Here you will find frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the volunteer programs in Palestine with the Volunteer in Palestine. Our programs provide unique opportunities to contribute to various sectors such as education, human rights, community development, women’s empowerment, and more.
Whether you’re interested in working in the West Bank or Gaza, these FAQs will help guide you through the application process, program details, accommodation, and what to expect during your volunteering experience.
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What qualifications or experience are required to volunteer in Palestine in voluntary roles?
Individuals from various educational backgrounds and ages ranging from eighteen to seventy are welcome to apply for a voluntary position with the Volunteer in Palestine.
Academic training is not a volunteer’s most important asset, and although teaching experience or qualification is preferable, it is not required. Volunteers are selected on the basis of their being considered a good fit for the center. In addition to a good grasp of the English language, interns should display a welcoming, friendly manner, a positive mindset, and convey eagerness to learn.
Should my English be perfect? Do I need a certificate in English?
Volunteers should have a good grasp of the English language. However, no formal qualification is required, and native speaking standards are not required.
What teaching responsibilities can I expect as a volunteer?
Volunteers selected for our programs assist Palestinian teachers with several conversational English classes per week for students studying at levels from Beginner to Advanced. Volunteers develop valuable teaching experience as assistants by helping staff design course outlines, participating in classroom discussions or debates, and leading groups during activities. In addition to providing practical training from staff, Volunteer in Palestine provides volunteers with a manual teaching guide and other teaching resources, including textbooks.
In contrast to the more traditional English teaching provided by local educational establishments, Volunteer in Palestine teaching is focused on enhancing students’ proficiency and confidence in conversational English. Lessons are not textbook-based, and existing lesson plans are amended for individual groups on a lesson-by-lesson basis. Activities, games, and genuine resources such as YouTube videos, music, and newspaper articles are employed for an engaging and enjoyable learning process. Through cooking and bringing food into class to describe, students might learn the names of ingredients, whilst the names of various occupations could be studied through guessing games.
What other responsibilities will I have as a volunteer besides teaching English?
In addition to providing assistance in day-to-day administrative tasks at the center, volunteers are asked to write one article per day about their experience with the center and Palestinian daily life and culture.
We’re delighted to use the Volunteer in Palestine website to make the most of internationals’ valuable skills and experience with the center. These digital platforms are vital in our mission at the center to develop a fruitful discourse between Palestine and the international community.
Volunteers are also regularly offered opportunities to engage in teaching and community development activities organized by the Volunteer in Palestine with local educational establishments. Volunteers assist staff members and interns in leading sports games, English conversational classes, and employability skills workshops in English for advanced university students.
Volunteers are also welcome to contribute ideas for workshops according to their particular skills. In the past, workshops have been conducted in a particular language, as well as leadership skills classes, lessons in music, or photography and film workshops.
How to apply to volunteer in Palestine?
Applying to volunteer in Palestine is a straightforward process designed to ensure a good fit for both the participant and the program. Here’s how it works:
1. Complete the Online Application Form
Begin by filling out the application form available on the Volunteer in Palestine website. This form collects essential information, including your background, interests, goals for volunteering, and preferred program dates. It’s important to complete the form thoroughly to help us understand your motivations and tailor the experience to your needs.
2. Initial Review of Your Application
Once your application is submitted, our team will review it to ensure that your goals align with the program’s objectives. We welcome volunteers from diverse backgrounds and experiences, so don’t hesitate to apply even if this is your first international volunteering experience.
3. Scheduling a Meeting
After reviewing your application, we will arrange a meeting with you via WhatsApp or a suitable online platform such as Zoom, Skype, or Google Meet. This meeting is an opportunity for you to ask questions about the program and for us to learn more about your interests, skills, and expectations.
4. Interview with the Center Director
During the meeting, you will have a 15 to 20-minute conversation with our center director, Marwa Shantir. This informal interview helps us understand how you can contribute to the program and ensures that you are fully informed about the volunteering experience, cultural context, and logistical arrangements.
5. Confirmation and Next Steps
If the interview is successful and both parties feel confident about moving forward, you will receive a confirmation of your acceptance into the program. At this stage, we will provide additional information on preparing for your trip, including travel tips, accommodation details, and any required documentation.
