Teach English in the Middle East: Whether you’re looking to advance a career in teaching English as a foreign language, seeking professional growth in a related field, or simply eager to explore a new culture, teaching English in the Middle East offers a rewarding experience.
The best places to teach English in the Middle East are known for their exceptionally warm and welcoming people, making the region inviting for educators from around the world. Volunteer in Palestine provides a comprehensive guide to help you navigate these opportunities. Beyond the engaging cultural experiences and rich historical backdrop, the Middle East also offers a diverse and flavorful culinary landscape that adds to the allure of living and working there.
When considering where to teach English in the Middle East, it’s important to understand the varied opportunities across the region. Each area has its unique advantages, from modern urban centers with dynamic educational environments to regions steeped in historical significance where cultural immersion is a key part of the experience. Whether you seek to work in a rapidly evolving educational system or desire to be part of a community with a deep appreciation for education, the Middle East provides a range of options to fit different professional goals and personal interests.
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Teaching English in the Arabian Peninsula
Teaching English in the Arabian peninsula can be the first port of call for some people as they look for teaching roles – there is a big demand for quality English teachers in Saudia Arabia (although perhaps less so in Oman and of course there is currently a conflict raging in Yemen).
The jobs are generally very well paid here too which is a big plus, but usually they are looking for teachers with the relevant qualifications and at least one to two years of previous teaching experience. So while it can be an attractive area for qualified, experienced, teachers, it probably isn’t the best place for new teachers to start their search.
Teaching English in the Gulf Region
The Gulf Region – that’s to say countries like Qatar, Kuwait, the UAE, etc. offer many of the same benefits as Saudi Arabia because these tend to be wealthy economies with a high demand for English teaching.
Again there are pros and cons to consider in this region as before – for one thing, the summertime temperatures here can become excessively hot with the thermometer regularly surpassing 50 degrees centigrade. This means that going outside during the day is rarely possible during the height of summer which is not exactly the best way to explore a new environment.
Teaching English in the Levantine Region
In our opinion, the Levantine Region is the best area to teach English in the Middle East. For starters, there is a huge demand for English teachers but not so much concentrated wealth, so there are voluntary roles to allow teachers to begin to find their feet on a new career path and the cost of living for outsiders is not excessive either.
Additionally, if you are keen to learn Arabic while you teach English in the Middle East, the Shami dialect spoken in the Levantine region is the most widely recognized throughout the Arab world and thus probably the most useful one to learn (depending on your personal goals).
Finally, while the Gulf and Arabian Peninsula can be quite restrictive in terms of local customs, Lebanon, Jordan, parts of Palestine, and Syria (before the civil war) are closer to Western culture, so there is not such a culture shock when you first visit one of these countries.
Tips for the Classroom
One thing to remember wherever you go is that your classes will almost certainly be monolingual – that is to say, everyone in the class will be able to speak Arabic. It’s thus crucial to engage your students in the process of learning English so that they don’t slip back into their native tongue during lessons.
Additionally, bear in mind there may be certain cultural factors to be aware of (such as the relationship of respect between the teacher and the classroom) while you teach English in the Middle East, that might not apply in Western countries.
What Are the 6 Best Places to Teach English in the Middle East?
Are you interested in teaching English and learning Arabic simultaneously? The Middle East offers incredible opportunities to immerse yourself in Arabic culture, language, and traditions, all while making a meaningful impact as an English teacher.
The West Bank, Palestine, is one of the top choices for this experience. Palestinians are known for their hospitality, love of cultural exchange, and enthusiasm for supporting those eager to learn Arabic and engage with their community. The Arabic spoken in Palestine is Levantine Arabic, a dialect closely related to Modern Standard Arabic, making it an excellent choice for language learners.
Teaching English in the Middle East—particularly in Palestine—offers a unique opportunity to combine your passion for teaching with personal and professional growth. Many programs provide affordable options to learn Arabic intensively while contributing to the local community as an English teacher.
If you’re looking for other opportunities to teach English in the Middle East while learning Arabic, here are six of the best places and organizations to explore. Each offers a combination of teaching, language learning, and cultural immersion that is truly rewarding.
1. Travel to Palestine
The Travel to Palestine organization aims to enable tourists to come to Palestine and experience its rich culture. This is a land rich with history, hospitality, and generous people, and you can experience all of that through the Travel to Palestine organization. They offer intensive Palestinian Arabic courses as well as online lessons.
