Palestine is a country that frequently appears in the media, often for complex and challenging reasons, making it well-known across the globe. This heightened visibility piques the interest of internationalists and those seeking impactful experiences. For many, the Middle East, and Palestine in particular, represents an ideal location for a short-term internship that offers both professional development and cultural immersion. Volunteer in Palestine offers a variety of opportunities for a short-term internship in the West Bank, designed to cater to various interests and career goals, providing a unique chance to engage deeply with the region.
These internships, which typically span from a few weeks to several months, offer a unique chance to gain hands-on experience in fields such as community development, education, medical assistance, and journalism. They are particularly suited for individuals looking to make a meaningful impact in a region that is rich in history and cultural significance. By participating in these short-term programs, interns can develop valuable skills while contributing to projects that directly support Palestinian communities. This combination of professional growth and cultural engagement makes short-term internships in Palestine a compelling option for those eager to advance their careers and experience life in a dynamic and historically significant region.
The Benefits of Doing a Short-term Internship in the West Bank
The two major benefits of taking on a short-term internship in the West Bank, over in your home country are the opportunities to immerse yourself entirely in an Arabic-speaking environment to quickly develop your Arabic language skills, and your chance to create a real impact for some of the neediest people alive, who are suffered at the hands of the Israeli Occupation.
Beyond these critical reasons, there are also the usual reasons for developing your CV through work experience – employers like to see that potential employees can adapt to new situations and deal with difficult scenarios when they present themselves. Due to the Israeli restrictions on holiday visas, you can only stay in Israel-Palestine for up to three months without going through an arduous process to obtain a work visa.
Where Can I Take a Short-term Internship in the West Bank?
There are many high-profile cities in the West Bank – each with its own reputation and historical importance. In terms of the ones most applicable when looking for a short-term internship in the West Bank, we would recommend looking for programs in East Jerusalem, Hebron, Bethlehem, and the administrative capital, Ramallah. These represent the biggest cities (apart from Bethlehem which is a little smaller) and thus the places where you are most likely to find a rewarding short-term internship opportunity.
Where to Look for These Opportunities
As usual, the internet is the best place to look for these opportunities – most organizations, especially international NGOs will have their websites for recruitment, but even more general websites like Facebook can have community boards where local people post internships. Whatever you choose, be sure to thoroughly do your research to ensure that you have the best possible experience.
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’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.
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:
Short-term Community Development Project Internships in the West Bank
There are plenty of opportunities to help aid community development in the West Bank – particularly in the areas most affected by Occupation and refugee camps, which house Palestinians who have no access to their ancestral lands. Bedouin campsites, threatened with Israeli demolition orders, also present an opportunity to help build up the access of local communities to vital commodities like water, food, electricity, and the quality provision of education.
Whether you are a teacher, an engineer, a plumber, or a sports coach (and many more things besides), there are plenty of projects you can undertake to help the local people in the West Bank and improve their quality of life. Whether you are starting a career, or taking a summer break from work – the main thing is that you should have a positive outlook and a genuine desire to help people develop their communities in any way they can.
Internship Opportunities and Overview
The Excellence Center offers a range of short-term internship opportunities on a flexible basis, from one week up to three months. Opportunities include community development internships, medical volunteering internships, a journalism internship, and the Teach for Palestine internship, which involves teaching Palestinian children English or any other important world language you can teach. The Excellence Center is situated in Hebron, in the South of the West Bank, on the frontline of Occupation, so all help is vastly appreciated by international volunteers and interns, in whatever capacity they can provide support.
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.
Program Details and Support
Internships include accommodation, Arabic lessons, some meals, and visits around the city of Hebron as part of the package. A liaison manager oversees the work and development of interns to ensure it is a valuable opportunity for those seeking to progress in their careers. Similarly, each intern is assigned an Arabic tutor to oversee their language development so that they can begin to help the people of the West Bank, Palestine in their language. There are also frequent opportunities for cultural exchange and the chance to visit some of the other important, historical cities of Palestine and Israel.
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 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 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, undertaking a short-term internship in the West Bank offers a unique and enriching opportunity for personal and professional growth while making a meaningful impact in a region of significant historical and cultural importance. With programs spanning various fields such as community development, education, medical assistance, and journalism, these internships provide valuable hands-on experience and the chance to engage deeply with Palestinian communities. Whether you choose to immerse yourself in an Arabic-speaking environment, contribute to essential projects in the West Bank, or support local initiatives, your involvement can lead to substantial benefits for both yourself and the communities you serve.
The flexibility of internship durations and the range of opportunities available, from summer to winter programs, make it accessible for a wide array of individuals, including students, professionals, and volunteers. By participating in the short-term internship in the West Bank programs, you not only enhance your skills and resume but also contribute to meaningful change in areas affected by ongoing conflict and occupation. The experience promises to be both professionally rewarding and personally fulfilling, offering a chance to grow, learn, and make a tangible difference in one of the world’s most dynamic regions.
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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