10 Summer Volunteer and Internship Programs in Palestine: Summer is the perfect time for students, anyone taking a gap year, and professionals of all ages to explore new opportunities, develop new and existing skills, and gain valuable professional and personal experience. Finding a summer internship or volunteer work allows you to take a break from your everyday routine, challenge yourself, and step outside of your comfort zone, which in turn will enable you to grow as a person and fulfill your purpose. 

10 Summer Volunteer And Internship Programs In Palestine

Suppose you are interested in fields such as social justice, community development, human rights, women’s rights, international relations, working with refugees, teaching English, or studying Arabic. In that case, Palestine can be an incredible place to find summer volunteer programs or internship opportunities. 

10 Summer Volunteer And Internship Programs In Palestine

There is a wide range of short-term internships and volunteer opportunities available in the West Bank in Palestine year-round for volunteers and interns from diverse backgrounds with diverse interests, skills, and expertise. Volunteer work and internships in Palestine typically range from one week to three months, due to the 90-day visa limit. However, the only time that many people have an extended break and can travel, study, volunteer, or intern abroad is during the summer months, from June until September, so that will be our focus here.

Here you can see which short-term volunteer projects in Palestine are available.

1. Volunteer in the West Bank Program

Volunteer in the West Bank: Join us at Volunteer in Palestine and explore our diverse volunteer and internship programs! Any program you choose will have many people needing support, and your influence on the Palestinian communities will be unforgettable. The kind people of Palestine make the opportunity a fantastic and welcoming experience.

Please take advantage of this exceptional opportunity to meet Palestinian people, experience their daily lives, learn Arabic, and gain a unique perspective of the Israel-Palestinian conflict firsthand! Your role as an international volunteer or intern can significantly improve Palestinians’ prospects in various ways, including teaching English, organizing community activities, raising awareness, and informing the world that Palestine is not portrayed as mainstream media sources commonly depict it.

Because of the occupation, Palestinians have not always had the opportunity to offer the world an authentic portrayal of their culture, and they are all keen to share their expertise and encourage international visitors to participate in Palestinian culture. Your experience with us will be fulfilling and gratifying! We offer opportunities throughout the year, with durations ranging from one week to three months, available in all seasons and months.

2. Volunteer with Palestinian Refugees

Volunteer with Palestinian Refugees: This program caters to undergraduate and graduate students, professionals, employees of human rights organizations, retirees, and anyone interested in engaging with the work concerning Palestinian refugees in the West Bank, Palestine. Getting involved in refugee assistance presents an excellent opportunity for university students and recent graduates seeking to gain experience in the human rights field.

Through this project in the West Bank, volunteers will have the opportunity to work with Palestinian children, women, and youths to enhance each other’s skills, create mutual understanding, engage in language exchange, and make a difference in each other’s lives.

The Volunteer with Palestinian Refugees in the West Bank program is open to individuals between the ages of 18 and 70. People from all countries and majors are welcome to join this program. There are no specific degree requirements. All that is required is a willingness to participate and help. 

3. The Palestinian Women’s Rights Program

The Palestinian Women’s Rights Program in the West Bank is a volunteer initiative that allows international visitors to visit Palestine and gain exclusive insight into women’s rights in the West Bank. Located in the vibrant city of Hebron, the project provides participants with many opportunities to meet Palestinian women, visit women’s rights organizations, and engage in educational and cultural activities.

Aimed at educating international participants about the current power dynamics of women in Palestinian society, you will get involved with volunteering with Palestinian women by promoting their rights and empowering them in all spheres of life, including the family, the workplace, and politics, all whilst ensuring they are safe from violence, exploitation, and discrimination.

Altogether, this volunteer program will enable you to gain awareness about gender equality in Hebron (one of the most conservative cities in Palestine) whilst also allowing you to study and practice Arabic, meet other internationals, and experience Palestinian daily life. 

4. Media and Journalism in Palestine Program

The Media and Journalism volunteer program in the West Bank is ideal for anyone interested in giving Palestinians a voice on the global stage. As a volunteer, you will help raise awareness of circumstances within the West Bank while also learning about ethical journalistic practices. Although this program would suit many potential volunteers, seasoned and aspiring journalists are especially encouraged to apply.

This volunteer program in the West Bank, Palestine, would also interest students of journalism, mass communication, media studies, communications, political science, English, social work, and other related fields. Recent graduates will welcome the opportunity to gain real-world experience from this program, as cross-cultural communication, travel within the Middle East, and Arabic language acquisition are all highly valued by prospective employers. 

