Teach Conversational English in Palestine 2024/2025

During my stay in July, I volunteered with the Teaching English program, where my schedule was varied and engaging. I worked with excellent English teachers at the center and taught in nearby villages like Beit Ommar, Sureef, and Sair. I also explored Hebron, Akka, and other cities, and took Arabic lessons with a great teacher.

The locals in Hebron were incredibly welcoming, with neighbors always ready to help each other. I was impressed by how Palestinians, despite the occupation and the current situation, continue to make positive changes and support one another. I felt safer in Hebron than I have in America and highly recommend volunteering with Go Palestine.

Hi, my name is Emily. In the last two weeks, I joined the Teaching Conversational English in Palestine program in Hebron, where I taught kids aged 8-12 English. It was an amazing experience. I had never taught English on a large scale before, so I was a little worried, but it turned out to be the most amazing experience ever for me. The kids I taught were eager to learn, and we laughed a lot during the sessions.

The staff were very helpful, the host family was hospitable, and oh, Palestinian food is the best! This program is perfect for anyone looking for a new experience and also to understand the situation in Palestine. I can't recommend it more highly.

Teaching English in Hebron was an amazing experience. The students either adults and kids were eager to learn and their enthusiasm was contagious. Living in Hebron provided a unique cultural immersion that enriched my understanding of the Palestinian people and their daily struggle.

The community's hospitality was incredible, making me feel welcomed and appreciated. This program is perfect for anyone looking to make a tangible impact while gaining a deeper appreciation for Palestinian culture. Highly recommended!

Loved the people, the food, the experience overall has been amazing. It has been very intresting to learn about the history of Hebron, the different families and their daily struggles under occupation. The food is also really good and the people have been really helpful everywhere, even strangers offer you guidance and help when needed. I also loved the activities we partook in, very educational and interesting. I really loved my time here and I hope to come back again next time when there’s finally a ceasefire and the people of Gaza can live in peace .

Visiting Palestine had always been a dream of mine. My recent two-month-long experience with the Teach English in Palestine program completely changed my perspective. Despite the effects of war, the country is beautiful, the people are warm, the food is delicious, and the atmosphere is wonderful.

Teaching English to children in the refugee camps aged 8-13 was incredibly rewarding. The students were eager to learn, and the staff, especially Mr. Mohammad, were very supportive. I also connected with internationals and locals curious about other cultures. In addition, learning some Arabic was a bonus that I plan to continue. My teacher Duaa was amazing! Shukran Duaa :)

Shukran to all of you, and I hope to return in the future!

I'm Linda, a 24-year-old from the USA, and I want to share my recent trip to Palestine, where things are tough due to the Gaza war. Before going, I had some ideas from what I saw on TV, but being there changed everything.

I joined the Teach English in Palestine program at Go Palestine for two weeks, and it was eye-opening. Despite the challenges, Palestine is a beautiful place with stunning landscapes and incredibly friendly people.

I taught English to young adults, and they were super eager to learn, even with everything going on. Ms. Manar and the staff at the Palestinian center were amazing, providing support during tough times.The center became a hub for making friends from around the world. It also connected me with locals trying to build an understanding of the ongoing conflict.

Learning Arabic during this time felt even more special, connecting me to the culture of Palestine. My teacher, Mohammad (Ostaz in Arabic), was excellent and assisted me in enhancing my Arabic skills.

I'm thankful for this trip, as it showed me a different side of Palestine beyond what I initially thought. This experience made me appreciate the strength and resilience of the people in Palestine.

I just hope for a future where there's peace and better times for everyone in the region. I'll definitely come back for a longer time.

The Go Palestine center truly stands out as a beacon of learning and cultural exchange in Khalil. Their dedication to providing volunteers with a well-rounded experience is commendable. The center facilitates meaningful interactions with knowledgeable locals, offering deep insights into the region's history and current dynamics. Their ability to connect volunteers with a range of perspectives, from local families to university chancellors, enriches the volunteer experience significantly. Moreover, the personal connections formed with the students at the center are incredibly rewarding. The center doesn't just offer volunteer opportunities; it fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of Palestinian culture and resilience, making every moment spent there a valuable and enriching experience.

Where do I begin. What an incredible two weeks spent in Hebron with the Go Palestine center. I arrived to Hebron late on a Friday night; much later than intended, as my sherut ride from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem to Hebron was delayed. I was a bit concerned - as any traveler might be - about arriving so late at night, alone, in a place very foreign to me. How wrong I was about my reception and safety into Hebron. One of the program directors Mr Tammimi, was waiting for me with a warm hug and a strong welcome. He had waited 4 hours for me, with no real word on my whereabouts, as my phone was only functional when connected to wifi at the airport. He had faith that I would show up, and I was extremely grateful to have received such a warm welcome in the middle of the night. This moment would be reflective of the rest of my experience at the center, and in Hebron. The hospitality within this community is unrivaled. I have had the privilege to live and work in many countries on many continents, and I do believe the level of community care and brotherhood/sisterhood here is unmatched. Not only for foreign travelers, but also between everyday Palestinians.
I believe that for the first 3-4 days I paid for only one or two meals. It was impossible to pay for my own food. Everywhere I went, whether alone or with a local friend, someone was paying the bill before I could figure out how to ask for it. I was told I was not allowed to pay because I am "a guest". I had to actively invite friends out to meals later in my trip, to make sure I was reciprocating the generosity. I think this community norm, leads to great bond building between friends, neighbors, strangers even - gatherings over food, coffee, prayer, and conversation are a major priority. Strangers know strangers and the bonds of friendship represent those of shared blood. This energy is contagious, and spreads like wildfire. The warmth is inescapable.
Within the program specifically, I was elated to learn that the scheduling style and curriculum was strong, while being flexible. I was given my schedule at the start of each week; each day mapped out with great care. I knew where and when to be, and how long each lesson or class would be. I have taught at other schools in other countries and have found that these organizational opportunities are often overlooked, leaving teachers unorganized, stressed out, and unprepared for lessons. The structure was great - and also left room for last minute changes. The flexibility was of great importance to me - and should be for any traveler here. In a place like Hebron, you must expect and prepare for anything at any time. On my walk to and from the center everyday, I would without fail, be stopped by a local shop owner, student, or merchant, who wanted to shake my hand, welcome me to Palestine, and invite me to their home for lunch or dinner. These opportunities should never be passed up; therefore there were many times where I asked the program directors to re arrange my schedule in order for me to meet a new friend for lunch or dinner; or to take a last minute trip to another city etc. The flexibility is key for anyone interested in truly diving headfirst into the beautiful street life and culture of everyday Palestinians. The world is truly at your fingertips here. The program is supportive of your adventures and wants you to explore independently, while also providing a strong backbone; class schedules, great students, Arabic lessons, great sleeping accommodations, breakfast, tea, taxi services; tour guides upon request, and a network of kind Palestinians ready to help you learn, teach, write, photograph, and capture your experience.

Two weeks was incredible, but I wish I had more time here. Inshallah I will return!