BZ questions
The university should help you with the visa needed (probably you have to be a full-time student). If not, when you arrive, ask for the maximum length visa you can get, then you'll have to extend it most probably through a special office at Bir Zeit. They also should be giving you advice about where exactly you can rent, or live while you're there. Close is probably better. Fun in Ramallah - check out a nice place called Stones (I hope it is still there) for coffee, drinks, or the absolutely best minty lemonade. There is a music conservatory there with some fun events so you can get to know Arabic music. But there is nightlife, other than this too. Best meeting place for you at first, will be Bir Zeit itself, and their university may start later in the fall. I'm thinking about the volunteer work - how's your Arabic?
