The Media and Journalism volunteer program in the West Bank, Palestine is an ideal opportunity for anyone interested in giving a voice to Palestinians on the global stage. Volunteers in this program will help raise awareness of human rights and political circumstances within the West Bank, while also learning about ethical journalism practices.

Volunteers may be responsible for conducting video interviews with local Palestinians or writing articles to encapsulate the Palestinian refugee experience. Volunteers will, at times, be researching contemporary issues within Palestine, fact-checking articles, and verifying sources while utilizing various forms of media in order to improve the representation of Palestinians within the media. 

Volunteer In Palestine offers cost-effective and inclusive volunteer and internship programs in Hebron, West Bank. Our programs welcome both native and non-native English speakers who are eager to support the Palestinian community while acquiring Arabic language skills. We provide a diverse selection of programs, including the field of communication, media, and journalism in the West Bank.

The Media & Journalism Program is available to individuals of all English-speaking backgrounds, regardless of their academic level or professional experience. This program presents an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in volunteering in Palestine, the West Bank, Israel, the Middle East, or the broader Arabic-speaking world.

Who Is This Program Best Suited To?

Although this Media & Journalism program would suit a wide range of potential volunteers, seasoned and aspiring journalists are especially encouraged to apply. This volunteer program in the West Bank, Palestine would also be of interest to students of journalism, mass communication, media studies, communications, political science, English, social work and other related fields. Recent graduates have the opportunity to gain real-world experience from this program, as cross-cultural communication, travel within the Middle East, and Arabic language acquisition are all highly valued by prospective employers. 

Photographers with an interest or experience in photojournalism are also encouraged to apply. Volunteers with this specialization will have the opportunity to participate in photography missions in Hebron and the surrounding areas which will document Palestinian daily life. Volunteer in Palestine offers you the chance to work in a fascinating and energetic environment and an experience that is created to be immersive, genuine, and holistic. Anyone interested in journalism, media, and the effects of global news practices on Palestine are welcome to apply. 

Documenting Daily Life In Palestine

By volunteering in Media and Journalism in the West Bank, program participants will help elevate Palestinian voices on the global stage where they have historically been denied representation. This has in turn led to the misrepresentation of Palestinians, making it all the more important for journalists to use correct language and accurate depiction when reporting on Palestinian issues. 

We Aim To Connect Palestine To The World

Volunteer in Palestine aims to connect Palestine to the world through the work of international visitors, where participants can experience for themselves the diversity of perspectives and identities among Palestinians.

In addition to participants learning about Palestine, Palestinians in turn will be able to gain a greater understanding of the world through their interactions with the participants. In this way, exchanges between Palestinians and their visitors can become a mutually beneficial and symbiotic process. 

Work With Local News Agencies

During the program, volunteers and interns will assist local Palestinian news agencies as they articulate the Palestinian perspective throughout the Arabic-speaking world. Compared to major news organizations such as Al Jazeera and Al Arabiya, Palestinian news agencies lack the necessary resources to expand their audience.

By volunteering with Volunteer in Palestine in the West Bank, participants can help these news organizations gain acknowledgment and respect from a larger regional and international audience. 

Program Overview

Participants are encouraged to make connections and build relationships with people from all over the world while working to aid refugees and the local community of Hebron. Here you will become acquainted with Palestinian culture and the Arabic language.

At the same time you will learn about the relationship of media and Palestinians and document the lives of locals and Palestinian refugees in the West Bank. In addition, you will have the chance to design and conduct workshops to educate Palestinians on journalism and media. 

Commitment And Flexibility Is Required

However, volunteering with Volunteer in Palestine requires commitment and flexibility. This program can last from 1 to 5 weeks, with each week broken up into stages. On average, volunteers are expected to work approximately 30 hours per week from 10 am to 5 pm. Participants will have two days off per week, one on Friday (when our center is closed) and another day of the participant’s choosing.

Start Your Day With Breakfast

Breakfast is provided every morning (except Fridays) at our center and typically consists of bread, olive oil and za’atar, hummus, labneh, baba ghanoush, falafel, and cucumber, tomato, and bell pepper – basically all the essentials you will find in a traditional Palestinian morning meal. Volunteer in Palestine staff, volunteers and interns all sit together during breakfast, which gives everyone a chance to touch base while creating strong communal bonds. 

