Program Reviews

I was a volunteer at the Excellence Center for four weeks in November/December 2025, on the teach English/learn Arabic program.

My experience was overwhelmingly positive and enormously educational. Like many volunteers coming to Palestine at this time, I was motivated by a horror at what I had seen happening in Gaza, and a desire to lend support to, and show solidarity with the Palestinian people. During my time here, through visits to refugee camps, to Palestinian villages being threatened with destruction because of the desire of the Israeli settlers to take the land, and generally through witnessing the everyday life of the citizens of Hebron, the oppressive effects of the Occupation in the West Bank became very clear.

My most abiding impression is the warmth and openness of the Palestinian people. For someone coming from the UK, I was struck by how safe and crime-free the streets of Hebron feel. There is a strong community here—extended families support one another to a far greater degree than we are used to in the UK—and that helps underpin a safer environment. There may be a perception from abroad that the West Bank is a dangerous place, particularly since the events of October 2023. But that is simply not true.

As far as the Center is concerned, the quality of the Arabic teaching is high, but the English teaching is a little disorganised. There is a fast turnover of teachers, with some volunteers who are here only for a week or two taking over, and there is not much structure to the course. I would have preferred them to supply textbooks, or at least print-outs to the students. I had actually brought a printer with me to Hebron, so I was able to given them written sheets; but obviously most volunteers wouldn’t be in this position.

Overall, though, it was an extremely rewarding experience, and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to gain insight into the Arab-Israeli conflict.

I was in the Excellence Center for eight days and loved it. The appartments are big and in a quiet area. The friendliness of the people there is unbelievable, it's like a big family and after one day you feel like just a part of that family.
The volunteers come from a range of different countries, you don't have to be a native english speaker. I enjoyed the Arab lessons with my wonderful teacher Doha. I improved a lot and i loved to try the new words in the kitchen or at the souk after the lessons.

The tours through Al Khalil showed us deep insights in the circumstances, in which the people live here.
Please don t be afraid about our safety. As a foreigner, you won t have problems. I felt totally safe, also when i walked alone through the town.

This week was too short and i'll come back.

One advice: if you come in winter, don't forget warm clothes, Al Khalil is in the mountains and it is cold here.

I had one of the best experiences of my life working with this organization. The best part of my trip was the other volunteers i was working with, i have made friends for life we all came alone and left as a family.

The staff and teachers were amazing the host family were supportive of all our needs and wants. Absolutely beautiful experience recommend this to everyone.

The time we spent in the orphanage and refuge camps working with the kids was so special and worth while. My Arabic teacher worked so hard to teach me she deserves a gold medal her name is Jomana any one lucky enough to get her as a teacher will learn so much in a short time and will come out with a beautiful experience.

Again one of the best times in my life.

Well, I went into the Engage Palestine experience with very little expectations because I had no idea what to expect. I wanted to come and support the Palestinian community but also learn Arabic as well.. the staff Marwa, Osama, Duha, Jojo and Hetem and others were extremely kind and supportive. In addition, I left with making several great friends from my co-volunteers. From the intensive Arabic to meeting with journalists, excursions in old city Hebron, visiting activists and hospitals with Osama and the weekends where I spent traveling with the rest of the group on our own. I can’t think Marwa and the women enough for their hospitality and Osama for his guidance. This was an experience I will never forget…so much so I will probably return.

This is now my third stay in the West Bank. When I first came in 2023, I stayed in Bethlehem and visited Hebron only for a day as a tourist. I didn’t spend enough time there to form any lasting impression.

When I returned to Hebron in February 2025, almost no tourists were around due to the circumstances at the time. Just walking down the street made me stand out. Yet every person I passed greeted me with a warm smile and a heartfelt “Welcome!” Whenever I looked the slightest bit lost, someone immediately came to help.

I was quickly captivated by the people of Hebron, and I realized how special this place truly is. I promised myself that I would come back again soon. Even after I returned to Japan, I found myself thinking about Hebron every day—missing it, longing to return. Nine months later, as soon as I received my paid leave, I booked a flight and came back for my third visit.

During my last stay, I taught English to children in a refugee camp in Hebron. They were so charming and full of life that I promised them, “I’ll come back for you.” To keep that promise, I again chose to work at the camp this time. When I arrived, the kids who remembered me ran up and hugged me. They feel almost like my own children—so precious and impossible not to adore. Their English has improved even more since my last visit, and they were all so eager to learn. I can only pray that they will continue to receive the good education they deserve.

What made this stay different from my previous two was living in an apartment with other volunteers. Before, I had always stayed with a local family. This time, three cheerful and warm-hearted girls who had already been living there for a few weeks welcomed me into the apartment. They embraced me like family from the moment I arrived. We all came from different countries, yet we share the same purpose and the same feelings that brought us to the West Bank. We could talk passionately about Palestine for as long as we wanted—an experience that was both comforting and deeply moving.