During the Media and Journalism program, you will be responsible for conducting video interviews with local Palestinians and writing articles encapsulating the Palestinian refugee experience. You will also participate in center-led activities and become familiar with Palestinians’ daily lives and human rights situations.

5. Volunteer to Teach English in the West Bank

The Volunteer to Teach English in the West Bank program offers an eye-opening experience for those who want to visit Palestine and engage with Palestinian youth, children, women, refugees, and community members in Hebron. Volunteers will teach English to Palestinian students at the Volunteer in Palestine Center or local community development centers, Palestinian local schools, governmental or non-governmental organizations, and refugee camps.

Additionally, participants will actively immerse themselves in Palestinian culture, daily life, politics, and regional situations. Volunteer in Palestine hosts volunteers and interns from around the world year-round. This involvement allows you to meet international colleagues at the Center, travel throughout Palestine, and collaborate in teaching English. You will also participate in various social, educational, cultural, and community development activities in Hebron.

Suppose you aspire to pursue a career in TESOL, TESL, TEFL, or related English language teaching roles. In that case, this internship program provides an outstanding opportunity to acquire practical experience and bolster your English teaching skills.

Palestinian Law and Legal Systems Internship: This legal internship program is ideal for students of law, the social sciences, and human rights, as well as for anyone interested in the Palestinian legal system as it operates in the West Bank. As an intern, you can enroll for a period of from 1 to 13 weeks, year-round (spring, summer, fall, and winter). The Palestinian Law program aims to provide a full understanding of legislation applying to the West Bank and Gaza.

During the legal internship program, you will visit local Palestinian lawyers, law faculties, courts, human rights organizations, legal and religious institutions, as well as legal clinics in the city of Hebron, Palestine. You will witness the enactment of laws, the decision-making process, court rulings, legal negotiations, and mediations in various social settings.

7. Human Rights Internship in Palestine

Human Rights in Palestine Internship Program: Volunteer in Palestine in Hebron offers human rights volunteer opportunities that highlight Palestinian rights and promote personal and professional growth. Students gain experience in international law, diplomacy, and humanitarian aid while enhancing their intercultural and Arabic language skills. Participants will raise awareness about human rights in the West Bank and support local communities through education.

Volunteer in Palestine offers human rights internships and volunteer programs year-round for 1 to 13 weeks, with flexible start and end dates. Participants can learn Ammiya (Palestinian Arabic) and receive three hours of Arabic instruction weekly from qualified teachers. You’ll engage with Palestinian and international NGOs, professors, students, and human rights activists and participate in excursions to refugee camps and organizations, enhancing your academic work and Arabic skills.

8. Internship in the West Bank Program

Internship in the West Bank Program offers international participants the chance to immerse themselves in Palestinian culture and daily life and learn about human rights, Palestinian refugee situations, and politics in Hebron, West Bank. The program involves participating in a highly respected community development initiative run by Volunteer in Palestine.

To promote a profound cultural experience, the Center organizes visits to various institutions, including Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Palestinian governmental organizations, factories, and Palestinian refugee camps in Hebron. This firsthand exposure offers an exciting opportunity for interns to gain insight into daily life in Palestine. The program provides a variety of internships at the Center to meet different interests and career objectives.

Additionally, interns enrolled in the Internship in the West Bank, Palestine program have the option to study either Modern Standard Arabic or Ammiya (spoken Arabic dialects). They can also engage with Palestinian locals, stay with a Palestinian host family, and gain a deeper understanding of the rich Palestinian culture.

9. Palestine and Israel in Context Internship

Palestine and Israel in Context Internship: Whether you’re an undergraduate, graduate, professional, retiree, or just someone interested in political history, human rights, Palestinian refugees, or the current situation, the Palestine and Israel in Context Internship program is for you! With the ability to hear the opinions of everyday people and understand, grasp, and witness the effects of the conflict firsthand, this is a fantastic opportunity to gain insider knowledge beyond the headlines.

In particular, if you’re a current student of humanities, political sciences, or Middle Eastern studies and looking to frame your knowledge within a cultural context, this internship program in Palestine is particularly pertinent to you as you will explore the occupation in the West Bank as well as meet Palestinian civilians, local human rights activists and families who are subject to Israeli military law.

In addition to these great opportunities, you will also be provided with an Arabic language course tailored to your individual level. With tuition of three hours a week, you’ll also be able to immerse yourself in your surroundings by chatting with local Palestinians, ordering food in restaurants, and more. Therefore, for those looking to enhance their knowledge of Arabic, experience cultural immersion, and conduct political research, consider our program to gain an in-depth, personalized internship.

