Volunteering in the West Bank is a unique and transformative experience that allows individuals to engage with vibrant communities, learn about Palestinian culture, and contribute to meaningful projects. Whether you’re interested in teaching, humanitarian aid, human rights advocacy, or community development, there are numerous opportunities to make a positive impact. Beyond the work itself, volunteering in Palestine provides a deep and personal insight into life under occupation and the resilience of the Palestinian people.

Volunteer Programs in Palestine 2025-2026

For the 2025-2026 period, with a diverse selection of internship and volunteer programs, there are opportunities at Volunteer in Palestine for people of all backgrounds. Our volunteer and internship programs are developed for graduate and undergraduate students of Middle Eastern studies, Arabic studies, political sciences, 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 the Palestinian culture and daily life.

Volunteer in Palestine welcomes participants of all ages (18+) who may stay for as little as 1 week or up to 13 weeks, which is the duration of visas granted upon arrival at the Tel Aviv airport.

Why Choose Palestine for Volunteering? 

Palestine offers a distinctive volunteering experience that blends history, culture, and activism. Volunteers get the chance to immerse themselves in Palestinian daily life while supporting communities facing systemic challenges. Here are some key reasons to choose Palestine as your volunteering destination:

• Cultural and Historical Enrichment: Palestine is home to some of the world’s most significant religious and historical sites, including Bethlehem, Hebron, and Jerusalem. Volunteering here allows you to explore these places while engaging with the local culture.
• Supporting Communities Under Occupation: The ongoing occupation affects nearly every aspect of life in Palestine. Volunteers provide essential support to communities by offering education, humanitarian aid, and advocacy.
• Meaningful Social and Humanitarian Work: Whether it’s teaching English, supporting refugees, or assisting NGOs, volunteering in Palestine is about making a real difference in people’s lives.

Types of Volunteer Programs Available 

There are various volunteer opportunities available depending on your interests and skills. The following are some of the more common or popular programs that people do. 

Teaching English & Language Exchange

The student becomes the teacher! Teaching English is an incredibly valuable way to help the Palestinian community. As the global language, learning English helps increase future opportunities for young Palestinians. It also helps them to better tell their stories to the world. According to our students at Volunteer in Palestine, practicing English with native speakers is one of the most valuable ways they were able to improve their skills. 

“I had an absolutely fantastic time in Hebron this year. It was my second time at Volunteer in Palestine, and a testament to how amazing the people at this program are that I wanted to come back again. This year, I continued to teach English at the Center, and I found it even more rewarding than my last stint teaching English. The students at the Center are amazingly kind and passionate to learn and mastering English. The Center itself is clearly improving every year, and I can’t wait to see how they will expand and continue to establish themselves as a pillar of the Hebron community.” – Conor

Human Rights & Advocacy

Learn about the human rights situation in Palestine from local NGOs and activists who are working every day to fight injustice. This program gives you the opportunity to see past the headlines and gain a deeper understanding of the human rights abuses happening in the West Bank, and arm yourself with the knowledge and stories to advocate for Palestine. 

“I spent 1 week with Volunteer in Palestine as part of their Human Rights program. I had some idea of what to expect before coming here, but I had never been to the region before, so I still had many questions. During my time in Hebron, the staff at Volunteer in Palestine were incredibly welcoming and helpful, and provided me with an experience I will never forget. 

Throughout the week, I had the chance to study Arabic, engage with the local community, and volunteer as a protective presence for villagers in the Masafer Yatta region, all while gaining a better understanding of the situation in the West Bank. I had the opportunity to experience Palestinian culture and truly felt welcomed by the local community. I always felt safe and would recommend this program to anyone considering it!” – Chris

Youth & Kids Programs

With a large population of children and young people, there are plenty of opportunities to help support a brighter future for the youth. Some programs include volunteering at orphanages in Hebron, at one of the refugee camps like Al Fawwar, or in a local Palestinian village. 

“Volunteer in Palestine itself is an inspiring place, offering a mix of educational programs and community engagement. My main role was teaching English to students at the center as well as at the nearby Al-Fawwar refugee camp. The students were motivated, eager to learn, and the experience of teaching them was both rewarding and humbling. There was also a great community of local teachers at the center, many of whom taught both English and Arabic. They were warm, supportive, and made me feel part of the team right away.” – Thomas

Writing & Journalism

In the Writing & Journalism program, volunteers will meet with local citizen journalists and news organizations to learn more about the state of reporting and media in Palestine. Volunteers are encouraged to write articles on their own experiences living in the West Bank. 

