Among the many countries in the Middle East, Palestine stands out as a particularly fascinating and compelling place to volunteer. The ongoing geopolitical tensions with Israel draw significant attention to the region, making Palestine a unique and impactful location for those looking to make a difference. The daily lives of many ordinary Palestinians are marked by considerable challenges, and for volunteers, this provides an opportunity to engage in work that can have a tangible and meaningful impact. The ability to directly contribute to improving the lives of others in such a context makes doing volunteer work in Palestine an exceptionally rewarding experience.
However, the prospect of volunteering in Palestine can also feel daunting, especially given the narratives often portrayed in the media. Stories of conflict and unrest may paint a picture of a place fraught with danger, leading some to hesitate. Yet, the reality on the ground is frequently different from what is depicted. Many volunteers find that the warmth and resilience of the Palestinian people, coupled with the rich cultural experience, offer a profound and eye-opening perspective. It’s an opportunity not just to help others, but to challenge preconceived notions and gain a deeper understanding of a complex and historically rich region.
What You Need to Know About Volunteer Work in Arabic Countries
First of all, despite what you will likely hear about the country, Palestine is largely a safe place to work, study, and volunteer for outsiders. Gaza is off-limits due to security concerns admittedly, but the West Bank is a lot more stable than people usually give it credit for. There are isolated flashpoints and occasional incidents but foreigners are usually immune to these outbreaks of violence and they are also highly localized meaning they are easy to avoid as long as you are sensible.
Beyond that, volunteer work is generally fun and fulfilling in Palestine, provided you are prepared for what it will entail and you have found the right organization with the right program. Most volunteer programs are time-limited as the Israelis only give holiday visas for a maximum of three months. If you want to volunteer for longer, you will have to apply for an official work visa which can be a particularly arduous process.
Volunteer and Internship Programs in Gaza
Gaza Strip offers a variety of volunteer and internship programs. They cover important topics like human rights, teaching English, women’s rights in Palestine, supporting Palestinian refugees and children, journalism, Palestinian culture, and politics.
The volunteer and internship opportunities in Gaza, Palestine are for a wide range of people, including students who study the Middle East and Arabic, people interested in politics, professionals, employees of human rights organizations, researchers studying Palestine and Israel, humanitarian workers, social workers, teachers, native English speakers, non-native English speakers, and anyone who wants to learn about Palestinian culture and daily life. If you are interested in learning more, please click here.
Internship opportunities in Gaza are primarily centered in cities like Gaza City, Khan Younis, Rafah, Deir al-Balah, and Jabalia. Gaza City, the region’s economic and cultural hub, offers internships with NGOs, media outlets, and universities in fields such as humanitarian aid, human rights, and education. Khan Younis and Rafah, known for their refugee populations, provide internships focused on community development, refugee support, and agricultural projects. Deir al-Balah and Jabalia offer opportunities in areas like environmental conservation, health clinics, and social services, particularly within refugee camps. These internships allow you to engage directly with communities while gaining valuable experience in a complex environment.
Volunteer in the West Bank
Volunteering in the West Bank offers a unique opportunity to engage with Palestinian communities in cities like Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Hebron, each with its distinct cultural and historical significance. In Ramallah, the administrative hub, you can work with NGOs focused on human rights, youth development, and education. Bethlehem, known for its religious heritage, offers opportunities in community centers, schools, and refugee support, while Hebron, with its rich history and complex political landscape, is ideal for those interested in peace-building and human rights monitoring. Other cities like Nablus and Jenin provide volunteer experiences in cultural preservation, youth empowerment, and support for local artisans and refugees.
Cities like Jericho, Tulkarem, and Qalqilya present opportunities to volunteer in environmental conservation, rural development, and educational programs, often within communities facing unique challenges due to the political situation. Whether you’re interested in teaching, cultural initiatives, or social services, the West Bank offers a diverse range of volunteer experiences that allow you to contribute meaningfully while immersing yourself in Palestinian culture and daily life.
Our Volunteer And Internship Programs
Volunteer in Palestine offers short-term volunteer and internship programs for people interested in going to Palestine, focusing on human rights, Palestinian children, women’s rights, journalism, teaching English, sports, medicine, Palestinian refugees, Palestinian culture and politics, Palestinian laws and legal system, and the political history and current situation of Palestine and Israel.
