Internship In The West Bank Program offers international participants the chance to immerse themselves in Palestinian culture and daily life, as well as learn about human rights, refugee situations, and politics in Hebron, West Bank. The program involves participating in a highly respected community development initiative run by Volunteer In Palestine. 

To facilitate a deep cultural experience, the Center organises visits to various institutions, including both Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and Palestinian governmental organisations, the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) in Palestine, Human Rights Defenders, Hebron Municipality, Palestinian families, Masafer Yata, Susya, the old city of Hebron and Palestinian refugee camps in Hebron, West Bank. This firsthand exposure provides an exciting opportunity for interns to gain insight into daily life in Palestine. The program offers a range of internships at the Center to cater to different interests and career goals.

Arabic Lessons

In addition, interns enrolled in the Internship in the West Bank program have the option to study either Modern Standard Arabic or Palestinian or Levantine Ammiya (spoken Arabic dialects). They can also acquire transferable skills, interact with Palestinian locals, reside with a Palestinian host family, and gain a deeper understanding of the rich Palestinian culture.

Suitable For

The Internship in the West Bank, Palestine caters to students, graduates, professionals, retirees, and individuals passionate about advocating for human rights and supporting refugees in Palestine. Volunteer In Palestine welcomes people from all over the world and strives to foster connections between individuals worldwide and Palestine.

If you are looking for internship opportunities in Jerusalem, Haifa, Jaffa, Tel Aviv, Ramallah, Nablus or in Israel, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria or Palestine in general, this internship program is for you.

Awards And Recognitions 

We continue to strive towards “excellence”: 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. The Excellence Center was also 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. The Excellence Center continues to be a highly rated travel organization across its selection of programs. Check out our many great reviews here:

• +730 Reviews (94%) on Gooverseas.com
• +150 Reviews (96%) on Goabroad.com
• Participants’ video testimonials

Duration Of The Internship

Volunteer In Palestine accepts applications year-round (spring, summer, fall, and winter) from individuals looking for a 1-3 month internship with our organization. Participants in the Internship in the West Bank Program decide when they would like to start and end their program. We are very flexible with starting dates and the duration.

If you are looking for an internship or a volunteer program in the West Bank, Palestine for less than one month (e.g. one, two or three weeks), then please consider our following volunteer and internship programs:

Flexible Booking

At Volunteer in Palestine, we understand that things or plans change. As such, our internship and volunteer programs are incredibly flexible in case you need to alter travel plans or just simply have a change of heart. As internship programs begin at the center year-round (with flexible start and end dates), you decide your arrival.

Furthermore, you’re able to change your start date entirely free of charge if requested at least two weeks beforehand.

Summer Internships

For people looking for an internship over the summer in the West Bank, Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Israel, or the Middle East, Volunteer In Palestine offers summer internships that span from June to September. These internship programs are ideal for students, English native speakers, and anyone with a summer break or any individuals looking to intern on an extended visit.

These summer internship programs combine Arabic language focus with a full learning, immersion and engagement in Palestinian culture, politics and history. It includes visits to Bedouin areas (Susiya), Palestinian refugee camps, local villages and community centers.

The internship program is suitable for interns over the age of 18 with an ability to communicate in English. However, Volunteer In Palestine does not expect volunteers to be proficient in Arabic, as volunteers will be given Arabic lessons through their programme of choice as well as plenty of opportunities to practice in an authentic and safe setting. 

Intern And Volunteer With Palestinian Children

In the last two stages of the internship in the West Bank, you will have the chance to intern and volunteer with Palestinian children in Hebron, Palestine and local refugee camps, a unique experience that will shape participants’ perspective for years to come. Interns will have the chance to create their own workshops geared toward Palestinian children. Previous workshops have included:

• Drama for Palestinian refugees 
• Fun days for Palestinian kids in the refugee camps  
• Conversational English language for Palestinian kids 
• Arts and music for disabled Palestinian children
• Media training for Palestinian school students 
• Environmental camps for young school students  
• Journalism workshops for high school students 
• Medicine (First Aid Courses)
• And more!

Internship Impact

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, politics, culture, 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, women, youth and community members in the West Bank, Palestine.

What Can An internship In Palestine Offer?

The Internship in Palestine is suitable for participants who are looking for

• Studying Arabic in Palestine (Modern Standard Arabic, MSA) or Colloquial Palestinian Arabic

• Learning more and engaging in Palestinian culture and politics

• Human Rights Studies in Palestine

• Assisting the cause of Palestinian refugees in the West Bank 

• Legal system in the West bank and Palestinian laws

• The political and legal situation in the West Bank

• Leading community activities in the city of Hebron

• Providing educational support for Palestinians

Who Is Interested In An Internship In Palestine?

