Internship with Palestinian Children in the West Bank: This program is an excellent opportunity for graduate and undergraduate students, professionals, retirees, social workers and teachers interested in working with Palestinian children in a volunteer capacity. It is also ideal for anyone, whether native or non-native English speaker, interested in interning with Palestinian children. In addition, those interested in childhood education will benefit from volunteering with children in Palestine. Interns will be provided with a full immersion into Palestinian culture, daily life, politics, the human rights situation and the educational system.

Interns in Palestine can join our program for the period of time that best suits them, anything from (1-13 weeks) in duration. They can come at any time of the year as we are flexible when it comes to starting and ending dates. People of all backgrounds and nationalities are welcome to apply, the only condition being that you have to be at least 18 years old to join.

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

Help Palestinian Children

As an intern in Hebron, you will have the chance to meet many Palestinian children who yearn to interact with international visitors. The Palestinian children are the future, and helping them grow will have a direct impact on their own wellbeing as well as on that of their country. You will make a difference in their lives as well as yours.

Educational classes and workshops will take place in either the Excellence Center/Volunteer in Palestine, local Palestinian community and day care centers, schools, children’s organizations, special needs schools or local refugee camps in Hebron.  

Upon arriving in Hebron, Interns will have the opportunity to design and create their own workshops which will be customized for Palestinian children. These workshops  and classes will make up the majority of the interns’ workload here in Palestine.

Previous Workshops Have Included:

• Drama for Palestinian refugees and Children
• Fun days for Palestinian kids in the refugee camps  
• Conversational English language workshops for Palestinian kids in local schools
• Arts and music for disabled Palestinian children
• Media training for Palestinian school students 
• Environmental camps for young school students  
• Mathematics lessons 
• Journalism workshops for high school students 
• Medicine (First Aid Courses)
• As well as others. 

(Disclaimer: All interns wishing to work with Palestinian children will be required to take a safeguarding interview. This is to ensure that intern fully understand their responsibilities as caretakers of children, as well as the laws and protocols in place to protect children from abuse.)   

Educational And Community Workshops

Volunteer In Palestine will assist all interns in acquiring the necessary resources to conduct their intended workshops successfully, as well as connecting them with local experts here in Hebron. These resources and experts include local Palestinian NGOs, community centers, refugee organizations, schools, charities, law firms, universities and day care programs. All these resources are made possible by the Center’s deep ties to the local community here in Hebron! 

Furthermore, coming to intern with children in the West Bank, Palestine will be a fully immersive experience for those involved. interns will not only have the opportunity to work with Palestinian children on a variety of subjects, but will also live and breathe Palestinian culture, the Arabic language and the rich history of the Levant! This will occur in a number of ways.

By engaging with Palestinian children you will tend to forget your language barriers, helping you to learn Palestinian colloquial Arabic in a playful manner.

To Intern With The Palestinian Children, You Should Be:

• Willing to work with Palestinian children from diverse backgrounds
• A student or graduate who seeks teaching experience
• Someone interested in the educational system in Palestine
• An English or education major student
• 18+ and willing to make an impact on the local community
• Someone who desires to help the future leaders of Palestine

What Do You Need In Order To Be An Intern ?

• To be 18 years or over
• The ability to communicate in English
• The ability to work with an international team
•  Patience and enthusiasm
•  Eagerness to learn

What Don’t You Need?

• The ability to speak Arabic
• Travel or work experience
• To be a native speaker of English
• A degree in English or any specialization
• Experience in teaching English as a foreign language

Benefits of Interning:

The Internship with Palestinian Children program offers many benefits including:

• Living in Hebron and undertaking trips to the old city, the holy sites and more 

• Learning spoken Arabic from native speakers and embracing the opportunity to communicate with locals

• 3 hours of Arabic lessons per week

• Exposure to daily life, culture and society in Hebron

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

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

• Palestinian cultural nights featuring entertainment and activities

• Opportunities to view tourist attractions from a particularly native perspective, such as Bethlehem, Ramallah, Nablus, Tulkarm, Qalqilyah, Jenin and the Dead Sea in Jericho

• The ability to visit 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

• The assistance of well-qualified, attentive Arabic teachers, all with an excellent educational background, ready and happy to help you

• A participant’s certificate upon completion.

Meet New People And Travel Around

You will get the opportunity to meet Palestinian university and school students, as well as members of the Hebron community and local organizations, as an international student studying Arabic in Palestine.

Take the chance to travel on your own and see distinctive tourist sights from a local’s point of view, such as Bethlehem, Ramallah, Nablus, Hebron, Tulkarm, Qalqilyah, Jenin, and the Dead Sea in Jericho.

