Program Reviews

I spent 1 week in February 2026 teaching English and learning Arabic at the Excellence Center in Europe (Halle (Saale), Germany). I am a 17-year-old female student from the Netherlands. Overall, I had a wonderful experience, met fantastic people from all around the world, improved my English teaching skills, and learned a bit about Middle Eastern culture (language, cuisine).

Accommodation: I stayed in an apartment in the Südstadt area of Halle (Saale), which was around 25-30 minutes away from the Excellence Center by tram or 50 minutes on foot. It is away from the center, but the commute is straightforward, so this wasn't really a problem. I had my own room, but rooms may be shared if there are more volunteers, and I shared the apartment with 2 other (both female) volunteers who were very nice. There was a shared bathroom and kitchen. Each room had 2 beds or a bunk bed, a closet, and a desk. There are a few rules for cleaning and being quiet at nighttime that are not too restrictive.

The Excellence Center/volunteer teaching time: The Center itself is in the city center, which is convenient for exploring. The volunteers (us 3 girls and 1 other boy) ate breakfast together at 10 in the morning from Monday to Thursday, which consisted of pita bread, hummus, plain yogurt, olive oil, and cut vegetables (tomatoes/cucumbers/bell peppers). I taught 1-3 English lessons of 1-1.5 hours every day except for Friday, when there are no lessons or breakfast for volunteers. (I was prioritized since I was only there for 1 week; some of my fellow volunteers had only 1 lesson a day or less, but this is quite flexible.) I had my 3 hours of Arabic lessons all in a row on 1 day, which was a fun experience. I got to learn some basics while making friends with my Arabic teacher.

The Excellence Center also employs paid teachers who give paid English or German lessons, but there are usually several volunteers at a time who give free English or German lessons to people, usually refugees or children. I taught 4 people in total, 2 young men (around 20 years old) from Syria, and 2 young boys (around 10 years old) with parents from abroad. It was an honor to connect with them, and I definitely felt that I was having a positive impact on their English learning journeys (and I would even go as far as to say their lives). It was also very nice to get to know the other volunteers and paid working teachers at the Excellence Center; this place attracts very nice people.

The city of Halle (Saale): It is a pretty small city, but it is charming and nice to be in. The volunteers got a tour from Rafat, the Excellence Center's director, on the first day, which was lovely. Everything to see in the city center is within walking distance of the Excellence Center. Everything is well-connected by public transportation, especially trams.

Staying at the Excellence Center in Hebron was a wonderful experience. I was enrolled in the super intensive Arabic program with teacher Haya. She was so patient, knowledgeable and kind. We practiced reading, writing, grammar, and speaking daily. I came here feeling very nervous to speak, but Haya helped me develop confidence in myself and my ability to continue learning even after I leave the center. In addition to class, I learned about Palestinian culture and history here in Hebron. I could not recommend the Excellence Center enough. I hope to return soon.

This experience has been unique and unforgettable. It has shaped my understanding of Palestine, its law, and most importantly, its people.

The center has allowed me to be exposed to the reality of the country, its challenges under occupation, and its most beautiful parts.

The people at the center make you feel at home from day one, being always welcoming and available for you to have the best experience. The Arabic teachers are very professional and amazing people that will become your friends.

You will be able to see, eat, live and experience anything you can imagine.

I cant wait to come back to my second home!

The communication before my arrival and during my stay was amazing! I had clear instructions how to arrive, felt very welcomed when I arrived and most important, I felt very safe.

During my stay the Centre made sure, that I had enough work to do and received all important information about the life of Palestinian people. The program was incredibly diverse: I taught English in private lessons as well as in the refugee camp, I visited the outskirts of Hebron several times and heard many different opinions. Is program is highly recommendable to people who want to experience the hospitality of Palestinian people and learn about the day to day during the conflict. You will feel, that you are truly helping and learning.

Volunteering in The Excellence Center has helped me in more ways than I thought. I thought coming here I would be the one helping people and changing peoples' lives, but instead it was the Palestinians and the people in the center who changed my life and helped me grow and become part of a new family. I have now left the center having found a new family, meeting a bunch of people from the city, becoming part of the community, and learning many stories of Palestinians and seeing many stories be created in front of me.

I have had the privilege of traveling around the world and immersing myself in many different cultures before arriving in Hebron. Without question, the Palestinian people are the friendliest and most welcoming group of people I have ever met. Everywhere you go, people make you feel like family—offering tea and coffee and never expecting anything in return. Everyone I interacted with was simply happy that we were learning about their culture and spending time with them. I made so many friends both inside and outside the Excellence Center, and I have already started making plans to return.

I didn’t know what to expect when I signed up for Arabic lessons, but the teachers at the center are incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and effective. After just three hours a week, I can understand, read, and speak more Arabic than I ever imagined I would be able to. My teacher quickly learned the best way to teach me, and I plan to continue lessons online when I return home.

Having the opportunity to hear firsthand accounts of what the Palestinian people are going through can be difficult at times. I felt helpless and wanted to do anything I could to help. If you feel the same way, I strongly encourage you to take the time to visit Hebron and learn about their culture. Many Palestinians I spoke with told me that the best way to help is to listen and share their experiences once you return home. When I arrived, I expected to find many people discouraged or broken in spirit. Instead, I saw the complete opposite. People are making the best of their situation and refusing to let it bring them down. Witnessing their resilience, positivity, and hospitality was one of the most powerful things I have ever experienced.

