My Time in Palestine

My time at the Excellence Center was truly outstanding in every single way. I can't illustrate enough how much I'm going to miss the Center, the people in it, and the city of Hebron - but more importantly, I'm so incredibly grateful for my time here. I'll begin with talking about the people of the center. The administrators and Palestinian teachers at the Center are some of the kindest, most compassionate, and helpful people I've had the pleasure of meeting in my entire life. They go out of their way to make sure you are comfortable, happy, and able to fully enjoy Hebron and Palestine. The teachers are incredibly kind, and eager to help would-be teachers in adjusting to teaching in Hebron. The students themselves are smart, almost too smart for their own good, and made every day of teaching challenging - but in a fun way that maximizes the experience and helps the teacher to get the most out of their classes.

The city of Hebron itself is outstanding. The sense of community and how welcoming the people are made me feel right at home. From bodega owners to clothing store clerks, every single person I interacted with in Hebron was incredibly kind and helpful, even if we couldn't communicate fully.

It really does feel like a family at the Excellence Center. Everyone looks out for each other, and you are provided with an outstanding amount of structural support that makes the transition from whatever your home country is to Palestine incredibly easy and painless. The memories of the people I have in Palestine are memories that I will hold dear to my heart, and I can't wait to come back to the Center later on, where I know I'll be welcomed back as an old friend. I highly, highly recommend the Excellence Center in Palestine and I urge anyone who has an interest in Palestine, Arabic, or TESA to seriously consider the Teach English and Study Arabic Program in Palestine.