2. Excellence Center
The Excellence Center in Palestine has the experience of more than 13 years of offering Arabic programs (Levantine Arabic, Modern Standards Arabic as well as Ammiyya Arabic) for nonnative speakers in the West Bank, founded in Hebron in 2011, serves as a language school offering Arabic language education to international students, interns, and volunteers. It also provides cultural immersion activities and community development services to Palestinian children, refugees, youth, women, and community members in Hebron.
3. Salam Palestine
Salam Palestine, a community project in Hebron, Palestine, works with international volunteers to facilitate social and community development initiatives. Through workshops, events, and outreach programs, volunteers collaborate with residents to promote cultural exchange and improve social cohesion. The Center offers super intensive, intensive, and non-intensive Arabic courses for people who would like to stay for 1-13 weeks.
4. Engage In Palestine
Engage in Palestine, based in Hebron, offers immersive experiences for international students who would like to go to Palestine and study Arabic in the West Bank, it is known for its Levantine (Shami) and Palestinian Arabic intensive lessons. Through diverse Arabic programs, participants engage in educational, social, and cultural initiatives, working alongside residents to support youth empowerment, women’s initiatives, and the well-being of Palestinian refugees.
5. Volunteer In Palestine
Volunteer in Palestine offers Levantine, Palestinian, and Modern Standard Arabic courses at different levels such as super-intensive, intensive immersion as well as non-intensive programs for anyone interested in studying Arabic in the West Bank, Palestine. The organization has a lot of reviews and it is known for its community development programs.
6. Study In Palestine
Study in Palestine offers a broad range of options to include intensive Arabic courses and summer Arabic programs at multiple levels. These Arabic programs cover super-intensive, intensive immersion, and non-intensive Arabic choices, designed for those looking to study Levantine (Shami Arabic), Palestinian dialects, and Modern Standard Arabic in the West Bank, Palestine.
Teaching with Volunteer in Palestine
Volunteer in Palestine offers two teaching programs for those who want to develop their teaching skills, discover a new culture, and have a fantastic social experience while doing so. Volunteer in Palestine is a language school and training center that seeks to develop the skills of Palestinians in the local community to help them meet the challenges of life.
The Teach English, Study Arabic program allows volunteers to volunteer as an English teacher and learn Arabic, while the Teach for Palestine program is for more experienced English teachers who can bring previous skills and experience to the table.
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 various opportunities 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.
List of Volunteers and Internships Programs In Palestine
Program Benefits and Travel Opportunities
Both programs include accommodation, food, and a range of trips both in Hebron and throughout the West Bank. This region, rich in historical and biblical significance, offers access to iconic sites such as Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Jericho, and the Dead Sea. Volunteers also have the chance to explore the picturesque city of Nablus, the vibrant atmosphere of Ramallah, and the city of Hebron itself, where they can witness the realities of the Israeli Occupation and its impact on local communities.
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.
Safety and Additional Information
Hebron is entirely safe for foreigners; however, we recognize that volunteering in Palestine can be a significant undertaking. We are committed to ensuring that volunteers feel comfortable and supported throughout their stay. For more details about our programs and to determine if they align with your interests and goals, please visit our website or check out testimonials and feedback on platforms like Go Overseas and Engage in Palestine.
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 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 its services since 2011. Throughout the years, we have been developing many programs and online courses. We use the most advanced methods which we develop and enhance year after year. Education and learning is an active process that is always advancing, and you will be part of the development.
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.
- +840 Reviews and ratings (96.8%) on gooverseas.com
- +170 Reviews and ratings on goabroad.com
- Participants’ video testimonials
Conclusion
In conclusion, when you choose to teach English in the Middle East it offers a rich and multifaceted experience for educators eager to advance their careers and immerse themselves in a new culture. The region is famous for its welcoming people and historical depth, with opportunities spanning from high-paying positions in the Arabian Peninsula to dynamic educational settings in the Gulf and culturally immersive roles in the Levantine region. Each area presents unique advantages, whether you’re looking for modern urban environments or communities with a deep appreciation for education.
Programs like those offered by Volunteer in Palestine provide a valuable chance to contribute to local communities while developing your teaching skills. With options to teach English and study Arabic, volunteers, and interns can engage in impactful work and explore historical sites throughout the West Bank. These programs not only support professional growth but also foster meaningful cultural exchanges, making the Middle East an attractive and rewarding destination for educators looking to make a difference.
Find Out More
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us: at Info@ecpalestine.org and on WhatsApp at +972 599 479 880. We are looking forward to hearing from you!
Tags: Teach English abroad opportunities, Teach English in Arab countries, Teaching internships in the Middle East, Volunteer teaching Middle East
