as one of the most surprising and impactful parts of the week. The electric exercise made us work together and have fun while connecting.

This program doesn’t just teach values — it lives them. It creates space for honesty, action, and transformation. We left Halle with open hearts, broadened minds, and a strong desire to return.

Highly recommended for any group looking to combine social engagement, personal development, and intercultural learning.

When I first arrived in Germany, I was greeted warmly and everybody at the center was extremely welcoming. After completing three months of teaching German and English, I can say that it has been an unforgettable experience, throughout which I have learned a lot.

Teaching different ages and people with different backgrounds has been so inspiring; every single person was so kind and motivated, which made it feel like catching up with a friend.

I also learned Arabic as a complete beginner, and my teacher, Muaz, was great; he made the lessons fun, and I can really feel my progress. He has inspired me to keep learning the language.

It was incredible to see how respected Rafat is by every single person who comes into the Excellence Center. The difference the center has made for so many people is absolutely incredible to see.

As a Japanese, I was very anxious about volunteering in Germany.

However, the members of the Excellence Centre dispelled my anxiety within a minute of meeting them! They are so cheerful and friendly.

I had a wonderful time with my friendly colleagues and cheerful, hard-working students. And I could also go on a wonderful city tour and Arabic Course.

Regarding the Arabic Course, they teach us with the first step of learning new language step by steps. I have finally could introduce myself and make a small talk in Arabic.

From above, I highly recommend this programme to anyone who wants to volunteer in Europe for a short period of time!

Volunteering at the Excellence Center in Hebron for 10 days has been an unforgettable experience. I had the joy of helping amazing kids improve their English and spending meaningful time with them, which was both rewarding and inspiring. Meeting the other volunteers and sharing trips together gave me the chance to learn more about the rich Palestinian culture, its delicious food, and the warm, resilient people who make this place so special.

A huge thank you to teachers Jumana and Duha for their patience and skill in teaching me Arabic – I learned so much and truly appreciated their support. Qatada and Mohammed were incredibly helpful in showing me around and making sure I felt at home. Osama, Marwa, and the rest of the staff welcomed me like family, and made my time in Palestine truly amazing.

I can’t wait to return and spend even more time at the Center, inshallah!

If you want to progress quickly in Levantine Arabic, the Excellence Center and their amazing teachers is the place to go! Doha and Saja were both incredibly kind, welcoming, and very skilled teachers. Most of my classes were one-on-one which meant that everything was tailor-made to my level and the specific things I needed to work on. Classes taught me things that were very helpful to every day life in Hebron, and the homework also helped solidify the things I learned in class. Being immersed in an Arabic speaking city and host family was also so valuable in helping me to improve much faster than if was studying in my home country.

My time at the Excellence Center was life changing in so many ways. When I first made plans to join the Medicine and Healthcare volunteer program, I only planned to stay for a little over two weeks. As I neared the end of my time, I knew there was still much more I needed to learn from Palestine and its people. I ended up extending my stay by another eight days, and I am so grateful that I did. Every moment I spent in Palestine was so enriching and wonderful. My only regret is that I could not stay even longer.

First and foremost, I am so grateful to the Palestinian people for welcoming me everywhere I went. From Hebron, to Bethlehem, to Jericho, to Al-Fawwar refugee camp, the hospitality and generosity was unmatched. One must be prepared to accept lots of tea, coffee, and sweets from locals! Often I was invited to lunch at people’s homes after meeting them only once. There is a strong sense of community and safety everywhere in Palestine. It is evident that everyone feels a responsibility to take care of one another, especially guests.

Visiting Palestine was both culturally and spiritually enriching. There are so many cultural and historic sites to see across the land. Every region has something - the only problem was deciding which places to visit during my limited time in the country! However, the Excellence Center goes above and beyond when it comes to arranging tours, especially within Hebron. Not only do you get to tour fascinating places, but they also provide lots of background information and opportunities to interact with locals. This is unlike many ultra-curated, “touristy” experiences in the Holy Land, which tend to avoid the realities of the occupation and apartheid and how these systems affect the lives of real people.

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 came to Palestine and the Excellence Center expecting the experience of a lifetime, and yet I could never have been prepared for just how awesome it would be. I already hope to return someday. Everything about the experience - the Arabic lessons, the tours, the volunteer opportunities - was top tier. I gained new stories, friends, and perspectives, but I also gained a new home and family. To anyone with an open mind and adventurous spirit, I would wholeheartedly recommend the Excellence Center. You will never be the same.

I stayed at the Excellence Center in Hebron for 5 days and worked as part of the Health and Medical Program. During my time there, I had the valuable opportunity to learn about the health conditions of refugee families in the region. Visiting the refugee camps and local hospitals was a truly eye-opening and meaningful experience that gave me deeper insight into the challenges faced by these communities.

Communication was very good but communication regarding travel and daily schedules with the volunteers can be improved. More clearer coordination would make the experience smoother and more organized.

Overall, I had a very rewarding experience and would definitely recommend the program to others who are interested in health, humanitarian work, and learning about Palestinian society.