Our volunteer programs in Palestine are especially ideal for students and people looking for volunteer and internship programs in the summertime located in the West Bank, Palestine, Israel, or the Middle East.
Our volunteer programs were developed for graduate and undergraduate students of Middle Eastern studies, Arabic studies, or political sciences, as well as professionals, employees of human rights organizations, scholars conducting case studies on Palestine and Israel, human aid workers, social workers, teachers, English native speakers, non-native speakers and anyone interested in engaging in Palestinian culture and daily life.
Here you may find the list of our volunteers and internships program in Palestine:
How to Find the Right Volunteer Work in Palestine
You must do your research before setting off to volunteer in Palestine. Volunteering can be a big investment of your time and money, so you must do your due diligence – there is nothing worse than getting out to Palestine and then realizing that your organization is not particularly professional or that the program has the wrong focus for you. The only way to ensure you avoid these mistakes is to thoroughly do your research on the internet and, crucially, check the reviews from former volunteers for any potential program – their satisfaction (or lack of it) will generally be a good indication of if you too will enjoy the program as well.
How to Prepare for Volunteer Work in Palestine
Again, be ready to do your research so that you understand the culture and what is appropriate in Palestine. In certain cities, it is not acceptable to drink alcohol, and clothing that reveals too much skin will likely be a no-no. Practice your Arabic and learn a bit more about the specific place you will visit – if you are based in one city, read up about its history and current reputation. If you will be working across the West Bank more generally, then equally find out as much as you can about this fascinating place. Consider packing medicine, sunscreen, and bug spray (especially if you visit in the summer).
Volunteer or Intern in the Summer
Join us this summer for a unique and vibrant experience! Summer is when our organization is at its busiest, offering various opportunities beyond traditionally similar programs. Whether you want to volunteer or gain professional experience through an internship, our summer programs are designed to make the most of your time abroad.
We offer volunteer placements and internships that allow you to engage directly with local communities and gain hands-on experience in your field of interest. Thanks to our partnership with the Palestinian Ministry of Education, these opportunities can also provide academic credit towards your studies, making them ideal for university or college students looking to enrich their summer break. However, if you’re not currently a student or aren’t seeking academic credit, you’re still welcome to participate.
If you’re interested in making a meaningful impact this summer, explore more about our volunteer and internship programs on our website.
Winter Volunteer Programs
Our Winter Volunteer and Internship Programs run from October to late March, offering a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture and community of Palestine during the cooler months. Whether you have an interest in volunteering, gaining practical experience through an internship, or exploring a new language and culture, our winter programs aim to provide a fulfilling and impactful experience.
Participants can choose to stay for anywhere from 1 to 13 weeks, allowing for flexibility in how they engage with local communities and contribute to meaningful projects. Winter in Palestine offers a different pace and atmosphere, making it an ideal time to connect with the people, explore the region, and make a lasting impact.
Do You Need Arabic to Volunteer in Palestine?
Arabic is not necessary to volunteer in Palestine, but it certainly will help. Most organizations will speak English and should if they are credible, offer Arabic lessons as well. Most people in the West Bank speak passable English, so they should be able to help you get where you are going without too much difficulty. A bit of Arabic can help though as the locals will see you’re making an effort and may even charge you less for taxis or food!
Impact Of Volunteering Or Interning In Palestine
Our Volunteer and Internship programs in the West Bank, Palestine are well-researched, targeted, and suitable for anyone who wants to gain insights into daily Palestinian legal affairs and human rights. We aim to make a long-term difference for the Palestinian local community through the exchange of ideas and “walking in each other’s shoes”. Volunteering and interning is a unique opportunity to genuinely impact your life and others including Palestinian children, refugees, youth, and community members in the West Bank, Palestine.
Volunteer Work in Hebron with the Volunteer in Palestine
Volunteer in Palestine is a bastion for volunteer work in Hebron (or Al Khalil as the locals call it) in the West Bank. The Center has strong community links to channel volunteers to where the needs is the greatest. Hebron is a city living on the front line of Occupation so many Palestinians here live in deprivation, particularly near the Old City, the checkpoints, and the H2 area where Arabs and Israelis live fractiously together.
