Description the Palestinian Culture Program
Travel is the best way to experience and learn about other cultures. While traveling, you will meet with many people who also want to know about your own culture. Many people when they travel to other countries aren’t looking only to visit and see the landmarks of their new destination but also, they want to experience and understand, the culture of the local people including their traditions and common customs.
The different cultures of the world show us that difference is an eternal reality that exists among humans, and that our quest to explore and experience these differences will greatly increase our understanding of life and what happens in it.
Therefore, the Palestinian Culture Program is a unique opportunity for people to understand the culture of Palestinian people and get to know the traditions of Palestinian society. The culture of Palestine is closely related to that of its nearby countries such as Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan. The major aspects of Palestinian Society and Culture that the Palestinian Culture Program will focus on are customs, religion, language, literature, art, costumes, and music of its inhabitants.
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The Palestinian Culture Program Aspects
This program focuses on three aspects: Theoretical, Practical, Linguistic and Social
Theoretical & Practical
- This program includes field trips through a guide who speaks fluent English to tackle topics such as gender equality, family system, marriage traditions, divorce, violence against women and children, including honor killings, social customs, and lifestyle of Palestinians as well as Palestinian cuisine.
- Field trips to meet with Palestinian families and Institutions/activists working in the field of family protection so that you get to know the lifestyle and daily routine of Palestinian families in Hebron. You’ll be able to ask questions and interact with the family members (a translator will be provided to make your visit more informative). in addition, you might also get the chance to attend one Palestinian wedding.
- Since Palestinian cuisine is an integral part of the culture, you will be learning to make different Palestinian dishes in the city of Hebron. You will learn how to make famous and delicious dishes such as Maqluba, Koftah, Mahshi and many others.
Linguistic & Social
- Participants study Arabic as a part of immersion. The center will provide you with weekly language classes and the opportunity to practice the language with native speakers.
- The program will provide you with the opportunity to participate in the social, educational, and cultural activities organized by the Center that are aimed at targeting the Palestinian community in Hebron. These activities especially target children and youth with an aim to develop their skills in various educational and social fields.
| Information Regarding the Palestinian Culture Program |
| Place of Program | Hebron, Palestine |
| Program Fees | Starting From 325$ – American Dollar |
| Age | 18-70 Years Old |
| Minimum Duration | 1 Week |
| Maximum Duration | 12 Weeks |
| Starting/Ending Dates | Flexible – Anytime |
| Application Deadline | No Deadline |
| Program Language | English |
| Days off | Two days including Fridays |
| Arabic Lessons | 3 Hours a Week – Standard Arabic Or Ammiya |
| Educational Degree | Not Required |
| University Credit | Available |
The Benefits of the Palestinian Culture Program
- Your guide will speak fluent English.
- You will meet with Palestinians families and getting to experience the lifestyle and daily routine of the family.
- You might also get the chance to attend one Palestinian wedding.
- You will learn how to make famous and delicious dishes such as Maqluba, Koftah, Mahshi and many others.
- A participant will have the opportunity to organize workshops on a topic related to the program; or presenting workshops that teach a variety of skills, such as academic writing, writing biography, drawing, first aid, theater, music, and other skills.
- The participant will engage in the Palestinian community, culture, and daily life.
- Participants will be visiting city historical sites.
- All participants will receive three hours of Palestinian spoken Arabic language lessons per week.
- Accommodation are provided for the length of the program, either residing with a Palestinian host family or at our dorm.
- A Palestinian breakfast is provided every day and enjoyed with other international volunteers and staff.
The Palestinian Culture Program Fees
325$
American DollarsThis includes accommodation, local visits, 3 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
620$
American DollarsThis includes accommodation, local visits, 6 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
890$
American DollarsThis includes accommodation, local visits, 9 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
1050$
American DollarsThis includes accommodation, local visits, 12 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
1370$
American DollarsThis includes accommodation, local visits, 15 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
1520$
American DollarsThis includes accommodation, local visits, 18 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
1790$
American DollarsThis includes accommodation, local visits, 21 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
2070$
American DollarsThis includes accommodation, local visits, 24 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
2300$
American DollarsThis includes accommodation, local visits, 27 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
2550$
American DollarsThis includes accommodation, local visits, 30 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
2750$
American DollarsThis includes accommodation, local visits, 33 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
2990$
American DollarsThis includes accommodation, local visits, 36 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
What the participation fee includes?
