Awesome Experience

Hi, my name is Nicholas. I’m 20 years old, studying Criminal Justice and Political Science at University, as well as Arabic. This summer I participated in the Intensive Arabic Program.

Activities that the Center holds - besides your program of choice - includes some day trips, dinner at the Center on occasion, and opportunity to participate in other programs - in my last week I help teach two English classes to students in a village and I wish I did it more.

On the topic of day trips, though the Center I visited the old city of Hebron and the settlements of Hebron to get a taste of reality for Palestinians in this ongoing conflict. I also was able to visit Der Mar Saba, Batir, and a local ceramics and kufia factory.

The Arabic lessons here at the center have been great. My teacher Maram was very good and I have learned a lot of new vocabulary and the opportunity to speak Arabic for many hours each day helps you get comfortable using what you know and what you have just learned.

Security in Hebron and Palestine is not an issue. Personally, I have felt safer walking through Palestine alone than I have in any city in the United States, my home country.

My overall experience of Palestine and the Center has been great. I was able to speak with locals in their native language, experience a new lifestyle and culture, try new things and meet new people.

Nicholas