And it wasn’t only their company that made my stay in the apartment so enjoyable. The wonderful host family lived right next door to us. They constantly looked out for us, made sure we lacked nothing, and offered us such warm hospitality that every day felt exceptional. I could happily live in that apartment forever.

I also loved my Arabic lessons at the center. In Japan, I usually study Arabic on a language app, but apps can’t correct my pronunciation or writing. Having one-on-one lessons this time helped me discover many of the mistakes and weak points I have. Since there is almost no place in Japan to study Levantine Arabic, learning directly from a local teacher here was incredibly valuable. When I return to Japan, I’ll try my best to continue studying Levantine Arabic so that I can improve before I come back to Hebron again.

Soon I will have to leave and return to my country. But I know I will come back to Hebron again before long. I know when I get back to my ordinary life in Tokyo, I will think of my days here, miss this place deeply, and long to see the people of Hebron once more.

I’ve traveled to many countries and cities around the world, but I have never known a place with kinder people than Hebron. I want to keep coming back and call this place my second home.

My experience at the Excellence Centre was great. the people of Palestine welcomed me with warmth and kindness. We were given many opportunities to connect with people and community agencies. The center offers quality Arabic classes with experienced teachers, well educated worth my time. My Arabic teacher Lana put in a lot of time and effort to help give me a solid foundation for the language. Through my time with the center I was able to meet like minded people from all over the world allowing me to make international connections and friends for life.

My internship at the Excellence center in Hebron, Palestine was an unforgettable experience that had meaningful impact on both my personal and professional growth. This was my first time outside of the county, and the Excellence Center made it such an easy experience as a first timer. Throughout my time, I had the privilege of contributing to the local community while expanding my understanding of the legal field in Palestine. I love this community and I will return again to learn and help more!

I truly enjoyed my experience at the Excellence Center in Hebron. Through the teaching English program, I was given the opportunity to teach local students in schools, take excursions to sites around the West Bank, and develop a strong bond with the students, program leaders and volunteers. The program is very well structured and the hospitality is incredible. In the short time I was with the center, I felt I was able to make an impact on local students, which really meant the world to me. You really feel like the center is one big family with the same mission. Everyone eats together and does activities together in addition to the volunteering. The dorms are kept clean and conveniently located walking distance from the center. Everything was great, from the volunteering to the Arabic lessons to the tours. I really can't say enough good things about the Excellence Center.

This was the first solo trip of my entire life, and it became a deeply meaningful experience for me both as a human being and as a midwife. I had planned to enter Palestine by crossing the King Hussein Bridge, the border between Jordan and the West Bank. However, the Palestinian side is under Israeli control, and I was very nervous because I come from a Muslim-majority country, even though I hold an Italian passport.

When I arrived at the Israeli-controlled part of the border, the officers asked me several questions about my trip and kept me waiting for about thirty minutes. Then another officer asked me the same questions again. Eventually, I was allowed to cross.

Thankfully, I was well prepared. I had booked hotels and B&Bs in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv with free cancellation, and I printed out my fake itinerary in case they asked for proof. So when the officers questioned me, I answered calmly, without hesitation, and without showing how nervous I really was.

Alhamdulillah, once I crossed the border, I took a bus to Jericho, where I had arranged a pick-up with the Excellence Center. Mohammed, the taxi driver, was waiting for me — he was the first Palestinian person I met on this beautiful journey. So, if you are wondering whether you can cross the border or not, don’t hesitate. Go. Despite the stress before crossing, I swear, it is worth it.

I was able to stay for only ten days, but they were enough for me to understand how magical and beautiful Hebron is. I felt part of a big family, surrounded by love, protection, and an incredible enthusiasm to share their life and culture. Osama and Marwa, who run the Center despite all the difficulties, made me feel truly welcomed.

I joined the health care program and had the opportunity to participate in the “Women 4 Women” project and I was deeply moved to see how women have so much power there to transform women’s healthcare.

I also had the chance to visit the hospital and speak with my midwives colleagues there. I admired them greatly. I met wonderful people who will remain in my heart forever. Even though I left almost two months ago, I still cry when I look at the photos because this experience changed my life. I realized that while I went there to help people as a volunteer, in many ways, they were the ones who helped and saved me.

Now, I cannot wait to return to my beloved Hebron.

The Excellence Center was very welcoming and assisted in navigating how to travel to Palestine safely. They are very flexible with arrival and departure times. I stayed in a shared dorm with a great group of friendly guys, which was in a good location close to the center. It was an incredible experience where you are immersed with the Palestinian people and have opportunities to travel all around Palestine. It was very eye opening to see the effects of the occupation on the locals daily lives, and the ways the army tries to make life harder for them through violence and apartheid.