An-Najah National
University Orientation for
University of London, School of Oriental
and African Studies
About
Nablus
p
2
Living in
Nablus
and the
West Bank
p
6
Things
to See
and Do in
Nablus
About
An-Najah
National
University
p
3
General
Information
for SOAS
Students
p
4
www.najah.edu
p
11
About Nablus
Approximately 63 kilometers north of Jerusalem,
Nablus is rich with centuries of history. Strategically located in the beautiful valley between
Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim, Nablus is a cultural hub for the Palestinian people. Considered
to be one of the oldest continuously occupied
settlements in the world, the city contains architecture from Roman, Byzantine, Crusader, and
Ottoman times. The Old City of Nablus dates
to the Mamluke period and is indicative of traditional 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.
Arab
ic
f
rs
ake
pe
Na
Non tive S
r
o
A n-
Na
ja
hN
er
sit y
General Information for SOAS Students
ati o n al U
ni
v
Schedule
Classes
Teachers
Students will
Every teacher has
Days:Sunday-Wednesday
be taking four classes:
office hours. Program
Times: 9am-10:30am – Class
Palestinian Colloquial, Arabic
instructors and their office hours are
10:30am-11am – Break
Literature, Arabic Grammar, and
the following:
11am-1pm – Class
Conversation and Listening. All
•
Dr. Raed Abdel-Rahim: Old Campus
classes will be in the New Campus
Office (12-1pm, S./Tu./Th.), New
Library. Attending lectures is mandatory.
Campus Library (1-2pm, M./W.)
An absence of six lectures will result in
expulsion from the program.
•
Dr. Abdul Khalek Issa: New Campus
Library (1-2pm, S./Tu./Th.)
•Dr. Momoun Mubarakeh: To be
Announced
Program Contact
Information
Dr. Raed Abdel-Rahim, Head of Program
mobile: 059-8926660
rarrabeh@najah.edu
Field Trips
Arabic Partners
Teaching Methods
and Assessment
The program
The program will
Teaching methods
organizes monthly trips to
assign Palestinian students as
utilized include the textbook,
various Palestinian cities, such as,
partners to practice Arabic. Students
homework, reports, field study,
Jericho, Hebron, Bethlehem, Jenin, and
are expected to meet with their partner
and e-learning. The program avoids
Qalqiliya. Students will watch films about
at least twice per week.
translation into English – you should talk
these places and practice communicating
exclusively in Arabic in class. Assessment
with locals while there. Afterwards, students
is based upon exams (which include conver-
will write about their experience.
sation and listening sections), homework, and
written reports.
Living in Nablus and the West Bank
Transportation
Within Nablus
Private 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 Bank
There 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 Israel
The 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.
Food
Produce Markets
Grocery Stores
Restaurants
Eating at a Palestinian Home
Generally, to
Most other
buy produce, just ask
There are
Palestinians
items you can find
for a bag and start filling it
plenty of places
are very hospitable,
in the grocery stores.
up with the vegetables or fruits
to get cheap and quick
so you will most likely at
There are smaller stores all
sandwiches to go, such as
some point be invited to eat at
throughout the city that have a
falafel (usually about 3 shekels)
somebody’s home. You should
decent selection. The largest
and shwarma (usually about
expect to be fed a lot of food,
supermarkets are Bravo and
11-12 shekels).
almost always including meat.
Superstore. Bravo has a lot of
At sit-down restaurants, you
If you are a vegetarian, you will
the rarer, imported items that
shouldn’t expect them to bring
want to tell them that ahead
you can’t find elsewhere, but it
you the check as soon as
of time, and specify that you
is also on the whole a bit more
you’re finished eating. Usually
also don’t eat chicken or fish
expensive. Superstore isn’t
people will stay awhile after
(Palestinians only count red
quite as large, but it also has a
they finish eating, so they just
meats like beef or mutton as
the price here – prices are pretty
large selection and pretty good
don’t want to rush you. When
“meat”). Also, don’t expect it to
standardized no matter who you
prices.
you want to leave, just ask for
be a quick visit – plan on being
buy from. You might get ripped
the check. Also, tipping isn’t
there several hours.
off at first, but once the sellers
expected here.
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
get to know you, especially if
you buy from the same people
every week, you should be
fine.
Pretty much everything is
closed on Fridays (whether
restaurants, markets, stores,
or offices of any kind).
Getting a Phone
If 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
Exercise
Lone 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.
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).
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-XXXXXXX. If someone is calling you from
abroad, they will need to drop that first zero
(e.g., 97259-XXX-XXXX).
Attire
For 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.
Cost of Living in Nablus
Depending 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.
Accommodations
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 staying with a family for the cost of $100-150/ per
month (including utility bills and contributing
to occasionally eating cooked meals with the
family).
Alcohol and Drugs
If you drink here, you must drink very discretely.
bottles. Try to dispose of your empty bottles dis-
more lenient towards the consumption of alcohol.
Nablus is probably the most conservative Palesti-
cretely as well. Some landlords have completely
Additionally drug use is completely forbidden. Even
nian city, and people here find alcohol consumption
banned alcohol compensation in their apartments
asking for drugs will get you in a lot of trouble. Drug
particularly offensive. You should not drink, be seen
as well – please confer with the International Office
use could result in police detention or deportation.
with alcohol, or even smell like alcohol in public. If
to see if this applies to you. If you want to go out
you purchase alcohol, make sure to conceal the
and drink, Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Jerusalem are
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.
Accommodations
Finding housing in Nablus is difficult, so please
to have someone of the opposite sex over late in
International Office to see if this applies to you.
make sure you respect your accommodations and
the evening or overnight. Keep in mind that your
Finally, please make sure to turn off lights, fans,
your neighbors. Don’t trash the place, and don’t
neighbors are watching you. Some landlords have
heaters, and water when you leave the apartment,
be obnoxiously loud late at night. Also, as you
requested that the women living in their apartments
and be careful where you put heaters in winter.
are probably aware, it is not culturally acceptable
don’t invite men over at all – please confer with the
Old City
The old city is home to many markets and
narrow streets. It is a great place to explore
and shop.
Samaa Nablus
Samaa 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.
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.
Samaritan Village
Nablus 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.
Things to See
and Do in Nablus
Soap Factories
Football (Soccer) Games
Nablus 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).
The 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).
Tel Balata
Close 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.
Jacob’s Well
Jacob’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 Picking
The Palestinian olive harvest is coming up
in October and November. Traditionally citydwellers 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!
Joseph’s Tomb
Volunteering in Nablus
A 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.
We 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.
Refugee Camps
Nablus 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.
Sebastia
About 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.
Your Visa
Check your visa to make sure you were given a three-month tourist visa. While you have this visa you can travel 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
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 Elsheh (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.

 Zajel
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
Fax: 02-5322368/5414157
Email: britain.jerusalem@fco.gov.uk
Police: 100
Ambulance: 101
Fire: 102
Design by Abdel Hadi Jawapreh