The First Week, Arabic Lessons And Palestinian Hospitality

The first week of the program will be spent adapting to life in Hebron and preparing for service in the volunteer’s field of expertise. As with all our programs, volunteers will be entitled to 3 hours of classes on Palestinian culture and the Arabic language, thus enabling them to better interact with locals.

Palestinians are traditionally hospitable and welcoming people, and will certainly appreciate any effort that volunteers make to speak Arabic, as this shows a genuine interest in their lives, and is seen as a mark of respect for the culture, and is one that will be noted by all those you meet. 

Media And Journalism Workshops

During their time, volunteers will learn about media and journalism within the context of Palestine, and may design and facilitate workshops educating Palestinians on the power of media. Workshops in the past have focused on safe internet navigation, ethical sourcing of information and materials, intellectual property, ethical reporting standards, media production, and the effect of news media on world affairs and public opinion. 

Workshops may subsequently expand beyond these topics into more diverse or specific subjects, and Volunteer in Palestine will be happy to offer guidance on any program of special interest to volunteers. For instance, volunteers specializing in social media can also teach young Palestinians to be more aware when using the internet and social media so that they may use them more deliberately, effectively, and responsibly. 

Excursions In Hebron And Free Time

Volunteer in Palestine’s center also facilitates regular excursions into Hebron throughout the week, connecting volunteers with local activists and Palestinian community organizations. Evenings and weekends are free time, and give volunteers the chance to explore the City of Hebron and its many restaurants, cafes, shops and historical sites, or even neighboring cities such as Ramallah, Bethlehem, Nablus, and Jerusalem on their own or with colleagues.

Why Take Part In This Program? 

Volunteer in Palestine’s Media and Journalism Program can help aspiring journalists sharpen their media skills while they immerse themselves in the many facets of Palestinian culture. Because the program is located in Hebron, participants will inevitably gain an understanding of daily life in Palestine. 

Volunteering in the Media and Journalism is an excellent way to learn the ins and outs of ethical journalism, the process of publishing in the media, and the real-life impact of world news in the communities being featured. As part of the program participants will take part in community festivals, visit areas of historical and political significance and work closely with the local community of Hebron. 

At the conclusion of the program, volunteers in the Media and Journalism Program will be able to share the knowledge that they have acquired with Palestinians here in Hebron. In this way they can ensure that the local community will be able to discern ethical journalism for themselves as they analyze news media and create their own. 

Living In Palestine: Accommodation In Hebron

When staying in Hebron, you will have the option of residing with a Palestinian host family (guaranteed only for female volunteers) or in a dorm (guaranteed for male volunteers). There are advantages to both of these options. If staying in a dorm, you will have more time to become acquainted with other participants and volunteers. Furthermore, the dorms are located in Hebron’s metropolitan center, providing ample opportunities for exploring the city, either on your own or in the company of your colleagues.

The second option available to participants is to reside with a Palestinian host family. This option will give participants an intimate view of the daily life, customs and culture of Palestinians, while giving them a chance to familiarize themselves with family structures as well as tasting some delicious Palestinian cuisine. It is also likely that participants residing with a host family will be invited to family gatherings and cultural events, guaranteeing a culturally immersive experience! 

However, host families can only be guaranteed to female participants, and is subject to change. Whichever housing option participants choose, their time in Palestine is sure to be enriching and memorable! 

Interacting With Palestinian Culture

Palestine is located at the heart of the Levant (the area associated with the Eastern Mediterranean). Many people are unaware of the cultural diversity of Palestine and the Levant, having only a crude understanding of the heritage of these lands. Although the situation in Palestine can at times be difficult, participants will find that the Palestinian people are friendly and open, and that Palestine in general is a safe place to visit. 

Participants will find that the majority of Palestinian people are incredibly friendly and open to foreigners. If participants utilize their Arabic skills, no matter how developed, they will find that most Palestinians are enthusiastic and patient communicators who are simply delighted that people have taken an interest in their language and culture. Palestine also provides ample opportunities for learning about an interesting culture and visiting important historical and religious sights. By enrolling in this program participants will take part in something unique, an experience that is sure to be remembered throughout their lives. Additionally, participants will be immersed in Arabic language and culture while living in Hebron. 