Osama and Marwa are the best hosts I could have asked for. They make everyone feel like part of their family, and their hospitality truly makes you want to stay longer. Almost every morning we shared a group breakfast they cooked for us, enjoyed home-cooked dinners most nights, and gathered around a fire at the end of the day. I wouldn’t change anything about my experience here. I’ve made friendships that will last a lifetime.

Before volunteering in Hebron, I had the opportunity to travel around the world. I have been to six out of seven continents and immersed myself in more cultures than I can remember. One thing I do know is that the Palestinian people are the friendliest, most welcoming group of people I have ever met. Everywhere you go people make you feel like family, offer food, coffee, or tea, and never expect anything in return. My time here came to an end quickly, and I am already planning my return trip.

I love learning about history and there is more history about the Palestinian people than anywhere else I have been. There is much to learn just by listening to first hand experiences. I started learning Arabic while being here, with no prior experience. The teachers are amazing and after only 3 hours a week, I am able to understand and read more Arabic than I ever thought I would. I have enjoyed the teachers so much that I will continue online lessons through the center when I return home.

The Excellence Center was extremely hospitable. Osama and Marwa make sure everyone is taken care of and comfortable during their stay. They made me feel like part of their family and I never felt unsafe while being here.

My favorite part about being here (besides the great food), was hearing first hand experiences from Palestinian people. At times it is extremely sad and hard to grasp truly how bad their situation is, but they just want their stories to be heard. I loved listening and asking questions so I could hear from people, not news stations.

One thing that has stuck with me since I got here is the spirits of the Palestinian people. Even with their situation and everything going on, they aren't letting it bring them down. Everyone is extremely positive, welcoming, and strong willed. It's amazing to see.

I stayed in Hebron, Palestine for about Ten days and I wish I could have stayed a bit longer. During my time here we had Arabic lessons in the morning that were easy to understand and learn about, afterwards I was shown around the old city/Hebron and got to hear many stories about the occupation and how Palestinians have been affected. As a foreigner we are very privileged and do not face backlash. Our presence is very much needed because in a way it is a form of protection for Palestinians. There are many check points and will be very strict about who crosses, so always wear your passport and Israeli visa. As for the safety you shouldn't worry so much because we are foreigners.

When I was arranging my visit I made a lot of assumptions, I was so wrong! Let me tell you about the family first- because that is what you will find here, a new family. Osama, Marwa, Doha, the teachers and staff make everyone feel comfortable. Respectful and kind - everyone goes out of their way to welcome you and the warmth and acceptance they show to all is humbling.

Definitely make use of the Arabic lessons - they are invaluable here in Hebron, many people will want to greet you and a little Arabic goes a long way with people in Hebron. The lessons are fun and tailored to your own level.

Hebron is a bustling major city and even for a short visit you can pack in a huge amount - visits to the old city, artisans, factories and the history of the place will fill your days. The surrounding region and countryside is beautiful. The Excellence Centre will allow you to do as little or as much as you like- I would recommend that you take the opportunity to do everything because it is an experience like no other. You can always sleep on Fridays or when you get home :-) But if you want to relax that is fine too.

These visits are so diverse in nature and through them you will learn so much about the situation in Palestine. These are opportunities for you to learn but also contribute in a meaningful way.

The morning breakfasts at the centre are so wonderful, a chance to catch up, plan your day, practice Arabic and eat really delicious food.

The accommodation is really comfortable and clean, a short distance from the centre.

Do I recommend the Excellence Centre? 100%. I have made friends for life in a short space of time and will always value the memories. I'm planning my return journey already.

From the very beginning, I felt part of a big family. Not only with the people running the Center, but also with the teachers and fellow volunteers. New volunteers arrive every week, and it is wonderful how quickly meaningful connections are formed. There is a strong sense of safety and unity, all driven by the shared dream of the pursuit of human rights for everyone.

This experience offers a rare opportunity to understand life in the West Bank from a deep inner perspective. You engage directly with families, schools, and refugee camps. In particular, the refugee camp program focuses on the history and daily lives of children and families living there. Volunteers have the chance to teach English, play games, support research on the camp, and bring joy through music and play. As a researcher in agriculture and food security, I chose this program to grow professionally by learning a new language and gaining valuable field experience in a camp setting.

One meaningful aspects of the program is how the Center tailors each experience to your background, interests, and learning goals. In my case, we introduced musical instruments and began planning music classes for the future in the refugee camp.
Also, you will have the chance to learn and share your life path with the other volunteers.

Beyond your chosen program, being part of the Center allows you to explore many different realities. You visit human rights organizations, factories and artisans, agricultural facilities, and experience local art, music, and food. This gives you a deeper understanding of how life is organized and managed within the unique and complex context of the West Bank.

As a volunteer, you live in a shared house with others, which creates incredibly strong bonds between people, stories, and passions.

I would highly recommend this program to young graduates and professionals interested in working in the field of human rights, but also to anyone who wants to build a future centered on helping others.