The Human Rights Volunteer Internship Program in the city of Hebron, Palestine is designed to introduce the subject of Palestinian human rights in an environment that will help you grow both personally and professionally. This human rights volunteer opportunity in the West Bank, Palestine is a great opportunity for those interested in gaining experience in fields such as humanitarian aid, Palestinian refugees, diplomacy, political science, and international law while building their Arabic language skills and intercultural competency.

Additionally, you will undertake visits to human rights organisations, Palestinian refugee camps, Palestinian community centers and attend meetings with human rights activists, workers, law teachers, students, and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). Participants of this program will be working to raise awareness of the situation in the West Bank, while also giving voice to local communities. The interns will be at the forefront of relationship-building between international visitors and locals. 

An Opportunity to Study and Practice Arabic

Volunteers will also have the opportunity to study and practice Ammiya (Palestinian Arabic). As a volunteer of the program in the West Bank, you will be entitled to three hours of Arabic lessons for every week that you spend at the Center, taught by knowledgeable and experienced Palestinian teachers. Furthermore, practicing Arabic while volunteering is the perfect way to broaden your understanding of the particulars of daily life relating to the refugees living in camps in the West Bank.

In addition to the specific program objectives, volunteers in Palestine will also get to experience cultural immersion in a Palestinian context by staying with a host family, engaging with local Palestinians, and supporting the friendly community of Hebron. This is also the perfect environment for practicing your newfound Arabic skills from the Center in real life.

The Human Rights Internship in the West Bank, Palestine is offered throughout the year (spring, summer, fall, and winter) and you are welcome to join anywhere from 1-13 weeks. 

Short Term Internships and Volunteer Programs

For students, our short term internships and Summer volunteer program in the West West Bank, Palestine is open to students of all levels, native and non-native English speakers, graduate and undergraduate students of Middle Eastern studies, Arabic studies, political sciences, scholars conducting case studies on Palestine and Israel, and even those pursuing careers in law & human rights.

You do not need to be a student to volunteer abroad, however: humanitarian aid workers, professionals, researchers, retirees, and anyone who would like to help and contribute meaningfully to the Palestinian community in the West Bank is welcome to apply.

Become Informed on the Current State of Affairs

The program begins with an overview of the Geneva Convention and international law surrounding human rights. You will then learn how these international agreements are being violated in Palestine. In order to understand how these violations take place, you will venture into Hebron and the surrounding areas to speak with local organizations and representatives including, among others: community leaders, politicians, business owners, employees, teachers and university students. You will also have the opportunity to visit the United Nations Headquarters in Hebron in addition to other notable organizations and NGOs. 

According to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights’ (OHCHR) , in a report released on 5 March 2015 and relating to the period of 26 May 2013 to 31 October 2014, it was noted that there were “widespread violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law.” The pervasiveness of military occupation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and East Jerusalem has meant that adherence to international law is limited to this day.

The independent, international NGO Human Rights Watch, has noted “severe and discriminatory restrictions on Palestinians’ human rights.” As part of the Human Rights Volunteer Internship Program and your meetings with local organizations, you will gain a better understanding of the state of human rights in Palestine.

Program Description 

The Human Rights Internship in Palestine is largely knowledge-based, focusing on building participant knowledge around human rights and legal transgressions in Palestine, while also raising awareness of these issues. During the internship you will be working in cooperation with international organizations, local activists and experts on international law for the benefit of the Palestinian people. To help accomplish this, the Human Rights Program is divided into four sections:

1. Building knowledge about human rights and the political situation.
2. Constructing an original program by coordinating and working with local activists.
3. Studying Arabic and learning about Palestinian culture and daily life.
4. Organizing workshops for Palestinian youth, and children teaching English to Palestinian refugees, and writing articles.

Your Impact

The Human Rights Internship in West Bank, Palestine is a well-researched program suitable for anyone wishing to gain an insight into the daily lives of Palestinians under the current political and military parameters. ​​This volunteer program aims to make a long term difference to the local Palestinian community through the principle of “walking in each other’s shoes.” Ultimately, we aim to make a long-term difference in the lives of refugees, Palestinian children, youth and the general population through this unique exchange of ideas between Palestinians and our international volunteers. 

This can be done in a multitude of ways, and depends on your personal skill set, talents, and inclinations. Our ultimate goal is to secure the basic principles of peace & human rights for the residents of Palestine. In the end, your particular impact is up to you.