10. The Palestinian Culture Internship Program 

The Palestinian Culture Internship Program: This program is designed to provide its participants with a first-hand view of Palestinian culture, art, history, and industry. Interns in Palestine will be able to explore the beautiful and historic city of Hebron, take day trips to neighboring cities such as Bethlehem and Jerusalem, and explore other cultural and historical sites. The immersive internship focuses on how participants can enhance their experience of everyday Palestinian customs, politics, and culture. 

This program would be ideal for a wide range of participants, whether native English speakers or not, from students to young professionals and retirees, or anyone interested in Palestinian culture or the politics of the Middle East. The program would also suit university students interested in an internship program (from 1 to 13 Weeks) that would be shorter than the typical semester or quarter system. Through its partnership with the Palestinian Education Authority, Volunteer in Palestine can also provide academic credits to all participants. 

The Palestinian Culture internship program offers an excellent opportunity for those interested in learning Palestinian or Levantine Arabic, providing a fully immersive linguistic experience. By participating in this program, individuals eager to learn Arabic will have numerous opportunities to practice their language skills daily with shopkeepers, restaurant owners, and other members of the Palestinian community in Hebron. 

Volunteer Or Intern With Volunteer In Palestine

Volunteer in Palestine is a well-regarded local Palestinian organization offering a range of short-term internships, volunteer programs, and Arabic courses aimed at promoting cultural connections and exchanges, language learning, and developing individuals and communities. While there are many internships and volunteer opportunities on offer across Palestine, Volunteer in Palestine has over 11 years of experience running these programs.

One of the most popular times to join Volunteer in Palestine, located in the heart of Hebron, Palestine, is in the summer months from June to September. This is when the highest number of participants come together from all over the world to engage in shared learning and immersion in Palestinian culture while making positive contributions to Palestinian society. 

Duration of Internships And Volunteer Programs

All of our short-term summer programs are flexible in duration and timing. When applying for one of our volunteer programs or internships, you can choose the start and end dates that best suit you during the summer. The minimum time that you can join us for an internship or volunteer program is 1 week, and the maximum time is 13 weeks (due to the 90-day limit of Israeli tourist visas). 

However, it is sometimes possible to go to another country upon your visa’s expiration (either your home country or a third country) and return after one week or a few weeks and continue volunteering or interning for a second stint.

Flexible Booking

At Volunteer in Palestine, we understand that plans change, whether due to a change of heart, unforeseen circumstances, or emergencies. With our range of volunteer programs, internships, and Arabic courses, you have the flexibility to adjust or delay your travel plans.

All of our programs have flexible start and end dates. During the application process, you can choose when to begin and when to end throughout the year, and for a duration of 1-13 weeks. 

Need To Make Date Changes?

If you need to make any date changes, you can do so for free at least two weeks before your original start date. However, suppose you wish to cancel or change your dates within two weeks of your original start date. In that case, any payments you have made will be converted to a credit that you can use towards any other program in the future with us, or with our sister location in Germany.

However, you are not required to be able to speak Arabic or to have previous teaching or travel experience.  

Volunteer And Internship Program Highlights

While Volunteer in Palestine offers a wide range of short-term volunteer programs and internships in the summer, providing participants with diverse experiences, there are some highlights that all our programs have in common. The key highlights are listed below.

