An-Najah NationalUniversity Orientation forUniversity of London, School of Oriental and African Studies

www.najah.edu

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About

An-Najah National University

About Nablus

General Information for SOAS Students

Living in Nablus and the West Bank

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Things to See and Do in Nablus

About NablusApproximately 63 kilometers north of Jerusalem, Nablus is rich with centuries of history. Strate-gically located in the beautiful valley between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim, Nablus is a cul-tural hub for the Palestinian people. Considered to be one of the oldest continuously occupied

settlements in the world, the city contains archi-tecture from Roman, Byzantine, Crusader, and Ottoman times. The Old City of Nablus dates to the Mamluke period and is indicative of tra-ditional Middle Eastern Souks and marketplaces that still exist today. It is replete with specialized

quarters for skills and goods. Nablus is also a commercial center for the northern West Bank and Nablusi soap, made from local olive oil and caustic soda, it has been produced in the city for more then 250 years.

About An-Najah National University

An-Najah was founded as An-Najah Nablusi School in 1918 and has since evolved into a large, technologically advanced institution, comprised of four campuses: the Old Campus, the New Campus, Hisham Hijjawi College of Technology,

and Khadouri Campus.An-Najah is the largest institution in Palestine, with approximately 20,000 students who pursue quality education and personal development. We have 1,790 academic and administrative

personnel who seek to continuously improve the content and the internationalization of our institution’s standards.

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An-Najah National Univers

ity

Schedule Classes Teachers

Days: Sunday-Wednesday

Times: 9am-10:30am – Class

10:30am-11am – Break

11am-1pm – Class

Students will

be taking four classes:

Palestinian Colloquial, Arabic

Literature, Arabic Grammar, and

Conversation and Listening. All

classes will be in the New Campus

Library. Attending lectures is mandatory.

An absence of six lectures will result in

expulsion from the program.

Every teacher has

office hours. Program

instructors and their office hours are

the following:

• Dr. Raed Abdel-Rahim: Old Campus

Office (12-1pm, S./Tu./Th.), New

Campus Library (1-2pm, M./W.)

• Dr. Abdul Khalek Issa: New Campus

Library (1-2pm, S./Tu./Th.)

• Dr. Momoun Mubarakeh: To be

Announced

General Information for SOAS Students

Program Contact Information

Dr. Raed Abdel-Rahim, Head of Program

mobile: 059-8926660

rarrabeh@najah.edu

The program

organizes monthly trips to

various Palestinian cities, such as,

Jericho, Hebron, Bethlehem, Jenin, and

Qalqiliya. Students will watch films about

these places and practice communicating

with locals while there. Afterwards, students

will write about their experience.

The program will

assign Palestinian students as

partners to practice Arabic. Students

are expected to meet with their partner

at least twice per week.

Teaching methods

utilized include the textbook,

homework, reports, field study,

and e-learning. The program avoids

translation into English – you should talk

exclusively in Arabic in class. Assessment

is based upon exams (which include conver-

sation and listening sections), homework, and

written reports.

Field Trips Arabic PartnersTeaching Methods and Assessment

Living in Nablus and the West Bank Transportation

Within NablusPrivate taxis have a blue rectangle on the door. They will take you directly where you tell them to take you for the fixed price of 10 shekels. However, traveling to some of the further out places will cost more, especially if you are crossing the city center. For example, Askaan Amria is usually 15 shekels from the city center (although it should be 10 from the Old Campus).A servees taxi has a black rectangle on the door. These taxis run fixed routes, and you can get on and off anywhere along their route. These are much cheaper because you are only paying for your own seat. Most servees taxis run to/from the city center. The servees between the city center and the New Campus is 2½ shekels. There is also one that runs between the Old and New Campuses for 2 shekels.At either end of the route, the servees will usually wait to fill up before it leaves. If you want to get on a servees in the middle of a route, you just need to wait until one with an empty seat is driving by. Usually they will honk at you to let you know they have room.If a servees is empty, you can “convert” it to a private taxi, and they will take you where you want to go for the same rates as private taxis.You do not need to carry your passport around with you as long as you stay in Nablus (don’t cross any checkpoints). Whenever you leave Nablus, to go either to a village or another city, make sure you take your passport with you in case you get stopped at a checkpoint.