Volunteer work takes all sorts of shapes and forms here: most regularly it takes the form of teaching English in places where there is no quality provision of these services. Sometimes it can mean writing articles about the Palestinian condition and the stories of some of the people living here – it can also mean running workshops on human rights and raising awareness of some of the issues facing the residents of Hebron.
Learn Arabic and Explore Palestine
As with any reputable voluntary organization operating in the Middle East, Volunteer in Palestine will provide Arabic lessons as a courtesy of course. Additionally, Volunteer in Palestine provides accommodation as well as some of your meals during your stay and will do everything to make your visit to Palestine happy and fulfilling.
There is time off as well to go for invitations with locals or to explore the other famous cities of the West Bank – the experience is up to you in how you shape it and how you live your best life in Palestine.
Certificate of Completion
Volunteer in Palestine will provide you with a certificate of completion when you finish your course as well as a reference letter and ongoing support in finding a job in the future. For more information about this or any of the other programs, contact Rafat Shantir with the details provided to find out more about volunteering in Palestine.
Who Can Join Us?
Volunteering and internship opportunities in Palestine have been gaining increasing attention each year, particularly in the areas of education, community development, human rights, and support for refugees and Palestinian children. Whether you are a seasoned volunteer, a first-time contributor, part of a group, or a family, there are meaningful ways for individuals from various backgrounds to engage in the West Bank and immerse themselves in Palestinian culture.
Regardless of your background, skills, age, or abilities, we offer opportunities that align with your passion and commitment. Join us in making a positive impact in Palestine.
When Can You Join Us And For How Long?
Volunteers, interns, and Arabic students who would like to go to Palestine and the West Bank can join our programs for 1-13 weeks at any time of the year (summer, winter, fall, and spring). We are flexible with starting and ending dates.
Reviews and Awards
Volunteer in Palestine has been offering its services since 2011. Throughout the years, we have been developing many volunteer and internship programs. We use the most advanced methods which we develop and enhance year after year. Education, learning, and community development is an active process that is always advancing, and you will be part of it.
Despite continuous program improvements for the best learning experience, our core goal remains: connecting, teaching, and developing individuals for the benefit of them and the community. Additionally, we aim to promote and encourage exchange in the local and international communities.
We continue to strive towards excellence:
In 2022, we ranked as “one of the top three organizations worldwide in offering volunteer opportunities”. We also ranked as “one of the top three language schools worldwide” by Go Overseas. We also received a total of five Go Overseas Community Choice Awards. Among others, Volunteer in Palestine earned recognition as one of the top Teach Abroad Providers for the category of “benefits”. Besides that, we were also one of the Top Internship Abroad Providers for the categories of “growth” and “support”.
In 2021, we were one of the top three volunteer programs in the world. Go Overseas awarded us the community choice awards in the categories of “best language school”, “fun”, and “teaching”.
In 2019, we received our inaugural “Go Overseas Community Choice Awards”. This award was a recognition of Volunteer in Palestine’s positive effect on the global travel community. You can check our ratings below.
- +800 Reviews and ratings (96.8%) on gooverseas.com
- +160 Reviews and ratings on goabroad.com
- Participants’ video testimonials
Conclusion
In conclusion, doing volunteer work in Palestine offers a truly unique and rewarding experience for those looking to make a meaningful impact in a region with deep historical and geopolitical significance. Despite the challenges and potential apprehensions due to the ongoing conflict, the reality on the ground often reveals a welcoming and resilient community eager for support and engagement. Volunteers have the opportunity not only to contribute to important causes but also to challenge their perceptions and gain invaluable insights into Palestinian culture and the complexities of life under occupation.
For those willing to invest their time and energy, the experience of volunteering in Palestine can be life-changing. The programs available provide a platform for personal growth, professional development, and cultural exchange, all while making a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by conflict. By thoroughly researching and preparing for the experience, volunteers can ensure they embark on a journey that is both fulfilling and impactful, leaving a lasting positive effect on both the local community and themselves.
Find Out More
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us: Info@ecpalestine.org and on Whatsapp:+972 599 479 880
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