The Human Rights Volunteer Program in Palestine is designed to introduce you to 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.
Human Rights Volunteer Program In Palestine For 2026-2027
Additionally, you will undertake visits to human rights organizations, Palestinian refugee camps, Palestinian community centers, and attend meetings with human rights activists, workers, law teachers, students, and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). Participants in this program will work to raise awareness of the situation in the West Bank while also giving a voice to local communities. The interns will be at the forefront of relationship-building between international visitors and locals.
Volunteer in Palestine is now accepting applications for its Human Rights Internship/Volunteer Program in Palestine for 2026-2027. This program offers a unique opportunity to collaborate with local Palestinian NGOs and human rights organizations.
Volunteers and interns will engage in research, advocacy, and educational initiatives to support efforts to address human rights issues in Palestine. This is an excellent opportunity for those seeking to volunteer in Gaza or the West Bank and who are passionate about social justice and human rights, making a real impact in the region.
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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 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 year-round (spring, summer, fall, and winter), and you are welcome to join for 1 to 13 weeks.
Human Rights Volunteer Program in Palestine: Overview
| Internship Program Location | Hebron, Palestine |
| Program Fees | Price List |
| Age Limit | 18-70 years old |
| Duration | 1-13 weeks |
| Arabic Lessons per Week | 3 hours |
| Class Duration | 45 minutes |
| Number of Participants | 1-5 |
| Program Focus | Palestinian human rights Human rights in the West Bank Human rights issues and violations in Hebron |
| Related Subjects | Middle East studies Arabic Language and Literature Political science Case studies on the Israeli-Palestinian situation Humanitarian aid |
| Start/End Dates | Flexible to fit the participant’s schedule |
| Application Deadline | No Deadline |
| University Credit | Available |
| Program Language | English |
Short-Term Internships and Volunteer Programs
For students, our short-term internships and Summer volunteer program in the 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 are welcome to apply.
Online Arabic Courses Before and After Your Stay in Palestine
Potential volunteers in Palestine can take online Arabic courses before arriving, helping them build a solid foundation in the language. These Arabic online courses are designed for different levels and needs, making them suitable for both beginners and more advanced learners. Starting early allows participants to feel more confident and prepared when they begin their in-country experience.
In addition to general Arabic language courses, participants can also choose specialized topics such as Law, Human Rights, and Refugee Studies. These focused courses provide relevant vocabulary and context, particularly beneficial for those planning to join programs related to these fields. This preparation enhances both academic engagement and day-to-day communication during the program.
Participants may also continue taking online courses after completing their stay in Palestine. This ensures that learning continues beyond the program’s end, allowing individuals to further develop their language skills and maintain their connection to the region over time.
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, as well as 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 covering the period from 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 participants’ knowledge of human rights and legal transgressions in Palestine while also raising awareness of these issues. During the internship, you will work in cooperation with international organizations, local activists, and experts in international law for the benefit of the Palestinian people. To help accomplish this, the Human Rights Program is divided into four sections:
- Building knowledge about human rights and the political situation.
- Constructing an original program by coordinating and working with local activists.
- Studying Arabic and learning about Palestinian culture and daily life.
- Organizing workshops for Palestinian youth, teaching English to Palestinian refugees, and writing articles.
Your Impact
The Human Rights Internship in the 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 many 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 lead to lasting change in others’ lives. 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 the summer, gaining hands-on experience in their field while working toward their degree.
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 those of others.
Who is this Program for?
We do not discriminate on any basis, including 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 passionate about human rights and committed to ensuring 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 provide the intern with 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
The Day in the Life of a Volunteer in Palestine
Mornings
Volunteering in Palestine requires commitment and flexibility. Volunteers usually work around 30 hours per week (10:00–17:00) and have two days off (Friday, when the center is closed, and one additional day of your choice).
Each morning, breakfast is shared at the center and includes traditional Palestinian foods such as bread, olive oil, za’atar, hummus, labneh, falafel, and fresh vegetables. Staff, volunteers, and interns sit together, creating a warm, communal atmosphere and a chance to connect.
Afternoon
Volunteer in Palestine also facilitates regular afternoon excursions to Hebron and neighboring cities throughout the week. Participants learn Arabic, visit refugee camps, take part in community activities, and also lead workshops and classes.
Evening and Weekends
Evenings are generally free time, giving volunteers the opportunity to relax after the working day or explore Hebron at their own pace. Many choose to spend this time with fellow volunteers or colleagues, meeting each other at the center, cooking together, or enjoying shisha in a social setting, as well as discovering local cafés, restaurants, and cultural or historical sites around the city.
Trips to nearby areas such as Halhul and Masafer Yatta are also common. Weekends provide a welcome break from the routine and are an opportunity for rest, travel, and independent exploration, including overnight stays away from Hebron.
