Location
  • Palestine
Length
1 to 13 weeks
Financial Support
General grants/scholarships

Program Details

Language
Arabic
Age Min.
18
Age Max
75
Timeframe
Short Term Spring Break Summer Winter Year Round
Housing
Apartment Host Family Hostel
Groups
Small Group (1-15) Medium Group (16-30)
Travel Type
Budget Family Older Travelers Solo Women

Pricing

Price Details
750€ Euro a Month
250€ Euro a Week

The program fees include: pre-departure support, accommodations with a host family, some of the Meals, full coordination while volunteering in Palestine, 3 hours per week of Arabic lessons, and some visits to different sites in the city of Hebron.
What's Included
Accommodation Some Activities Some Meals SIM cards Wifi
What's Not Included
Airport Transfers Some Meals Transportation Travel Insurance Visa
Aug 05, 2023
Sep 04, 2023
159 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

The Excellence Center/Engage in Palestine offers short-term volunteer & internship programs in the city of Hebron, West Bank, Palestine. Volunteers in Palestine will have the opportunity to work with Palestinian children, refugees, women, youth, university students & families, helping them practice conversational English, organizing workshops & teaching within Hebron’s vibrant community. These volunteering opportunities in the West Bank, Palestine are designed to be immersive, authentic and comprehensive.

Moreover, the center offers volunteer programs which mainly focus on the topics of human rights, women rights, Palestinian refugees, Palestinian culture and politics, Palestinian laws and legal system, & the political history and present situation of Palestine and Israel. Our volunteer opportunities are ideal for students & people who are looking for volunteer and internship programs in the summer time located in the area of the West Bank, Palestine, Israel, or the Middle East.

Video and Photos

Impact

Ethical Impact

With all our Arabic courses and volunteer programs, we aim to make a long term difference for the Palestinian local community through the exchange of ideas and “walking in each other’s shoes”. Our programs and courses foster shared learning, for both our community and you. During your Arabic course, you will get to learn so much more than just the language. You will also get to learn a lot about Palestinian culture and customs and the political situation in Palestine. Additionally, you will have many opportunities while outside the classroom to practice your Arabic in a natural and authentic way while navigating your new life in Hebron. Your time with us in Hebron will also provide you with many opportunities of cultural exchange and mutual learning, both with local Palestinians as well as with our other international participants.

Program Highlights

  • Live in Hebron, including trips to the old city, holy sites, and local refugee camps.
  • Understand the political situation in Palestine.
  • Learn spoken Arabic from native speakers and embrace the opportunity to communicate with locals.
  • Contribute to the Palestinian local community
  • Travel to historical locations and nearby cities including Jerusalem, Jericho, Ramallah, Nablus and Bethlehem on your own.

Program Impact

Our Volunteer and Internship programs in the West Bank, Palestine, have been carefully researched, tailored, and designed to offer valuable insights into daily Palestinian legal affairs, Palestinian daily life, the educational system, Palestinian culture, Palestinian refugees, women's rights, and human rights. Our mission is to foster a meaningful, long-term impact on the Palestinian local community by promoting the exchange of ideas and encouraging participants to truly understand one another's perspectives.

Volunteering and interning in Hebron, West Bank, presents a unique and rewarding opportunity to create a positive impact not only on your own life but also on the lives of Palestinian children, refugees, women, youth, and community members in the region. Through genuine engagement and understanding, you can play a crucial role in contributing to the well-being and development of the West Bank, Palestine.

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Program Reviews

4.81 Rating
based on 215 reviews
  • 5 rating 82.33%
  • 4 rating 16.74%
  • 3 rating 0.47%
  • 2 rating 0.47%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Impact 4.65
  • Support 4.8
  • Fun 4.65
  • Value 4.65
  • Safety 4.8
Showing 1 - 8 of 215 reviews
Default avatar
Yannick
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Study Arabic & Volunteer

