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.

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.

This is my second time at the Excellence Center, and it was just as good as the first time. The programs they offer are highly valuable in of themselves, but the center is also a great place to base yourself while in Palestine. The staff knows people all over the West Bank and can find someone to put you in touch with almost anywhere you'd like to visit. As far as safety goes, the West Bank is on most days safer than your average visit to a resort town in Mexico. Everyone at the Center has your best interest in mind and will help keep you safe during your stay.

I spent a week and a half volunteering in Hebron, West Bank. I had a range of experiences from my arrival in Tel Aviv, including learning about the settlements within the Old Town, visiting Bethlehem, Ramallah and Nablus. I learnt Arabic and met many inspirational Palestinians. We visited Masafer Yatta, and learned of the experiences of the Palestinians living in Umm Al-Khair.
A a foreigner travelling in Palestine, I only experienced difficulties and Tel Aviv Airport and when visiting Masafer Yatta.
I would definitely recommend coming to the Excellence Centre for the warm welcome to Palestine, to learn and experience so much, to have a stable base from which to travel and to make solid connections with Palestinians and volunteers.

I spent a week and a half volunteering in Hebron, West Bank. I had a range of experiences from my arrival in Tel Aviv, including learning about the settlements within the Old Town, visiting Bethlehem, Ramallah, and Nablus. I learnt Arabic and met many inspirational Palestinians. We visited Masafer Yatta and learned of the experiences of the Palestinians living in Umm Al-Khair.

A a foreigner travelling in Palestine, I only experienced difficulties and Tel Aviv Airport and when visiting Masafer Yatta.
I would definitely recommend coming to the Excellence Centre for the warm welcome to Palestine, to learn and experience so much, to have a stable base from which to travel, and to make solid connections with Palestinians and volunteers.

If you're not sure how to navigate traveling to Palestine, or didn't even know it was easily possible, the Excellence Center is a great way to do it. Depending on your interest or reason for coming, they can connect you with various NGOs and other organizations in the region, plus offer the a great way to learn Levantine Arabic while helping to teach English to Palestinian students.

Another big part of life at the center are cultural or social events a few times a week, or trips/tours to meet Palestinians who still live in the H2 area of Hebron/AlKhalil or refugee camps. Hebron is among the most culturally traditional parts of Palestine so it's likely to be both quite different and interesting to learn about, coming from other cultures. I myself was connected with rural primary care organizations and got amazing experience shadowing local Physicians.