Program Reviews

My name is Jessica, I'm Belgian, I have a degree in Communications and work in the field of financial inclusion.

During my three-week stay at the center, I had the chance to assist English language teacher courses for teenagers, and to conduct individual interviews with young university students.

Living in Palestine could not be done this time (it's not my first stay in Palestine) without learning the language. Saja, my teacher, has taught me so much, being both, exigent and cool at the same time. By the way, I've decided to continue my lessons online before my next stay here.

Icing on the cake was the kindness, availability and generosity of the staff, each of them ! And what can I say about the students ... endless smiles.

Living in Hebron is a bit like living in a family cocoon on a large scale! You feel surrounded and safe at all times. Being able to go out for tea in the evening without having to close the car door (something unimaginable in Europe).

My hosts, Marwa, Ossama, Myse and Karim, reminded me of what a family was like, so much so that I felt part of this beautiful family myself.

I had the opportunity to revisit Jericho and Jerusalem (great emotional moment at Al Aqsa on a Friday for Dhur ...). I also visited Ramallah and Nablus. The latter combines tradition and modernity. Mohamad went out of his way to introduce me to a historian ... even though I'd just asked him a question about the origins of the old town.

I’m grateful for everything and look forward to seeing my second home (Palestine) and Family very soon.

Salam, I’m Rebekah from New York! I came to volunteer in Hebron October 2024. I’ve always been interested in Palestinian culture and the complicated history of the area, and I was looking for an opportunity to not only visit, but also volunteer in the community. It has been such a meaningful experience hearing from those actively living under the Israeli occupation and better understanding the Palestinian way of life in the West Bank. Hebron has been a wonderful home; Palestinians are some of the nicest people I’ve ever met, and despite the situation in Gaza and the regional tensions, Hebron feels very, very safe. The accommodations are so nice and conveniently located. The center feels like a family, eating meals together and going on excursions. There are many guides to show you around the area and teach you about the history and current state of the city. Everyone is eager to help you with everything, from giving cafe recommendations to practicing your Arabic. And the Arabic classes are so helpful! The teachers are wonderful. I would recommend working with the Excellence Center to anyone interested in volunteering in Palestine.

I was looking for an in-country German course to improve my language skills but found much much more at the Excellence Centre. As a retiree amongst mostly gap year overseas students, I was welcomed with open arms and made to feel part of the extended family. I had the opportunity to teach conversational English to a young refugee school student, which was a pleasure and we had many laughs! My German lessons were also made entertaining by Moaz and the other students, in my mind the best way to learn and improve! The support provided by the centre went over and beyond. I felt really well cared for and appreciated by everyone. It is a place and experience I now hold close to my heart. If chance comes my way again, I would love to return for more.

I spent 4 weeks at the Excellence Center teaching English and studying German. I'm currently on a gap year and graduated with my Bachelor's in Psychology last December. I had gotten a TEFL certificate a while ago and wanted to put it to use, and I felt like this program was a good opportunity to practice teaching in a comfortable and flexible environment, and I was right. Rafat was incredibly welcoming and the environment was very relaxed. Even in the off-season, there were several volunteers at the center who all came from a range of backgrounds and ages. I took German lessons with Muaz which were always engaging and entertaining. You are responsible for your lessons and schedule, so I would come into this program with a self-motivated and open-minded mindset. Beyond just language learning, you will find so much cultural exchange here as well. During my time here, the center moved to a new beautiful location which is a perfect representation of the continued growth and improvement of the program. All the staff, volunteers, and students are like a small family and you can tell that this experience leaves an impression on everyone involved.

I have a Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, and Public Policy. I was born in India and spent most of my life in the United States. I participated in the Volunteer and Study Arabic program at the Excellence Center.
At the Excellence Center I engaged in activities to teach students English, to learn Arabic, and to understand the culture and life here by visiting places, camps, and engaging with local community.
I found a lot of value in my Arabic lessons and I feel like I have a beginner level understanding of the language and will continue my studies to improve further.
I found the Excellence Center’s environment very conducive for learning, teaching, and with the most amazing leaders and staff.
In my time here I was able to visit the various factories for local crafts, the Old City, multiple refugee camps, holy/religious sites, and even a wedding.
During my time here I took trips to Bethlehem and Jerusalem.
I really enjoyed living in Hebron City, it is a full of the nicest people I have ever met.
During my whole time here I felt very safe in Hebron City and during my trips to other cities.
My favorite thing about Palestine is definitely the people – the kindest and most inviting.
I loved just walking down the street and random people invite me to sit for coffee or tea and just chatting away for hours.
I will definitely be back – it is great place to visit and volunteer opportunity full of beautiful people.
I highly recommend the Excellence Center to interested in this opportunity – The team here is amazing!

