Volunteer & Study Arabic In Palestine (1-13 Weeks)

During my week at the Excellence Center, I began learning Arabic, I worked with Palestinian kids in an English club, and got the chance to go to a refugee camp and talk with some students about their experiences. I honestly could not recommend this program enough. The community of volunteers and workers here are fantastic. When working with Rafat and Osama, the leaders of the program while I was there, I always felt as though my best interests were taken into account and they both went out of their way to make my week the best it could be. Also, the other volunteers are some of the nicest people I have met. I immediately felt comfortable around everyone and was able to make friends and build community. Two of the nights I was here, we were able to have iftar at the center and it is one of my many highlights to my week in Hebron. Being able to learn about Palestine more, and doing it by engaging with and talking to Palestianians was so incredible and I could not recommend doing something like this with any other organization. My week here was so memorable and I cannot wait to come back.

My time at the Excellence Center has been an experience I will never forget. From beginning to end, the people of Palestine have been the most genuine and hospitable. My host family, students, volunteers, even the local merchants welcomed me with open arms into their culture and daily life. For the short time that I was here, I participated in English Club, took Arabic class, volunteered at refugee camp Fawwar, and got to explore the city of Hebron. English club was my favorite activity I participated in. Not only did I get to witness ten- to sixteen-year-old children become more confident in their English-speaking abilities, but I got to build authentic connections with the students. The Excellence Center expresses that it “brings people together,” and that is exactly what happened this week. I am leaving with a lifetime of friendships and memories. Thank you to everyone who made this week what it was. The Excellence Center is a magical place, and I will be back inshallah!!

I had amazing time in Hebron, I learned so many new things here about human rights,Learning wasnt only in class I was learning outside class from pepole,I recommend that place to everyone,I come back here,I meet here so many fantastic pepole.I feel very safe here pepole on the street are very kind.I was learning arabic with Doha ans Saga the are so good teachers after one week I improve my Arabic.Food is definitely what everone has to try specially makluba.The centrum has a family atmosphere. Bartek

I volunteered in the center in Technology programme for approx. week and the half and really enjoyed the experience. Because it was so immersive, I was able to learn basics of Arabic language even in such a short time. I was able to share my "technology" experience with the students of the center and really felt that it made some impact. But be prepared for adjusting for the needs of the students (obviously).
I was staying with nice host family, which made me feel like a part of the family and provided me with nice clean room, where I could have my privacy.
In the center there are always some other volunteers/students, so you can organize the trips together on the days off.
Before arriving here I was having some thoughts about safety and staying in the country where I have never been before and without language skills. This proved to be completely unnecessary (although googling some basic words could be helpful). The city itself felt really safe and I enjoyed walking on the street full of caffees and eat a lot!
I would recommend to opt for longer stay (week or two is quite short to experience everything) and come hungry, as the food is delicious! If you are not coming in the summer, bring extra warm clothes.

I was thoroughly impressed with the Centre's organisation and how well they planned a personalised iternary for me. I was able to see and do a lot of the things I wanted to do for instance, going to the Blind School or visiting the camps. However, Osama also planned a few addditional activities that were extremely enlightening such as seeing a local artist.

I didn't know what to expect coming here as it isn't your typical holiday, but nontheless I was blown away by the hospitality of my host. Her family were so warm and welcoming, it almost felt as if I had known them from before. They were extremely accomadating, cooking food, giving us towels and creating a comfortable environment. They tried to get to know me even with their lack of English which was so lovely.

The Arabic classes dramatically helped in acclimatising to the culture and enabling even the smallest of conversations to take place. When out and about, a lot of the locals would want to converse creating a greater sense of warmth towards the people.

Though you would assume it is extremely unsafe due to a particular portrayal of the country, actually at times I forgot this was the case. The Centre did a brilliant job of making us aware of potential dangers if there were any. When we went to Shahada Street, we were told to take our passports for the security check point and allowed to visit a Palestianian family from this area.

