Language Programs in Palestine

I spent nine weeks at the Excellence Center learning colloquial Arabic. I enjoyed the classes a lot and My teacher Duha was very supportive. There was a great mix of content and activities and I improved a lot in the time I was there. Marwa and Osama do an outstanding job of running the center as well. They were always there when I needed anything, and I had a great time joining in on cooking classes, field trips, Iftar dinners during Ramadan, and Eid celebrations. Hebron is a very safe place to visit as well, so if you're concerned at all about this, don't be!

I joined the Intensive Arabic course in Hebron without knowing a single word of Arabic. Honestly, I was nervous before coming because the language looked difficult and completely new to me. But from the first week everything felt easier than I expected, mainly because of my teacher, Ms. Dalia. Ms. Dalia is one of the kindest and most patient teachers I’ve ever met. She understood that I was starting from zero and she never made me feel embarrassed when I made mistakes (which happened a lot at the beginning!). She explained things slowly, repeated them as many times as I needed, and always encouraged me to try speaking even when I wasn’t confident. One moment really stayed with me. I remember sitting in class trying to read Arabic letters that looked impossible to me just days before. Suddenly I was able to read a full sentence on my own. It sounds small, but for me it was huge. That was the moment I realized Arabic isn’t scary, it’s actually a really cool and beautiful language. After that, I became excited every day to learn more instead of feeling stressed. What helped a lot was also being surrounded by Arabic outside the classroom. People in Hebron were very supportive and happy to help me practice simple words. Step by step, I felt real progress. I’m really grateful for this experience. Starting from scratch and reaching a level where I can read, understand, and communicate basic Arabic in just a short time felt amazing. I would definitely recommend this program to anyone who wants a serious but very warm and supportive Arabic learning experience.

The Palestinian Center - Go Palestine responded to this reviewJanuary 23, 2026

Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We’re thrilled to hear that the Intensive Arabic course in Hebron helped you gain confidence and enjoy learning from the very beginning. Ms. Dalia will be happy to hear your kind words—she’s wonderful at supporting every student. It’s amazing that you could read your first full sentence and see real progress step by step! We’re also glad that the local community made practicing Arabic fun and supportive. Your story perfectly captures the spirit of learning and growth, and we’re so happy you would recommend this program to others.

