Palestine offers a compelling and impactful destination for those looking to volunteer. Its rich cultural history and vibrant heritage make it a fascinating place to engage in meaningful work. As the region navigates the complexities of the Israeli Occupation, through numerous volunteer organizations in Palestine, numerous opportunities arise for volunteers to contribute positively and help those in need. Whether supporting local communities, providing humanitarian aid, or working with refugees, being a Volunteer in Palestine can make a tangible difference in the lives of its residents who face significant challenges.
In addition to the rewarding work, volunteering in Palestine provides a unique cultural immersion opportunity. The added experience of learning Arabic through daily interactions with locals enriches both personal and professional growth. Volunteers often find that the combination of meaningful service and the opportunity to live and learn in a historically significant area creates a deeply fulfilling experience. This blend of humanitarian effort, cultural exchange, and professional development makes volunteering in Palestine not just an opportunity to help others, but also a chance for profound personal growth and discovery.
Is It Safe to Volunteer in Palestine?
It is safe to volunteer in the West Bank, Palestine. Gaza is a different matter as it is undergoing a state of siege at the time of writing and all travel there is advised against by foreign governments. The West Bank however is much more stable. While there can be minor complications over your visa and freedom of movement, as a foreigner, you do not have to endure anything like the same hardships as the locals who live in Palestine.
There are occasionally small outbursts of violence in the West Bank as a result of the ongoing Occupation, but these clashes are almost always very localized to a certain flashpoint, so they are not difficult to avoid if you are sensible with your movements and stay up to date with the latest events.
Finding the Right Volunteer Program for You
As with anywhere else in the world, some volunteer organizations in Palestine are not always designed with the experience of the volunteer in mind, so it is important to do your homework and find a program that balances the needs of the organization (and those it is helping) with the needs of the volunteer. There is nothing worse than embarking on a three-month internship, and investing all that time and money before finding out that the volunteer experience is nothing like what was promised originally. Read testimonials from former volunteers and feedback to ensure that the program on offer will be a good fit for you when you get out there.
International NGO Volunteer Organizations in Palestine
International NGO opportunities are usually a safe bet as they will tend to be with big established organizations which have a reputation of being trusted for their work. This isn’t always the case so you still need to plan the volunteer experience and ensure that any potential organization is giving you as much support as possible. There will usually be lots of feedback about these programs so you can see if they work for you, which makes this a good place to start if you are looking for a program in Palestine for the first time – organizations like the UN and NGOs that deal with refugee issues are your best place to look in this case.
Domestic Volunteer Organizations in Palestine
An alternative to this though can be finding an organization that is primarily based in Palestine. Working with such an organization can help bring you closer to the people you are helping and can also have the effect of providing a better immersive environment in which to develop your Arabic skills. The only downside is that these organizations can be harder to find as they are less likely to have an obvious internet presence, so it can be more difficult to find one of these opportunities.
Where Else Can You Volunteer in Palestine?
You are eager to volunteer in Palestine and help those who need help, but you are unsure where to start. Volunteering in the West Bank offers a unique opportunity to engage with Arabic in a meaningful way. Palestinians are known for their hospitality and enthusiasm for sharing their rich cultural heritage, making it an ideal environment for personal improvement. The Levantine Arabic spoken in Palestine is closely related to Modern Standard Arabic, which enhances the learning experience.
Additionally, many volunteer programs in the region incorporate language learning into their activities, often through partnerships with local organizations that offer well-reviewed, intensive Arabic programs at affordable rates. In this guide, we’ll highlight some of the top volunteer programs and organizations in Palestine that not only provide impactful service opportunities but also facilitate Arabic language acquisition.
For those looking to engage in Palestine as volunteers or interns, and perhaps combine that with Arabic language learning, there are a few Best Volunteer Organisations in Palestine that you should check out:
1. Travel to Palestine
The Travel to Palestine organization aims to enable tourists to come to Palestine and experience its rich culture. This is a land rich with history, hospitality, and generous people, and you can experience all of that through the Travel to Palestine organization. They offer intensive Palestinian Arabic courses as well as online lessons.
2. Excellence Center
The Excellence Center in Palestine has the experience of more than 13 years of offering volunteer programs that are paired with Arabic programs (Levantine Arabic, Modern Standards Arabic as well as Ammiyya Arabic) for non-native speakers in the West Bank. Founded in Hebron in 2011, the Excellence Center in Palestine serves as a volunteer center, as well as a language school offering Arabic language education to international students, interns, and volunteers, through volunteer and internship programs. It also provides cultural immersion activities and community development services to Palestinian children, refugees, youth, women, and community members in Hebron.
