“My name is Inès, I have 21 years old. I’m from France and I live in Paris. I’m studying political Sciences at La Sorbonne University in Paris, 3 rd year of a bachelor. I came to the Excellence Center to make the Human Rights program as a volunteer.

Thanks to the center I have made a lot of different activities. I was an assistant in some English classes, which was a very interesting experience. Students are very interested in foreigners, which makes dialogue easy. I also gave a class on human rights, a class of more than 20 students! It wasn’t easy, and I found it quite stressful, but it was really a good experience. I learn a lot from their point of view, and we were able to talk about the conflict.

I also had Arabic lessons. I really loved taking this courses and I feel like I really learned a lot. The advantage of being in a host family is that you can practice every day. My teacher Ahlam is very nice and I enjoyed spending time with her. I regret not being able to do more Arabic lessons to improve myself.

Thanks to the Center, I visited a lot of interesting places in the city of Hebron. For example, I have seen the Camel Sandals factory, It’s a fascinating place to visit, and the products are good qualities. I have found a gift for my mother, a beautiful bag!
I have also visited the United Nations center, which was really a good experience. I thought access would be more complicated, but in reality, they are very happy to share with us their activities. I also met the Palestinian family planning and protection association, which was really the best thing because I’m looking for an internship their in link with my studies and they are very accessible. I have also visited the refugees camp of Bethlehem called Aida, and the Russian Orthodox church in Hebron, which was a really nice place to see.

In Palestine, I went to Jerusalem, Ramallah, Bethlehem, but also Haïfa and Akka. I have really enjoyed my time in Hebron and with my host family. They were so nice to me. I have never felt uncomfortable, and always in my place. I enjoyed discovering a culture like this. I hope to see them again very quickly. Palestinian are very kind, and love strangers ! it is very easy to discuss with them because they come to talk to us directly.

Most of the time i felt safe in Palestine. In fact, the only times it was not the case was when I met Israeli soldiers.
I liked to discover the culture of Palestine and its history. Talking with locals was my favorite thing. Culinary discovery is, according to me, a part of the culture here. I loved testing all the new things that were available to me!

I think my best experience was my visit to the city of Jerusalem. I went alone as an adventurer, and I really found this city, especially the old city, unbelievable. The mixture of cultures and religions, the holy places … really a very good experience. I have also tested the Turkish baths of Ramallah, it is to do!

I keep a very good impression of Palestine and its people. Everything is very positive for me, and of course, I recommend this experience for others. it is a very good way to discover the country as close as possible to its people and to know a little more every day. I enjoyed also be with international students, it’s an opportunity to spend time with people from all over the world.”