Palestine is a country rich in history, culture, and a complex political landscape. The media’s portrayal of security concerns and the region’s diverse population of over 5 million people in the West Bank alone can make it overwhelming to choose where to go volunteering in Palestine. The unique characteristics of each city, from Ramallah’s vibrancy to Hebron’s historical depth, make selecting the right location crucial to your volunteer experience. Equally important is finding a reputable organization to work with, and Volunteer in Palestine is here to help.
Not all volunteer programs operate with the same integrity, so it’s essential to research thoroughly and ensure that the program aligns with your values and goals. By carefully selecting both the location and the organization, you can ensure that your volunteer experience in Palestine is meaningful, impactful, and rewarding for both you and the community you serve. So, where to begin?
Selecting the Right Location
It is not recommended for potential volunteers to operate in Gaza as most countries will advise against traveling there due to the ongoing security issues. It is a place fully under siege, so the West Bank offers the only real opportunities for volunteering in Palestine. In the West Bank, there are several influential cities: some have a fascinating history like East Jerusalem, Jericho, and Bethlehem, while others like Ramallah and Hebron are big bustling modern cities.
Where you go depends on what is most important for you. If you want to go somewhere which has interesting culture and history, you will need to research to find the right place for you. Others might be more interested in going somewhere lively where there are more young people and fun things to do while they are there.
Selecting the Right Organization
Most organizations offering volunteering in Palestine programs will have the best intentions, but it is always a good idea to be diligent when selecting the right organization. Be sure to read testimonials from former volunteers and compare review ratings if available.
An organization might have a mission or program you feel strongly about, but if it is not organized effectively, it may not be very fun for the volunteers while they do the program. It’s important therefore to find an organization that is well-run and balances the needs of the volunteers with the needs of the organization.
Selecting the Right Program
The same rules apply here when selecting the right organization. The program is massively important and of course, volunteers will want to make sure they are making as much impact with their time as possible. However some organizations may not be well run and while their programs look interesting, they might not be beneficial to volunteers. Another consideration is your CV as the right programme for volunteering in Palestine can be useful when applying for jobs. Volunteering in Palestine can help a volunteer develop very important skills like adapting to unfamiliar circumstances, dealing with adversity, and project management.
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 volunteering in Palestine programs 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:
Combining Resources and Cultural Exchange
Volunteer in Palestine combines the organization and resources of a private sector organization with the outreach capacity and connections of a leading non-government organization in the area. The organization is highly reviewed by former volunteers and offers very flexible terms for all of its programs. The Center has a fantastic atmosphere, combining a large pool of international volunteers with permanent Palestinian staff to create all the right conditions for cultural exchange.
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.
Accommodation and Language Immersion
Being in such proximity to native Arab speakers also allows volunteers to rapidly increase their language level. Volunteer in Palestine provides accommodation for all volunteers either in apartments close to the Center or with host families. The Center is located in the heart of Hebron (or Al-Khalil as it is known by locals) on the busy Ain Sarah Street, with access to lots of facilities, shops, and restaurants.
Exploring Hebron Brings A Unique Palestinian City Experience
Hebron is a fantastic city – the biggest in the West Bank with several hundred thousand residents. The locals are very friendly and despite how big the place is, it has a small-town mentality with people saying hello and good morning to each other as they walk down the street. There are lots of great cafes and restaurants to hang out in and there are opportunities to shop everywhere. Hebron is also well-situated to visit other cities and go hiking; the city has a fascinating history, traditionally being the location for the tombs of Abraham and his wife and children. It is a center of commerce and industry and living here provides a unique insight into Palestinian life.
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 make an impact on your life as well as others including Palestinian children, refugees, youth, and community members in the West Bank, Palestine.
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 you’re interested in volunteering, gaining practical experience through an internship, or exploring a new language and culture, our winter programs are tailored 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.
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 primarily center 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.
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
Volunteer in Palestine offers a profound and rewarding opportunity to engage deeply with a region rich in history and cultural complexity. With a variety of locations and programs available, including those in Hebron and the broader West Bank, volunteers can immerse themselves in unique environments while contributing to meaningful causes. Whether you feel the lure to the vibrant culture of Ramallah, the historical depth of Hebron, or the diverse experiences in other cities, careful selection of your location and organization is crucial for a fulfilling experience.
Choosing the right program and organization is key to ensuring that your efforts have a real impact and align with your personal goals. Researching organizations, reading testimonials, and understanding the specific needs of the communities you will be serving can help you make an informed decision. With proper preparation, your time in Palestine can be both transformative for the local community and enriching for your personal and professional growth.
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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