Teach Conversational English in Palestine 2025/2026

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!

Hi, I'm Naurin. I helped volunteer here for a very short time in my eyes, because it really passed by so quick. But I loved every single bit. I was already here for a week in Palestine so I got to know Hebron very well before. But one thing about being here is that I was able to have amazing conversations with some of the younger people here who are going to school. It was really eye opening getting to know their day to day life and it was eye opening for these students to even know about my life and where I grew up, and for them to understand not only the American culture I came from, but also the Bangladeshi culture I came from. It was really amazing getting to know one-on-one with these students. I feel like I truly personally connected with them and I really hope to continue to keep in touch even when I have to leave here. Overall in general, despite the situation going on, the occupation, going through checkpoints and seeing soldiers with machine guns and tactical gear walking around, I really loved being here. I LOVE the sense of community here and I really rarely see that even in the US. I love how everyone helps everyone out no matter what. In terms of safety, as a foreigner, especially as a woman, I did feel very safe. I've walked around at night time by myself and it hasn't been a problem. I don't recommend it in general tbh lol, but just to show that indeed I did feel safe even when I was walking around myself. Truly great experience!

I had a wonderful time in Palestine. The experience was amazing and the teachers are easy going and make sure you’re comfortable each step of the way.

The schedule is very easy work with. You get to the Centre for 10am and they provide you breakfast. Traditional Palestinian breakfast. Hummus with olive oil and zataar. Falafels are also provided. The English classes are helpful to the students as it gives them the opportunity to speak English. They may be uncomfortable at first but after the a few sessions, they become a lot more confident. When they get to know you, they even invite you over for dinner! As for the Arabic classes, the teachers are very friendly and polite and make it easy for you to learn the language. They go at a pace which you find comfortable. Any questions you have, they will answer.

Outside of the Centre, the people of the city are very kind and considerate. They invite you to talk with them as well as invite you to eat. They are also helpful with giving directions, asking questions as well as giving a history review of Hebron.

I say it is a must to come to Palestine and give the people the opportunity to learn. Everyone is fantastic and extremely considerate of you. You’ll definitely enjoy your time. I really want to come again and spend more time with families, making new friends as well as learning more about the culture.

Coming here was somewhat scary yet exciting. My fear came from all I saw and read in the media which was a mistake. From my journey here to now, the entire process has been relaxing and made me feel at ease. I felt safer here than I did in my home city. I learnt a lot about the Palestinian culture and even learnt to make Maqlouba, Rawaq Alainab (stuffed grape leaves) and Koshray (Egyptian dish). I will not be able to get hummus from Tesco in London after tasting the hummus here. The hummus in Palestine is very smooth and creamy. I am surprised that I went my entire stay here with healthy food consisting, black olives, eggs, cucumbers, tomatoes, labneh, hummus and bread. Palestinians are kind and welcoming in nature and they have a heart of gold. I have not experience this level of hospitality anywhere else. Growing up as a Muslim, it is eye opening to witness locations on the holy land such as Masjid Al Aqsa and Ibrahimi Mosque. I am the only one in my entire family generation to visit Al Aqsa mosque and I feel privilege to be able to do so. It is the third holiest site in Islam. The experience has reaffirmed me in my beliefs. This experience has changed me as a person. I am never going to be the same person again. I have become more empathetic and open minded and understanding towards Palestine, the cultural differences and its' people.

I volunteered to teach English at the Go Palestine centre for a month from December 2022 to January 2023, and my experience was overwhelmingly positive.

My time at the centre was spent teaching English twice a day, with each class about 90 minutes long, and taking Arabic classes twice a week. Fridays and Saturdays are the weekend, and there is always something to do, whether it's visiting a different Palestinian city, or a social engagement with someone in Hebron, who will be very happy to show you around.

On Mondays, the centre will travel to a location of historical or political importance in or near Hebron. These were often refugee camps or Hebron's famous old city. These visits will show you the uniqueness of Palestine's situation, and allow Palestinians to tell their stories.

The Palestinians I met were all extremely friendly, and very happy to invite me over for dinner, go bowling, show me the old city, or any number of activities. I was worried that Palestine would be too traditional for me, but this was not the case. Everyone I met was accommodating towards our cultural differences, including on matters of religion.

importantly, my experience of Hebron was also completely safe. I never once felt in any danger, contrary to what I had heard prior to my visit.

I would absolutely recommend people interested in the program to take part, and see Palestine for yourself!

I really don't know from where to begin. I spent the most wonderful month in Palestine and it was the best experience of all. My name is Ashley from Britain. I came to Palestine to participate in the teaching in Palestine Program, where I was able to teach many Palestinians of all ages, as I taught school students and university students. My students were very friendly and very eager to learn :))

One of the best thing I had there was staying with a lovely Palestinian family, I felt home with them and learned a lot about the culture and their daily life as Palestinians. It was defenitly an eye opening for me as I found everything here different from what we usually see in the media. Palestine is completely safe, and I never once felt unsafe.

The center also organised day trips to refugees camps in Hebron and Bethlehem, where I had the chance to know about refugees' living conditions and listened to many stories. I also had the opportunity to learn the Arabic language with my amazing teacher Mohammad, who has a distinctive and wonderful style, and I really improved my Arabic. "Momtaz" was my favourt word btw as my teacher used to say it to me every time I say or write something correctly.

