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!