Living and Working in the West Bank: An Incredible Opprotunity Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The program was divided into two phases- the first was a one-week academic seminar, and the second was working with our internship program. We were required to keep a blog during our entire trip with three lengthier posts, as well as write a substantial research paper after we returned to the states. The knowledge we gained from the seminar week is unmatchable to anything a student can learn in the United States from the media or a textbook, and the grading system was very fair and based both on academics and participation.

On-site administration of your program

Our program was made up of less than twenty students, which created a very collaborative learning experience where we were free to share our opinions and questions. My expectations were met above and beyond what I had hoped for; I would recommend this program to anyone interested in the region or conflict. Once we were in the host country and on our own during the internships, students needed to be highly self-sufficient, although help was always available if needed.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host family was the best experience I took away with me from the program. The program is divided into different cities/towns, and multiple students live and work in each location. Students in Tel Aviv, for instance, stayed in an apartment, while others, like those in Bethlehem and Jerusalem, stayed with host families. My host family's house was very close to my work, and was easily accessible walking or taking a short public taxi ride. I felt completely safe in the area I lived in.

Palestinian food is delicious, and I encourage anyone who goes to the area to try as many different things as possible. While they offer quasi-American food, like pizza or hamburgers, traditional foods are the most satisfying. Depending on where you live, there can be roads lined with cafes and small restaurants. Portions are big and the bill is cheap- eat up!

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Our program was based initially in Jerusalem, and then we reconvened in Tel Aviv after our internship period. During our internship period we were free to travel inside Israel or the West Bank as much as we liked, so many students got the opportunity to see most of Israel and the West Bank as well as visit each other and see the daily life in another city. There were many cultural events I got to be a part of in Ramallah and Jerusalem, including film screenings, concerts, as well as events hosted by the United Nations or festivals hosted by Berzeit University. It was a great opportunity to not only immerse oneself in the cultural aspects of the region, but also to meet and befriend locals. Our program hosted two organized weekend trips, the first to Jordan where we visited Petra, and the second to Northern Israel, where we visited the Golan region and the Sea of Galilee.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't need any specific vaccines for this program, nor did I run into any health problems. As long as I abides by the cultural expectations, such as moderately conservative dress for women (most of the time I wore jeans and a t-shirt), I wasn't treated any differently than anyone else unless it was because I was American. There were many nights where I would walk alone through the streets of Ramallah to get back to my host family's house, and never once did I feel unsafe.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Select all that apply

• Host Family
• Apartment
• Hotel

Select all that apply

• Host Family

• Seminar experience
• Internship placements
• Independent time for travel, events, etc

• More information (before the program leaves) regarding Israeli security through checkpoints and airports, especially if the student is living in the West Bank