With the assistance of the Excellence Center/Volunteer in Palestine it can be made into a long lasting change in the lives of others. Volunteering here will not only leave an impression on your life, but also on the lives of Palestinian children, refugees and other members of the community.

Law & Human Rights Internships- Summer Program

While we operate our Human Rights Program in Hebron year-round, we also offer summer Human rights internship programs designed specifically for students looking to volunteer abroad while gaining university credits. These programs give students the opportunity to travel during summertime, gaining hands-on experience in their relevant field while working towards their degree at the same time. 

For students and anyone looking for summer volunteer programs or internships in the field of human rights, legal practices, law and politics in Palestine, Israel or the Middle East, this volunteer opportunity is perfect to gain experience and make a difference in participants’ lives as well as others.

Who is this Program for?

We do not discriminate on any basis and this includes nationality, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation or any other basis. We have a long history of welcoming people from around the globe, and people from all walks of life, backgrounds, and identities have come here to volunteer. All are welcome to volunteer with us!

Previous participants of our programs have hailed from the following countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States.

The Human Rights Internship in Palestine program would be ideal for anyone who has a passion for human rights and who wants to ensure that Palestinians have access to their fundamental rights. For those interested in working for non-profit organizations in a humanitarian or legal capacity, volunteering on this program will gain the intern invaluable experience.

Participant Requirements: 

• Fluency in English and/or Arabic 
• Aged between 18 and 70 (unless granted special permission by the center’s director) 
• A positive attitude and an eagerness to learn

What is Not Required:

• Ability to speak or understand Arabic
• English as a native language
• Educational degree
• Experience with traveling

Schedule for Volunteers

Volunteering in Palestine requires commitment and flexibility. On average, volunteers work approximately 30 hours per week from 10:00am to 5:00pm with two days off (on Friday, as the center is closed and on another day of your choosing).

Breakfast is provided every morning at the center and typically consists of bread, olive oil and za’atar, hummus, labneh, baba ganoush, falafel, cucumber, tomato and bell pepper – all of the essentials you will find in a traditional Palestinian morning meal. Custom dictates that center staff, volunteers and interns all sit together during breakfast, which allows people to touch base, creating strong communal bonds. 

The center also facilitates regular excursions into Hebron and neighboring cities throughout the week. Evenings, however, are usually free, giving you the chance to explore the city and its many restaurants, shops and historical sites on your own or in the company of your colleagues.

Visits to Local Human Rights Organizations

After the introductory stage, we will organize visits to various local Palestinian and international organizations working in the field of human rights, such as the Temporary International Presence in Hebron, Human Rights Defenders, Youth Against the Settlements, and Christian Peacemaker Teams Palestine. These visits offer you the ability to practice what you have learned and enable you to decide what activities to develop as part of your workshops.

The workshops will be based on your own individual knowledge, interests, fields of specialty and level of experience. As we are flexible, you will be free to decide your own syllabus and schedule, giving you the opportunity to independently develop your own content within the field of human rights.

Educational Workshops

Once you have gained a sufficient theoretical understanding of human rights (with special attention paid to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Geneva Convention) you will begin the second stage of the program: applying this knowledge in practice. Designing and implementing educational workshops in partnership with local organizations, you will use your creativity, expertise and skills to formulate unique and impactful projects for the benefit of the local Palestinian community.

Previous workshop presentations have included the making of documentaries and other visual media, teaching English to Palestinian children, conducting Q&As with local Palestinians, publishing articles and pamphlets, and designing digital content. In the program, there are many activities suitable for all levels that may be carried out during your stay, including but not limited to:

• Educating Palestinian school and university students about basic rights
• Visiting UN buildings and relevant human rights NGO headquarters
• Visiting Palestinian refugee camps in and around Hebron.
• Writing articles on human rights, with a specific focus on Palestine and Gaza
• Studying International Human Rights Law
• Creating a catalog of NGOs and summarizing and assessing their impact on human rights violations throughout the world
• Collaborating with the journalism project students to release a short documentary
• Other activities- we welcome all suggestions!

Arabic Culture and Language Immersion

All of our international volunteers and interns receive 3 hours of Arabic lessons a week with a knowledgeable and qualified teacher. In addition to your contribution to the program, you will also be required to study and prepare for these classes. These classes are designed so that participants can connect with the people they are working with on a fundamental level. Making the effort to learn the local language is also seen as a mark of respect for their culture, and it is something which is invariably appreciated by the locals. With all these activities you will find that your schedule quickly fills up and that your stay in Palestine will be a busy but extremely rewarding one.

