Israeli-Palestinian Conflict & Refugees Internship

It was a powerful and eye opening experience for me. It helped me understand the reality of daily life in the West Bank beyond what I had read in the news. In Hebron and Halhul, we met inspiring activists and local organizations working in human rights and community support. Listening to their stories made the situation feel very real and personal. One of the most impactful visits was to Masafer Yatta, where I saw the threats families face from nearby settlers. It was difficult to witness, but important to see the reality on the ground. This internship gave me deeper knowledge, perspective, and respect for the resilience of the Palestinian people. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to understand the conflict from a human perspective.

My experience with Go Palestine was incredibly rewarding as it was my first time in the region and they made me feel so welcome. Prior to arriving, I was concerned about safety but that feeling quickly left as I was consistent greeted with kindness and care. As for my specific internship, I witnessed and learned quite a lot about the experiences and day-to-day life of Palestinians in the West Bank. I visited refugee camps and how conflict is impacting the lives of those who are displaced. I visited multiple organizations that are working to stabilize and improve their communities. I gained so much insight into what is happening and I highly suggest for anyone to do the same! You won't regret it!

Hi! I'm Sutton, a student from Australia. My three weeks in Palestine were very informative and helped me understand the conflict and refugee situation better. I learned the Palestinian dialect with the help of my patient teacher, Mr. Muhammad, which helped me connect with the people in Hebron. Staying with a host family was another great experience, they were so kind and taught me a lot about their culture and daily life. Visiting refugee camps was both sad and inspiring. It showed me the challenges people face and their amazing strength. This experience gave me new insights, important connections, and a better understanding of global issues. I highly recommend this program to anyone who wants to learn and make a difference.

I spent a month in Hebron as part of the Israel-Palestine Conflict Program. This experience offered an enriching introduction to Palestinian culture, allowing me to connect with incredible people and gain a deeper insight into the conflict. The staff were very welcoming, and the volunteer community was warm and supportive. I highly recommend it!

Hi, I’m Sofia, a Spanish a master student living in Manchester, studying Global Development and Human Rights. I joined the program in Hebron to gain firsthand insight into the Israel-Palestine conflict and understand the impact of the occupation on daily life. Visiting NGOs, refugee camps, and speaking with locals in H1 and H2 provided me with moving stories of resilience and hardship. Despite the challenges, Palestinians are incredibly welcoming and generous, always ready to help or share tea and conversation. Don’t let media stereotypes hold you back.

Hi, I’m Ethan, a 27-year-old student from Ireland, studying International Relations and Conflict Studies at Queen's University Belfast. I spent two weeks in Hebron, Palestine, with the Human Rights and Conflict Program, driven by Ireland’s historic solidarity with Palestine and my academic focus. My time was filled with visits to human rights organizations, refugee camps, and local businesses, offering a firsthand understanding of the daily struggles under occupation. Despite initial safety concerns, the warmth of the locals and the center’s care quickly reassured me. Beyond the program, I embraced Hebron’s vibrant culture, built lasting friendships, and explored cities like Ramallah and Bethlehem. This experience was deeply rewarding, and I’m already planning my next visit :)

Hi, I’m Liam, a 23-year-old student from Australia, and my three weeks in Palestine were truly eye opening. Through the program, I learned the Palestinian dialect with the guidance of my patient instructor, Mr. Muhammad, stayed with a warm and welcoming host family, and visited three refugee camps. Speaking the local language helped me connect deeply with the community in Hebron, while my host family offered me invaluable insights into their culture and daily life. Visiting the refugee camps was both heart wrenching and inspiring, showing me the harsh realities people face alongside their remarkable resilience. This experience not only deepened my understanding of the conflict but also broadened my perspective on global issues. I’d highly recommend it to anyone eager to make a meaningful connection with the region.

Hello, I’m Ricardo from Chile, and I’m 24 years old. I’ve spent three weeks here at the Palestinian Center doing the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Program, and it’s been an amazing experience. I’ve had the chance to meet so many interesting people, hear their stories, and get a firsthand view of what life is really like here. I’ve learned a lot and am taking home so much more than I expected. Although I had hoped to work more directly with the community, the experience has still been really impactful. During the program, I visited two refugee camps, where I met residents, saw their situation, and even played with the kids, which was a highlight for me. We also visited villages like Beit Ummar, where we met Tannen, who shared stories about his family. In Bethlehem, I explored the city with a guide named Raouf, and we had some meaningful conversations about the conflict. The program includes a lot of activities, but there’s also free time to explore with other volunteers. We spent a day in Bethlehem and even two days in Ramallah, which added to the experience. When I arrived, I didn’t know any Arabic, which made the first days a bit challenging. But the Arabic classes here are fantastic. My teacher was friendly and adjusted the lessons to suit my beginner level, which has really motivated me to keep learning once I’m back home. If you’re considering coming to Palestine and are concerned about safety, I can tell you it’s very safe. After three weeks, I feel totally comfortable moving around. The community here feels like a big family; everyone knows each other, and it’s easy to feel at home. I highly recommend this program for anyone interested in learning about the culture, the language, and the daily lives of people here. It’s been a truly unforgettable experience.