Visits to Local Human Rights Organizations
After the introductory stage, we will organize visits to various local Palestinian and international organizations working in human rights, such as the Temporary International Presence in Hebron, Human Rights Defenders, Youth Against the Settlements, and Christian Peacemaker Teams Palestine. These visits allow you to practice what you have learned and decide which activities to develop for your workshops.
The workshops will be tailored to your 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!
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 most 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 while traveling throughout Palestine, helping create a fully immersive experience. How much Arabic you speak is generally up to your preferences and skills.
Combining Programs for a Tailored Experience
Participants can combine multiple programs to design an experience that best fits their academic, professional, and personal goals. Rather than limiting themselves to a single track, participants can integrate different areas of interest into one cohesive program. This approach creates a more dynamic and enriching stay in Palestine.
For example, the Learning Palestinian Arabic Program can be combined with the Human Rights in Palestine Program. This enables participants to strengthen their Arabic language skills while simultaneously engaging with real-world human rights issues. The combination enhances both linguistic ability and contextual understanding, making the experience more impactful and practical.
Support Materials to Help You Get Started
To help participants transition smoothly into their new environment, a range of support materials is provided upon arrival. These resources are carefully designed to answer common questions and offer guidance on both practical and cultural aspects of life in Palestine. They play a key role in helping participants feel comfortable and well-prepared from the very beginning.
Among these resources is the Orientation Guide for participants in Volunteer in Palestine, which introduces the program structure, expectations, and key information about daily life. In addition, the Travel Guide to Palestine offers essential advice on transportation, local customs, and important locations, helping participants navigate their surroundings with ease.
Participants also receive a Daily Schedule Guide, which outlines their weekly activities, classes, and responsibilities. Together, these documents ensure that participants can quickly find their rhythm, understand their commitments, and fully engage in their experience from day one.
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 while 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 guaranteed only for female students and are subject to availability for male students. We recommend applying for the program of your choice as early as possible to secure a homestay.
Additional Services and Customization Options
Additional Arabic Language Hours: Participants can add extra weekly Arabic lessons for a more intensive learning experience.
Private Accommodation Options: Participants may choose a private room or an apartment located just 3 minutes from the center.
Family-Friendly Housing: Families with children are welcome, with suitable accommodation options available for a comfortable stay.
Combined Study and Practical Experience: Participants can combine Arabic language study with volunteer or internship programs for a more hands-on experience.
Online Arabic Lessons: Available before and after the program to support continued language development.
Benefits
As a volunteer with the Human Rights Program, you will not only gain insight into the political, social, and cultural factors that heavily influence the lives of Palestinians, but also make positive changes while enjoying rewarding experiences.
It is an ideal opportunity for young professionals and current or recently graduated university students to gain experience 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 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.
What do the Programs in Palestine include?
| Program Content |
|---|
| A homestay with a Palestinian family or a stay in a nice apartment |
| Family breakfast during the work week |
| 3 hours of Arabic per week (can be increased to 6, 9, or 12 hours for an additional fee) |
| Guided tours in Hebron’s Old City |
| Visits to Palestinian refugee camps |
| 24/7 support during your time in Palestine |
| Certificate upon the completion of the program |
| Cultural immersion activities throughout your stay |
Great Reviews & Community Awards
Volunteer in Palestine has proudly earned several Community Awards, including recognition as the Best Arabic Language School overseas, one of the best Online Programs for Palestinian Colloquial Arabic Providers, and the Top Provider of Volunteer and Internship Opportunities abroad in 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. For further details, please visit our profiles on GoOverseas.com and GoAbroad.com.
- Check out our latest awards here
- +970 Reviews (96.8%) on Gooverseas.com
- +190 Reviews (9.3/10) on Goabroad.com
- Participants’ video testimonials
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 your response, we will send you an application form to complete 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!
Applying on Short Notice
We understand that plans do not always follow a fixed timeline, and applications may sometimes be submitted close to the intended start date. In many cases, we are able to accommodate short-notice requests depending on availability, and we are happy to support participants in joining the program whenever possible.
A notice period of approximately 3–5 days is usually sufficient for us to review an application and make the necessary arrangements. That said, we have also successfully managed even more last-minute cases in the past whenever circumstances allowed. Simply let us know your preferred starting date, and our team will do our best to respond quickly and facilitate a smooth and efficient process.
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 human rights issues 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 advance universal human rights and peace while experiencing a new cultural setting, the Human Rights Volunteer Program is an excellent opportunity to do just that. We hope to meet you soon!
How To Get Further Information
Email us at: Info@ecpalestine.org
For more information, please visit our websites:
Excellence Center: https://excellencenter.org/
Engage in Palestine: https://ecpalestine.org/
WhatsApp: +972 599 479 880
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/excellence.center
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ExcellenceCenter
Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsQSLdFZWZcBm6Uj0XMYuKg