Great programme to learn Arabic and get a real immersion in a Middle Eastern Environment.
The 18 hours of Arabic lessons were spread over 2 weeks and were done one on one with the same teacher. This was great to learn fast and practice. I was surprised that I could learn the entire Arabic Alphabet and get started with conversational Arabic. Overall, very impressed with the quick progress over such a short period, and starting from zero.
While the classes were usually in the morning, the afternoons were used for volunteering activities, and included teaching english as well as Human Rights visits. The visits to specific areas of Hebron, the refugee camps and the villages were particularly impactful as it gets you to appreciate better the situation in Palestine.
It was really great to be in an environment with other students/volunteers and to share experiences together. We also spent the weekend travelling together to Jericho and the Dead sea. And while I was significantly older than the rest of the group, I could connect well with everyone and had great fun with the group.
I was initially worried about traveling to Palestine but had a very smooth entry at Tel Aviv Airport and a smooth travel onward to Hebron. Living in a shared appartment with other volunteers was fun and made it easier to understamd how things work. I also enjoyed the opportunity to try the delicious (and affordable) Palestinian food. I did not know what to expect when I travelled to Palestine, and I am leaving with incredible memories of a super friendly and welcoming nation. I am sure I will stay connected with the Palestinian and International friends I made in Hebron.
A great experience!

Pros
  • Super fast and efficient language learning
  • Indredibly friendly people (both locals and other students/volunteers)
  • Eye-opening visits to learn about Palestine
Cons
  • Not really a "con"... but be prepared to experience a different way of doing things. It's sometimes a little chaotic and very spontaneous. Don't expect a plan at the beginning, with an agenda for every day...So, relax and learn to live with less structure
  • Be aware that sometimes the Istraeli authorities might stop you and check your documents. It can be quite intimidating.
Default avatar
Farah
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Community Development Program/Excellence Center Review

Coming to the Excellence Center, I was drawn to the center’s mission statement of promoting cultural exchange, advocacy, and educational development through direct engagement with the people of Palestine.Upon my arrival to the center and Palestine, I was welcomed to a week's worth of engaging Arabic lessons taught by local educators in small-form classes. I greatly appreciated the welcoming environment created by my teachers and found the lessons to be especially helpful in my acclimation
to living in Hebron and my Arabic studies.
The quality of your experience with the Excellence Center will be determined by what you make of it, so I suggest entering this place with a plan, or alternatively, an open and eager mind. You will be given the opportunity to create your own lesson plans for dynamic classes of students and teaching environments, put in contact with local activists and working professionals, and you will also have access to a vastly diverse group of alternating international volunteers to befriend and/or work with throughout your time here.
People in Hebron were majorly welcoming and engaging. A day did not pass where I wasn’t offered a cup of tea and coffee, or a nice conversation with a complete stranger. I leave the center and Hebron excited to return some day soon, reinvigorated to continue supporting the Palestinian cause, and to live in Palestine once again.

Pros
  • Learn arabic
  • Wonderful people (staff, people in Hebron, students from the center)
  • Local culture
Cons
  • Sometimes a little chaotic and very spontaneous
11 people found this review helpful.
Response from The Excellence Center

Hi Farah,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience at the Excellence Center in Palestine. Your review truly highlights the essence of this remarkable place and its mission.

Your advice to approach the experience with a plan or an open and eager mind is valuable. The Excellence Center seems to offer a unique blend of structured opportunities and room for personal growth, allowing participants to shape their experiences according to their interests and goals. Creating lesson plans and interacting with local activists and professionals must have been enriching experiences.

Farah, thank you for sharing your inspiring journey, and I hope your review encourages others to embark on similar meaningful experiences at the Excellence Center and in Palestine. Your words beautifully capture the essence of cultural exchange and the power of human connection in fostering understanding and solidarity.

