“My name is Matt. I’m a university student in Utah, USA. My friend Kevin had spent 4 months at the BYU Jerusalem Center a few years ago and has been looking for a way to get back to the Middle East because he loved it so much. He found the Excellence Center and signed up, and started talking to me about the opportunity to go during a class we shared. At first, I was very hesitant (my excuses included everything: money, time, safety, it’s just not for me, etc.) but I eventually decided I wanted an opportunity to experience a different side of the world. And what could be better than the opposite side of the world? The Excellence Center seemed a great option because the timing was flexible, it includes opportunities to learn and to volunteer, and I would receive a truly authentic Palestinian experience.

Palestine has been a wonderful experience. The people here at the Center have been incredibly kind and extremely receptive. We spend the mornings learning Arabic and the afternoons touring nearby places and learning about the day to day life of Palestine. I’ve really enjoyed connecting with other volunteers from around the world and sharing this experience together. By the way, I knew absolutely zero Arabic when I came. Don’t worry if you don’t know any! The Center has great teachers and you’ll be speaking in no time. It’s been a great opportunity and I’ve felt safe the whole time. It’s definitely worth it and it’s all part of the experience.”

” Hi my name is Kevin, I am from the USA. I am currently studying for a degree in Information Systems and I came to the Excellence Center for the internship in Palestine Program. I chose to come to Palestine because I had previously spent a semester in Jerusalem and loved every minute of it. I wanted the opportunity to come and see more of the West Bank areas as well as be immersed in Arabic. I was excited to come to Hebron as it has many religious sites of significance as well as it is close to other towns and cities I wanted to visit. My first impression of Palestine was how friendly everyone was. On my first day once I arrived I was immediately warmly welcomed and given something to eat while we talked. Everyone made me feel at ease and at home, and I was excited to be here.

I feel completely safe and comfortable in Hebron, I had a few concerns coming but they were immediately dispelled once I arrived. I want to begin to have a grasp on the Arabic language as well as be able to meet with many locals and visit the sites around Hebron. I think you can see a tourist version of things but once you get to know the people living there you can see a different aspect that is more exciting. My program is to learn some basic Arabic and about the political situation in Palestine and then to help host an event for the community of Hebron.

So far I have started Arabic and it has been a blast. The staff and teachers are very fun to work with and learn from and make it enjoyable. It is a different experience living here but I think it gives a more real feel than if you were to stay at a hotel or anything like that. You gain a better understanding of daily life in Palestine and an appreciation of their culture and lifestyle. My experience so far has been amazing and I look forward to seeing more of Palestine while I stay here!”