The participation fee mentioned above includes :
- A guide who speaks fluent English
- Field visits.
- Accommodation (Host family or at our dorm).
- Local visits including a refugee camp, the Old City with its famous Ibrahimi Mosque, and the souqs, to name just a few.
- Three hours of Arabic a week.
- Daily Palestinian breakfast.
- Certificate of participation and a recommendation letter.
Who can apply?
Anyone who is between the ages of 18 and 70 is eligible to apply and join the program.
What is the Application Process?
- First, send us an email asking for the application form.
- We send you the application, you fill out the application and send it back to us.
- Our team reviews your application. We may invite you for an interview by means of a Skype/WhatsApp call.
- If you are selected after the interview, we will send you a confirmation form which you fill out and return to us.
- We prepare and send you the Invitation Letter and the Contract. We will also send you the invoice for payment, which will include all the information regarding payment options.
- You will sign the contract and make payment in order to reserve your place in the program.
- We will send you an Orientation Booklet and travel instructions. These two items will provide you with all the information on how to get to Hebron and contact the Center. One of our coordinators will provide his/her contact number within an email sent to you.
Do I need to speak Arabic?
No, interns are not obligated to know Arabic in order to participate in the program. We place our participants at the appropriate language level.
Can I combine this program with another internship program?
Yes, this program can be combined with one or more of the other internship programs the center offers. This means that you choose for example (one week or more regarding this program & one week or more regarding another one). Don’t worry, you only fill out one application for the combined programs!
Can I add more Arabic hours to my hours in the program?
Yes; however, each extra hour costs $20.00 more. Please mention this in your application.
Can I extend my program duration while I am there?
Yes, interns are allowed to extend their participation period. In this case, interns must inform the center coordinator at least one week before the end of his/her current program.
When can I apply to the Program?
Participants decide when they would like to participate. We are very flexible when it comes to starting and ending dates so that the applicant decides to start and end dates for him/herself.
| Living Cost | Approx. 50$ a Week |
| Meals Provided | Daily Breakfast at the Center |
| Accommodation | At a Host Family or at Our Dorm |
| Weekend | On Friday |
| Wifi Access | At the Center, Host Family & Our Dorm |
| Currency | Israeli Shekel (NIS) |
| Transportation | Taxies & Mini-Vans |
| Weather | Summer (25-30°C), Winter (0-9°C) |
| Airport | Ben Gurion Airport in Israel – No Airport in Palestine |
Do I need a visa to enter Palestine?
Yes. The Israeli government requires a visa for you to enter Israel :
- Visas are routinely granted upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport (Tel Aviv) if you are a citizen of an exempted country. They are available also at the Allenby-King Hussein Bridge Israel-Jordan border crossing.
- Tourist visas are valid for 90 days. Most Americans and Europeans are issued three-month visas upon arrival and clearing customs.
Traveling Solo to Palestine
- Traveling to Palestine, whether with someone or alone, is an interesting and once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Safety is always a concern no matter where one travels, but with common sense and planning, your travel can be enjoyable, fun, and worry-free, as well as save you money.
- People in Palestine are very friendly, enthusiastic, and eager to help and to talk with people from different cultures and countries. The opportunities to interact with internationals will make a Palestinian’s day, and, in turn, this will make your trip more enjoyable and interesting. If you are traveling alone, your solitariness will make you more approachable than if you are traveling as a group member.
- Do not let your fears and apprehensions paralyze you and rob you of the adventure of a lifetime. Come to Palestine as a solitary traveler and experience its fascinations and beauties. It has been said that “the world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page”. Allow yourself to read the whole book – a book you will never forget!
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How to apply or ask for additional information?
Please send an email to Mr. Mutaz Tamimi at info@gopalestine.org. Please type the Palestinian Culture Program in the subject line. We will then contact you back!