Great memories and experiences

Hi, I'm Hisham, originally Moroccan but born in Spain. I'm a pharmacy graduate from the University of Barcelona, currently studying a PhD in cancer sciences at the University of Southampton, UK.
I joined the Arabic Immersion Intensive programme for the month of August at the Excellence center in Hebron.
I must say that after spending a whole month in Palestine, I can feel that my Arabic has greatly improved. I've been taught by two different wonderful teachers who were very attentive and supportive, and taught us not only about the Arabic language but also about the Palestinian culture and heritage which is something that unfortunately we don't know much about.
Upon arriving I had my mind set on continuing to study Modern Standard Arabic or Fusha, but after speaking with Marwa and the teachers I realized that even if Fusha is used widely in mainstream media and studies, no one speaks it in the streets. Hence, I changed my mind and started studing the Levantine Dialect, with just a couple weeks of classes in the center I was able to understand the most common words the locals used and communicate with them easily.
I've been able to interact with plenty of locals, people in Palestine are extremely friendly, open and welcoming, they're willing to help you out in whatever it is that you need, and this has probably been the thing that has struck me the most. I've been invited over by a taxi driver to have maqloubah at his house, I've been invited by strangers to join them at restaurants, and I've been offered plenty of cups of tea and coffee for free! I've been able to visit Ramallah, Jericho, the oldest continually inhabited city in the world, Bethlem, Jerusalem and Aqqah, all beautiul places with plenty of history.
The center took us on trips to the old city with a guide which were very insightful and we managed to learn about the daily struggle Palestinians live when having to deal with the occupation.
My mom was quite worried when I told her I was going to Palestine, she was scared and didn't want me to go out of fear. Upon arriving in Palestine, I also had some misconceptions but after living in Palestine myself, I can say that it's all lies. I've never felt safer when travelling, when I got lost I asked a guy for indications and he took me in his own car and drove me to the spot I needed to go.
My overall experience has been fantastic, from the Palestinian people, to the teachers, and to the other students, I've enjoyed every single moment that I've been here and I can't recommed it enough!!
So don't hesitate, and come to the Excellence Center in Hebron!