Living and Studying in the West Bank

Introduction

Internationals who come to study at Birzeit University will find that life on campus and in the country is intrinsically different from life in their own country with regard to personal lifestyle, leisure activities and behavior patterns. These factors should be considered seriously and weighed against personal interest in discovering a stimulating and different way of life before deciding to study in the West Bank.

The life and freedom of Palestinians is severely affected by the daily realities of military occupation and the current transfers of authority. Military-imposed measures include restrictions on movement inside and outside the West Bank, frequent identity checks, imprisonment, and abuse of the local population.

International students are in general not subjected to the same restrictions. Nevertheless, when living in the West Bank they may be affected indirectly by them, usually through Israeli curfews and closures of Palestinian areas.

The Intifada, the Palestinian uprising that started at the end of 1987, influenced life in the Occupied Territories in many ways. As an expression of protest and resistance against the occupation and in solidarity with those imprisoned and killed during the Uprising, leisure activities and celebrations were generally held in a restrained manner.

Festive gatherings took place mainly within the family and close community circles. Generally only a few public places were found for socializing outside the home, mainly during daytime or in the early evening. With the changing realities brought by Palestinian autonomy, however, more restaurants and cafes are beginning to open in the Ramallah area, with an accompanying general relaxation. For students, the University campus is still a central place for socializing.

The Birzeit University Student community mirrors Palestinian society in its diversity of people from various backgrounds; incorporating Muslims and Christians, villagers, townspeople, refugees and a wide spectrum of political groupings, all bringing with them their own cultural and political expectations.

In preparation for the new environment, students are advised to inform themselves about Palestinian society and politics in the region through a variety of books and articles available on the subject. Students with access to the World Wide Web may like to visit the university's on-line travel guide to Birzeit University and the surrounding area, found on: http://www.birzeit.edu/ramallah

PAS Orientation

To help introduce international students to some of the issues and conditions under which they will be living, Birzeit University requires PAS students to attend an orientation program during the week prior to the commencement of classes. The program includes talks about: housing and living conditions; rights as foreigners and students; transport; health facilities; and a special workshop on human relations. Students are also encouraged to seek the advice of fully trained student counselors on campus, should the need arise.

Climate and Clothing

The climate between June and September is usually dry and hot, but even the hottest summer days become cool in the evening. In general, casual clothing is appropriate for summer wear but shorts and halter or open tops for women and shorts for men are not suitable anywhere in the West Bank or Gaza. During winter, from November to April, temperatures cool considerably and heavy winter and rainproof clothing is necessary. At night, temperatures can drop to below zero degrees Celsius and snow may fall occasionally. Most apartments do not have central heating.

Visas and Study Permits

Depending upon nationality, foreigners are required either to obtain a visa to Israel in advance, or upon arrival at the airport. Check with your local Israeli Embassy. Generally, student visas are not granted to internationals who study at Birzeit. Students are advised to enter the country on a 3-month tourist visa, which may need to be renewed during their stay.

Services and Facilities

Accommodation

The following accommodation options are available to PAS students:

1. Women Hostels
   Female students may be housed in all-women hostels, sharing rooms with one or two other students. Hostel rules do not permit the consumption of alcohol and visits by members of the opposite sex. Accommodation does not include meals or cooking utensils.
2. Family Accommodation
   A very limited number of rented rooms with families are available in the nearby towns of Birzeit and Ramallah, and even then, they are available for females only. While giving the opportunity to experience Palestinian life close up, accommodation with a family requires a willingness to abide by different rules and sensitivity to the appropriateness of behavior common in the student's own culture. Rules might, but will not necessarily include: manner of dress, restrictions on the consumption of alcohol and visits by members of the other sex.
3. Rented apartment in Ramallah or Birzeit
   A number of places are available in houses and apartments in Birzeit and Ramallah. Apartments and rooms may be shared with one or two other international or Palestinian students.

Library (pictured left)

Computer Center

Medical Clinic The Birzeit University medical clinic is available to all students free-of-charge during University hours. The medical staff arranges referrals to specialist services and practitioners.

Cafeterias

Bookstore

Identification Cards