With kind regards,

Default avatar
Daniel
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Community Development

The EC in Palestine offers a unique opportunity to experience a misunderstood region of the world. The EC is a Great place to experience the Arab world for the first time, and the international presence in the community is invaluable. Not only can internationals overcome the stereotypes and misconceptions about the region, but also the community here greatly appreciates your presence. Not only are you sharing skills like English or practical skills about life outside the area, but also more internationals need to come here in order to understand the truth about Palestine. Hebron is a safe city. The EC offers support through staff and other internationals to give you a safe place to live and a safe place to work. But also, strangers on the street are kind, helpful, and eager to meet and talk with internationals. Don’t be surprised when they invite you to dinner with their family! The Arabic classes and teachers are invaluable, especially if you come with a basic understanding of the language ahead of time. The center is very social, and you are guaranteed to make new friends and connections from all around the world- Canada to Taiwan and everywhere in between. It is most certainly a community center, and it is always very lively. There are some disclaimers though. These internships are better for people who are self driven and want to take initiative. These internships are not for people who expect everything to be done for them- be ready to come and make decisions and e proactive. Sometimes it can feel like there is a lack of structure in day to day processes, and it is because the EC is very flexible and fluid with everything. It can be hard for westerners, who are used to rigid schedules, to overcome the freestyle and relaxed time orientation of Arab culture and the center. Some may also be surprised by the reluctance and scrutiny of the Israeli authorities when it comes to traveling to the West Bank. Sadly, Israel tends to discourage travel here mostly because what people experience here goes against what they want the international community to believe. However, your presence is highly valuable and beneficial to the community here.

In conclusion, the city is safe, the center is a lovely place, you can make an impact of a community in need, and you have so much to learn about life, culture, and language in Palestine.

Pros
  • Excellent teaching
  • Breakfast Everyday
  • The community
Cons
  • Security and border control at the airport
  • Lack of structure
11 people found this review helpful.
Response from The Excellence Center

Hi Daniel,

Thank you for sharing your insightful and comprehensive review of the Excellence Center (EC) in Palestine. Your words provide a valuable perspective for anyone considering an experience in this region.

You've rightly emphasized the uniqueness of the opportunity the EC provides to understand and appreciate a region that is often misunderstood. It's heartening to hear that the international presence in the community is regarded as invaluable and that it allows individuals to break down stereotypes and misconceptions about the area. Your point about the community's appreciation of internationals is a testament to the positive impact that participants can have while sharing their skills and experiences.

Your description of the Arabic classes and the diverse global community at the EC highlights the educational and social aspects of the experience. It's evident that participants have the opportunity to learn, grow, and build lasting connections.

Daniel, thank you so much for sharing it. We hope to meet you in the future in Palestine

With kind regards,

Default avatar
Laura
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Intensive Arabic Course

I studied an intensive Arabic course for 2 weeks at the Excellence Centre during August. I chose Palestine as I wanted an immersive experience but I also wished to gain an insight into the realities of life for the people. I had a very rewarding experience, met some great people and will remember my experience for the rest of my life. My teacher was fantastic and I learnt so much within my 2 weeks! Not only did I learn lots of the local Palestinian dialect but I also learnt so much about the people, the situation in Palestine and the history of the area. As well as having 3 hours of class each day, I had the opportunity to participate in vista with volunteers also from the centre. I felt safe and welcomed by so many different people within the vibrant city of Hebron. I stayed with a host family very close to the centre who were lovely and welcoming, they made me feel welcome and at home.

Thanks Excellence Centre for giving me the opportunity to connect with such a variety of experiences and meet some amazing people!

Pros
  • Meet like minded people
  • Immersive for learning language
  • Group breakfasts
Cons
  • Some days feel a bit disorganised
11 people found this review helpful.
Response from The Excellence Center

Salam Laura,

I'm delighted to hear about your enriching experience at the Excellence Centre during your intensive Arabic course in Palestine!

Your participation in various activities, including volunteering and engaging with other students, showcases your dedication to making the most of your time at the Excellence Centre. It's heartening to know that you felt safe and welcomed in the vibrant city of Hebron, and your connection with your Palestinian host family adds an element of warmth and belonging to your experience in the West Bank.

Thank you, Laura, for sharing your review, and I hope your memories of this unique adventure continue to inspire you in the years ahead.

Greetings from Hebron!