I wasn't sure what to exactly expect when I signed up for 2 weeks of learning German and Teaching English at the Excellence Center in Halle. Being a slower season, the program wasn't as intensive as I had anticipated in either learning or teaching, but what I hadn't anticipated was how enriching it turned out to be in other ways. I did love the German lessons with Muaz and the other volunteers, knowing what I know now I definitely would have signed up for extra hours. I also absolutely loved working one-on-one with the students teaching English and wish I could have continued to see their progress!

Most surprising was how I was able to bond with the other volunteers, even with such an age difference, I found getting to know them, and sharing my stories, as well as the connections we made with Rafat and the staff at the Excellence Center helped to make me feel like a part of something special and in such a short amount of time!

And, Halle! What a beautiful city! Great people, food and culture. It is a warm and diverse city, with many great museums and historical sights to fill any extra time I may have had.

The program and the city have a special place in my heart and I hope to return one day.

This was such an amazing experience. Not only was it fun, but it was extremely educational. There was so much to learn and do even in just the two weeks I was here. The people were so friendly, so exciting. The food is the best. Shawerma everyday. The culture is unique. The energy is lively. There's no question on if I'm coming back or not. I am. And thank you to everyone involved here. I don't know if the experience here could have been any friendlier. The kindness here challenges Canada to be honest. I truly wish I could have stayed longer but I am so glad to come back some time soon!

I didn't know what to expect when I signed up with the Excellence Center. I was going to travel halfway around the world to a place where I didn't speak the language and every day brought alarming news.
The past 3 months volunteering for them have been one of the best experiences of my life.
From the start they welcomed me in like a member of the family. Anything I had trouble with, they were there to help me. Hebron was very different from my hometown of Seattle but thanks to their hospitality within a couple weeks it felt like a second home.
The Center arranged trips throughout Palestine so I could learn more about the situation firsthand. Besides these trips there was always something going on with the other volunteers. On top of that there were the Arabic lessons from a local instructor, and the volunteer activity itself tutoring children in English. Every day was full but it never felt overwhelming.
The political situation here had its ups and downs during my stay but I never felt personally in danger. Hebron is safe. The Excellence Center keeps close watch on the situation to make sure nothing happens to its volunteers.

For anyone who wants to experience the truth of Palestine, and not a narrative spun to fit certain viewpoints and opinions, the excellence center is your single greatest tool.

You will start your journey in Hebron, at the Excellence Center's building near Hussein Stadium. Here, you'll take part in Arabic lessons (which can be scheduled and structured based on your needs/wants), and be taken on tours of the old city. You get out what you put in with the lessons. I was able to learn simple greetings, which can go a long way. Regardless, the staff is highly educated and always ready to help.

With the help of the center, I was able to visit Ramallah, and Bethlehem. As long as you plan ahead, they can help you go wherever you please. When not traveling, you can enjoy the low cost of living that Hebron offers, as well as homecooked breakfast at the Center.

If security is a concern, understand that the excellence center is located in the heart of the Palestinian controlled zone of the city, where there are not armed clashes or raids. Further, both Israelis and Palestinians live in proximity to each other in Hebron (and wherever settlements exist in the West Bank). This means there is little incentive to attack the area via airstrike. As with most everything in life, exercise common sense and listen to the advice of locals. For a comparison, I felt more in danger on vacation in Mexico than at any point during my time in Palestine.

By far, the most memorable and meaningful experience in Palestine is that of the people you'll meet. Kindness exists in abundance here, more so than anywhere I have visited before. You will be regularly invited to have coffee and dinner.

I can not put into words how much I recommend this experience offered through the excellence center.

For anyone who wants to experience the truth of Palestine, and not a narrative spun to fit certain viewpoints and opinions, the excellence center is your single greatest tool.

You will start your journey in Hebron, at the Excellence Center's building near Hussein Stadium. Here, you'll take part in Arabic lessons (which can be scheduled and structured based on your needs/wants), and be taken on tours of the old city. You get out what you put in with the lessons. I was able to learn simple greetings, which can go a long way. Regardless, the staff is highly educated and always ready to help.

With the help of the center, I was able to visit Ramallah, and Bethlehem. As long as you plan ahead, they can help you go wherever you please. When not traveling, you can enjoy the low cost of living that Hebron offers, as well as homecooked breakfast at the Center.

If security is a concern, understand that the excellence center is located in the heart of the Palestinian controlled zone of the city, where there are not armed clashes or raids. Further, both Israelis and Palestinians live in proximity to each other in Hebron (and wherever settlements exist in the West Bank). This means there is little incentive to attack the area via airstrike. As with most everything in life, exercise common sense and listen to the advice of locals. For a comparison, I felt more in danger on vacation in Mexico than at any point during my time in Palestine.

By far, the most memorable and meaningful experience in Palestine is that of the people you'll meet. Kindness exists in abundance here, more so than anywhere I have visited before. You will be regularly invited to have coffee and dinner.

I can not put into words how much I recommend this experience offered through the excellence center.