6. Pre-Arrival Support
Our team remains available to answer any questions and provide support in the lead-up to your arrival. Whether you need assistance with travel arrangements, advice on packing, or information about the local area, we are here to help ensure you feel prepared and excited about your upcoming experience.
Volunteering in Palestine is not just an opportunity to give back but also to immerse yourself in a rich cultural and historical context while making meaningful connections. Start your journey today by completing the application form and taking the first step toward an unforgettable experience!
When can I start?
Volunteer in Palestine accepts applications all year round for our Volunteering Programme. It is possible for individuals to start volunteering with Volunteer in Palestine as soon as one week after receiving confirmation from Volunteer in Palestine director Marwa Shantir.
However, individuals applying for programs during the Summer months should apply well in advance of their desired start date in order to ensure availability. For individuals intending to work with the Volunteer in Palestine at this time, it is recommended that they apply up to six months before their desired start date.
Where will I stay?
Female volunteers live with local host families during their stay, while men stay in Volunteer in Palestine dormitories. All Volunteer in Palestine accommodation is within walking distance or a short taxi ride (around 2.5 NIS) from the center. Internationals often enjoy walking to the center in the mornings to watch the city wake up to the smell of fresh baking and Arabic coffee.
Volunteers will stay in a nice, modern apartment just a 3-minute walk from the Center. The apartment offers a comfortable and welcoming space for you to relax and connect with fellow participants, ensuring a convenient and enriching experience during your stay.
Is prior knowledge of Arabic required for this program?
Most students learning Arabic at the center have reached the intermediate level through regular school education. For this reason, no knowledge of Arabic is required from international volunteers and interns.
However, learning the Arabic alphabet is an easy first step that can be done alone, and we recommend that students make the most of their teaching hours here by developing a basic understanding of the sounds before starting lessons.
Students with prior knowledge of Arabic are required to sit placement tests on arrival at the center in order to judge their level for the provision of appropriate learning resources, including textbooks and other less formal resources.
How much control do I have over the structure of my Arabic lessons?
Three hours per week of Arabic teaching with members of the Volunteer in Palestine staff are provided to all volunteers in either classical Arabic (MSA) or regional Levantine dialect according to their interests. Classes are usually arranged for two mornings per week of 1.5-hour periods, between breakfast and nine, and English classes and activities generally begin at two in the afternoon.
Tutors tend to be quite flexible with regard to the timetable, and some amendments to established schedules be made in advance according to students’ other commitments.
How much control do I have over the content of my Arabic lessons?
Tutors are selected from the fifteen permanent staff at the center according to their suitability for each individual student. Those with no prior knowledge of Arabic often elect to study with a tutor with a good command of English. By contrast, those looking to develop their understanding of regional dialects may prefer a native-speaking tutor who doesn’t speak English, requiring them to speak in dialect at all times. Meanwhile, students learning Fusha for religious or academic purposes may require a specialist in classical Arabic.
Tutors adapt lessons according to the individual’s needs and particular interests, and students are welcome to bring or suggest other resources, including textbooks, which can be incorporated into their teaching program.
Can I get university credit for studying with Volunteer in Palestine?
Volunteer in Palestine is certified by the Ministry of Education to award university credit to students. Upon completing a level, students also receive a personalized certificate for use as evidence of achievement.
Can I learn Arabic in a group class or with a partner?
The vast majority of teaching that takes place in the center occurs on a one-to-one basis. Group lessons are mostly organized for students who arrive together from an educational establishment at which they have been studying at the same level.
How long is a working day at the center, and do I get holidays?
The working day begins for volunteers at nine in the morning, when breakfast is served at the center, and usually finishes at five in the evening. Volunteers are welcome to take breaks from work throughout the day to use the wifi for personal use and eat in the kitchen and dining area. A steady stream of tea and coffee is kept brewing throughout the day for staff and internationals.
In addition to Fridays, when the center is closed for the holy day according to local custom, volunteers can select four days every month for additional holidays.
What’s special about Volunteer in Palestine?
The welcoming atmosphere is the basis of everything that goes on at Volunteer in Palestine. A friendly, relaxed environment is vital to our cultural exchange mission and the starting point for productive work and learning.
The center maintains a lively, comfortable atmosphere through innumerable activities, from teacher training days focused on engaging students through fun, interactive methods to meals prepared and served at the center daily.
