The Volunteer in Palestine program welcomes individuals who are interested in meeting Palestinians, immersing themselves in Palestinian culture, engaging with Palestinian youth, children, refugees, and community members, and studying Arabic in the city of Hebron in the West Bank. This volunteer program is suitable for anyone seeking short-term volunteering opportunities and programs in the West Bank, Palestine.

In the last 13 years, the Center has hosted more than 1000 internationals between the ages of 25-75 years—and we welcome people of all ages to volunteer. We invite you to learn Arabic in the West Bank, Palestine and engage in educational, community development, social, and cultural activities.

It is common for people over 50 years of age to wonder whether they are “too old” to participate. Many think that volunteer and intern opportunities are only for the younger generation but this is not the case at all!

It is of great benefit to the Volunteer In Palestine and the community to have people from a wide age range, as each group brings with them diverse strengths and capabilities. We have seen the benefits of young and older volunteers and students mixing together over the years of our experience in Palestine.

We Welcome Volunteers Aged Between 18 and 75 years

One of the advantages that comes with age is wisdom. Older volunteers have the benefit of experience gained during their lifetime. We respect that our over 50s volunteers will have seen more of life, encountered many different situations, and had the opportunity to contribute their skills and education. We appreciate these volunteers sharing their knowledge with us.

Youthful energy and enthusiasm, along with seasoned experience and wisdom, are a winning combination. We can all learn from each other and share our thoughts and ideas. 

Spend Your Free Time With Us

Often, we find that older volunteers have more flexibility with their arrangements and usually have more free time. Perhaps you are retired or semi-retired and are looking for a new challenge, or maybe you have more time to spare. It may simply be that you have decided that now is the time to do something different! 

Whatever the reason, we would be happy for you to spend your time with us at the Volunteer In Palestine. You will also have the opportunity to travel to other parts of Palestine, and we can advise you on places to visit, how to get there, and where to stay. We will do everything that we can to enhance your experience and ensure that you have a great trip.

Volunteer Or Intern

Over the past few years, the Volunteer In Palestine has been delighted to host many individuals between fifty and seventy years of age in our Volunteering Program and TESA internship. As an over 50s volunteer or intern, you can learn about a new culture while being embraced by a community that values your experience.

Through English language teaching and community development activities organized by the Volunteer In Palestine, you can contribute to the development of the Palestinian community in Hebron, and inspire a new generation to become successful participants in the global workforce—which can provide a lasting legacy.

Whether you want to share your knowledge of English, unique business skills, or passion for a sport or hobby, there’s a valuable place for you as a volunteer. In return for valuable knowledge and experience, over 50s volunteers and interns in Palestine are rewarded with innumerable new experiences and lasting friendships.

Former Participants’ Experience

During his time volunteering with us, Ray, an alum of the Engage in Palestine Volunteering Program for individuals over 50, taught English language to local students.

“I volunteered because I wanted to do something positive to help Palestinians because it did not involve physical labor (given my age…69 then),” he said. “I was delighted to feel that I had helped them in some small way.” 

As well as teaching at the Centre, Ray also helped conduct various activities in local educational establishments and took trips with members of staff and volunteers to local historical sights. “I enjoyed meeting a variety of nationalities volunteering at the Centre, as well as local staff members and students of all ages and abilities.”

Ray was able to make the most of the chance to experience Palestinian culture and enjoy local hospitality by living with a host family:

“I really appreciated being treated as one of the family by my hosts,” said Ray. “[The family provided regular meals] and allowed me to socialize with them and their relatives (as far as the language barrier would allow). I did learn some Arabic in Palestine, too, enough for basic social situations and shopping.”

“The Centre also looked after me very well. [They] responded to my needs, including the provision of bathing facilities, when my needs sometimes couldn’t be met at my host family’s house. I gained a lot from Palestinian culture through volunteering, and their amazing resilience.”

Something For Everyone

Volunteer In Palestine offers a lot of different volunteering opportunities (wee our volunteer programs for older volunteers below). These programs vary and you can choose the one which most interests you and to which you are best suited. You do not need to have any academic qualifications or additional language skills in order to participate (although if you have some of these qualifications, they would be useful for certain programs). 