Volunteer In Palestine in Hebron, Palestine was founded in June 2011. Since then, interns from all over the world have come to join our family in Hebron. Most of our interns have traveled from countries like the USA, Germany, United Kingdom, Poland, The Netherlands, Switzerland, Australia, Japan, and Canada, etc.

In General, The Internship is Suitable For People Who:

• Study the Middle East, refugee law or Human Rights studies

• Gap year students

• University Students who wish to do a semester abroad (University Credit)

• Participants who are interested to understand the politics of Palestine

• Arabic and Islamic Studies students

• Participants who wish to learn Arabic and immerse in the Palestinian culture and daily life

• People who are interested to meet Palestinians

• Everyone who is willing to help and make a difference in Palestine

Volunteer In Palestine welcomes individuals from all majors, nationalities, and backgrounds to apply for an internship in Palestine. The program is designed for students and people who would like to live in a dynamic place like Palestine to get practical experience in their fields of interests and their skills.

What do you need to intern in the West Bank

• +18 years of age
• Have a positive attitude and willingness to learn about Palestine
• Have the interest to meet many people in Palestine
• Ability to communicate in English
• Willing to be a part of a family in Hebron, Palestine

What you don’t need to intern in the West Bank:

• Ability to speak Arabic
• Travel experience
• To be a native English speaker
• Educational degree
• Experience in teaching English
• To be a student

Main Activities During The Internship

The Internship in Palestine Program includes four main activities which will offer interns a life-changing experience in Hebron, Palestine:

• Studying Arabic (MSA Or Colloquial Palestinian Arabic)

The first week of the internship will be focused on learning conversational Arabic. Interns will be provided an Arabic intensive course for 20 hours every month at the center. These Arabic lessons make the Internship in Palestine Program an ideal learning experience for university students and people looking for a cultural introduction to their internship in Hebron, Palestine.

• Engaging In Culture, Politics, And Site Visits

Participants in the Internship in Palestine Program will engage in cultural activities with both their host family and Volunteer In Palestine’s staff. Introduction to Palestinian politics and culture will be provided for internationals, in addition to lectures and discussions about the Palestinian situation. Moreover, the center will organize visits to various sites in Hebron, including Palestinian factories, universities, refugee camps, local NGOs, and law clinics, Masafer Yata, Susya, to name but a few.

• Engaging And Leading Community Development Activities

Furthermore, interns in Palestine will play an active role in community development initiatives. Our interns will be given some fundamental preparation in advance outlining the organization of community development activities for residents of Hebron. After this, participants will develop and lead these events according to their interests/skills. In particular, the activities will be for Palestinian school students, university students and/or community members and take place with the supervision of Volunteer In Palestine’s team.

For example, those studying journalism can organize trainings for university or school students (for around 10-12 participants) teaching them how to write a press release or make a short movie. Such training can take place at local institutions in Hebron or organizations including universities, schools, educational and cultural centers, companies, etc.

• Participating In Educational Activities

The last stage of the internship in Palestine will include your participation in different educational activities that the Center organizes for the Palestinian community in and around the city of Hebron. Interns will support fun and game activities, overall learning for Palestinian students, and assist in the English classes taught by the Palestinian teachers. Additionally, interns will be asked to write some articles about Palestine and their experiences both with the community and during their stay at the Center.

Benefits of The Internship

Participants of the Internship program in Hebron, West Bank, Palestine will be provided with:

• 20 hours of conversational Palestinian Arabic lessons for each month they intern. Participants also can study MSA, Fusha or colloquial Arabic.

• Accommodation with a Palestinian host family or a shared flat.

• Breakfast with other participants (6 times a week)

• Support during their time in Palestine

• Visits to various sites in the city of Hebron (refugee camps in Hebron, the old city, different factories, etc.)

• Understanding of the Palestinian politics and experience the occupation of the West Bank 
•  Get to know the Human Rights situations and helping the Palestinian refugees. 

• Engagement in educational, community and social activities

• The hospitality of Palestinians and the pleasant climate offer a great attraction to overseas students.

• The Internship in the West Bank will give you the opportunity to live in and gain impressions from one of the most politically divisive and ambivalent regions of the Middle East.

• The Internship in the West Bank Program will provide you the chance to visit unique tourist attractions with a particular native perspective – locations including Bethlehem, Ramallah, Nablus, Hebron, Tulkarm, Qalqilyah, Jenin and the Dead Sea in Jericho.

• Visit nearby cities such as Akko, Herzliya, Beersheva, Eilat, Tiberias, Netanya, Safed, Haifa, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Masada, Amman, Aqaba, Wadi Rum, and Nazareth.