My name is Alex and I am British. I am 38 and worked as a lawyer doing human rights for ten years before taking a career break. I spent two months doing an intensive Arabic course (four hours a day) at the Excellence Center. The Arabic classes were brilliant. My teacher, Saja, was brilliant! I was a complete beginner and the amount of material we covered in two months was incredible. I will spend at least six months after this just going over what I have learned already to consolidate! I learned so much and I have gained confidence in reading, writing and speaking. Saja was very kind, patient, and knowledgeable. And I think she also knows more about the English language than I do! She was able to pitch her teaching to my level and was very encouraging. I couldn’t have asked for better quality teaching. In winter there are fewer students at the center compared to summer, and so most of the time my classes were 1:1. I was not expecting so much individual attention. I think being here is the best way to learn Arabic as you have the opportunity to practice all the time. In addition to my Arabic classes every day, I was regularly invited to join other volunteers for trips around Hebron, for example to see the Old City and meet with local activists. It was very educational. I learned all about life in the city for Palestinians, what it is like to live under occupation, and how people find ways to live and enjoy their lives as much as possible, despite the limitations imposed. We visited the parts of the city that are controlled by the Israeli army, and I was invited into a number of family homes for dinner. I witnessed a lot of resilience and resistance by Palestinians in Hebron, which was very inspiring. At weekends, on Fridays and Saturdays, I went on trips to visit other parts of the West Bank, such as Bethlehem, Ramallah, the Dead Sea, and Nablus. People cannot move freely in the West Bank due to the military control imposed by Israel. I experienced just a small piece of this - long delays at checkpoints as soldiers check cars and interrogate drivers, closed checkpoints, and as a result lots of traffic jams. I had the opportunity to see quite a lot whilst I was here, but you cannot make plans in the same way that you can in a country with freedom of movement. You have to be flexible depending on the situation and the day. The environment at the center is really positive. It is like a big family. The staff are all welcoming and kind, and it is interesting to meet the other internationals who come to Hebron from all around the world. Every morning you eat breakfast together and there is a lot of tea and coffee all day! It is a social place and I have made deep and lasting friendships. Whenever I am in Palestine (and I definitely want to come back!) I will come back to Hebron to visit and learn more Arabic. I arrived in Hebron just before the ceasefire deal was made in Gaza. There was an escalation in military incursions by Israel into the West Bank following this, particularly in the North of the West Bank. There were incidents in the South too - for example raids by soldiers in refugee camps in the South and shootings. Although I always personally felt safe as an international, I will be honest and say it is not easy to witness what is happening in the West Bank. I am fortunate and privileged to be born in a country that is at peace and I have not experienced the instability of living in a country where the situation can change rapidly. I would encourage people to come to the West Bank and experience this because you will develop your empathy and understanding of what life is like for Palestinians here. It is extremely unlikely that something will happen to an international in the West Bank, because we are much safer than anyone else, but I would say you need to have psychological resilience to do this. Witnessing such intense oppression is emotionally and psychologically challenging. And it is important to be challenged sometimes. The learning curve is high and I will be processing what I have learned for a long time. I have absolutely no regrets about going, and I am committed to returning and doing what I can for Palestinians’ freedom. There have also been many beautiful experiences being in Palestine. Everyone talks about the hospitality culture for a good reason! Palestinians are so kind, so generous, and so friendly. I have been fed so much food! The food is incredibly delicious and you feel the warmth of the people’s generosity. When you walk down the street in Hebron, people come up and talk to you all the time and ask you where you are from, wanting to talk and make friends with you. I have been so moved by the warmth of the culture in Hebron. This is the reason I feel so strongly about doing whatever is in my power to be a good friend and ally to Palestine. The faith, beauty, and kindness of the Palestinians is truly inspiring.

If you have fears or worries or concerns; trust me, I know, that was me. But my positive experience with the center began before I arrived- the staff at the center were always responsive and understanding of the questions I had via WhatsApp and it was reassuring to go over everything with them before I even arrived. Their flexibility and willingness to accommodate was a sign of things to come and a reoccurring theme of my experience in Hebron. With regards to the center itself and your daily routine, its always fun. There is something new to do everyday and if something strikes your fancy, those at the center are always willing to try and fit it in. The Arabic lessons themselves were great, and again, always flexible. You know how you learn and should have input in your own teaching, and the Arabic teachers are here are always responsive to that. Want to focus on grammar? No problem. Maybe you're more interested in particular vocab? No stress. I even got sick at one point and we moved my lessons around. If you're interested in visiting Palestine and the center, do it. You won't regret it.

I had the incredible opportunity to participate in a six-week intensive Arabic program in Palestine. With the guidance of my wonderful teacher, Duaa, I developed practical skills in speaking, listening, and writing Arabic. Staying with a host family also allowed me to practice the language daily, which greatly accelerated my progress. The program included unforgettable trips to Hebron's refugee camp and Bethlehem, providing valuable insights into Palestinian culture and daily life. This experience was truly enriching, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to improve their Arabic skills.

Studying the Palestinian dialect with Go Palestine was such a great experience! I really enjoyed my online classes with my teacher, Shorouk. Scheduling lessons was always easy, and she made every class enjoyable. I appreciate her passion and dedication to organizing our sessions. Her teaching style was clear and helpful, allowing me to strengthen my basics in MSA and apply them to the Palestinian dialect. I’m very thankful for everything Shorouk and Go Palestine have done for me!