The Human Rights Volunteer Program recognizes the diversity of the Arabic language, and is prepared to teach language classes in the dialect of your choice. Both Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) and Colloquial Arabic (Ammiya) are taught by our teachers. For those looking to use their Arabic skills in reading official documents and research, we recommend learning MSA. For those looking for a dialect more applicable to daily life and interacting with refugees, Ammiya is the better choice. Our teachers are flexible and can even prepare a personalized course that includes elements of both.

You will meet new people on a daily basis, which means that you will have ample opportunity to practice the Arabic you have been learning in class. Participants in the Human Rights Internship in Palestine program will find that the majority of Palestinians are incredibly friendly and open to foreigners. If participants utilize their Arabic skills, no matter how well developed, they will find that most Palestinians are enthusiastic and patient communicators who will be delighted that people have taken an interest in their language and culture.

Program Language

All of our programs are geared toward English speakers. For the sake of language immersion, the higher the Arabic course level, the less English will be utilized in the classroom.

Students will also have the opportunity to use their Arabic skills when traveling throughout Palestine, which will help to create a fully immersive experience for them. How much Arabic you speak is generally up to your preferences and skills.

Live with a Palestinian Host Family 

During their time in Hebron, volunteers will have the opportunity to reside with a Palestinian host family. This experience is valuable and will immerse volunteers in Levantine Arabic, as well as providing them with a rare look into Palestinian home life and culture. Interns will take part in family activities, attend Palestinian cultural events, become familiar with daily life in Hebron and much more! 

Please note: Homestays are only guaranteed for female students and are subject to availability for male students, so we recommend applying for the program of your choice as early as possible in order to secure a homestay.

Benefits

As a volunteer with the Human Rights Program, you will not only gain insight into the political, social and cultural parameters which heavily influence the lives of Palestinians, but you will also be able to make positive changes whilst enjoying rewarding experiences.

It is an ideal opportunity for young professionals and current or recently graduated university students to gain experience of working with nonprofit and  humanitarian organizations, as well as with law firms specializing in human rights and NGOs. As a further benefit, volunteers will more than likely make lasting connections with the people they encounter. Volunteers on the Human Rights Program are entitled to the following benefits while participating in the program:

• Three hours of Arabic lessons per week.

• Assistance from attentive Arabic teachers, each with an excellent educational background who will be ready and willing to help you.

• Visits to Palestinian refugee camps and an active role in organizing activities for Palestinian children.
• Visits to human rights organizations in Palestine.

• Meetings and experience working with non-profit organizations, humanitarian and human rights law firms, NGOs and other charitable organizations. 

• Exposure to daily life in Hebron and to Palestinian culture and society.

• Accommodation with either a Palestinian host family or in our male apartment.

• The opportunity to eat and enjoy local Palestinian foods and desserts.

• Attendance at Palestinian cultural nights featuring entertainment and activities.

• Opportunities to visit unique tourist attractions from a particularly native perspective, including Bethlehem, Ramallah, Nablus, Tulkarm, Qalqilyah, Jenin and the Dead Sea near Jericho.

• Access to nearby cities as well as in those in Jordan, including Akko, Herzliya, Beersheva, Eilat, Tiberias, Netanya, Safed, Haifa, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Masada, Amman, Aqaba, Wadi Rum and Nazareth.

• A participant’s certificate upon completion.

Traveling to Hebron

Reaching Hebron, West Bank, Palestine might seem like a long journey, but it need not be arduous. Although there are some obstacles when traveling to Hebron, we have compiled a list of resources which should ensure that you reach us in an efficient, safe and practical manner. The easiest way to get to Hebron, Palestine is to fly to one of these options:

• Ben Gurion, Tel Aviv Airport in Israel. It takes about two and a half hours from the airport to Hebron via shared taxi.

• Flying to Eilat airport in the south of Israel and then traveling by shuttle or by taking a bus to Jerusalem and then to Hebron. However, the duration of the trip can last between six and seven hours.

• Flying to Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, Jordan and then crossing the border to Palestine. However, this takes more time and is more expensive.

