The document summarizes an international summer camp hosted by the Excellence Center in Hebron, Palestine from August 16-26, 2012. The camp aims to provide cultural immersion for international students through experiences like living with a Palestinian host family, traveling to historic sites, and learning about Palestinian culture and traditions. Participants will have opportunities for volunteer work and will experience Ramadan during their stay. The $1100 fee covers accommodations, food, and travel within Palestine during the week-long program.
2. INTERNATIONAL SUMMER CAMP
2012
“LIVE AND EXPERIENCE PALESTINIAN DAILY LIFE”
“ISC”
You are invited to the International Summer Camp in Hebron,
Palestine, hosted by Excellence Center, a local educational institution. ISC is
a cultural immersion program for internationals taking place this fall. As a
student and cultural ambassador in Palestine, you will have the opportunity
to experience Palestinian daily life and familiarize yourself with the area’s
rich history. The program will provide participants with an entertaining,
enriching, and dynamic stay.
Visitors will have an authentic view of the West Bank led by Palestinian
guides. The camp includes speakers from a variety of backgrounds including
education, intercultural communications and Palestinian studies. You will
see firsthand the many traditions, cultures, foods and people of this vibrant
land.
In addition, this year participants will arrive to the West Bank just in time to
experience the final days of one of the five pillars of Islam, Ramadan!
During this month, adult Muslims must fast from dawn until sunset and do
not eat or drink. However, some people (children, the elderly or infirm,
travelers and expecting mothers) are excused from fasting. There is one
night that is especially important called Lailat al-Qadr, or The Night of
Destiny. This night marks the first occasion on which the Prophet
Mohammed received the Holy Quran and falls on one of the last ten nights
of Ramadan. Also, after the last day of this month, there is Eid al-Fitr.
During Eid al-Fitr, children wear new clothes, receive gifts and people visit
3. their friends and relatives. Ramadan is a celebrated and prayerful time in
Muslim countries and will be a wonderful glimpse into Islamic culture for
visitors in Palestine.
Come experience Palestine from an insider’s view!
ISC’s Goal
The Excellence Center aims to achieve a diverse cultural exchange and
social dialogue at ISC by hosting people from around the world. These
diverse perspectives will enrich the camp, the Center and participants. You
will see true Palestinian life and be introduced to new points of view. The
ISC Program promises a positive and enriching experience.
ISC provides the opportunity for internationals to:
Live in Hebron, including trips to the Old City, holy sites and local
refugee camps.
Learn spoken Arabic from native speakers and embrace the opportunity to
communicate with locals
Travel to historical locations and nearby cities including Jerusalem,
Jericho, Ramallah, Nablus and Bethlehem
Spend time and live with a Palestinian host family, if desired
Visit Palestinian universities, local institutions and organizations
specializing in culture and education
Eat local Palestinian foods and desserts
Attend cultural nights featuring entertainment, activities and sport
Listen to distinguished lecturers discussing Palestinian heritage and
history.
Volunteer work
You will have the opportunity to give back to the community through
volunteer work during your time in Hebron. For example you may spend an
afternoon working with the Old City Rehabilitation committee or lead a
group of Palestinian students in lessons on your native language. This will
4. help immerse you further into the community and allow you to leave a
positive contribution from you time in Palestine.
Eligibility for ISC
English speakers who are above 18 are eligible to participate in ISC.
To apply, please read the enclosed information and submit your resume and
a completed application to apply@excellencenter.org by June 30th, 2012.
ISC’s Dates
Excellence Center will host the 2012 International Summer Camp in
Hebron from August 16th through August 26th.
Associated Fees
ISC fees amount to $1100 or 842 €. Accommodations, food, and
traveling within Palestine during the week are included and will be arranged
for the guests.
Selection Date
We will confirm your acceptance to participate in ISC via email by
July 10th. Following your selection we will arrange a meeting via Skype to
discuss the details of your trip and travel arrangements.
Accommodations
Travel arrangements and accommodations within the West Bank will
be scheduled and coordinated by Excellence Center. Participants have the
option of staying with a host family or in a rented apartment.
5. Detailed Summer Camp program
A detailed summer camp program will be provided after the selection
of the participants has taken place.
Visa
A tourist visa lasting 90 days will be granted to you upon your arrival
in Israel. There is no need to obtain a visa ahead of time.
Traveling to and from Hebron
The West Bank is accessible by border crossings from Israel and
Jordan. From Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, take a shared taxi to
Damascus Gate in Jerusalem, and then a bus to Bethlehem. A representative
of Excellence Center will be waiting to escort you to Hebron. Participants
have the option of extending their stay in the area to include traveling to
other countries either before or after ISC.
Participants
Excellence Center is looking for 25 dynamic individuals to host at the
2012 International Summer Camp in Hebron, Palestine. The camp will
provide a forum for cultural exchange and immersion. We aim to achieve
social discourse and understanding, while giving participants an authentic
experience of the West Bank.
About Excellence Center
Located on Ein Sara, the main street of Hebron, Excellence Center
specializes in providing convenient educational services to students and
professionals. Due to a lack of resources many Palestinians lack proficiency
in foreign languages and communication skills. Such deficiencies pose
serious challenges to obtaining a university degree and participating in the
labor market.
6. We offer language classes at all levels and courses on other critical subjects
such as CV and cover letter writing and interview preparation. The English
conversation program pairs participants with native speakers so that they
have the opportunity to improve speaking, listening, and comprehension. We
believe hosting teachers from abroad facilitates diversity and cultural
immersion in the classroom. The Excellence Center also provides career
consulting services in areas such as project management and proposal and
research writing. Obtaining proficiency in these fields enables graduates of
EC courses to better themselves and help build a positive future for
Palestine.
For more information about the camp, please contact us :
Website: www.excellencenter.org
Email: Apply@excellencenter.org
Mobile No: +49 176 39353950
Thank you very much!
شكرا جزيال