Volunteer in Palestine’s Media and Journalism Volunteer Program in the West Bank is an ideal opportunity for anyone interested in elevating the voices of Palestinians on the global stage and spreading awareness about circumstances within the West Bank while learning about ethical journalistic practices. All are welcome to apply as this program would be suitable for a wide spectrum of potential volunteers, however seasoned and aspiring journalists are especially encouraged. 

Additionally, this volunteer program is an excellent opportunity for university students of journalism, mass communication, media studies, communications, political science, English, social work, and other related fields. Recent graduates will also find this program an opportune time to gain real-world experience while building their resume for a competitive job market; after all, cross-cultural communication, travel within the Middle East, and prospective employers all highly value Arabic language acquisition. 

What to Expect from the Program? 

During this Media and Journalism Volunteer Program in the West Bank, volunteers will be responsible for conducting video interviews with local Palestinians, writing articles that encapsulate the refugee experience within Palestine, participating in Center-led activities, and becoming familiar with the daily life of Palestinians. 

Photographers both experienced and amateur with an interest or experience in photojournalism are both welcome to apply. Volunteers with this specialization will have the opportunity to participate in photography missions in Hebron and surrounding areas to document Palestinian daily life. To gain context, volunteers will necessarily research contemporary issues within Palestine, fact-check articles and verify sources, and utilize various forms of media to improve the representation of Palestinians. 

Program Overview

Media and Journalism Volunteer Program in the West Bank is also an opportunity to make connections and build relationships with people from all over the world while working to aid refugees and the local community of Hebron. Throughout the program, volunteers will design and operate workshops to educate Palestinians on the power of media, ethical reporting standards, and the process of media production. 

Workshops may be oriented as seminars and classes, with past examples including an overview of ethical sourcing and intellectual property, and insights into journalistic practices. Volunteers will also teach Palestinian youth awareness around the internet and social media so they may learn to use them both more deliberately and responsibly. 

Program participants will also travel to the neighboring cities of Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Ramallah, Jenin, Nablus, Tel Aviv, and Haifa to visit important historical and cultural sites, international organizations and NGOs, and various media outlets and radio centers. 

As with all our programs, volunteers are eligible to enroll in 3 hours of complimentary Arabic instruction per week that Volunteer in Palestine organizes. These classes are designed so participants may better assist the people with whom they are working, with the hope they may connect on a fundamental level. Additionally, making the effort to learn the local language is a mark of good diplomacy and respect for the culture, one that is noted and appreciated by all those you meet.

Regular Tasks for Volunteers:

• Become oriented with Palestinian culture and the Arabic language
• Learn about the importance of media in Palestine
• Document the lives of local Palestinians and refugees in the West Bank 
• Record daily activities of volunteers at Volunteer in Palestine
• Design and conduct workshops meant to educate Palestinians on journalism and media
• Participate in Center-led excursions into Hebron and neighboring cities
• Enroll in 3 hours a week of Arabic language courses

Who Can Join Our Volunteer Program in Palestine?

This incredible volunteer opportunity is open to anyone with an interest and/or competency in journalism or media; for pre-college students; postgraduates with a degree in Journalism, English, or relevant work; or internationals looking for experience in Journalism or Media.

We believe our programs offer a great chance for volunteers to gain formative experience in their chosen fields, and as such, we try to open them to as broad a pool of applicants as possible. For all applicants to the Journalism and Media Volunteer Program in Palestine, we only ask that you are:

•  Age: 18+
•  Able to communicate in English
•  Patient and enthusiastic
•  Happy working with an international team (Family)
•  Eager to learn

What You Don’t Need?

•  Ability to speak Arabic
•  Travel or work experience
•  To be a native speaker
•  A degree in journalism

Importance of Global Media for Palestine

By volunteering in Media and Journalism Volunteer Program in the West Bank, program participants will aid in elevating Palestinian voices on the global stage where they have historically been denied self-representation. This has in turn inevitably led to the misrepresentation of Palestinians, making it all the more important to turn the tides and fundamentally change how journalists use language and conduct themselves. 

Volunteer in Palestine aims to connect Palestine to the world through international visitors and program participants, whereby internationals may experience for themselves the diversity of perspectives and identities among Palestinians. In addition to international visitors learning about Palestine, Palestinians in turn can gain a greater understanding of the world through their interactions with participants as well. In this way, exchanges between Palestinians and visitors are mutual and symbiotic. 

During the program, volunteers and interns will assist local Palestinian news agencies as they endeavor to articulate the Palestinian perspective among the Arabic-speaking world as well. Facing competition from major news organizations even within the Middle East such as Al Jazeera and Al Arabiya, Palestinian news agencies need more resources to expand to a more wide-ranging audience, especially when compared to news organizations funded by wealthy Gulf states. By volunteering with Volunteer in Palestine, participants will assist Palestinian news organizations gain acknowledgment and respect from a regional and international viewership. 

