The Excellence Center

My name is Albert Kim. I’m 39 years old. I was born in Seoul, South Korea and have lived in the New York City area since moving there at age two. I earned a bachelor’s degree in Technological Entrepreneurship & Management from Arizona State University. I’ve worked in tech, pastry arts, tutoring, and as a traveling monastic. I participated in the Volunteering with Refugees program in May of 2024.

Palestine was a life-changing experience for me in many ways. Number one, I was able to experience first-hand some semblance of what it’s like to live as a Palestinian. The plight of the Palestinian people has been dear to my heart for many years. To actually be here on the ground with the people, be immersed in the culture and in everyday life, to listen to people’s stories and struggles and to participate in these struggles myself at times was an honor and a blessing. My perspective on the Palestinian-Israeli situation has been imbued with much richness and depth.

I lived in a nicely-appointment apartment in Hebron, roughly thirty minutes walking from the Excellence Center. I regularly encountered friendly and curious locals who inquired into my origins, the reason for my stay in Hebron and so forth. The Palestinian people, in Hebron in particular, are the most welcoming and loving I’ve come across in the twenty countries I’ve traveled to. I lost count long ago of the number of complimentary coffees, teas, sweets, dinners and other gifts I received simply for my presence.

I was typically told by others to be careful when mentioning my trip to Palestine. Very sensical response especially in the current climate. However, I found myself feeling safe and secure in Palestine overall, whether in the touristy parts of Bethlehem or in the back alleys of late-night Hebron. Highlights of my travels outside of Hebron include the Wall in Bethlehem and Martyr’s Square in Nablus.

The Excellence Center is well-run by Osama and Marwa, offering numerous programs to suit the different needs and desires of prospective volunteers and students. I appreciated their flexibility in tailoring their programs for each volunteer. I found the tours and visits I participated in to be valuable. My visits to Al-Fawwar Refugee Camp stood out as particularly noteworthy. I had the most delicious Palestinian food during a visit with a refugee family there, then was guided on a tour of the camp and its history. I was also able to teach English to women and children at the girls’ school on a few occasions which I enjoyed.

Coming to the center everyday at 10am for group breakfast was a wonderful part of the daily routine. Everyone had the chance to mingle, bond, and plan their day together before going off on their individual schedules. I enjoyed swapping stories and perspectives and working and playing together with my cohort of fellow volunteers and students.
My Arabic tutor Duha was very competent and professional. I was able to hit the ground running, speaking with locals in Arabic on the day of our very first lesson together. When she asked whether I wanted the lessons to focus on the alphabet or conversation for our twelve hours, I replied “both”, and she accommodated well, providing me a foundation on which I feel confident learning on my own. I’m now able to read and write Arabic and have basic conversations.

Osama and Marwa are friendly and loving and helped make my stint with the Center a fruitful one. There’s a real family feel to the place, with friends and relatives regularly stopping in, saying hello, sharing meals. Frequently while speaking with locals around town I mentioned the Center and people were familiar.

The students I taught English to were so great. They were such enthusiastic learners, especially from someone like me! It was cool to be greeted by a student speaking Korean to me. My interactions with my students were likely my favorite part of my journey here. There’s so much life, love, joy, hope, and wonder in them. They are the future of Palestine and I believe this future will be bright. I’d like to stay in contact with them — helping them with English, maybe improving my Arabic, hearing about their lives, supporting them where I can.

I was asked if I’d return to Palestine one day. I do my best not to make promises I’m unable to keep. However, after my experience here — and especially with the children of Palestine — I can say that if I had to return to one country I’ve visited, Palestine would be near the top of my list. The hearts of the Palestinian people are open and my heart is open to them.

My time in Palestine at Excellence Center was very insightful. I volunteered with teaching refugees and had a lot of fun with the kids, they were keen to learn and were very excited to meet new people from overseas.

Other than teaching, the center took us on tours to historical parts of the city and also some local factories.

Throughout the trip I never felt like I was in any danger. Hebron feels just like an average city in the Middle East except the people are even more welcoming.

Overall it was a great experience and I hope to come back one day, god willing.

I had such a wonderful time at the excellence center. It is hard to put into words how amazing this experience has been. Even though I only visited for a short time, it was such an incredible ten days. The Palestinian people are unlike any others; their generosity and compassion is beyond anything I have experienced. It was amazing to volunteer and meet the kids here too. They are so smart and fun and very eager to learn English. The opportunities here are endless and there are always ways to help and learn about the country.
Although international news and governments advise against travel due to safety, I have had no issues whilst being here. Please do not hesitate to come and visit and see this beautiful country!

I'll never be the same after this experience in Palestine. The people have stolen a big piece of my heart forever. From the moment I entered the Excellence Center to my last tear-filled day, I was loved and supported from all members of the center as well my host family and local community. It is definitely a different experience being here during a 'war', things are a bit slower, not as many celebrations, but simply being here gives you so much insight into the daily life of Palestinians and the resilience they display while living under an unjust and horrific occupation.

I was able to learn more about the conflict between the occupiers (Israel) and the occupied (Palestine) and dip my toes into the human rights world with the human rights program here. I absolutely wish I was able to meet with more local organizations that focused on the human rights abuses of the occupation forces but I know this is a very unique time in Palestine. So I recommend for those that come and do the human rights program, do your research on organizations here and let the center know that you'd like to set up meetings with them. The center will do everything in their power to connect you with the right people. It might be more challenging during the current situation, but all efforts will be made to give you the best experience.

I'm having a hard time accepting the fact that I'm leaving Palestine in less than 24 hours, but I know I will be back, and inshallah (God willing) it will be for even longer than this 2-month visit. I'm leaving a big piece of my heart here in Palestine with the people that have truly become my family. There is no place like Palestine. It will inspire you, break your heart, and remind you of what true humanity looks like all in the same moment. Don't pass up an opportunity to come here, you'll be forever changed.

Over the past three years I have been trying and switching learning methods regularly. It gave me a basic vocabulary, but when I tried to speak my mind freezed.

My teacher Duha helped me to overcome that obstacle. I noticed that she really made an effort to 'read' me. To try and find out which pace, variation and challenges work for me. The frustration I often felt when learning Arabic disappeared because I became confident I was making progress.

I hope to continue soon, this time in Hebron.