My volunteer journey was an amazing experience that will remain in my memory forever thanks to all the people at Go Palestine who helped me and was there when I needed them. I highly recommend traveling to Palestine and joining the Go Palestine's fabulous programs. Don't think twice :)

My name is Livia and I work for an International Foundation based in New York City. I first visited Palestine in March 2018 for a work trip and this was my second visit to the West Bank. I have a personal interest in the MENA region and Palestine in particular and was very happy to have the chance to meet local Hebron residents and learn more about Palestinian culture.
During this most recent trip volunteering with Go Palestine, I taught a few English classes to school girls aged 11-12, which was a wonderful experience as I found them very eager to learn and excited to have a new teacher, even if for just a few days. I also had the chance to take a couple of Arabic lessons and really liked my teacher Asma. The program also included a visit to the old city of Hebron and the Hirbawi factory, which is the last factory making traditional Palestinian Keffiyeh. During my stay I was hosted by a local family which gave me a further glimpse of daily life in Hebron. It was overall a good experience and my only regret is that my stay was too short, though I hope to return for a longer period next time around.
What I find most amazing about Palestine is the fact that people are so welcoming to foreigners even though they experience serious daily challenges due to the political situation there, some of which are caused directly or indirectly by foreign governments. Despite this, as long as you express interest in discovering the region and having discussions, no one will hold this against you and Palestine is overall a very safe place to travel. Palestinians will welcome you into their homes and share their culture, delicious food and other traditions with anyone interested in learning more about their country. While Hebron does experience more tension than other parts of Palestine, I still felt completely safe while I was there.
I recommend to anyone interested in the region and looking for a powerful learning experience to join one of the volunteer opportunities in Hebron. It is an experience that will have long-term benefits and will provide lasting memories to all parties involved.

Hello,
My name is Chantal Udressy and I come from Switzerland. I have a Masters in English and French and I teach teenagers and young adults. I took part in the Program “Teach Conversational English in Palestine” with Go Palestine in Hebron.
During my three weeks there, I mainly taught English in some villages and in Hebron. The children and teenagers were very welcoming and eager to learn. I enjoyed teaching basic English to children in Seera (Dura) and in Soureef. In addition, the exchanges with the students with a more advanced level (in Hebron) was a great opportunity for me to discover many elements about Palestinian culture and lifestyle.
I also had great Arabic lessons with Nadine; she is very sweet, motivating, patient, and she explains the concepts clearly! I have learnt some basic Arabic and I hope to keep on studying this beautiful language. The Center’s environment is good: the staff is always available and helpful, the teachers are kind and talkative. Regarding the volunteers, they are friendly and funny.
Moreover, I participated in various activities with the Center. I visited the Old City of Hebron and the Ibrahimi Mosque, as well as the Russian Orthodox Church. The Center also organized a visit of a Bedouin village: it was tough to realize how the life of its inhabitants is affected by the presence of settlers. I enjoyed the evening where we played soccer, went to the swimming pool, and had a barbecue with some people of the neighborhood. Perhaps the most memorable experience was the trip to Akka: it was nice to spend time on the beach and to visit this beautiful city with the staff, volunteers, and Palestinian families.
Beyond my visits with the Center, I went to Bethlehem, Jerusalem and Nazareth – cities that I really appreciate. I also (re)discovered Jenin and Nablus. I love travelling in Palestine, admiring nature, visiting cities and meeting people.
I lived in Halhul with a lovely family: they welcomed me well, spent time with me, wanted to improve their English and taught me a bit of Arabic. However, living in this part of Palestine was challenging for me because it was really different of my previous experiences in other Palestinian cities. Here, the majority of people is not used to see foreigners and feeling awkward while walking into the streets is not a good impression.
Concerning safety and security in Palestine, I did not have any problems: all went well to arrive in Hebron and to travel to the different cities. Nevertheless, it is impressive and depressing to see occupation all over the place, with the soldiers, towers, wall and checkpoints.
What I like the most about Palestine is its importance for religion, its history and its landscapes. It goes without saying that I love the friends that I have here. I have had many good experiences in Palestine but if I had to remember only one, it would be having spent time in the Old City of Jerusalem with a local friend: indeed, it is very different to discover how people live there instead of visiting as a tourist.
To be honest, I do not have a clear lasting impression about Palestine, I suppose that it will me take time to grasp the meaning of this experience and to realize how much I have learnt. My overall experience with Go Palestine and in Palestine is challenging but worthwhile.
Last but not least, I would recommend the following: it would be great to improve the organization. For example, the visits are very nice but not always “officially” announced; thus, it would be good to receive more information about them.
It would also be welcomed to have a better connection between the old center (where I had my Arabic lessons) and the new one (where I taught and from which I left for the villages). Indeed, I almost never had the opportunity to have breakfast with the volunteers because I had to move from one center to the other.
Additionally, fifty children in one class (like in Siraa) is often overwhelming. I hope that it will be possible to split the class into two groups in order to adapt the teaching to the level of children. Effectively, with so many of them, the noise is inevitable, and the gaps between the levels is huge.
Finally, benefiting more from the presence of volunteers would be a good idea: we are often in a hurry only to end up waiting for a long time; the schedules are not clear and change frequently. With an improvement of organization – namely regarding the transports to the villages –, teaching could be more effective.
I want to thank all the people involved with the Center: the job done here is crucial, the programs are various and interesting.