Sharing traditional Palestinian meals is an important part of life at the center, and breakfast is served daily at nine for staff members and international students, volunteers, and interns. Sharing a meal of falafel, hummus, flat bread, and bean salad is a good chance to get to know everyone working at the Volunteer in Palestine and a great way to start the day.
Although internationals usually provide their own lunches, staff and internationals are often invited to dinner and lunch by staff members who prepare in the center kitchen or barbecue on the roof. Thursday evenings are a regular opportunity for center members to get to know each other over a meal prepared in the center, chat about the week, and plan trips or days out together. Staff members and host families working with the center are often keen to meet new internationals and invite you to family gatherings and other events, such as weddings.
What can I get up to in the local area?
Many internationals like going to the local gym, no more than five minutes from the center. Although not segregated, the gym is reserved for women during the daytime and men in the evenings.
Volunteer in Palestine also regularly organizes trips for staff members and internationals, both top spots in the local area and, on Fridays when the center is closed for the holy day, more distant locations. Local trips include visits to local coffee shops, ceramics and glass blowing or leather workshops, and the infamous ‘sterile street,’ Al-Shahada Street, and local refugee camps.
More distant locations, reached by car, are as diverse as Jericho and the Dead Sea, Ramallah, and the ancient city of Nablus. A day spent hiking through the nearby, hilly village of Battir, to see the 2000-year-old water system and underground tomb caves, for instance, or an evening eating in a tent at a local bedouin village are opportunities for immersion in Palestinian culture and a chance to get to know staff members and other internationals studying and volunteering with the center.
What’s Palestinian food like?
The cuisine in Palestine is varied and infused with the flavors of the Levantine region as a whole, from Beirut to Amman. During your time in Palestine, you will probably eat a lot of Maqlouba, an ‘upside down dish’ of vegetables, meat (chicken/ lamb), and yellow rice with yogurt. Also popular, particularly in Hebron, where it is a specialty, is Mahshi Lift: turnips stuffed with rice, minced lamb, meat, and spices, cooked in Tamarind sauce.
For dessert, there is usually fresh fruit and spicy Arabic coffee, biscuits, and cakes with chocolate or dates. Further South, and especially in Nablus, you’ll have plenty of chance to try Kanafeh, a crispy melted cheese-stuffed pastry drizzled with lashings of syrup.
What do I need to bring with me to Palestine?
Finding everything you will need in local shops is easy, but coming prepared with the basics is convenient. Stationery is also a must, and many volunteers choose to bring a laptop and a smartphone for research and to provide students with classroom access to online resources.
Whether you’re staying with a host family or in dormitories, you need to provide your own towel and toiletries, including travel sickness medication, to prepare for driving on local mountain roads. Earplugs can also be useful, particularly if you’re staying in shared dormitories or plan to stay in hostels when traveling in the area.
Can I drink alcohol here?
Volunteer in Palestine, and all accommodation for internationals working and studying here, is located in Hebron. In this conservative, religious society, drinking alcohol is not permitted at any time. However, alcohol is also available in Palestinian towns such as Nablus and Ramallah, where Arak, an anise-flavored beverage, is served. Alcohol is also widely available in Bethlehem, which is majority Christian, and of course, can be bought throughout Israel, where many Jews choose to drink, particularly on Fridays.
How do I stay safe in Hebron?
Contrary to popular belief, Foreign Office bars on visiting the West Bank were lifted by many governments many years ago, and international tourists are increasingly visiting, working, and living in the area as living standards develop.
Recent efforts by the Palestinian authorities to encourage international visits and develop appropriate facilities, as well as several new community tourism and activity holiday operators, hotels, and homestay programs, also make experiencing Palestine’s stunning scenery and great food increasingly easy.
The H1 area of Hebron, where the center and all Volunteer in Palestine accommodations are located, is completely safe, and internationals tend to feel very comfortable walking around the city alone. Whilst it is not advisable for women to walk alone after dark, it is perfectly safe to do so with an escort.
However, it is also important for internationals to be sensitive to the location of the border between H1 and H2 of Hebron and to be aware of settlements and checkpoints. Although the Israeli soldiers stationed in the area are there for Palestinians and not for Internationals, as a visitor to Palestine, it is important to negotiate such areas sensibly.
What should I wear in Palestine?
