My experience

My name is Sophie, I’m 20 years old and I came to Palestine from Russia for three incredible weeks. I study standard Arabic language and history of Arabic countries in my university so my trip to Palestine was an opportunity to practice my language skills and increase my knowledge about Palestinian history.

My experience in Hebron and at the Palestine Centre was interesting and fascinating. I really enjoyed working in a center with children because they are always so happy to see foreigners from another countries, to speak with them in English and to ask some questions about their traditions and culture. The children are really engaged in the studying and learning.

During my volunteering period we visited an Old City of Hebron, some historical places of Hebron, factories and refugees camp. We’ve seen how live Palestinians people under Israel’s occupation and talked with people who suffer from it. In factories we observed the process of making glass, pottery and tissue. Also we have English classes in beautiful Palestinian villages and I personally felt in love with some of local villages (Surif is one of my favorite places in the world now!).

What I like most in the Palestinian culture it’s the people. They are really hospitable, friendly and welcoming. They always invited me in their houses, talked with me about their cultures and lavished me with traditional Palestinian meals.

As for me, Palestine is safe. I feel myself safety all the time I was here. I am absolutely not scared to walk alone or riding in a taxi or just sitting in public places.

I would recommend other people to visit Palestine and to meet local people and to admire their open-mindedness and hospitality (and to try traditional maqluba!). I am grateful to the program to the opportunity to feel real Arabic culture, to live with lovely host-family and know more about Palestine just the way it really is.