Between Villages and Cities within the West BankThere are also servees taxis that run to nearby villages and other cities. These are the bigger taxi vans. All three stations are close to the city center. The big one (where you can also catch buses) is where you will find the servees taxis going to other cities, such as Ramallah (17 shekels), Qalandia/Jerusalem (17 shekels), Jenin (15 shekels), or Jericho (50 shekels). Often you cannot get a servees directly from Nablus to where you want to go. To get to Bethlehem, you need to go to Ramallah first (17 shekels) and get a different servees from there (20 shekels). But if you tell the driver here in Nablus that you are going to Bethlehem, he will often make some phone calls and connect you with a servees going to Bethlehem somewhere outside of Ramallah, and you can then avoid driving into the center of Ramallah (which saves some time).The other two servees stations are smaller and serve the villages surrounding Nablus. There is one on each side of the city center. Generally, the western station serves villages to the west and north, whereas the eastern station serves villages to the east and south, as well as Tubas and Salfit.Note that all these stop running around 6-9pm (depending upon the day and the route), so make sure you leave early enough so you can get home. Otherwise, you will have to pay a much higher fee for a private taxi to take you the whole way. If you are somehow able to get a servees late at night, expect to pay a higher rate. Additionally, if the servees is partially full, and it seems like it won’t fill up anytime soon, you can buy the extra seat(s), and the driver will then be happy to depart immediately.If you are taking the bus, they stop running around 4-5pm.

To IsraelThe simplest way to get to Israel is to go through the Qalandia checkpoint near Jerusalem. You can take a servees there from Nablus (17 shekels). Once there, you can board a taxi (10 shekels per seat, or 50 shekels for the whole taxi) or a bus (7 shekels) to take you across the checkpoint and drop you off at Damascus Gate in Jerusalem. There are also Israeli bus lines that serve the settlements that you can use, but this requires knowing the timetable and getting a taxi driver from Nablus to drop you off/pick you up from the bus stop. If you are going to Tel Aviv, it can save you a lot of time.You also can cross into Israel through Jenin if you want to go to northern areas.

FoodGrocery Stores Restaurants Eating at a Palestinian Home

Generally, to buy produce, just ask for a bag and start filling it up with the vegetables or fruits that you want (but only put one type in each bag). Then you hand the shopkeeper your bag, and he will weigh it, adding or removing pieces to make it an even kilo. Some larger items (such as watermelons or heads of cauliflower) are sold per unit.You don’t have to haggle over the price here – prices are pretty standardized no matter who you buy from. You might get ripped off at first, but once the sellers get to know you, especially if you buy from the same people

every week, you should be fine.

Most other

items you can find

in the grocery stores.

There are smaller stores all

throughout the city that have a

decent selection. The largest

supermarkets are Bravo and

Superstore. Bravo has a lot of

the rarer, imported items that

you can’t find elsewhere, but it

is also on the whole a bit more

expensive. Superstore isn’t

quite as large, but it also has a

large selection and pretty good

prices.

There are

plenty of places

to get cheap and quick

sandwiches to go, such as

falafel (usually about 3 shekels)

and shwarma (usually about

11-12 shekels).

At sit-down restaurants, you

shouldn’t expect them to bring

you the check as soon as

you’re finished eating. Usually

people will stay awhile after

they finish eating, so they just

don’t want to rush you. When

you want to leave, just ask for

the check. Also, tipping isn’t

expected here.

Pretty much everything is

closed on Fridays (whether

restaurants, markets, stores,

or offices of any kind).

Palestinians

are very hospitable,

so you will most likely at

some point be invited to eat at

somebody’s home. You should

expect to be fed a lot of food,

almost always including meat.

If you are a vegetarian, you will

want to tell them that ahead

of time, and specify that you

also don’t eat chicken or fish

(Palestinians only count red

meats like beef or mutton as

“meat”). Also, don’t expect it to

be a quick visit – plan on being

there several hours.

Produce Markets

Getting a PhoneIf you are planning on getting a cell phone here, we’d recommend getting a Jawwal SIM card. Messaging and calling other networks can be expensive, and most Palestinians use Jawwal. However, using your Jawwal phone in Israel will quickly use up your credits. To get a Jawwal number, just go to a Jawwal store (they’re everywhere), and they will set you up. You need to take your passport with you.

The system is pay-as-you-go. As long as you are in the West Bank, you don’t pay to receive calls or texts, only to place them. Twenty shekels can last a long time – I’ve made it five months on twenty shekels, but even for a more normal person, twenty shekels should last at least a month. To add money to your phone, just go to any Jawwal store, give them your phone, and tell them how much you

want to put on.If you need to buy a cell phone (and not just the SIM card), you can get one for as cheap as 100 shekels.The international calling code for Palestine is +972. Jawwal phone numbers are 059-XXX-XXXX. If someone is calling you from abroad, they will need to drop that first zero (e.g., 97259-XXX-XXXX).

