The Middle East is a diverse and expansive region, encompassing seventeen countries, each with its own unique culture, history, and opportunities. From the bustling metropolises of the Gulf States to the ancient cities of the Levant, this region offers a wide array of experiences for those looking to broaden their horizons. However, with such a vast and varied landscape, deciding where to pursue your ambitions can be an overwhelming task. The choices can seem endless, especially when navigating the complexities of different cultures, languages, and educational systems. If you are particularly interested in opportunities to teach English and study Arabic, this broad scope naturally narrows to specific programs that offer these dual opportunities.
While this may streamline your search by focusing on regions and institutions known for their strong language programs and demand for English teachers, it also means you’ll be seeking out opportunities that allow for both teaching and learning in a highly immersive environment. Although this dual focus might limit the number of available options, it ensures that the programs you do consider will provide a more integrated and fulfilling experience. With a bit of research and effort, you can find the right fit—one that allows you to contribute to the local community through teaching while simultaneously deepening your understanding of the Arabic language and the rich cultural tapestry of the Middle East.
Opportunities to Teach English and Study Arabic in The Gulf
The Gulf is a more developed and stable area, due to the influx of oil money into the region in the 20th century. You can therefore get a good salary as an English teacher if you have previous experience. It does mean however that there is fewer opportunities for volunteer teaching programs. Additionally, you may have to pay for the Arabic study out of your pocket which can be inconvenient. If you do choose to work in one of the Gulf States, consider when you want to work there as the summers in places like Qatar and Dubai can be seriously hot.
Opportunities to Teach English and Study Arabic in The Levant
In the Levant – that is to say, Palestine, Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan, there are plenty of volunteer programs to teach English. If the program is a good one, it will usually add free Arabic lessons as an additional benefit. There is usually less scope to draw a salary as a result of your English teaching, but you will have the prospect of feeling like you are making a real difference. This can especially be the case if you find a good program that involves working with refugees. After the years of conflict in Palestine and the current crisis in Syria, refugees are particularly prevalent throughout this part of the Middle East.
Overview of the Teach English, Study Arabic Program
Volunteer in Palestine offers a Teach English, Study Arabic program in the city of Hebron, in the South of the West Bank. This hybrid program allows volunteers to teach English, and study Arabic for a flexible period between one week and three months (the maximum time Israel will give a tourist/holiday visa for). The teaching side of the program involves taking your class, doing outreach programs with local schools, teaching the English Club here at Volunteer in Palestine as well as ad-hoc workshops for university professors, or for school students looking to build their CV skills for example.
Skills and Experience Gained
This is a great way to burnish your CV as not only will you study Arabic and build your skills in that department. You will also gain valuable skills while teaching, such as adapting to unfamiliar circumstances, learning to cope with adverse situations, and project coordination. This is a great opportunity to build the skills and experience that employers the world over value and visit an interesting, underappreciated part of the world.
Volunteer Experience and Community Integration
The program is highly rated and reviewed by previous volunteers with many praising the chance the program gives to integrate fully with the local society and undertake challenging yet deeply satisfying work. Many people make lifelong friends both within the Palestinian staff in Volunteer in Palestine and the community of other international volunteers. Many find that despite the difficulties of traveling to the place, they love the experience so much that they end up visiting Palestine again at least once.
Program Schedule and Safety Considerations
The Teach English, Study Arabic program at Volunteer in Palestine is a five-day-a-week program with Fridays and one other day of your choice off as a holiday. This allows you to fully explore the extent of the West Bank, and if you so choose, Israel or even Jordan. There are many fantastic cities in the West Bank each of which has its own unique culture and identity. It’s well worth exploring each of these during your days to build up the full picture of Palestine.
Many people question the safety of coming to Palestine and in particular Hebron as there are sometimes overly negative stories in the news about this historic city. There is indeed violence on occasion, but it is highly localized to a small part of the city and it is easy to avoid these areas, especially as a foreign visitor. For safety advice consult your country’s foreign ministry travel advice or contact us here at Volunteer in Palestine for more information about the programme and the safety aspects of it.
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
Besides opportunities to teach English and study Arabic, Volunteer in Palestine also 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:
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.
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.
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 impact your life and 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 are interested in learning more, please click here.
Internship opportunities in Gaza are primarily centered 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’re interested in 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 opportunities to teach English and study Arabic since 2011. Throughout the years, we have been developing many volunteer and internship 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
In conclusion, the Middle East, with its rich tapestry of cultures and diverse opportunities, presents a wealth of possibilities for those interested in teaching English and studying Arabic. Despite the complexity of navigating numerous countries, focusing on programs that offer opportunities to teach English and study Arabic at the same time can lead to fulfilling experiences.
Whether in the Gulf with its high salaries and limited volunteer roles or the Levant with its abundant volunteer opportunities and impactful work, you can find a program that aligns with your goals. Participating in these programs not only enhances your professional and personal development but also allows you to contribute meaningfully to the local communities. By engaging in these opportunities, you will gain valuable skills, build lasting connections, and make a tangible difference in the lives of those you work with.
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
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