Dar Al-Kalima Academy >
Academic Programs > Tourism >
Palestinian Tour Guide
Intensive
Course for Palestinian Guides
General Information for
Applicants
Aims - The Intensive Course
for Palestinian Guides is a vocational training course, which aims
not only at producing licensed guides, but also at creating a new type
of Palestinian guide. This guide will be a cultural translator and
international teacher, able to narrate the story of the country to
open the eyes of its visitors. The guide will be trained in a
wholistic way so as to provide a safe space and insights of the
country for the visitors.
Requirements - In addition to
Arabic and English the applicant should have another spoken language
in which he/she can guide. Otherwise, a language course is obligatory.
We prefer candidates with university or professional degrees. If you
have studied abroad, still speak the language and if you want to
present your country in a positive and comprehensive manner, then you
are exactly right for the Intensive Course for Palestinian Guides.
Commitment - An applicant's
commitment to the course is required. As a student, you must fulfill
the demands of studying, which means giving time for reading and
studying at home as well as attending lectures. Most importantly,
each student will be challenged to cope with new information, new
ideas and new methods of learning. Without personal effort, there is
no way to become a Palestinian guide of the new generation. Therefore,
anyone accepting the commitment must take into consideration adjusting
his/her personal life to this new challenge.
Structure - The Intensive
Course for Palestinian Guides focuses on field experience. You
will visit all known sites in Palestine, including neglected ones, as
well as the sites in Israel. Most of the field trips are one-day
trips, which will take place on either Friday or Sunday. Some
fieldtrip could take two days or last up to
three. Attending field trips and lectures is a must. Subjects are
divided into units, which end with evaluations by their respective
teachers. The course lasts three semesters, for a total of one and a
half years.
Lecturers and Mentors -
international and local scholars and professionals, who are
specialists in fields such as history, archeology and culture, will
teach the different units. Other topics that will be taught include
nature, current politics, tourism, etc. Included is also
counseling/mentoring for each student for his/her personal
improvement.
Place - The Intensive
Course for Palestinian Guides is an integral part of the
Dar al-Kalima Academy’s programs.
You will have the chance to gain experience through groups hosted by
the Dar al-Kalima Academy.
The Academy is centrally located in Bethlehem in al-Madbaseh Square.
As a Student, you are invited to work in our library, which has a
special focus on the Land
of Palestine and intercultural dialogue.
Costs –The fee for one semester
is $ 800 USD. These fees cover lectures and field trips. Books and
course-packs are the responsibility of the students.
Certificate - Upon
completion of all requirements, a student will receive a certificate
from the Dar al-Kalima Academy,
which will attest that the student attended the guiding course, passed
the tests of the units, and completed all the requirements and
Practicum. This certificate will qualify the student to take part in
the licensing procedure of the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.
Practicum - As part of the
training process, the Dar al-Kalima Academy
includes a requirement that students must have practical training in
the profession and the industry prior to getting their certificates.
Moreover, the Academy is working towards creating training
opportunities in the visitors' homelands, where the students can
become more culturally sensitive to the groups that they will lead as
well as improve their language skills.
Course Requirements & Guidelines
Download Registration Form