Additionally, The Excellence Center/Volunteer in Palestine staff can arrange for transport from the airport via private taxi. This is the easiest, fastest, and least confusing method of reaching Hebron, although it can be quite expensive with total costs coming to around 160 Euros. Please let us know if you are interested in this option. Please read the articles below on planning your trip, flying to Palestine, the different routes to Hebron and the Israeli and Palestinian taxi services: 

• How to fly to Palestine
• How to get to Hebron, Palestine
• Planning your trip to Palestine
• How to get from the Ben Gurion Airport (Israel) to Hebron

Visa Information

Generally, no prior visa is needed for Americans, Canadians and most Europeans in order to enter Palestine, but please refer to the visa exemption agreement for further information.

Upon your arrival at the Israeli Airports of Tel Aviv or Eilat, you will be granted a tourist visa that is valid for 90 days. This is sufficient for participation in our programs and will enable you to travel around Palestine and Israel easily. 

Traveling to Palestine on Your Own?

No worries, you’ve come to the right place! You will meet many university and school students as well as community members with a variety of interests. In Hebron in particular, Palestinians love to meet new people from different cultures and exchange ideas and experiences.

Moreover, we host many international visitors from all over the world who are studying, volunteering, visiting or interning, offering you the opportunity to network, make friends and participate in other educational and community activities.  Everyone at the center is like one family and there are always activities to do together in Hebron’s fantastic social scene. 

If you have any further enquiries about traveling to Palestine, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team. Our team is here and ready to help. Our contact information can be found at the bottom of this page. 

Program Costs and Information

The total cost of this program is 250 Euros per week. Program costs cover language courses, accommodation, complimentary daily breakfasts, operating costs and group excursions. There are no additional or hidden fees applied to these programs, as the cost quoted above is the final price that participants will pay.

Program Fees Cover:

• Accommodation
• Language courses
• Operating costs
• Complimentary breakfast 
• Group excursions to Hebron
• Traveling and pre-departure assistance 

General Information Regarding Program Costs and Components 

How Do I Apply?

If you are interested in participating in our Human Rights Program, please, write to us at Info@ecpalestine.org and CC Mr. Rafat Shantir at Rafat@excellencenter.org with Human Rights Volunteer Project in Palestine as the subject line to register your interest. We should be able to respond to your initial inquiry within 1 to 2 business days.

Upon responding we will attach an application form which you will fill out and return to us to begin the process. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at Info@ecpalestine.org. We look forward to hearing from you!

Reviews and Awards

Great Reviews & Community Awards

In 2022 we were rated one of the top three programs worldwide in offering volunteer opportunities and one of the top three language schools worldwide by Go Overseas. We received a total of five Go Overseas Community Choice Awards in 2022 and were recognized as one of the top Teach Abroad Providers for the category of “benefits” and one of the top Internship Abroad Providers for the categories of “growth” and “support”.

We continue to strive towards “excellence”: In 2021 we were rated one of the top three programs worldwide in offering volunteer opportunities. We received the community choice awards by Go Overseas in the categories “best language school”, and voted best on “fun” and “instruction.”  

In 2019, we received our first “Go Overseas Community Choice Awards” to acknowledge the Excellence Center’s impact on the community of travelers around the world.

We have now over 13 years of experience, and prides itself on the positive feedback received from over 800 international interns and volunteers to the Center.

 Check out our many great reviews here:

• 730+ reviews (94%) on gooverseas.com
• 160+ reviews on goabroad.com
• Volunteer for the Human Rights Program in Palestine video testimonials

Summary

In our Human Rights Volunteer Program, sharing and exchanging knowledge with local Palestinian and international organizations and people underpins everything we do. You are encouraged to share your knowledge and personal experience by conducting workshops and implementing research projects with the refugees of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. By offering unique meetings with a variety of activists, the volunteer program aims to maximize your understanding of the current state of human rights in Palestine in a culturally sensitive, informative, and safe way.

During the program, volunteers in Palestine will work closely with local organizations in the West Bank such as human rights organizations, law firms, charities and activists. As a result, participants will become better informed about issues surrounding human rights in the West Bank.  Additionally, participants will immerse themselves in Arabic language and culture as they live with a host family, attend a language course, visit historical sites, cultural festivals, and more.

If you’re looking to volunteer in the Middle East and have an interest in Israeli-Palestinian relations, you will find this internship is an ideal opportunity to gain relevant experience. For those looking to contribute to the advancement of universal human rights and peace while experiencing a new cultural setting, the Human Rights Volunteer Program is a wonderful opportunity to do just that. We hope to meet you soon!

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