Whether you’re on a gap year, taking a break between university semesters, or looking to build a career in teaching English overseas, to teach English in Palestine offers a unique and rewarding environment. Organizations like Volunteer in Palestine provide opportunities to immerse yourself in the region’s rich culture while addressing the high demand for English education. Despite the geopolitical tensions, the warmth and resilience of the local communities make it an extraordinary place to live and work. The experience not only enhances your professional skills but also provides life lessons beyond the classroom.
The potential to make a positive impact in Palestine is immense. The desire for education and self-improvement is palpable, and as a teacher, you play a crucial role in empowering students with opportunities for a better future. To teach English in Palestine goes beyond language instruction—it’s about making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and communities. In a place where your work is deeply valued, the impact you create is immediate and significant.
How to Find a Program to Teach English in Palestine?
First of all, we would recommend as with any overseas volunteering or work, that you thoroughly research the organization with which you intend to join. Most organizations have the best of intentions but can be unscrupulous in their treatment of volunteers or low-paid workers.
Additionally, some organizations do fantastic work (or attempt to) but are unable to organize efficiently which then has a detrimental impact on the volunteer. You have to balance the needs of the organization with your own needs to ensure a happy and fulfilling experience. Be sure to research all volunteer testimonials and online feedback before making your decision.
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 have an interest in volunteering or gaining professional experience through an internship, our summer programs aim 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 have an interest 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.
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:
Do I Have to Have a Qualification or Experience to Teach?
You do not need to have qualifications or experience to teach English in Palestine. However, you are unlikely to receive a paid teaching role without them here. A background in teaching will give you more flexibility to take your pick of the roles on offer. However, doing a volunteer position to teach English is an equally viable option if you are looking to begin a career in ESL (English as a second language) or simply just to help the locals living in a difficult situation.
How to Prepare To Teach English in Palestine
Palestine is a fascinating country full of rich historical traditions and unique culture. Do some research about the place – particularly about the local customs so that you know what to wear and how to behave appropriately. It is not acceptable for example to wear shorts or drink alcohol in some of the more conservative areas of the West Bank. You should consider as well when you are visiting – Winters in Palestine can get quite wet and cold during the night, while the summers can reach up to 35 or 40 degrees, so consider these aspects when evaluating your clothing choices!
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.
Some Tips for the Classroom
The most important thing to consider is that you will be there to teach English in Palestine in monolingual classes (i.e. all the children will be primary Arabic speakers), so you have to run the lesson in English to immerse them in the language learning experience. Assuming you are working with young learners, your primary task is to engage them in the practice of learning English. If they are bored or disinterested, it is not possible to meaningfully teach them anything. This means playing games, running competitions, and high-energy learning activities to up their participation levels and make sure everyone has fun while they are learning together. You need to create an inclusive language learning community in the classroom that everyone enjoys being involved in.
Teaching Opportunities and Program Structure
Volunteer in Palestine can be a great opportunity if you are looking to teach English in the West Bank (Gaza is not accessible at the time of writing due to ongoing security issues). The center offers flexible programs depending on the individual’s existing commitments, goals, and ambitions. There are volunteer posts for those with minimal teaching experience; these range from a couple of weeks up to three months (which is the maximum time you can stay in Israel and Palestine on an Israeli tourist visa). Alternatively, there are paid roles available, but these tend to be more for individuals who have already done work with the center and proved themselves an asset to the center’s work.
On arriving for one of the programs here, you will be assigned a liaison manager to oversee your teaching work and a dedicated personal Arabic tutor to oversee the development of your Arabic language learning. The teaching work is widely varied – there are group lessons at the center, private one-on-one lessons with individuals, teaching in the countryside around Hebron, and teaching in local public schools (a program that’s run in conjunction with the Palestinian Ministry of Education in Ramallah).
Accommodation, Cultural Exchange, and Travel
Volunteer in Palestine ensures that volunteers are well taken care of during their stay, providing comfortable accommodation tailored to individual needs. Women are typically hosted by local families, offering an authentic experience of Palestinian hospitality, while men are accommodated in shared dormitories that foster a sense of camaraderie among volunteers. In addition to housing, most meals are provided, allowing volunteers to savor traditional Palestinian cuisine and immerse themselves in the local culture.
Beyond the day-to-day teaching and volunteer work, the center places a strong emphasis on cultural exchange and understanding. To facilitate this, they organize a variety of trips and tours that allow volunteers to explore the rich history and diverse landscapes of Palestine. One of the key experiences is a guided tour of the H2 area in Hebron, where volunteers can witness firsthand the complex dynamics between Palestinians and Israelis. Visits to the Old City of Hebron and the Ibrahimi Mosque provide deep historical and religious context, enriching the volunteer’s understanding of the region.
Additionally, the program includes excursions to some of Palestine’s most iconic locations. Volunteers have the opportunity to float in the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea, explore the traditional Bedouin lifestyle in the village of Zousia, and visit ancient cities such as Jericho, Bethlehem, and Nablus. These trips aim to ensure that volunteers not only contribute to the community but also gain a comprehensive appreciation of Palestine’s cultural and historical significance, including the vibrant streets of East Jerusalem, which is steeped in history and religious importance.
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 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.
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
In conclusion, volunteering or interning in Palestine offers a distinctive and enriching experience that extends well beyond traditional career development or academic endeavors. Whether you’re taking a gap year, on a university break, or aiming to advance a career in teaching English abroad, Palestine presents a deeply rewarding environment for making a tangible impact. Despite the region’s ongoing geopolitical tensions, the warmth and resilience of its people create a welcoming atmosphere for those willing to contribute. To teach English in Palestine is particularly significant, as it addresses the high demand for education and equips students with vital language skills, directly enhancing their future opportunities while immersing them in a vibrant and culturally rich setting.
For those interested in participating, thorough research is crucial to ensure that you choose reputable organizations that align with your goals and values. Look for programs with positive testimonials and effective management to ensure a fulfilling and impactful experience. With flexible options for summer and winter programs, there are opportunities for studying, volunteering, or interning in various fields. Regardless of your background or experience level, Palestine offers meaningful roles that enable you to contribute to the local community while gaining a profound understanding of the region. Your involvement can lead to transformative experiences and lasting change for both you and the individuals you support.
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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