We recognize the value of experience gained through life and appreciate practical skills, different perspectives, and the creative thinking that older volunteers offer.

Volunteer Programs For Older Volunteers

Please take a look at our volunteer programs in Hebron, located in the West Bank, where you can participate year-round (during spring, summer, fall, and winter) for durations ranging from one to 13 weeks:

If you are interested in teaching English, please check the Teach English, Study Arabic in Palestine (a stay of 2-3 months) or the Volunteer to Teach English and Study Arabic in Palestine if you wish to stay less than 2 months.

Our Programs Make Great Impact 

Our Volunteer and Internship programs in the West Bank, Palestine have been meticulously researched, precisely tailored, and are a perfect fit for anyone seeking profound insights into daily Palestinian life, the rich Palestinian culture, the Levantine Arabic language, as well as legal affairs and human rights.Volunteer In Palestine goal is to effect lasting change within the Palestinian local community by fostering the exchange of ideas and promoting the concept of “walking in each other’s shoes.”

Volunteering and interning in Palestine represents an exceptional opportunity to genuinely transform not only your life but also the lives of others, including Palestinian children, women, refugees, youth, and community members in the West Bank, Palestine. Your contributions hold the power to make a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of Palestinians you engage with during your time with at Volunteer In Palestine.

Our Reviews And Community Awards

In 2022, we were recognized as one of the top three programs worldwide for volunteer opportunities and language schools by Go Overseas, earning five Community Choice Awards.

We were also honored as a leading Teach Abroad and Internship Abroad provider. In 2021, we maintained our top three standing and received awards for “Best Language School” and “fun” and “instruction.” In 2019, we received our first Community Choice Awards, showcasing our impact globally.

Traveling to Hebron

The easiest way to get to Hebron, Palestine is to fly to Ben Gurion in Tel Aviv at the Tel Aviv Airport in Israel. It takes about 2.5 hours from the airport to the Volunteer In Palestine in a shared Taxi.

You can also fly to the Eilat airport and travel by booking a shuttle or taking a bus to Jerusalem and then to Hebron. The whole trip can take about 6-7 hours.

It is also possible to fly into Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, Jordan and then cross into Palestine/West Bank, but it takes considerably more time and is more expensive.

You may find all necessary information about how to get to Hebron, Palestine in these three articles:

• How to fly to Palestine
• How to get to Hebron, Palestine
• Planning your trip to Palestine

VISA for Palestine 

Upon your arrival at Ben Gurion Airport (Tel Aviv Airport) in Israel, you will be granted a tourist VISA valid for 90 days. There is no need to obtain a VISA ahead of time (see the article “How to Get a VISA” for more information).

Program duration

Volunteers can participate in the program for durations ranging from 1 to 13 weeks.

During your time in the volunteer program, you will be expected to be available to work for 5 out of 7 days per week, with days off on Friday and another day of your choice. This schedule allows ample time for studying, exploring the area, meeting locals, and experiencing life in Palestine

Final Remarks

If you’ve been considering volunteering in Palestine or learning Arabic but have hesitated as time goes by, don’t let that worry hold you back from having an incredible experience!

We understand that you may not be interested in playing football with the kids or climbing mountains (although if you are, you’re more than welcome to!), and that’s perfectly fine.

You’re never too old to embark on a journey, meet new people, learn a new language, and make a positive impact on your life and the lives of others. Our older volunteers contribute immense value to our programs, benefiting both Palestinians and international volunteers. Younger participants can learn a great deal from your experiences and wisdom, while also passing it on to others. Bringing people together to share knowledge and exchange ideas enriches everyone involved

Please join us in Palestine—we need you and we think that you will enjoy discovering this fascinating country!

How to apply

Please send an email application request to info@ecpalestine.org. We will then send you the application form.

Find Us Online

Whatsapp:+972 599 479 880

Website: https://ecpalestine.org/

EC Website: https://excellencenter.org/

Study in Palestine: https://studyinpalestine.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/excellence.center

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ExcellenceCenter

Facebook account: https://www.facebook.com/RafatECHebron

Watch us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsQSLdFZWZcBm6Uj0XMYuKg

Visit and Explore Palestine: https://www.facebook.com/ExplorePalestine

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