Two weeks in Hebron

I found the Excellence Center on the internet and after reading the reviews of other students and volunteers, I chose to come here or two weeks for the Intensive Arabic in the Laventine/Shaami accent. I've been to Jerusalem before so I knew what to expect at the airport. After couple of hours of wait and a few questions, I was given 1 month Israeli visa (a separate piece of paper and not a passport stamp).

Getting from the airport to Hebron (via Damascus Gate) was easy and cheap in a shared taxi. When I arrived in the Excellence Center, I was greeted by Usama and Marwa who welcomed me and took me to my accommodation which was about 30 mins walk from the center. I had the option of getting taxi but I really enjoyed the daily walk to and from the center.

I was in a class with two other students who were at similar level - one from Spain and another from Italy. We had all studied Fusha before and were attempting to learn to speak in Aamiyah. The lessons were well structured and all teaching was in Aamiyah Arabic.

While it was difficult at first, our teacher really helped us slowly progress. We practiced speaking, writing, listening and writing. By the end of the first week, I started to get more comfortable with the accent and felt confident enough to try speaking with the local shopkeepers and kids around the Excellence Center.

I would highly recommend the Arabic program. There is only so much one can learn in 2 weeks and I wish I was able to stay longer.

Before I came to Hebron, everyone was concerned about my safety. Besides the Arabic, I visited Jerusalem, Bethlehem's apartheid wall, Bitteer Valley, Refugee camp, Dar Sara Monastery near the Dead sea, Old Hebron market and Ibrahimi Masjid (areas under Israeli control). At no point did I ever feel unsafe or uneasy. As long as I showed my passport and visa, I was able to go through various checkpoints without issue.

Everyone at the Excellence Center is extremely friendly and helpful. I cannot thank Usama enough for personally helping me with some charitable activities that I had requested privately. Marwa also randomly invited me to her house for tea and sometimes for dinner.

If you're looking for Arabic program you will not be disappointed with the teaching here.