My day usually starts between 8:30 and 9:00 AM, when we all gather at the center for breakfast as one big group. After that, we either have Arabic lessons or I teach English, followed by various visits around the city. Our days are full, usually lasting from 9:00 AM until around 3:00 or 5:00 PM, with a mix of lessons and city tours. Hebron is one of the best places for tourists who want an authentic experience. There’s a special feeling in the air here that you won’t find in Western countries. The people are incredibly friendly. They often invite you into their homes or take you around town, showing you the beauty of their city, its history, and the delicious food. It’s a wonderful place full of warm hearted people. My advice when visiting Hebron is to be as open-minded as possible. You’ll meet a lot of people who are eager to show you around, and you might make some lifelong friends. Don’t be shy join in, you might meet someone amazing and make great memories along the way.

Learning Arabic online has been a great experience. After the free trial lesson, I immediately decided to continue. My teacher, Dua’a, is very intelligent and always makes the classes enjoyable. She understands where I need help and plans each lesson to match my progress. We had our lessons on Zoom, which was very convenient and easy to fit around my work. The online course worked better than I expected and was really effective.

The Palestinian Center - Go Palestine responded to this reviewNovember 22, 2024

Thank you for your kind words! I’m glad you found the course effective and enjoyed learning with Dua’a. Wishing you continued success on your Arabic journey!

My name is Kacper, and my time in Palestine was truly unforgettable. Each day began with a delicious breakfast of traditional Palestinian food, followed by a walk from the dormitory to our daily activities. Along the way, I often chatted with locals, which was a great opportunity to practice my Arabic. In the mornings, we alternated between teaching conversational English and attending Arabic lessons. I particularly enjoyed the Arabic classes, where we learned greetings, introductions, days of the week, and basic vocabulary. These lessons gave me a strong foundation to continue building on. We also had the chance to explore amazing places like Bethlehem, where we visited a refugee camp—an experience that was both eye-opening and deeply impactful. I’m proud of the progress I made in Arabic during my stay and excited to take that knowledge back home. I highly recommend visiting Palestine. Although the flight can be long, the experience is absolutely worth it. It’s both educational and rewarding, but being flexible is essential. Traveling to the Middle East can be a culture shock, and things may differ from what you’re accustomed to. The key is to keep an open mind, use common sense, and follow the advice of the Go Palestine team and the locals. If you do that, you’ll have an incredible experience just like I did.

The Palestinian Center - Go Palestine responded to this reviewNovember 22, 2024

Thank you, Kacper, for sharing your incredible experience! It’s inspiring to hear about your progress in Arabic, meaningful interactions with locals, and impactful visits like the refugee camp in Bethlehem. Your advice on flexibility and open-mindedness is spot on. We’re thrilled you found your time in Palestine both educational and rewarding!

I spent a month in Hebron, I took Arabic lessons three to four times a week with Muhammad, an amazing English teacher at Go Palestine. At first, I thought learning Arabic would be nearly impossible. I had zero experience! But the way Muhammad taught made all the difference. He eased me into it, focusing on speaking and practical language use rather than just reading and writing. It was such an enjoyable experience that it felt less like a challenge and more like a fun journey. Now, I can start basic conversations and even use a few phrases with confidence. I’m so grateful for this incredible introduction to Arabic and can’t wait to keep learning.

The Palestinian Center - Go Palestine responded to this reviewNovember 22, 2024

Thank you for sharing! It’s wonderful to hear how Muhammad made learning Arabic enjoyable and helped you gain confidence in conversations. Congrats on your progress!

During my time in Palestine, I had the incredible opportunity to take Arabic lessons with Duaa, and they truly transformed my experience. The lessons not only deepened my understanding of the local dialect but also gave me the confidence to start conversations with locals in Hebron, which made practicing Arabic so much more natural and enjoyable. I found myself wishing I could take even more classes to continue improving and exploring the beauty of the language. These lessons were a good tool for connecting with people in Palestine and immersing myself in the culture. I will definitely come again!

The Palestinian Center - Go Palestine responded to this reviewNovember 22, 2024

Thank you! It’s great to hear how Duaa’s lessons boosted your confidence and connection with locals. We look forward to seeing you again!

