The West Bank has become a popular destination for internships, attracting individuals interested in working with both large international NGOs and smaller, local organizations. Among these, Volunteer in Palestine stands out as a key provider of internship opportunities, offering a wide range of programs tailored to address the region’s unique challenges. The complex political and social landscape, often referred to as “The Situation,” has created a pressing need for humanitarian assistance and support, making the West Bank a focal point for various aid efforts, and a great place for Internships in the West Bank.
Volunteer in Palestine operates within this context, connecting interns with meaningful projects that make a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by ongoing conflicts and instability. The organization’s website provides detailed information about the internships available, guiding prospective interns in choosing the right program to gain valuable experience while contributing positively to the local community.
Why the West Bank?
The West Bank is a place that is subjected to extreme pressures due to the ongoing problems of the Occupation. Gaza is off limits, but despite the stress of The Situation, the West Bank is comparatively stable. The other good news is that this means there are lots of organizations operating in the area, providing services to areas that are most affected by the problems of Occupation.
It is a worthwhile and fun place to volunteer – and the history and culture of the area is fascinating. The food is fantastic and the people are so welcoming (which helps you appreciate the food as many people will invite you into their home for dinner or at least a tea and a coffee).
What Do You Need to Prepare For an Internship Here?
Get your Arabic going before you get going to the West Bank – whether it’s even just a word and phrase here and there, it can be a really good idea if you want to avoid getting ripped off in a taxi. If you have studied fussha (Modern Standard Arabic previously), you may want to refresh and also have a look at the Amiya (local dialect) before visiting, as this is more commonly spoken in the West Bank.
How Do I Get to the West Bank?
It is not advisable to travel to Jordan and then onto the West Bank. Many people are denied access to the West Bank, attempting to come across the various Jordan-West Bank crossings. We would suggest that it is a much better idea to come directly to Ben Gurion Airport. Yes, you may well be subject to questions about your intentions in coming to Israel-Palestine, but as long as you are honest and cooperative in your answers, the Israelis can have no reason not to issue you a visa. These visas will usually be for three months as long as you are not getting paid.
Do your research to see what kind of questions the Israelis may ask you on arrival – this can help you prepare your answers and maintain your calm when in the questioning. Some people get lucky and are issued visas without extensive questioning. Once you are through the airport, you will need to take the bus or a sheerut (minibus taxi) to Jerusalem. From Jerusalem, you can continue your onward journey into the West Bank.
Diverse Internship Opportunities with Volunteer in Palestine
Volunteer in Palestine is a great source of intern work. Located in Hebron (or Al Khalil as the locals call it), the center offers programs on a wide variety of internships: journalism, human rights, teaching English, community development, and sports coaching. Volunteer in Palestine’s programs are flexible, depending on your needs and prior commitments: they can last anywhere from one week up to three months. They are a great way to fill out your CV and develop important skills in a fascinating part of the Middle East.
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:
Skill Development, Safety, and Cultural Immersion
Employers look very favorably at job candidates who can demonstrate an ability to adapt to new surroundings, deal with adversaries, and perform under pressure. All of the programs at Volunteer in Palestine help develop these skills and the center will provide a certificate of completion when you finish your internship along with a letter of reference and ongoing support in your future ambitions to find a job.
In terms of safety, there are occasional clashes in Hebron, but these are highly localized to one sector of the city and they are not difficult to avoid as long as you are sensible with your movements. As a foreigner coming to Palestine, you are less susceptible to these problems anyway and Volunteer in Palestine will provide you with all the relevant safety information and updates on current affairs to ensure you remain safe.
All programs include accommodation and some meals. Volunteer in Palestine also provides additional Arabic lessons with a dedicated personal tutor as a standard. This can lead to you rapidly developing your Arabic language skills, particularly in the environment of native Arabic speakers. Your constant exposure to language will lead you to have conversations in the local dialect in no time.
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.
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.
Collaboration and Cultural Exchange through Volunteer in Palestine
Additionally, the center aims to facilitate cooperation and cultural exchange by organizing visits to local organizations and institutions such as the Palestinian Red Crescent Society and the Hebron Rehabilitation Committee. You will also have the chance to explore other remarkable cities in the West Bank, like Nablus, Ramallah, Bethlehem, Jerusalem, and Jericho, each offering unique cultural experiences. We highly recommend taking the opportunity to visit these cities to fully appreciate the rich tapestry of culture in this region.
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 want to learn 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 would like to explore 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
Volunteer in Palestine has been offering its services since 2011. Throughout the years, we have been developing many volunteer and internship in Palestine programs. We use the most advanced methods which we develop and enhance year after year. Education, learning, and community development is an active process that is always advancing, and you will be part of it.
Despite continuous program improvements for the best learning 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
Volunteering and interning in the West Bank offers a unique and impactful opportunity for individuals eager to contribute to meaningful projects and gain firsthand experience in a region of profound historical and cultural significance. The diverse programs available through Volunteer in Palestine cater to a range of interests and skills, from human rights and community development to teaching and journalism. By participating in these programs, interns and volunteers not only support local initiatives but also immerse themselves in the rich and complex tapestry of Palestinian life, developing valuable skills and gaining insights into the region’s ongoing challenges and vibrant culture.
As you prepare for an internship or volunteer experience in the West Bank, it is crucial to inform yourself well. Understanding the local context, language, and logistical considerations will enhance your experience and ensure a smoother transition into this dynamic environment. Volunteer in Palestine’s comprehensive support system, including accommodation, meals, and Arabic language lessons, combined with the opportunity to explore the region’s cities and engage with local organizations, makes it an excellent choice for those looking to make a meaningful difference. Whether you are eager for the summer intensive programs or the flexible winter internships, your time in Palestine promises to be both enriching and impactful, leaving a lasting positive impression on both yourself and the community you serve.
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
Tags: Best internships in the West Bank, best places for internships in the West Bank, cultural internships in the West Bank, guide to internships in the West Bank, how to find internships in the West Bank, humanitarian internships in the West Bank, international internships in the West Bank, interning in the West Bank, internship placements in the West Bank, internships for students in the West Bank, NGO internships in the West Bank, nonprofit internships in the West Bank, professional internships in the West Bank, short-term internships in the West Bank, summer internships in the West Bank, top companies offering internships in the West Bank, top internship opportunities in the West Bank, volunteer and internship opportunities in the West Bank, West Bank internship programs