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!

A Huge Range Of Impacts

The Internship with Palestinian Children program is well researched and targeted, and is suitable for anyone who wants to gain insights into the daily life and education of Palestinians, as well as gaining experience in teaching English, and in learning about human rights.

We aim to make a long term difference to the local Palestinian community through the exchange of ideas and by “walking in each other’s shoes”. Volunteering and interning is a unique opportunity to genuinely make an impact on your life as well as on the lives of Palestinian children, refugees and on the wider community in the West Bank.

Program Duration

Volunteer in Palestine offers Internship with Palestinian Cildren positions year-round. Applicants decide when they would like to start and end their programs. We are very flexible when it comes to starting dates and duration. The length of this internship program is flexible within a 1- 13 weeks period.

Summer Programs

For people looking for Internship programs or internships with Palestinian children over the summer in the West Bank, Palestine, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan or Israel, Volunteer In Palestine offers great volunteer opportunities that span from May to September. These internship programs and internships 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 with Palestinian children 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.

Arabic Language Courses

In addition, Volunteer In Palestine offers free in-person Arabic language courses to all of its interns. These courses span 3 hours per week and will continue throughout their stay in Hebron. Learning Arabic will be a valuable asset in their mission to aid the Palestinian community of Hebron.

Furthermore, Volunteer In Palestine conducts regular ventures into Hebron, visiting Palestinian cultural sights, local human rights organizations, businesses, factories, local universities, schools and refugee camps as well as natural parks and treasures – all of which are intended to give interns a well-rounded understanding of the West Bank, Palestine.

Do You Need University Credits? 

The Internship with Palestinian Children program offers students university and internship credits in case they are needed for your university. If you are applying for funding to volunteer in Palestine, the Center would be more than happy to help, and can provide any and all requested documents.

Who Is This Program For? 

The Internship with Palestinian Children program is for anyone interested in working with children and who understands the importance of connecting Palestine to the world.

Exposing young generations of Palestinians to other people and cultures will connect them to the world community, as well as helping to dispel at a young age any preconceptions Palestinians may have about other cultures. 

This Internship program is perfect for those interested in political science, human rights, Islamic culture, the politics of the Middle East, Arabic culture and language It can also help you to build a career with international NGOs. Many Palestinian NGOs, governments and international organizations see volunteer work in the Middle East, and experience with the Arabic language as a major plus. 

The Internship with Palestinian Children program is open to people of all ages,  from students to seniors, who wish to make a difference in the lives of Palestine’s youth and children.

Who Can Participate?

Those who love working with Palestinian children and who wish to make a career out of doing so are encouraged to apply. The children of Palestine are eager to learn.  Being a constructive force in their lives by coming to volunteer in Palestine is the best way to ensure their prosperity. 

Volunteer In Palestine does not discriminate on any basis. This includes a person’s nationality, ethnicity, religious standing, gender, sexual orientation or  any other basis. Furthermore, Volunteer in Palestine has a long history of welcoming people from around the globe.

Participants have visited the Excellence Center/Volunteer in Palestine from the following countries: The United Kingdom, the United States of America, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, Canada, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Brazil, Mexico, Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Australia, Japan, South Africa, Singapore, South Korea, Ireland, China and New Zealand! All people who wish to advance the welfare of Palestinian children are encouraged to apply! 

Accommodation  

When residing in Hebron, male participants in the program will have the option of either residing in a dorm or with a Palestinian host family (depending on availability). There are advantages in both cases. For those residing in a dorm there will be extra time to become acquainted with the other participants and interns of Volunteer in Palestine.

Furthermore, the dorms are located next to Hebron’s metropolitan center, providing ample opportunity to explore the City of Hebron with fellow roommates, which may lead to many new and exciting experiences! 

The second option (available primarily to female participants) will be to reside with a Palestinian host family. The benefit of this option is that participants will receive a firsthand view of Palestinian life, customs and culture. In addition, residing with a Palestinian host family will provide ample opportunities to become acquainted with Palestinian cuisine and family structures. Furthermore, it is likely that participants residing with a Palestinian host family will be invited to family gatherings and cultural events, guaranteeing a culturally immersive experience! 

Participants who choose to live in a private accommodation will cover their own expenses, but we will be happy to help you find an accommodation suitable to your needs in the city of Hebron.

Interacting With Palestinian Culture

Volunteers in Hebron will find that the majority of Palestinian people are incredibly friendly and open to foreigners. Furthermore, if participants utilize their Arabic skills, no matter how well developed, they will find that most Palestinians are enthusiastic and patient communicators. They will be happy that people have taken an interest in their language and culture.

