Excellence Center

My name is Elisha. I am from the United States and have a degree in English and Intercultural Studies. I participated in the Intensive Arabic program at the Excellence Center.

During my time at the center I was able to enjoy time with other participants and staff over breakfast, join a tour around the old city of Hebron, and go on a trip to explore a monastery and spring near Bethlehem with the Excellence Center community. My time in Arabic classes was very enjoyable and challenged me to use new vocabulary and communicate useful information about daily life and my experiences. My teacher went at a great pace throughout the lessons and had fun activities planned to help us learn and practice. The environment at the center was welcoming and warm. Everyone was willing to sit and chat and ask questions about each other as well as help with any questions about the program or life in Hebron.

Living with a host family was an amazing and unforgettable experience. There's nothing like learning and experiencing a culture and language with locals, and my host family was incredibly welcoming and generous, inviting us to join in their family life and activities and showing us around the city. The people in general were very welcoming and willing to help with directions and finding things around the city.

Although Palestinian food is delicious and the landscapes are beautiful, I think the part I enjoyed most about being in Palestine was the people. I enjoyed their openness and welcoming spirit and spending evenings chatting with the host family out on the balcony, grabbing a juice or tea at their favorite cafes, or playing games with the young children and grandchildren in the home. I am thankful to have experienced even a short time in Palestine and will remember the kindness and hospitality I received.

I would definitely recommend the Arabic program at the center because it was very helpful to be immersed in the language in class, around the city, and with the host family. Being able to learn about the history and culture of the people was also incredibly valuable, and wish I could have stayed longer.