A Brief Stay in Palestine

Hello! My name is Sude, and I'm from the United States. I recently graduated from college with a Bachelor's degree in sociology. I've been at the Excellence Center in Hebron and participating in the Human Rights Program for what has shaped up to be a very short month.
Though you may be intimidated at first by how busy the center seems, most days are actually pretty predictable. During my stay, I went on trips everyday with locals to various organizations to learn more about daily life in Hebron. I had the opportunity to visit Hebron University to learn about educational opportunities in the city, Fawwar Camp to hear from residents and to understand how they organized amongst one another to provide services that the UN could not, in addition to Tel Rumeida and Shuhada Street to observe how apartheid manifests in the heart of this city. Though you may be going on these trips with large groups, I'd encourage you to take the time to speak to activists and locals one on one. This will both enrich your experience in the city and allow you a better understanding of life in Palestine. You may even find that they connect you to other organizations with whom you can volunteer.
Besides the various site visits, I was given two Arabic lessons per week to learn the Palestinian dialect. Especially if this is the first time you're learning Arabic, I'd advise that you take plenty of time outside of class to study vocabulary and grammar, in addition to trying to speak with your host family or other Hebronites who don't know English. Though the teachers at the center are great, classes are not sufficient in and of itself to learn any language. During my time here, I've also traveled to various other cities, such as Jenin and Nablus. These make for easy and exciting weekend trips. Make sure to ask the staff at the center for travel advice!
During the day-to-day operations at the Center, I loved hanging out on the steps or on the benches right outside the main entrance with the staff, students, and volunteers. All of them were incredibly hospitable and eager to have a conversation. In fact, I think I've made some of my best friends on those steps.
Initially, I'd planned to split my time in Palestine between Hebron and Jerusalem. However, after staying with my wonderful host family, I decided to scrap that idea all together. Though you may be unaccustomed to certain traditions or expectations, know that your host family will take care of you as if you were their own. I've loved spending time with them and their relatives, doing my best to speak Arabic, sipping no less than four cups of coffee during the day, and playing with the children.
Generally speaking, Hebron is a very safe and welcoming city. People are open to helping you should you need it, but you'd benefit from knowing a few essential phrases in Arabic. Most of the volunteers here spend their time outside of the center exploring the wide array of cafes on the main street. There's even one right next to a riding stable, should you want to take lessons while you're here! Now, while you're here, you best learn the art of haggling as you may be overcharged for just about any item you wish to buy. Personally, meandering through its streets with my camera in hand is when I felt most connected to this new city. Walking up towards the Old City, I often came across people who pulled me aside, asked where I was from, and without hesitation, bid me to come into their homes for tea. Once, an old man who had stopped me in my path went out of his way to walk me down another road, pointing out buildings which had seemed mundane to my untrained eye, but which were actually host to a complex history.
Palestine is an inarticulable experience. There is no doubt in my mind that you'll love your time here and leave wishing that it had lasted just a little bit longer. Just make sure that when you do leave, you take with you not only the memories of a summer abroad, but also the resounding, collective message of the people here: Free, Free Palestine