In addition, Palestine is located at the heart of the Levant (the area associated with the eastern Mediterranean and being the cradle of three world religions), providing ample opportunity to visit cultural sights, historical monuments and other landmarks. Although Palestinians faces difficult circumstances, participants will find that they  are friendly and open and that Hebron is a safe place to learn, intern and volunteer in! 

Daily/Weekly Schedule

interning with the Palestinian children requires commitment and flexibility. Volunteers on average are expected to work approximately 30 hours a week from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (Saturday – Thursday). Volunteers will have two days off per week – one mandatory day off on Friday, and another of their choice. 

Breakfast will be provided every workday morning at the Center, with ingredients coming from a diverse range of local Palestinian foods.  Breakfast is intended to prepare volunteers for the workday ahead. In addition, breakfast will be shared between the Center’s staff, volunteers and interns. This is designed to create stronger communal bonds throughout the Center, as well as for touching base with all participants in regard to their experiences and ambitions for the coming day.

Volunteer In Palestine will also run regular excursion trips into Hebron and, at times, neighboring cities throughout the week, connecting interns with local activists and organizations. Evenings are usually free, allowing volunteers the opportunity to explore the city of Hebron, including its many restaurants, shops and historical sights. interns have the chance to travel on their own to Israeli cities such as Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa, Nazareth, Akko, Tiberias, as well as to the Dead Sea, the Red Sea and the Mediterranean.

In addition to their work throughout the day, interns will also have their Arabic language courses. Participants’ schedules can fill up quickly, meaning that their time in Palestine will go by faster than they can believe.

The First Week 

The first week at Volunteer In Palestine will be focused on helping interns to adapt to life in Hebron and to Palestinian culture. In order to successfully achieve this, interns will enroll in Arabic language courses in the Center as well as courses centered around Palestinian culture and customs. Taking these courses early on will give volunteers a leg up in assisting the Palestinian people. The efforts made by interns to learn about Palestinian culture and customs will certainly be reciprocated by the Palestinians they are helping.  

If you are only planning a short-term volunteer service (1 to 2 weeks), we recommend that you contact us at least one week beforehand to organize your schedule. We would be more than happy to arrange a WhatsApp call to provide all the necessary information.  

Weeks Two – Thirteen

Every week thereafter, the interns will be focused on learning about their chosen workshops, activities and educational programs in Palestine. They will  then create the programs in cooperation with local Palestinian organizations which will help improve their understandings of these subjects. These events can include educational seminars on conversational English, how to safely navigate the internet, leadership/life skills, specific sports or anything that will enrich the lives of children here in Palestine. There is no limit to the workshop ideas that interns can create, and Volunteer in Palestine would be all too happy to help put these ideas into practice! 

Our staff will introduce you to our manual of teaching, and to the activity booklets which give examples and provide you with information. InternsI who have limited experience of such workshops are also welcome to apply in order to enhance their skills.

Traveling to Hebron, Palestine 

Volunteer In Palestine has information on all the resources you need to travel in an efficient, safe, and practical manner to Hebron.  Please read our articles below on flying to Palestine, getting to Hebron, planning your trip, and on Israeli/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

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 Hebron.

Additional fees apply as this trip costs about 160 Euros. Please Contact our staff if you are interested in this option.

What Language is the Program Run In? 

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

General Information Regarding Program Costs and Components: 

Program Costs and Information: 

Volunteer In Palestine charges 750 Euro a month or 250 Euro a week.  

The prices listed on this webpage are the complete and final cost students will pay. 

Program Fees Cover:

• Housing in Hebron 
• Arabic Language courses
• Center’s operating costs
• Breakfast (Mon – Fri) 
• Group excursions 

Summary

The Internship with Palestinian Children in the West Bank Program is the perfect opportunity for university and gap year students or anyone on a sabbatical who is looking to make a difference in the lives of Palestinian children in the West Bank. The ways in which interns can apply their skills are almost endless.

Interning with children in Palestine is a unique experience that will shape participants perspectives for years to come. In addition, interning in the West Bank is the perfect opportunity for anyone who is interested in working with children and refugees, or looking for a career in early childhood education and children’s welfare. Apply today and begin your volunteer journey!    

How To Apply

If you are interested in Internship opportunities with Palestinian kids, please, write to us at Info@ecpalestine.org. We should be able to respond to your initial inquiry within 1 – 2 business days.

In the subject line of your email write “Internship with Palestinian Children In the West Bank.” Upon writing back to you we will attach an application form which you will fill out and return to us to begin the process.

Related Internship Programs

Get Further Information 

For more information, please visit our website: https://excellencenter.org/

Engage in Palestine: https://ecpalestine.org/

Whatsapp:+972599479880

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