ExerciseLone running is considered very odd here and will likely draw a lot of attention and isn’t advisable, especially for women. If you desire to exercise, we would recommend going to the University gym or the pool. There are also several private gyms that we can give you directions to. They are all usually gender segregated.

AttireFor Women

You will draw less attention if your shoulders and knees are covered. Transparent tops, spaghetti straps, and low necklines aren’t advisable.

For Men

You can wear longer shorts here, but be aware that shorter shorts aren’t culturally normative.

Money In different sites of the city, there are ATMs where Visa and Visa Electron cards work. With those cards you will automatically withdraw USA, and then you need to change them; however, some ATMs will also allow you to extract Israeli Shekels directly. There are numerous places throughout the town where you can change dollars into New Israeli Shekels (NIS).

Cost of Living in NablusDepending on how often you eat out at restaurants, whether you travel on weekends, etc. But you can expect to spend 10 and 20 shekels per day.

Alcohol and DrugsIf you drink here, you must drink very discretely.

Nablus is probably the most conservative Palesti-

nian city, and people here find alcohol consumption

particularly offensive. You should not drink, be seen

with alcohol, or even smell like alcohol in public. If

you purchase alcohol, make sure to conceal the

bottles. Try to dispose of your empty bottles dis-

cretely as well. Some landlords have completely

banned alcohol compensation in their apartments

as well – please confer with the International Office

to see if this applies to you. If you want to go out

and drink, Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Jerusalem are

more lenient towards the consumption of alcohol.

Additionally drug use is completely forbidden. Even

asking for drugs will get you in a lot of trouble. Drug

use could result in police detention or deportation.

Political Involvement

You might be detained or deported if you become involved in political or resistance activities, such as, protests, the International Solidarity Movement, or political groups (including campus political groups).

Be aware that your movements and internet activity are likely being observed. You are here to learn and study Arabic – don’t put that at risk by getting involved in political activities.

AccommodationsFinding housing in Nablus is difficult, so please

make sure you respect your accommodations and

your neighbors. Don’t trash the place, and don’t

be obnoxiously loud late at night. Also, as you

are probably aware, it is not culturally acceptable

to have someone of the opposite sex over late in

the evening or overnight. Keep in mind that your

neighbors are watching you. Some landlords have

requested that the women living in their apartments

don’t invite men over at all – please confer with the

International Office to see if this applies to you.

Finally, please make sure to turn off lights, fans,

heaters, and water when you leave the apartment,

and be careful where you put heaters in winter.

Finding housing in Nablus is difficult, so please make sure you respect your accommodations and your neighbors. Don’t trash the place, and don’t be obnoxiously loud late at night. Also, as you are probably aware, it is not culturally acceptable to have someone of the opposite sex over late in the evening or overnight. Keep in mind that your neighbors are watching you. Some landlords have requested that the women living in their apartments don’t invite men

over at all – please confer with the International Office to see if this applies to you. Finally, please make sure to turn off lights, fans, heaters, and water when you leave the apartment, and be careful where you put heaters in winter.

Students have the option of renting a flat which usually costs approximately $600-$800/ month, if you choose to rent alone. If students wish to

share with other international colleagues, the cost will be a lot cheaper, approx. $100-$150, depending on how many people are sharing the flat. Students also have the option of sta-ying with a family for the cost of $100-150/ per month (including utility bills and contributing to occasionally eating cooked meals with the family).

Accommodations

Things to See and Do in Nablus

Old CityThe old city is home to many markets and narrow streets. It is a great place to explore and shop.

Samaa NablusSamaa Nablus is a private overlook park near the top of Mt. Ebal. This is a great place to see the city and relax. You can pack a picnic or buy food or sheesha from one of the mountaintop cafes.

Soap FactoriesNablus has traditionally been known for its soap production. Nablusi soap is made from olive oil and is good for your skin. You can take a tour of one of the remaining soap factories that sits near the duwwar (the giant circle in the city center).

Hamaams (Turkish Baths)You can go relax at one of the old city’s several hamaams. There are different hours for men and women, so make sure to find out ahead of time when you can go.

Football (Soccer) GamesThe municipal stadium often hosts football games that you can go watch. While locals have to pay to get in, they generally refuse to let foreigners pay. Sometimes they will also want you to sit in the VIP section (presumably for your protection). The local team in the West Bank Premier League is Markaz Balata and wears blue. If you are a woman, please note that you will be the only woman in the entire building (they’ll most likely let you in because you’re a foreigner, but you will be very much out of place).