The weather in Palestine is mainly temperate, and the summer heat is tempered by a cool, Khamseen wind from the Mediterranean. However, temperatures still climb as high as eight four degrees in summer (peaking in July and August), and the desert regions are particularly hot, so light clothing is a must. Long-sleeved T-shirts and long trousers or skirts are required for women, and long trousers are required for men. In some rare instances, women may be required to cover their heads, particularly in particularly holy areas of Bethlehem. When traveling to some parts of Israel, such as Ein Gedi and Masada, some internationals choose to wear shorts and t-shirts.
In winter months, the weather can drop to fifty degrees between November and February, and the rainy season (though rain is still infrequent) runs from November to February. A few warm jumpers, a Macintosh, and a pair of boots for hiking and rainy weather are recommended. You may also wish to bring a tracksuit since Palestinians often wear tracksuits in place of pajamas in the evenings to meet neighbors and lounge around at home.
When is the best time to come to Volunteer in Palestine for vacation?
This tiny area packs in more historical, religious, and cultural heritage than perhaps anywhere else in the world. Palestine’s small size and temperate climate for most of the year means that a good proportion of the sites can be visited in a fairly short trip at any time of the year.
1. Volunteer in Palestine in the summertime
Summertime in Palestine, beginning around May, brings a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere to the Excellence Center in Hebron. The transition from winter to summer ushers in longer days, with temperatures averaging around 24°C (75°F), creating the perfect backdrop for cultural immersion and outdoor activities.
Many students and volunteers find summer to be an ideal time to join the center, as it becomes a lively hub for both local and international participants. This period coincides with the holiday season, attracting individuals eager to learn Arabic, teach languages, and engage in cultural exchange.
From June through late August, the center is bustling with energy. Language classes often extend beyond the classrooms into the corridors, creating a collaborative and immersive learning environment. Beyond the regular schedule, summer activities frequently include:
- Group trips to nearby swimming spots, parks, and historical sites.
- Gardening projects and outdoor cultural experiences.
- Social gatherings such as rooftop barbecues, where participants can connect while enjoying panoramic views of Hebron.
Volunteering in Palestine during the summer is not just about learning and teaching; it’s about embracing the vibrant community, exploring Palestine’s cultural richness, and forming meaningful connections with people from diverse backgrounds.
2. Volunteer in Palestine in Winter
As students return to full-time education in autumn and winter, life at the center quietens as the days shorten. Activities and trips are interspersed with the odd lazy evening over oven-baked dishes, hot drinks, and cakes.
Though the center may be quiet during winter, it is at Christmas time that most travelers choose to visit Palestine. Thousands of tourists and pilgrims arrive in Bethlehem to participate in Midnight Mass and other religious events and ceremonies. Leaders of the various Christian denominations lead processions from Jerusalem, and Manger Square is filled with Boy Scout bagpipe bands. Prices, however, are lower outside of Christmas and Easter time, and accommodation may be easier to find at other times of year.
There’s plenty of opportunity to escape Christmas crowds and the winter chill center by traveling East to the Jordan Valley, which remains warm throughout the year. Aside from the aesthetic appeal of the scenery at this time of year, from February to mid-March, citrus fruits and pomelos soak the entire Jordan Valley with a sweet fragrance.
For hiking fans, winter is probably the best season to visit this area, as cooler weather permits longer walks in typically hot locations such as Masada or for snowy weather in the Northern Golan Heights.
3. Volunteer in Palestine in the Autumn
If your purpose is tourism and a spot of relaxation, Autumn might be the perfect time to visit. September and October offer a temperate climate without the bother of rain, which begins in November. October in Palestine also offers the opportunity, somewhat surprisingly, of a bustling Oktoberfest event hosted by the hilltop village of Taybeh and the local family-run brewery, which involves Toot Ard (protest ska from the Golan Heights), political hip-hop groups from refugee camps, and traditional Palestinian dabka dancers.
How do I travel to Hebron?
Palestine has no airport, so internationals tend to fly to Tel Aviv (Ben Gurion) airport. Whereas the journey from Tel Aviv should take only a couple of hours, travel from Amman, Jordan requires approximately five hours. It’s also important to take into account the extra time needed to pass through security and customs, which tends to be more stringent in Amman.
Bear in mind that declaring your intention to visit the West Bank at either airport will result in questioning, which may last several hours, and travelers with stamps to other Arab countries may face longer interrogations or be refused entry to the country.