Default avatar
Dylan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Teach English and Study Arabic

My name is Dylan, and I am from the United States. I graduated the University of Massachusetts with a Bachelors in Middle Eastern studies, and a minor in Political Science. I participated in the volunteer sports, and teaching English program at the Excellence Center. At the Excellence Center I participated in a wide array of activities including: Arabic classes, field trips, and English instruction for local youth.
The Arabic classes I participated in were colloquial Levantine Arabic. My teacher, Doha, was very informative, and she moved the class at a good pace. This allowed us to make the most out of each session. All the teachers & staff at the center are incredibly welcoming and ensure you're comfortable. In addition, fellow participants are like minded and friendly, which creates a great environment to be apart of.
As for field trips, the first one I went on was a walking town of Old Hebronted by Osama. This was a great way to learn the history of the city, and to get in touch with my surroundings. The second trip, we took a shuttle to two different Bedouin Villages to say it was eye opening is an understatement. The power of hearing the people first-hand is an unforgettable experience. My third trip was through the H2 side of Hebron where we met with a local woman who has suffered tragically from the occupation, and later in the day we spoke with a humanitarian organization to hear what actions they are taking to help the people of Hebron.
Living in Hebron has been a wonderful experience. Out of everywhere I have traveled the people here are by far the most welcoming. They will ask you in for tea or coffee after only speaking with you for five minutes on the street. Safety has never been a concern here. All the people of Hebron do their best to assist you if you're looking lost, and I have never been taken advantage of. My most memorable experience while living in Hebron was walking down in Old Hebron with a soccer ball and playing with all the kids as I made my way down the street. We may not have been able to conversate past simple greetings, but the enjoyment we shared through the sport was heart-warming.
I’ve certainly enjoyed my time here at the Excellence Center. The amount I’ve learned not only in Arabic, but about life in Palestine is vast in the short two weeks I’ve been here. I hope more people can experience life in Hebron, and hear the Palestinian’s people’s stories.

14 people found this review helpful.
Response from The Excellence Center

Hi Dylan,

Thank you sincerely for sharing your comprehensive and heartfelt review of your time at the Excellence Center in Palestine. Your thoughtful insights and detailed experiences truly showcase the enriching journey you embarked upon during your volunteer sports and teaching English program.

We're thrilled to hear that you found the atmosphere at the center to be welcoming and conducive to positive interactions among participants.

Thank you for your commitment to cultural exchange, education, and making a positive impact on the Palestinian community in the city of Hebron. We value your contributions and hope that the memories and insights gained during your two weeks with us will continue to inspire you in your future endeavors.

Warm regards,

Default avatar
Dylan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Study Arabic and Teach English

My name is Dylan, and I am from the United States. I graduated the University of Massachusetts with a Bachelors in Middle Eastern studies, and a minor in Political Science. I participated in the volunteer sports, and teaching English program at the Excellence Center. At the Excellence Center I participated in a wide array of activities including: Arabic classes, field trips, and English instruction for local youth.
The Arabic classes I participated in were colloquial Levantine Arabic. My teacher, Doha, was very informative, and she moved the class at a good pace. This allowed us to make the most out of each session. All the teachers & staff at the center are incredibly welcoming and ensure you're comfortable. In addition, fellow participants are like minded and friendly, which creates a great environment to be apart of.
As for field trips, the first one I went on was a walking town of Old Hebronted by Osama. This was a great way to learn the history of the city, and to get in touch with my surroundings. The second trip, we took a shuttle to two different Bedouin Villages to say it was eye opening is an understatement. The power of hearing the people first-hand is an unforgettable experience. My third trip was through the H2 side of Hebron where we met with a local woman who has suffered tragically from the occupation, and later in the day we spoke with a humanitarian organization to hear what actions they are taking to help the people of Hebron.
Living in Hebron has been a wonderful experience. Out of everywhere I have traveled the people here are by far the most welcoming. They will ask you in for tea or coffee after only speaking with you for five minutes on the street. Safety has never been a concern here. All the people of Hebron do their best to assist you if you're looking lost, and I have never been taken advantage of. My most memorable experience while living in Hebron was walking down in Old Hebron with a soccer ball and playing with all the kids as I made my way down the street. We may not have been able to conversate past simple greetings, but the enjoyment we shared through the sport was heart-warming.
I’ve certainly enjoyed my time here at the Excellence Center. The amount I’ve learned not only in Arabic, but about life in Palestine is vast in the short two weeks I’ve been here. I hope more people can experience life in Hebron, and hear the Palestinian’s people’s stories.