  • Growing new friendships with other volunteers or interns, as well as students, visitors, local Palestinian residents, and Volunteer in Palestine’s staff
  • Living in the fascinating city of Hebron and getting to experience it on a more intimate level than most tourists do
  • Immersing yourself in Palestinian culture, Palestinian Arabic, and daily life
  • Experiencing the hospitality of Palestine by participating in Volunteer in Palestine’s activities, and during your free time
  • Learning Arabic for the first time or continuing your Arabic learning journey, with many opportunities to practice and have conversations with local Palestinians
  • Taking Arabic language classes at our center, in either Modern Standard Arabic, Levantine Arabic, or the Colloquial Palestinian dialect, the choice is yours!
  • Volunteer in Palestine’s center is staffed by highly qualified and attentive Arabic and English teachers with excellent educational backgrounds, who are eager and enthusiastic to assist you.
  • Gaining firsthand experience of one of the most politically complex and dynamic regions in the Middle East
  • Gaining a deep understanding of the refugee situation in Palestine and the West Bank 
  • Participating in a range of educational, social, and community activities organized by us to provide a space for locals, Palestinian refugees, volunteers, and interns to meet, socialize, and learn
  • Joining group excursions and visits by us to a range of different culturally, politically, or historically significant sites, such as the old city in Hebron, Al-Shuhada Street, the keffiyeh factory, a glass and ceramics factory, refugee camps, human rights organizations, local artists, and much, much more 
  • Arranging weekend trips to travel in your free time with your fellow volunteers or interns to exciting nearby destinations such as Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Ramallah, Nablus, Hebron, Tulkarem, Qalqilyah, Jenin, the Dead Sea, Jericho, Akko, Herzliya, Beersheva, Eilat, Tiberias, Netanya, Safed, Haifa, Nazareth, Tel Aviv, Masada, Amman, Aqaba and Wadi Rum.
  • Program fees cover guided tours and activities, Arabic language tuition, accommodation, breakfast, and 24/7 program assistance from pre-departure to the end of your program.
  • Upon completion of your internship or volunteer program, Volunteer in Palestine will provide you with a certificate. 

Help Make A Long-Term Difference For Palestinians And Yourself

Through all of the programs that we run from our center in Hebron, we aim to make a long-term difference for both the local Palestinian community and you through the exchange of ideas and “walking in each other’s shoes”. We ensure that all of our programs are well researched and targeted so that they have a tangible impact and effectively foster shared learning. Volunteering or interning in the West Bank is not only a unique experience, but it’s a way to have a genuine impact on the lives of Palestinians, both within the broader community and on your own. 

Volunteer with Palestinian Refugees

While Volunteer in Palestine offers a specific volunteer program for anyone with an interest or passion in working with refugees and making a meaningful impact, all of our internships and volunteer programs offer the chance to work with Palestinian refugees and learn about their situation. 

Palestinian Refugees In The West Bank, Gaza, and Diaspora

The ongoing Occupation has created a very significant refugee population both inside Palestine and outside of Palestine. Palestinian refugees are not only the largest group of refugees in the world, but are also the most prolonged suffering. About 64% of Gaza’s population and 26% of the West Bank’s population are internally-displaced Palestinians who are initially from other areas in historic Palestine, such as Yaffa, Haifa, and Al-Naqab. In the diaspora, there are around 7 million Palestinians, most of whom are exiled and denied their right of return to their homeland by Israel. Many refugees in the diaspora are still living in refugee camps in Syria, Jordan, or Lebanon.

Children in Palestine

Nearly half (43.9%) of the Palestinian population inside of Palestine is made up of children under the age of 18, 41.7% in the West Bank, and 47.3% in Gaza. This means that there are many young people in Palestine who not only have all the pressure of growing up, but they are growing up under Israeli occupation. Palestinian children are the future, so it is imperative to care about them, support their development, and empower them to create better futures for themselves and for their country.  

Reviews and Awards

Volunteer in Palestine has been honored with several prestigious Community Awards and recognized as the Best Language School and Top Volunteer and Internship Program Provider for 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024. For more details, please visit our profiles on GoOverseas.com and GoAbroad.com.

Check out our many excellent reviews here:

Summary 

Volunteering or interning in the summer in Palestine is one sure way to make your summer unlike any other. It’s a unique and unforgettable experience to engage in meaningful work alongside Palestinians, form new friendships, and gain valuable insights while creating a positive impact and offering a rewarding opportunity to collaborate with local communities.

Volunteer in Palestine is a well-respected local organization offering a wide range of short-term internships and volunteer projects, with focuses such as English teaching, law, human rights, community development, volunteering with Palestinian refugees, and more. Our programs are suitable for anyone seeking summer internship or volunteer opportunities in Palestine, the West Bank, Israel, or the Middle East, whether you are a current student, a professional, a retiree, or simply taking a break from your life or career.

While traveling to Palestine can be a bit more challenging than in most countries, volunteers and interns will find that Volunteer in Palestine provides a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment. During your time volunteering or interning with us in the summer, you can make a meaningful difference in your life and the lives of others by taking this opportunity to contribute to a worthy cause, gain new perspectives, develop essential skills, and build valuable relationships.

We hope to receive your application for one of our summer internships or volunteer programs in the near future!

Contact Us

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at:

Info@ecpalestine.org

WhatsApp:+972 599 479 880

Website: https://volunteerinpalestine.org/

Website: https://excellencenter.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/excellence.center

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ExcellenceCenter

 

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