3. Salam Palestine
Salam Palestine, a community project in Hebron, Palestine, works with international volunteers to facilitate social and community development initiatives. Through workshops, events, and outreach programs, volunteers collaborate with residents to promote cultural exchange and improve social cohesion. The Center offers super intensive, intensive, and non-intensive Arabic courses in combination with volunteering and internship programs for people who would like to stay for 1-13 weeks.
4. Engage In Palestine
Engage in Palestine, based in Hebron, offers through diverse Arabic programs an opportunity for the participants to engage in educational, social, and cultural initiatives, working alongside residents to support youth empowerment, women’s initiatives, and the well-being of Palestinian refugees.
Furthermore, Engage in Palestine offers volunteer and internship programs that mainly focus on the topics of human rights, Palestinian children, women’s rights, Journalism, teaching English, sport, medicine, Palestinian refugees, Palestinian culture and politics, Palestinian laws and legal system, and the political history and present situation of Palestine and Israel.
5. Volunteer In Palestine
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 who are looking for volunteer and internship programs in the summertime located in the area of the West Bank, Palestine, Israel, or the Middle East.
6. Study In Palestine
Study in Palestine proudly offers a variety of volunteer and internship programs in the West Bank. They cover important topics like human rights, teaching English, women’s rights in Palestine, supporting Palestinian refugees and children, journalism, Palestinian culture and politics, Palestinian law, and the legal system in Palestine. Study in Palestine also explores the complex history and current situation in Palestine and Israel. Their short-term projects are designed to fit the needs of students, volunteers, and interns all year round, with a special focus on the summer.
Volunteering with Volunteer in Palestine
To balance these competing priorities, a great option can be to take a volunteering program with Volunteer in Palestine in Hebron. This language school and training center combines the resources and professionalism of a large NGO with the personal touch of a local institution.
This setup enhances your connection with the Palestinian people while you are volunteering. The Center offers a range of programs, including Teach English and Study Arabic, allowing you to directly impact the lives of young Palestinians by providing them with crucial English skills for their future.
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.
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’re interested in making 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:
Context and Need in Hebron
The city of Hebron is in urgent need of assistance. The Occupation has encroached upon local Palestinians, with 20% of the city claimed by Israeli settlers. In areas near Israeli military checkpoints, particularly in the Old City, residents face significant hardships, often lacking basic resources such as water and electricity, and struggling with limited access to quality education. Volunteer in Palestine partners with the Ministry of Education in Ramallah to deliver educational services to schools in these challenging areas, both within Hebron and the surrounding countryside.
Program Details and Volunteer Experience
As part of the volunteering program, Volunteer in Palestine provides accommodation, meals, and Arabic tuition. The programs are flexible, ranging from one to three months, to accommodate various schedules. Each volunteer is assigned a liaison manager to oversee their work and professional development, and a personal Arabic tutor to support their language skills. Volunteers often praise the quality of interactions at Volunteer in Palestine, where a diverse international group of volunteers collaborates with dedicated local staff, fostering an environment rich in cultural exchange and dialogue.
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 have an interest in learning 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 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
As one of the best volunteer organizations in Palestine, Volunteer in Palestine has been offering its services since 2011. Throughout the years, we have been developing many volunteer and internship programs and online courses. We have modern programs for those interested in volunteering, and we use the most advanced methods which we develop and enhance year after year.
Despite continuous program improvements for the best volunteering 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 in Palestine offers a deeply rewarding experience for those committed to making a positive impact. The region’s rich cultural heritage and complex socio-political challenges create a unique environment where volunteers can contribute meaningfully to local communities. By working with some of the best volunteer organizations in Palestine such as the Excellence Center, Volunteer In Palestine, Engage in Palestine, and Salam Palestine, volunteers have the opportunity to support humanitarian efforts, assist refugees, and empower residents, all while engaging in profound cultural exchange.
The impact of these efforts extends beyond immediate service, fostering deep connections and personal growth. Volunteers can immerse themselves in the daily lives of Palestinians, gaining valuable insights and building lasting relationships. Learning Arabic in such an environment adds an enriching layer to the experience, deepening understanding and enhancing interactions.
In addition to these local organizations, numerous international NGOs operate in Palestine, offering various avenues for those eager to make a difference. Volunteering in Palestine is not just about contributing to a worthy cause; it’s a transformative journey that combines impactful service with personal enrichment, allowing volunteers to be part of a larger effort to create positive change in a region of historical and cultural significance.
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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