Why Take Part in This Program? 

Media and Journalism Volunteer Program in the West Bank is an excellent way to help aspiring journalists sharpen their media skills while immersing in the many facets of Palestinian culture. Because the program is located in Hebron, participants will inevitably gain an understanding of Palestinian daily life while experiencing Arabic immersion. 

Volunteering in the Media and Journalism Volunteer Program right here in the West Bank is an excellent way to learn the ins and outs of ethical journalism, publishing various media forms, and the real-life impacts of world news on the communities being featured. As a component of the program, participants will take part in community festivals, visit areas of historical and political significance, and work closely with the local community of Hebron. 

After the program, volunteers in the Media and Journalism Program will be able to use the knowledge they acquired during their time and share it with Palestinians here in Hebron, thereby ensuring the community most impacted by current journalistic practices can discern ethical journalism for themselves as they analyze news media and create their own. 

Who is This Program For? 

This volunteer program is for anyone with an interest in journalism, media transmission, and the effects of global news practices on Palestine specifically as well as their influence on outside perspectives of Palestine. This program is especially ideal for students of Journalism and Mass Communication Studies or undeclared students who want to explore the prospect of a career in journalism.  

Volunteering in Palestine is also an excellent opportunity for those interested in working with non-profits, charities, and NGOs in a specific cultural and linguistic context, a specialization that is becoming increasingly important; experience in the Middle East and interacting with local cultures and languages make for desirable qualities in the job market. 

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.

Benefits of Volunteering in Palestine

Volunteers in Media and Journalism in Palestine receive many benefits during their time in the city of Hebron. By being immersed in the Palestinian culture, you will be able to participate in many educational, cultural, social, and community development activities.

Benefits of volunteering in Media and Journalism in Palestine:

• Living in Hebron and visiting sites in the local and wider area
• Better Understand Palestinian politics and experience the occupation in the West Bank.
• Learning spoken Arabic from native speakers and embracing the opportunity to communicate with locals
• Get to know the human rights situation and support Palestinian refugees. 
• Traveling to historical locations and nearby cities including Jerusalem, Jericho, Ramallah, Nablus, and Bethlehem in your free time
• Visit nearby cities such as Akko, Herzliya, Beersheva, Eilat, Tiberias, Netanya, Safed, Haifa, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Masada, Amman, Aqaba, Wadi Rum, and Nazareth.
• Spending time and living with a Palestinian host family, if desired
• Visiting Palestinian universities, local institutions, and organizations specializing in culture and education
• Eating local Palestinian foods and delicacies
• Attending cultural nights featuring entertainment and activities in Hebron’s social hubs

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 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.

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: 

A Unique Experience

Although Volunteer in Palestine hosts volunteers from all over the world, many people are unaware of the diversity of Palestine and the Levant and only have a crude understanding of the immemorial cultures here in these lands. 

By enrolling in this Media and Journalism Volunteer in the West Bank program, participants will take part in a unique experience that is sure to be remembered throughout their lives. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to experience Arabic and cultural immersion that is second to none when they live in Hebron. 

What Is the Language of the Program?

All of our volunteer programs are geared toward English speakers. However for the sake of immersion, the higher the Arabic course level the less English will be utilized in the classroom. Additionally, students will necessarily need to utilize their Arabic skills to the best of their ability when navigating through Palestine, thereby ensuring a fully immersive experience.

General Information Regarding the Program

Reviews and Awards

Volunteer in Palestine has been offering its services since 2011. Throughout the years, we have been developing many volunteering and internship programs. We use the most advanced methods which we develop and enhance year after year. Education and learning through volunteering 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

How to Apply

If you want to take part in our Media and Journalism Volunteer Program in the West Bank, please write to us at Info@ecpalestine.org. We should respond to your initial inquiry within 1-3 business days.

In the subject line of your email write “Media and Journalism Volunteer Program”. Upon responding we will attach an application form which you will fill out and return to us to begin the on-boarding process.

Summary

The Media and Journalism Volunteer Program in the West Bank is a unique opportunity for anyone exploring this avenue out of either a personal or professional interest and is especially ideal for those wishing to elevate Palestinian voices. Ethical journalism within Palestine is of crucial importance owing to the historical and continuous misrepresentation of Palestinians and Palestine within international and especially Western media. 

More often than not, Palestinian voices become lost in the echo chamber that is politics and international relations during periods of rising tensions and are otherwise disregarded the rest of the time. 

Those who have a passion for human rights, fair and equal representation on the world stage, and improving the quality and even definition of ethical journalism will find the Media and Journalism Volunteer Program in the West Bank quite fitting. If interested, please do not hesitate to reach out and begin the onboarding process today! 

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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