The West Bank is a region of profound historical and cultural significance, home to over five million Palestinians. This area, while rich in heritage and tradition, is also marked by the complexities of Israeli military occupation. The occupation affects nearly every aspect of life in the West Bank, including the control of borders and crossings by Israel. Despite these challenges, the region remains relatively open to visitors and volunteers, offering a unique window into the lives of its resilient people. For those interested in understanding the intricate dynamics of this part of the world, the West Bank presents an unparalleled opportunity to engage with its history, culture, and ongoing struggles.
Volunteering in the West Bank allows individuals from around the globe to immerse themselves in a region with a history that stretches back thousands of years. The area’s ancient cities, religious landmarks, and vibrant communities offer a compelling backdrop for those looking to make a difference. Volunteers have the chance to work alongside local Palestinians, gaining insights into their daily lives and the impact of the occupation. This experience not only fosters a deep connection with the people of the West Bank but also provides a meaningful way to contribute to their ongoing efforts for peace, justice, and development in a land that has seen so much history and conflict.
Is the West Bank Safe?
Many negative media reports circulate in the media about Palestine and while it is true Gaza is a real no-go area because of the ongoing blockade and siege, the West Bank is relatively stable. Where Gaza is a constant open wound of ongoing skirmishes, the West Bank is fairly conflict-free. Admittedly there are clashes and deaths on occasion, but these tend to be highly localized to certain areas and as an outsider, foreigners generally get privileged access to places that allow them to avoid the worst excesses of any dangerous situations.
What is the Culture of the West Bank Like?
The West Bank has a fascinating culture stretching back to the Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, and Ottomans in centuries past. Today the culture is strongly influenced by its neighbors, Jordan and Turkey particularly. Levantine songs from Syria, Iraq, and Lebanon are popular, while the general Arab culture of extreme hospitality prevails.
People are generally very friendly and welcoming to outsiders, wherever they come from, and will often invite you into their home for tea and coffee or even a full meal. Islam is quite strictly observed throughout the West Bank so alcohol is generally not very prevalent. Instead, there are many coffee shops dotted around that also serve argila (or shisha as it is sometimes known) for people to smoke in the Ottoman style.
What Sort of Experience Will I Have Volunteering in the West Bank?
The West Bank makes for a fantastic volunteering experience because the locals are so hospitable. Some so many people need help, so you can make a difference in local communities and see firsthand the impact you are having. In any volunteer program here, you will likely begin to learn the culture and even the language (or continue learning it if you have some experience of it already).
How Do I Find a Role in Volunteering in the West Bank?
It is always advisable to do plenty of research before undertaking a volunteer program anywhere. This is especially true of the West Bank. Whilst most organizations that operate here are scrupulous and above board, there are always rogue elements, so it pays to do your due diligence. Check volunteer testimonials and feedback on sites such as Go Overseas to assess an organization’s trustworthiness. There is nothing worse than getting to Palestine and realizing the experience you were promised is completely different from what you get when you arrive there!
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 a variety of opportunities that go beyond traditionally similar programs. Whether you’re interested in volunteering or gaining 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 want to make 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 are you keen on 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.
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 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 want to learn more, please click here.
Internship opportunities in Gaza are primarily 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 have an interest 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:
Volunteering in the West Bank in Hebron, West Bank
If you are keen on volunteering in the West Bank, you may want to check out some of the programs on offer from Volunteer in Palestine. Volunteer in Palestine offers a full suite of programs ranging from volunteering as an English teacher to volunteering in Palestinian hospitals to a human rights program and a volunteer journalism program. All of these are well-established and highly regarded programs since the Center’s founding seven years ago.
The programs run flexibly, lasting from one week up to three months (the maximum time you can obtain an Israeli visa), depending on the needs and commitments of the volunteer in question. We find many people volunteer in the summertime due to university or school holidays, so there is often a great mixture of international volunteers and local, permanent Palestinian staff during this time. Equally, Spring can be a great time to visit as the weather is a little milder, though still very pleasant! Winter means more face time with the Palestinian staff here, allowing you to learn Arabic quicker as a result. The conclusion? Any time is a good time to visit and volunteer here!
Arabic Lessons During the Program
All programs include Arabic tuition as a standard. On arriving here you will be assigned a liaison manager to assign your duties and liaise with the local community to see where your help is needed most. You will also be assigned a dedicated person Arabic tutor to help you improve your language level and interact with the locals. In both cases, the person assigned is based on your previous experience and language skills.
Social Time With Volunteer in Palestine
On the social side of things, Hebron is a bustling metropolis and the biggest city in the West Bank. The volunteers usually band together to find interesting things to do in the evening. Then there are the numerous weddings and other invitations from locals which will ensure you will always have the chance to do something and go somewhere to get fed!
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 programs and online courses. We use the most advanced methods which we develop and enhance year after year. Education and learning is an active process that is always advancing, and you will be part of the development.
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
Volunteering in the West Bank offers a unique and enriching opportunity to engage with a region rich in history, culture, and complex geopolitical challenges. Despite the ongoing Israeli occupation, the West Bank is a relatively safe and welcoming place for volunteers who want to make a meaningful difference. Immersing oneself in the lives of resilient Palestinians provides volunteers with a deep understanding of their struggles and culture, making this experience unparalleled in its impact and insight.
Programs in the West Bank cater to diverse interests, ensuring every volunteer can contribute positively, whether through teaching English, supporting human rights initiatives, or learning Arabic. Volunteers not only gain new skills but also develop a profound connection to the people and the land. With proper preparation and research, this experience can be transformative, contributing to the ongoing efforts for peace, justice, and development in this historically rich and culturally vibrant region.
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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