12 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
shannon
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Study Arabic Hebron Review

I came with my brother to practise Arabic and see more of Hebron and the reality in Palestine. We had a very eye-opening week-long stay and we will certainly be returning to Palestine! My brother stayed in the centre apartment and I stayed with a wonderful host family that really made us feel welcome and included us in all of the family activities. The other volunteers have all been wonderful to work with and extremely friendly. We would reccomend this to absolutely everyone looking for an insightful and knowledge-filled expereince in West Bank.

Pros
  • Excllent Arabic Teachers!!!
  • Free Breakfast everyday
  • Many amazing day trips
15 people found this review helpful.
Response from The Excellence Center

Hi Shannon,

Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience with us! We are thrilled to hear that your week-long stay in Hebron, Palestine provided you with such an eye-opening and insightful experience. Our aim is to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for all our guests, and we are delighted that you felt so welcomed and involved with your Palestinian host family and the other volunteers.

It's heartwarming to know that you and your brother are planning to return to Palestine. We believe that cultural exchanges and immersive experiences like yours can foster understanding and create lasting connections between people from different backgrounds.

We truly appreciate your recommendation to everyone seeking a knowledge-filled experience in the West Bank, Palestine. Your feedback means a lot to us, and it encourages us to continue providing meaningful experiences for all our visitors.

Once again, thank you for being part of our community, and we look forward to welcoming you back in the future for more enriching adventures in Palestine. Safe travels and see you soon, Shannon!

With kind regards,

Default avatar
maryam
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My Unforgettable Experience in Hebron with the Excellence Center

I visited Hebron with my family. We stayed for 12 days one of these weeks was with the excellence centre. We participated in voluntary work with refugees and medical professionals. We feel it was an eye opening and informative experience. We were able to gain a lot of knowledge and insight into the lives of those living in Hebron. Throughout the experience, we all felt safe, supported and welcomed. I would recommend this program to others and I think the programe it excellent in allowing younger students to engage in learning English, which was taught very well.

Pros
  • Excellent teaching
  • Kind staff
  • Welcoming community
Cons
  • Sometimes a little chaotic and very spontaneous
  • Lack of communication of planned visitsand activities to everyone
  • Needs a bit more structure and progression
19 people found this review helpful.
Response from The Excellence Center

Greetings Maryam,

Thank you for sharing your family's experience during your visit to Hebron, particularly the week spent at the Excellence Center. We are delighted to hear that your time here was eye-opening and informative, and that you were able to gain valuable knowledge and insights into the lives of the people living in Hebron.

It's heartwarming to know that you and your family felt safe, supported, and welcomed throughout your stay. We take great pride in creating a warm and inclusive environment for all our participants. We are also glad to hear that the English language learning program was taught well, and we appreciate your recommendation of our program to others. We hope that your time at the Excellence Center has left a lasting impression on you and your family, and we would be thrilled to welcome you back anytime in the future.

Best wishes from Palestine,

Questions & Answers

The people you'll meet in Hebron have for the most part lived in the area for several generations (some for 100s of years). So no, people in Hebron are not fleeing their home country. Just the opposite in fact: They're committed to their home country, and they're enjoying life in the face of the difficult situation they've been put into.

I don't know for certain what the age limits are, but when I was there I met people from their early twenties to seventies. You don't need to have teaching experience as far as I know. They seem very willing to work with whatever level of experience you have. It is helpful to know some Arabic before you go. I didn't know any and it was difficult at times, especially with my host family, but not...

Hi, thanks for reaching out! We don't have the details on our site for classes. To learn more we recommend contacting the program provider directly to learn more! This helpful link will take you right to their contact info: http://excellencenter.org/contact-us/.

Hi, great question! The monthly fee to participate in the program is $695 (U.S.$). Anything extra you save can go to personal spending and exploring the area! For an estimate of how much you should bring for personal spending we recommend contacting the program provider more details, which you can do here: http://excellencenter.org/volunteer-in-palestine-2/.