• Our center is staffed by well-qualified, attentive Arabic teachers, each with an excellent educational background, ready and happy to help you.

• Volunteer In Palestine will provide participants a certificate upon completion.

Travel Around Palestine

Moreover, Weekends in Israel exploring the famous historical cities such as Jericho, Jerusalem, Akko, Tel Aviv, the Dead Sea, Eilat, Tiberias, Nazareth, Be’er Sheva, Ashdod, Masada are awaiting you!

Travel to Jordan’s most ancient sites in Petra, Amman, Wadi Rum, Irbid and Aqaba and broaden your experiences in the Middle East!

Living Accommodations

The opportunity to stay with a Palestinian host family in Hebron, Palestine is guaranteed for female interns, however homestay for male interns is subject to availability. Volunteer In Palestine makes living arrangements for male interns in shared flats when homestay is not available.

If you are a male student looking to stay with a host family, please apply early for the best chance to be placed with a host family.

Brief information about the internship in the West Bank Program

• Cost includes breakfast, the living accommodation, Arabic classes, and some visits to different institutions in the city of Hebron. Some examples include the old city of Hebron, glass and ceramic factories, local companies, Palestinian refugee camps, and public parks as well as local universities such as the Palestine Polytechnic University and Hebron University.

• Registration fee: 30€, payable at the time of registration.

A Typical Day For Interns

As an intern, you will be expected to work about 30 hours a week; from around 9 am until 5 pm, Saturday to Thursday. Interns receive Friday and one other day of their choice off. Normally, international interns start the day with a breakfast at Volunteer In Palestine together with Palestinian teachers, international volunteers from other programs, and directors.

Mornings are generally quiet at the center. Interns will have their Arabic course in the morning and help in the educational and community activities after midday. During the day, you will also have the opportunity to go on sightseeing trips in Hebron, meet with members of the community, and visit local organizations. You will usually have your evenings free, although the center will occasionally organize optional activities.

Our Internship in Palestine Program is a unique opportunity to get valuable experience in your field of interest and connect with others on an international level. Not only is this program certain to make your resume stand out – more importantly, it will make a significant contribution to the Palestinian community.

How Can I Get/fFy To Hebron, Palestine?

Unfortunately, Palestine does not have any airports in the West Bank or the Gaza strip. All Palestinians use the airports in Jordan or Eygpt to travel abroad instead. However, international interns in Palestine may also fly to Israeli airports and then cross into Hebron, West bank.

The easiest way to get to Hebron, Palestine:

• Fly to Ben Gurion, Tel Aviv Airport (Israel). It takes about two and a half hours from the airport to Hebron and the center via shared Taxi.

• Furthermore, you can fly to Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, Jordan and then cross to Palestine, but it takes more time and is more expensive.

• Finally, you can also fly to Eilat Ramon airport (South of Israel) and then travel by booking a shuttle, or taking a bus to Jerusalem and then to Hebron. This trip to Hebron can last between 6-7 hours.

Do I Need A Visa To Intern In The West Bank?

Most of Volunteer In Palestine’s participants in the Internship in Palestine Program receive a tourist visa for three months when they fly to Israeli airports or cross the checkpoint from Jordan to the West Bank.

In general, no prior visa is needed for Americans, Canadians, and most Europeans in order to enter Palestine (and Israel), as these interns usually qualify for the visa exemption agreement. When you arrive at the Israeli Airports in Tel Aviv or Eilat, you will be granted a tourist visa that is valid for 90 days which allows you to travel in Palestine and Israel.

Traveling To And From Hebron, Palestine

Volunteer In Palestine’s staff knows, as an intern in Palestine, travel information to Palestine can make your international journey easier. For this reason, we have detailed guides for how to get to Hebron, West Bank, how you can make your way to the Excellence Center, which taxi you should take, and how you can cross the checkpoints in the West Bank.

You may find all necessary information on traveling to Hebron, Palestine, including our contact information, in these four articles:

• 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

Tel Aviv Airport Pickups

Volunteer In Palestine staff can organize a taxi to pick you up at Ben Gurion Airport and take you straight to Hebron and the Center. This is the easiest and fastest way (about an hour, 60 km/37 miles) to get to Volunteer In Palestine

Additional fees apply, the trip costs about 160 Euro. Please Contact Volunteer In Palestine staff if you are interested in this option.

Pre-Departure Support

Volunteer In Palestine will organize calls with you via Zoom or Whatsapp, write invitation letters, send travel instructions, and give you advice on different topics for your travels.

How To Apply

Please send us an email at Info@ecpalestine.org and write “Internship In The West Bank Program” as the subject line. We will then send you the application form.

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