Impact and Benefits of Volunteering in Palestine

Our Journalism programs in the West Bank, Palestine are well researched, targeted, and suitable for anyone who wants to gain insights into daily Palestinian life, media, 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 or interning in Hebron is a unique opportunity to genuinely make an impact on your life as well as others including Palestinian community members in the West Bank, Palestine. Volunteers on the Media and Journalism program will receive many benefits during their time in the city of Hebron, including but not limited to:

• Live in Hebron and visit sites of cultural, historical, and religious importance

• Understanding of Palestinian politics and experience of human rights and occupation in the West Bank.

• Learn spoken Arabic from native speakers and use it to communicate with locals

• Accommodation with a Palestinian host family, if available

• Visits to Palestinian universities, local institutions, and organizations specializing in culture and education

• Local Palestinian foods and delicacies

• Educational, cultural, social and community development activities through the center

• Cultural nights which feature entertainment and activities in Hebron’s social hubs

• Travel to historical locations and nearby cities including Jerusalem, Jericho, Ramallah, Nablus and Bethlehem in your free time

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!

Travelling between Palestine and Israel is easy and inexpensive for international visitors and our volunteer programs provide our participants with plenty of free time to discover the area, even ensuring you make some new Palestinian friends along the way!

Flexible Booking

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

We accept applications the entire year, and opportunities are available anywhere from one week to three months. Furthermore, you’re able to change your start date entirely free of charge if requested at least two weeks beforehand. 

Summer Volunteer Programs In Palestine 

For people looking for Media and Journalism volunteer opportunities in Israel, the West Bank, Palestine or the Middle East over the summer months, Volunteer in Palestine offers a summer program that runs from June until August. While this program is offered through the entire year, the summer is an especially popular and significant time to visit.

This program is ideal for students looking for Journalism Internships during the summer break or for anyone looking to volunteer during an extended visit to the region. The summer volunteer programs combine an Arabic language focus with full immersion and engagement in Palestinian culture, politics and history. It includes visits to Bedouin areas (Susiya), Palestinian refugee camps, local villages and community centers.

Volunteer Requirements

Volunteer in Palestine does not discriminate on any basis; this includes nationality, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or any other basis. Volunteer in Palestine has a long history of welcoming people from around the globe, from all walks of life, and from all backgrounds and identities

•  Age 18 years or over
•  Able to communicate in English
•  Patience and enthusiasm to work with a diverse team
•  Eagerness to learn

What You Don’t Need:

•  Ability to speak Arabic
•  Travel or work experience
•  To be a native English speaker
•  A degree in journalism

General Information Regarding The Program

Traveling To Hebron

Getting to Hebron, Palestine can entail a lot of traveling, but it need not be arduous. Although there may be some obstacles to overcome, Volunteer in Palestine has compiled a list of resources that will help you to reach us in an efficient, safe and practical manner. Please read our articles below on planning your trip, flying to Palestine, the different routes to Hebron, and on 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

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

How to Apply

If you are interested in participating in our Media and Journalism Program, please write to us at Info@ecpalestine.org and CC Mr. Rafat Shantir at Rafat@excellencenter.org.

We should be able to respond to your initial inquiry within 1-2 business days. In the subject line of your email write “Volunteer in Media and Journalism.” Upon responding we will attach an application form which you can fill out and return to us to begin the process.

Reviews and Community Awards

Volunteer in Palestine in Hebron, West Bank has been offering volunteer programs since 2011, and we have hosted more than a thousand international visitors. While we continuously develop our programs to provide the best possible learning experience, our fundamental mission remains the same: to connect, teach and develop individuals within the local and international community. 

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”.

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 Engage in Palestine’s impact on the community of travelers around the world. Engage in Palestine continues to be a highly rated travel organization across its selection of programs

Check out our reviews and testimonials from previous participants, linked below, to see if we are the right language school for you.

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

Summary

The Volunteer in Media and Journalism Program in the West Bank, Palestine will present you with a unique opportunity to help elevate Palestinian voices in the media. Palestinian voices can be drowned out during periods of rising tensions, while being completely disregarded at other times. Ethical journalism is of crucial importance here, owing to the historical and continuous misrepresentation of Palestine and Palestinians in the international media. 

During their time here, volunteers will be offered a range of flexible possibilities such as helping Palestinians navigate and relate to media, organizing educational sessions, executing journalistic activities, photography, social media organization, and so much more. Anyone who has a passion for human rights, for equal representation on the world stage and for improving the quality of ethical journalism will find that this program will satisfy their needs.

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