The entire experience consisted of tears of happiness and sadness. There were moments of thought provoking discussions that enabled us to gain a better understanding of things from the eyes of the people. A genuine perspective of the reality of the situation.

I would highly recommend you make the visit to come here and see first hand how the country is like. It will be far from how you expect it to be and will truly blow you away with it's warmth. It is safe and hosts a great atmosphere. An experience of a lifetime!

Things we did:
Arabic classes
Taught English
Visitied Shahada Street
Met Nisreen and heard her story under the occupation
Visitied Al - Fawar campsite
Visited the Blind School
Visited a local Artist - Rani Sharbaati
Visited a Professor from the University of Hebron
Vistied Ibrahim Mosque and Mosque of Younus
Visited Jericho/Bethlehem.

I joined the medical program for a week in September, and it was one of the most eye-opening experiences of my life.

While I was there, there were so many organised activities for me to do. First, I was taken round the old centre, being taught about the history and culture of the people. The team member was very knowledgeable about the discrepancy in healthcare and education, paying great attention to prominent buildings, symbolism and infrastructure conditions. Visiting the nursery brought back memories of being in a very similar one, and I was also shown an excellent view from the rooftop of the old city. I also spent time receiving teaching with the other Palestinian medical students, and getting a tour of the hospitals (private, public and settlement hospitals). All the hospital staff explained their role and how things were run inside. I was even invited to see the new centre for imaging which had an MRI scan, CT and X-ray. Each day, I was taught about the politics of Palestine and more about the conflict which was upsetting, but also really helpful in my understanding.

I had several Arabic lessons which were very helpful, although intense. I continued to study Arabic when I got back to the UK. The rest of the staff were lovely and helpful, giving me advice on the culture and tips for learning the language. I was shown around the streets and shops where everyone said 'hello'. The centre is a small, close-knit community, and I enjoyed getting to know everyone, sharing breakfast in the mornings and having spontaneous conversations with everyone throughout the day. At the end of our stay, a group of us even explored the rest of Palestine including Bethlehem, Nablus and Jerusalem.

One of my favourite parts was living with my host family. I could not have been placed in a better family, who was not only a short walk to the Excellent Centre, they were the most hospitable, welcoming family I have met. I spent each evening laughing and dancing with the kids, eating with my host family, and joining in with domestic activities such as shredding leaves off a branch, and storing home-made jam. I found this hospitality and warmth was common with all Palestinian people I met. I felt safe and well cared for throughout the whole of my stay. One of my favourite memories was being invited to a celebration party and really enjoyed the dancing, singing and colour, as well as being taught how to use oil pastels.

I am definitely coming back to Palestine to get to know people in Hebron better. I would also like to improve my Arabic at the Excellence Centre for a longer time period, as well as living with a host family again. I would absolutely recommend that people go out there with an open, non-judgemental mind, and listen to the stories and history, getting to know the people and culture. Thank you to the staff at the Excellent Centre for making this possible. God bless you all!

Being at Excellence has meant a change in my professional career and in my personal life. The center really cares about the volunteers and prepares very complete activities. In addition, you learn a lot about human rights and the experience in the COMMUNITY PROGRAM and teaching in the fields has been incredible. I feel that I have grown a lot these weeks here. I have been able to learn a lot about the right to the press and the lack of opportunities for children in the fields. The center works very hard to give the best care to the refugees and it is a pleasure to be able to collaborate with them. They always send you the program and give you the tools to do the job properly.
Hopefully come back soon! I will miss you, guys!

During the short time I was in Palestine and at the Excellence Center, I not only felt very safe, but very welcomed by everyone in the Center. Even late at night I did not feel uncomfortable walking about the area around the Center and Ein Sara Street. Everyone at the Center is very kind and welcoming and I have really valued understanding more about the situation here. Also very grateful for the opportunity to see local businesses and visit the old town to understand more about the challenges Palestinians face there