Samaritan VillageNablus is home to one of two remaining Samaritan communities in the world. Take a taxi up to the top of Mt. Gerizim where you can visit the Samaritan Museum and tour the ruins of the ancient Samaritan Temple. These are closed from mid-afternoon on Friday and all day on Saturday.

Tel BalataClose to the Balata refugee camp stands Tel Balata, the ruins of an ancient village. There isn’t a whole lot to see, but it’s close to Joseph’s Tomb, Jacob’s Well, and the Balata Refugee Camp, so you can combine a visit with other sites.

Joseph’s TombA few blocks away from Tel Balata, Joseph’s Tomb is believed by some to be the resting place of the Patriarch Joseph and by others of a sheikh named Joseph. Generally a few P.A. soldiers guard the place and will let you in if you stop by.

Jacob’s WellJacob’s Well, the site of the biblical story of Jesus talking to the woman at the well (among other stories), is located under the altar of a red-domed Orthodox church across the street from the Balata Camp. During certain hours, someone from the church will let you in and show you around. Admission is free, but they appreciate (and sometimes ask for) donations.

Olive PickingThe Palestinian olive harvest is coming up in October and November. Traditionally city-dwellers go out to the country to help villagers with the harvest. If someone invites you to go olive picking with them, don’t turn down the opportunity!

SebastiaAbout 20 or 30 minutes northwest of Nablus lies the village of Sebastia. Perched on a high hill in the middle of a broad valley, Sebastia was the ancient capital of the northern Israelite kingdom (then known as Samaria), and also the city where it is believed John the Baptist was beheaded. The servees will drop you off in the town square. Right on the square is a mosque (formerly crusader church) dedicated to John the Baptist. From the square, walk up the hill through the village until you reach a large open area at the top. There you will find many ruins to walk around and explore. The view of the surrounding countryside is also spectacular. When you are finished, walk back down to the square and ask people where to catch the servees back to Nablus (it’s down the hill from the square). In the spring Sebastia hosts a cultural festival. During the day they offer tours of the village (they will even let you inside the mosque) and the ruins, and in the evening there is a music and dabke performance in the ancient amphitheatre.

Refugee CampsNablus is home to three refugee camps: Balata, Askar, and Camp No. 1. If you go to one of the camps, you will attract a lot of attention. You should visit the camps either with somebody you know who lives there or with an organization that works there. If you don’t know anybody, you could contact the Yaffa Center, located across the street from Jacob’s Well in the Balata Camp. They might be willing to show you their center and the work they do, along with asking someone to show you around the camp. Finally, going to the camps after dark isn’t a smart idea.

Volunteering in NablusWe also recommend contacting any of the reputable NGOs that work here in Nablus to volunteer. The Sanad Society works with disabled children. The Yaffa Cultural Center in Balata Camp and Tomorrow’s Youth Organization (TYO) use volunteers to run many of their programs. Additionally, there are opportunities to volunteer right here on campus with the Zajel Youth Exchange and the American Corner (even though you’re not Americans, you’re still fluent in English). If you are interested in volunteering, contact the International Office for more information.

Your VisaCheck your visa to make sure you were given a three-month tourist visa. While you have this visa you can tra-

vel freely throughout Israel and the West Bank. It’s okay if you have a shorter visa, but we need to know so that

we can get to work on your extended visa immediately.

A month prior to the expiration of your tourist visa, come to the International Office and we will help you apply to

extend your visa. However, we are not able to guarantee that Israel will accept your application. Additionally,

this new visa might prohibit travel outside of the West Bank. We have no way of knowing whether you will be

restricted to the West Bank or not, and we have no control over it. Either way, we expect you to abide by the

restrictions of your visa.

If you leave the country (to Jordan or Egypt or somewhere else), please be aware that your extended visa will

be cancelled.

Zajel Student Account

Zajel

Dr. Raed will give you a Zajel number. You need to take this

number and go to the Computer Department on the first floor

of the Administration Building. Speak to Firas Abu Els-

heh (ext. 4449) and he will give you a student number and

password. You can then log into the university website with

your new Zajel account and view your grades, attendance

records, program/schedule, etc.

Contacts for SOAS Students

During Working Hours (Sunday-Thursday, 8am-3:30pm)If you have any problems, feel free to contact us. The International Office is on the second floor of the Administration Building on the Old Campus, Room 2030. Office hours are 8am-3:30pm, Sunday to Thursday.

International Office Nablus T: 09-2394960 Ext: 4486/4484 Email: international@najah.edu

British Consulate Emergency Phone Numbers

T: 02-5414100/41 Police: 100 Fax: 02-5322368/5414157 Ambulance: 101

Email: britain.jerusalem@fco.gov.uk Fire: 102

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