Learning Arabic here has been an incredible experience. Things that used to take me ages to understand before now make sense after just two lessons. What’s even better is that I’m learning so much outside of class too! People at the center are always speaking to me in Arabic and teaching me new words. It feels so natural, like I’m learning without even trying. I was a bit nervous before coming because I was traveling alone as a solo female, but all my worries disappeared as soon as I arrived. Safety hasn’t been an issue at all. If I ever have questions, the center’s staff are always available whether it’s about a place being safe or how to get somewhere. They guide us on everything, like when to go out and where to avoid, and that’s been super reassuring. I’ve even walked around the area in the evenings by myself and felt completely safe. The daily schedule at the center is very organized, and I love that. I know exactly how my day will go. We start with a freshly made breakfast, which is a great time to chat with other volunteers and share stories. Then, it’s either my Arabic lessons or English conversations where I help others practice. Even when I’m teaching English, I end up learning so much about the local culture and daily life, it’s amazing how much I’m picking up. If you’re thinking about coming, my advice is simple: just do it. Don’t overthink or hesitate. I spent so much time wondering if I should, and finally making the decision to come was one of the best things I’ve ever done. You won’t regret it!

The Palestinian Center - Go Palestine responded to this reviewNovember 22, 2024

Thank you for sharing! It’s amazing to hear how supported and confident you’ve felt. Your advice is truly inspiring!

My name is László, I’m originally from Hungary, but I live in the United Kingdom. I’ve been in Palestine for two weeks, taking part in an intensive Arabic course, and it’s been a fantastic experience so far. My teacher, Mariam, is amazing. She’s really helped me make great progress in a short amount of time. My daily routine is also really enjoyable. Each day, I study Arabic for around three hours in the afternoons, and in the mornings, we do various activities. I have a strong interest in politics, so I appreciate the chance to learn more about the area. We meet with local organizations, talk to lawyers, visit refugee camps and villages, and today we even visited the Chamber of Commerce. This has given me a real sense of life here and the challenges people face. Learning Arabic here has been especially effective because the Levantine dialect, which I’m studying, is widely understood across the Arab world. This means the skills I’m building here will be useful if I travel to places like the Gulf or North Africa. One of the great things about being in Hebron is that not many people speak English, so I’m pushed to use Arabic in my everyday interactions. This has been really valuable, especially as a beginner, because it’s easy to fall back on English when it’s available. Here, though, I’m encouraged to practice and use what I’m learning. Hebron feels safe and welcoming, despite common misconceptions. It’s also affordable, much more so than some other parts of the Arab world, which makes it even better. I’d definitely recommend Go Palestine, whether for a short visit or a longer stay, to anyone interested in learning Arabic and experiencing Palestinian culture. It’s been an incredible experience. Shukran :)

The Palestinian Center - Go Palestine responded to this reviewNovember 22, 2024

Thank you for sharing, László! It’s great to hear you’ve enjoyed learning Arabic and experiencing Palestine. We’re happy the course and local activities have been so rewarding!

Hello, my name is Eduardo, and I spent three incredible weeks at the Go Science Center. During my time here, I followed a schedule that started with an hour of Arabic in the morning, followed by a delicious breakfast, and then more Arabic lessons for three hours. Afterward, I would work on my homework and enjoy some relaxation time. Once my lessons were done, I had the chance to explore the city with locals, visiting important places like the old city and the Iranian mosque. The mornings were focused on academics, but the afternoons allowed me to put what I was learning into practice as I hung out with the local community. The people here are incredibly welcoming, always curious to know more about you, and eager to show you around. The city itself, Alal, feels safe, and I was able to walk around freely without worrying about my safety, even late at night. When I first arrived, I couldn’t speak any Arabic, but the locals were so helpful. I was able to get by easily and never felt unsafe. Whether walking through the old city or just spending time with new friends, I felt right at home. If you’re looking to learn Arabic and dive deeper into the culture and society here, I highly recommend the Go Science Center. They provide everything you need to succeed, from a structured schedule to an amazing support network. Whether you’re starting from scratch or just want to improve, this is the place to be.

The Palestinian Center - Go Palestine responded to this reviewNovember 22, 2024

Eduardo, it sounds like your time at our center was a great balance of learning Arabic and exploring Palestinian culture. It’s great to hear how welcoming the locals were and how safe you felt. Your recommendation will inspire others to visit and experience Palestine!

As a beginner to Arabic, I was nervous to embark on an unfamiliar linguistic experience. My teacher Dua’a created a safe, welcoming, and invigorating space to learn about Palestinian language and culture. My knowledge of Arabic has vastly expanded and helped me to connect to Palestinian history and culture. I think of Arabic as the mother to many languages, my linguistic horizons have expanded. I feel grateful to Dua’a for her patience, flexibility, and encouragement during this special journey.

The Palestinian Center - Go Palestine responded to this reviewNovember 22, 2024

Thx Rebecca for your sweet words, we are glad to hear that you had a great experience!

If you're looking to improve your Arabic, this online program is an excellent choice. My teacher, Duaa, brings years of experience and strong qualifications to each lesson. The program is customized to your needs and flexible enough to fit your schedule. I highly recommend this program!

The Palestinian Center - Go Palestine responded to this reviewNovember 22, 2024

Thank you for the recommendation! It’s great to hear that Duaa's experience and the program's flexibility made a positive impact on your Arabic learning journey :)

I started at a slightly lower level than needed, but it turned out to be a great review of what I had learned before. Ms. Duaa’s approach, which combines videos, readings, and audio materials, has been great in solidifying my knowledge. With so much vocabularies to learn, I’ve had to spend extra time ensuring I’ve memorized them all. However, I’ve become more confident in speaking Arabic, thanks to the teacher's method, which motivates me to keep going even when I feel stuck. Overall, learning Arabic with Go Palestine's online courses has been an excellent experience. Their individual courses are highly beneficial, and I highly recommend this program.

The Palestinian Center - Go Palestine responded to this reviewNovember 22, 2024

Thank you for sharing your experience! It’s great to hear that Ms. Duaa's approach helped reinforce your Arabic skills :)

I started learning Arabic online with Duaa two months ago. As a complete beginner, I found the lessons fun, interesting, challenging, and rewarding. Duaa has been very supportive throughout my learning. Setting up lessons was easy, and the material was just right challenging but enjoyable. This course has not only improved my Arabic skills but also helped me appreciate Palestinian culture. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a personal and engaging way to learn Arabic! I’m excited to keep going with my lessons!

The Palestinian Center - Go Palestine responded to this reviewNovember 22, 2024

Shukraaaan for your feedback! I’m so glad to hear that your Arabic lessons with Duaa have been enjoyable :)

Learning Palestinian Arabic online was a fantastic experience! The classes with Duaa were engaging, and her flexibility perfectly accommodated my busy schedule. I now feel much more better speaking Arabic and can't wait to visit Palestine to use my new skills. Highly recommended.

The Palestinian Center - Go Palestine responded to this reviewNovember 22, 2024

That’s wonderful to hear! It sounds like the online classes with Duaa were both enjoyable and effective :)

Learning Arabic at Go Palestine and discovering the culture of Palestine has been an amazing experience, thanks to my great teacher. She is very dedicated, patient, and knows a lot, which makes every lesson fun. The materials she uses are good and not hard to understand. My Arabic has improved in many ways, and I learned a lot during my month of learning. My time in Palestine was unforgettable. Visiting the refugee camps was very important and taught me many new things about the situation here in Hebron. I recommend this program to anyone who wants to learn Arabic easily and see the culture too.

The Palestinian Center - Go Palestine responded to this reviewNovember 22, 2024

Thank you so much for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear that your experience learning Arabic was as you wanted to be :)