I traveled from France to the Palestinian Center in Hebron for a three week Arabic course, and it was an incredible experience. The teacher was excellent, and I learned so much during my time in Palestine. My daily schedule varied between field visits to nearby cities, giving English lessons, and taking Arabic lessons. This dynamic routine helped me gain a deeper understanding of Palestine and its people, providing valuable insights into the region and the ongoing conflict. Hebron is a beautiful city with friendly locals and numerous historical sites to explore. The city is unique due to its division into three areas (A, B, C), which offers a comprehensive view of the situation on the ground. I also found the food to be delicious and quite affordable compared to other places I visited in Palestine. As for safety, I felt very secure during my stay. In fact, I felt safer in Hebron than in Jerusalem. The locals are welcoming and friendly, and it's not the chaotic, dangerous place that the media often portrays. Overall, the environment is calm, and people are doing their best to ensure that visitors feel safe. If you're considering a trip to Palestine, I highly recommend booking your tickets now. The staff at the center are incredibly kind and will make you feel right at home. This experience has truly been unforgettable, and I encourage others to come and discover the beauty of Palestine for themselves.

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I’m a 65 year old woman, who traveled solo in April, 2024 to Hebron in the middle of an unjust war. And I had the most incredible experience of my life with “Go Palestine.” I only wish I could have stayed longer than a week…which I will definitely do the next time. I felt safer in Hebron than in my hometown of Chicago. (But be careful crossing the street here!) Every day was packed with activities from visiting cultural and humanitarian organizations, to learning Arabic, to teaching English, to group cooking a local dish. My favorite part was visiting the nearby refugee camp. But that was because of the people. And I have never met a more welcoming people than the Palestinians. From my arrival day, when I got lost (but it’s in my nature to get lost.) A group of teen boys came up to me and helped me lug my two suitcases to the Center. And when I tried to give them a little money for helping me, they were aghast and refused! (What teenage boy wouldn’t like a little money for a soda or ice cream?) Super respectful men, women and children were always asking if I needed help, or wanting to practice their English with me. And the wonderful local family that I stayed with, were always watching out for me. Everyone who was working or volunteering at the center were amazing. Even though I was the oldest one there, they made me feel very welcome, and a part of the group. I highly recommend it to anyone of any age, gender, religion or nationality. It’s affordable and I learned more in my one week of immersion education, than I would have learned in a year of online research. It’s still difficult to truly know what’s it like to live as an everyday Palestinian, but I imagine that it would not have been much different from life in the Warsaw Ghetto in 1942. Except that now the oppressed, is the oppressor. And the worst part…is that in 1942 the world had “an excuse” for not knowing.…but in 2024…there’s no excuse.

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I’m a 65 year old woman, who traveled solo in April, 2024 to Hebron in the middle of an unjust war. And I had the most incredible experience of my life with “Go Palestine.” I only wish I could have stayed longer than a week…which I will definitely do the next time. I felt safer in Hebron than in my hometown of Chicago. (But be careful crossing the street here!) Every day was packed with activities from visiting cultural and humanitarian organizations, to learning Arabic, to teaching English, to group cooking a local dish. My favorite part was visiting the nearby refugee camp. But that was because of the people. And I have never met a more welcoming people than the Palestinians. From my arrival day, when I got lost (but it’s in my nature to get lost.) A group of teen boys came up to me and helped me lug my two suitcases to the Center. And when I tried to give them a little money for helping me, they were aghast and refused! (What teenage boy wouldn’t like a little money for a soda or ice cream?) Super respectful men, women and children were always asking if I needed help, or wanting to practice their English with me. And the wonderful local family that I stayed with, were always watching out for me. Everyone who was working or volunteering at the center were amazing. Even though I was the oldest one there, they made me feel very welcome, and a part of the group. I highly recommend it to anyone of any age, gender, religion or nationality. It’s affordable and I learned more in my one week of immersion education, than I would have learned in a year of online research. It’s still difficult to truly know what’s it like to live as an everyday Palestinian, but I imagine that it would not have been much different from life in the Warsaw Ghetto in 1942. Except that now the oppressed, is the oppressor. And the worst part…is that in 1942 the world had “an excuse” for not knowing.…but in 2024…there’s no excuse.