From Tel Aviv airport, the most efficient way to travel is by private taxi, which should cost no more than 160 NIS. A much less costly and still relatively convenient method is to take a sherut (shared, yellow minivan taxi) from Tel Aviv airport to Jerusalem’s Damascus Gate. In the square opposite Damascus Gate, you should find a small crowd of drivers standing beside their sheruts and shouting ‘Hevron’, ‘Khalil’.
Another alternative is to take the bus from the station to the left of Damascus Gate (with your back to the gate) to Bethlehem and a sherut from Bethlehem. If your sherut will not take you directly to the center, take another taxi on arrival in Hebron and look for a ‘Volunteer in Palestine’ signpost halfway down the hill of Ein Sara Street.
Where should I go when I get to Hebron on my first day?
You will be asked to inform Volunteer in Palestine when you are expected so that a staff member can meet you at the center and provide a short tour. Most buildings in Hebron do not have fixed addresses, so you cannot tell your taxi driver or look up the precise location of the Centre on Google Maps. However, most locals will know Volunteer in Palestine or Al Hussain school just opposite, and everyone is familiar with Ein Sara Street, where the Centre is located. If you can’t locate the signs at the center, just call Rafat Shantir at the Centre.
What happens when I arrive at the center on my first day?
You will be asked to inform Volunteer in Palestine when you are expected so that a staff member can meet you at the center and provide a short tour. Depending on your arrival time, you will receive a presentation about life in Hebron, providing tips on local shops and cafes, as well as how to negotiate travel and social customs. If you are staying with a host family, you will meet someone from the family at the Centre who will escort you home.
Where will I meet my host family?
If you are staying with a host family, you will meet someone from the family at the center who will escort you home shortly after you arrive in Hebron.
How do I travel around Palestine?
Due to the small size of Palestine and restrictions placed by the Israeli occupation on freedom of movement in the Palestinian Territories, taxis are the only way to travel in Palestine unless you prefer to rent a hire car. There are no public railways, metros, trams, or buses in the Palestinian Territories of the West Bank and Gaza as there are in Israel.
However, shared yellow minivan taxis are good value, and the longest trip you’re likely to take should take only a couple of hours. Shared ‘service’ taxis are also a great way to meet locals; most Palestinians speak at least some English and are very happy to practice with you, invite you for tea, and give tips on traveling in the local area. However, bear in mind that shared intercity taxis, in contrast to shared within-city taxis, only travel between pre-set points, usually main taxi stations.
Who Applies for the Volunteer in Palestine Volunteering Program?
The single thread that unites our volunteers, interns, and staff members is a common desire to create a relaxed and welcoming environment at the Volunteer in Palestine as the foundation for fruitful cultural exchange.
Graduates of all ages from various backgrounds from countries worldwide come to volunteer with the Volunteer in Palestine. Most volunteers are between twenty and thirty years of age, but we have also hosted dozens of individuals over fifty in the past few years. Motivations are as diverse as an interest in developing teaching experience, working with children, practicing Arabic, and a desire to travel or understand local politics.
We want to make each individual’s experience volunteering as fruitful and as comfortable as possible, so we’re delighted to accommodate individuals’ specific needs as far as our resources can manage. Don’t hesitate to drop us an email if you have any queries.
What are the differences between TESA and the Volunteer in Palestine program?
Our TESA internship program requires a minimum of an undergraduate degree from a recognized university and an excellent grasp of English. Some teaching experience is preferable for this program. Our volunteer Programme meanwhile requires candidates to have only a good knowledge of the English language, and no university-level qualification is required.
Volunteers assist Palestinian teachers with several classes of conversational English per week. Volunteers develop valuable teaching experience as assistants by helping staff design course outlines, participating in classroom discussions or debates, and leading groups during activities. In addition to regularly assisting Palestinian teaching staff, interns also lead two to three intermediate conversational classes in English during their placement.
Both volunteers and interns are also regularly offered opportunities to engage in teaching and community development activities organized by the Volunteer in Palestine with local educational establishments. Volunteers assist staff members and interns in leading sports games, English conversational classes, and employability skills workshops in English for advanced university students.
Contact Us
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at:
WhatsApp:+972 599 479 880
Website: https://volunteerinpalestine.org/
Website: https://excellencenter.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/excellence.center
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ExcellenceCenter
