Garrett Sutherland EC

My name is Garrett and I am from Texas in the United States. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in
Palestine and at the EC. I engaged in numerous activities relating to learning and teaching
languages, visiting various locations in Palestine, and engaging with Palestinian families and
individuals.
I found my Arabic lessons at the EC to be very useful, and learned a great deal while I was in
Palestine. It is very useful to learn vocabulary at the excellence center, then go out in the streets
to practice and use the words that I learned. There is no limit to how much you can learn during
your stay. The center and Al Khalil are an excellent environment to learn and practice.
The excellence center has a very welcoming environment. You will realize immediately that
everyone at the center is very kind and helpful. They will be very happy to help you with any
questions or challenges you face.
I participated in visits and field trips almost every day that I was with the Excellence Center.
They bring volunteers to government buildings, local organizations, and beautiful natural sites.
While I was in Palestine, I visited almost all of the major cities, but one month is not enough to
see all of Palestine. I was able to visit Ramallah, Nablus, Bethlehem, and Al-Quds. While I was
there, I was able to visit the beautiful natural sites there, and spend time in the city centers and
old cities/markets.
Living in Hebron was a seamless experience. I found the people to be very hospitable and
welcoming, and at no point did I get the feeling that the city was unsafe in any way.
I truly enjoyed my time in Palestine and it’s hard to outline my favorite thing about the country. I
thoroughly enjoyed the food, nature, and weather, but sweeter than all of these things was the
people. Everywhere I went, I found people welcoming me, curious to speak with me and help
me with whatever I needed. My time here has created a strong and lasting impression of the
country and people that will stay with me long after I return to the US.
Among my favorite experiences here was when I went up into the mountains in Halhul and ate
Sajiyya and smoked Argila while watching the sunset from atop a high vantage point.
My overall experience in the Excellence Center and Palestine at large was very pleasant, and I
genuinely hope to return one day soon. I’m thankful for the entrance into Palestinian society and
way of life that the Excellence Center provided me.