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Hi! I'm Julian, a 21-year-old student from Australia. My experience in Palestine was truly eye-opening. I was eager to learn more about the complex conflict in the region and gain a deeper understanding of the refugee crisis. I spent three weeks in the program, during which I had the opportunity to learn the Palestinian dialect, stay with a host family, and visit three refugee camps. Learning the Palestinian dialect was one of the highlights of the program for me. It was challenging at times, but my Arabic instructor Mr. Muhammad was patient and helpful, and I was able to make significant progress. Speaking the language allowed me to better connect with the local community in Hebron and gain a deeper understanding of their perspectives. Staying with a host family was also a great experience. They were incredibly welcoming and kind, and I learned so much from them about the local culture and way of life. It was fascinating to see how people live in the region and to experience their customs and traditions firsthand. But perhaps the most impactful part of the internship was visiting the refugee camps. It was heart-wrenching to see the living conditions and the struggles that the refugees face on a daily basis. However, it was also inspiring to see their resilience and determination to create a better life for themselves and their families. This internship with no doubt was an incredible experience that gave me a deeper understanding of the conflict and the human impact it has had. It also allowed me to connect with the local community, learn a new language, and gain a new perspective on global issues. I would highly recommend this program to anyone who wants to learn more about the conflict and make a positive impact in the world.

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Hi, my name is Cathal, I am 27 years old and from Ireland. Earlier this year I decided to partake on the Human Rights and Conflict program for two weeks in Hebron – Palestine. I am currently a student at Queens University Belfast studying International Relations and Conflict Studies. It made so much sense to apply for an internship with GO Palestine regarding my study field however for long Ireland has held strong solidarity with the Palestinian struggle for freedom while under its current occupation. Therefore, it was essential I traveled to Palestine to gain an on the ground experience of the struggle and of course experience the famous warm hospitality. My experience in Hebron and at the Palestinian center has been excellent. On arrival I was greeted with open arms and throughout my duration of stay closely cared for. Hebron is a city that never sleeps which if fantastic as there is much to see and much to do. The hustle and bustle of the city will keep you entertained and will most importantly will make you feel at home with the hospitality. My days in Hebron consisted of meeting Human Rights Organizations, Refugee Camps, Field Visits and local craft businesses. I also got to experience at first hand the daily struggles Palestinians face from checkpoints and the physical presence of armed occupation. Safety is the centers number one priority and as an international visitor they are aware of the probable concern that will exist. I will be honest and say that of course I was anxious but my nerves where soon settled by the organization, from the center staff and the many local Palestinians. I know this matter will be first and foremost highly thought of as a travelling international but please be reassured that you will be safe. Fun is to be had in Palestine with trips to Ramallah and Bethlehem but you will stay most of your time in Hebron. Hebron’s culture is vivid with socializing being at the heart of it. I have made strong friendships over the two weeks with other internationals but also amazing local Palestinians that have kept me entertained to the max which I am entirely grateful for. I am writing this two week review although already planning my next trip to Palestine but next time will be for longer. The experience is rewarding and will of course enhance my political aspirations. Please do not think twice about applying at GO Palestine as I did not. There is much to see! Apply now!

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Do not recommend!! The Palestinian Center for Education and knowledge exchange in Hebron, owned by the manager Mohammed Saleh Tamimi and his son, the international coordinator Motaz Tamimi (currently in Germany) are NOT the right place for international students and I strongly discourage you to get involved with this center!! Having planned a conflict internship for three months in Hebron, Motaz had promised me a hostfamily, Arabic lessons, local visits and a 36-hour a week full internship program with "conflict experts, history academics, political academics, number of NGO, refugee centers etc". However, from my first day at the Centre there was NOTHING planned. Zero meetings, zero activities, an entire empty schedule for three months. The hostfamily was not a hostfamily, but I stayed at the (unclean) apartment of his father who is also the manager. The Centre as well is extremely dirty and unhygienic with on occasion even being provided with products that had passed their date. The only local visit I got was to the Old Town which is an easy 10-min walk from the Center and very much possible on your own. Hence you should have to pay for that separately. In terms of the internship, nothing had been taken care of. Not before my arrival and not during my arrival. There was not even a list with organisations or experts and Motaz told me that there are no conflict experts in Palestine (even though it says so in the website and he repeatedly mentioned this to me before). Rather, they had no idea what a conflict internship truly entails and just try to get money from students without giving anything in return. His father even made me pay for transport and a museum that should have been included in the price. Even after repeated conversatios with Motaz in which he in detail promised me several educational activities and meetings, none of those came true. He lied in my face and after quitting my internship (that did not exist in the first place) even threathened me that I breached the contract and I got into a legal battle afterwards in order to get my money back. His father, Mr Mohammed, even tried to take me as an intern to the Israeli terrirory in which people were being attacked with teargas. The Palestinian Center for Education and knowledge exchange in Hebron used to work together with the Excellence Center, also in Hebron. After their split in 2020, they both went their own ways. However, according to several individuals and human rights organisations located in the area, both Centers have been active in fraudulent activities by promising international students formal, professional and active internships but not at all delivering on those promises. Students are being pushed as 'English teachers' instead of conflict or human rights interns. Eventually I stopped my internship after 3 weeks instead of 3 months and eventually got only part of my money back. Therefore, my honest opinion is that the management of this Centre are liars and frauds. They exploit international students and take advantage from them both financially and practically by pushing them to become English teachers. I would strongly discourage any student to do any internship within this Centre.