My Arabic experience

I am Suzan, 33, from Belgium and a language teacher myself. I took a two weeks intensive Arabic class at the Excellence Center in Hebron. My teacher Maryam was great. We were just two students and both of us wanted the same: to practice and improve conversation skills in Levantine Arabic. Maryam did a wonderful job facilitating that, providing us with plentiful opportunities to speak and talk with each other.

In Hebron I lived with a host family that was very friendly and generous. They invited me and my roommates several times for dinner, to sit in the garden or just to talk.

I felt very safe in Hebron. I walked the streets alone during the day and at night and it was completely safe. Palestinian people are also very willing to help when you get lost or have a question.

During my weekends I visited Jerusalem, Ramallah and Bethlehem. It was amazing to see other parts of Palestine.

I was only in Palestine for a short time but it was a great experience. I talked to many Palestinians and learned a lot about their lives and how they live under Israeli occupation.

I would definitely recommend studying Arabic at the Excellence Center. And I hope to be back in Palestine sooner than later, inshallah.