“Because of my interest in women’s rights and based on listening to the requests of the women we met via the PEC, I was able to create two small projects while in Hebron. The first was to teach professional skills at the Palestinian Family Planning and Protection Association. I ran a two-hour workshop on CV preparation and cover letter writing for the Association’s young volunteers.

My larger project is to help Palestinian women communicate their stories outside of Palestine. This project arose from hearing several women ask us as volunteers to share their stories. I am calling this project Amplifying Palestinian Women’s Voices. Through connections made for me by the PEC, I interviewed six inspiring women from the Old City, the Palestinian government, and the Al Fawwar Refugee Camp. I will translate and edit videos of the interviews into a short, cohesive documentary, allowing women to bring their stories to people across the world.”

Refugee Support

There are hundreds of thousands of Palestinian refugees who were forced from their homes during the Nakba (catastrophe) of 1948, and who either fled to neighbouring countries like Jordan or to parts of what is now known as the West Bank. These camps face difficulties such as poor access to services, cramped living space, and restrictions on movement in and out of the camp. Supporting educational and community development initiatives in camps like Al Fawwar near Hebron is an area of high need. 

“I’ve spent a month in Palestine and had the pleasure of traveling to most of the major cities. I visited many refugee camps and taught in many schools. The kids’ loving energy was always the highlight of my days. By far, it’s been the most spiritual experience I’ve had in all my travels throughout the world. Never before have I felt so welcome and loved by everyone here. I am not exaggerating when I say that I felt safer here than I do in my own City, which has only a small fraction of the population. 

I have never before been treated with more respect and kindness than by the hundreds I’ve met during my stay here. I came here thinking I would help feed them, teach them, and lift their hearts. Yet now looking back, I see they were the ones who fed and taught me. I am forever changed.” Michael

Medical & Healthcare Volunteering

Doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals can contribute by providing medical care and health education. Due to the lack of access to reliable services by a large portion of the population, health-related support is incredibly welcomed by those who have the relevant training and professional experience. 

“I was a bit nervous when I got to Hebron, but the volunteers and staff of Volunteer in Palestine made me feel welcome and safe. The Arabic classes were helpful for me in basic communication and have inspired me to improve my Arabic. The environment in the center felt like home. The staff took us to different places, villages, and organizations to see how the community works together. 

I was surprised to meet a man who worked with and saw Banksy. The director of this organization was able to find places that needed help, and I’m grateful that I was able to work and help with the Green Land health development organization and the Palestine Medical Relief Society(PMRS).” – Alexey 

Where to Start Volunteering in the West Bank? 

Different cities offer diverse volunteering experiences:

Hebron

The economic center of the West Bank, Hebron, is best for cultural immersion and education-focused programs. It is a sprawling southern city with a very friendly and local community feel. With its vibrant central streets and low cost, many people come to Hebron to shop on the weekends. Here, you can visit the old city, the holy Ibrahimi mosque, and see local industry at work through hand-blown glass craft and painted ceramics factories. 

Ramallah

A hub for Non-Government Organisations, and hosting local organisations like AlHaq, Ramallah, is ideal for human rights and advocacy-focused programs. Located just north of Jerusalem, Ramallah is the cosmopolitan and political center of Palestine. Less conservative than the south, foreigners can even visit bars and dance until the early hours in Ramallah’s vibrant nightlife. For a more cultural experience, you can find a museum dedicated to the legendary Palestinian poet, Mahmoud Darwish, or visit the tomb of Yasser Arafat. 

Bethlehem

With refugee camps in the immediate city surroundings, Bethlehem is best known for refugee support programs and community-based initiatives. Bethlehem is a lovely city that mixes old and new almost seamlessly. A must-visit is the Church of the Nativity, said to be the birthplace of Jesus. For those into art, you can see the famous graffiti of the separation wall that runs through the city, featuring some pieces by the elusive Banksy. You can also buy beautiful locally made olive tree carvings, which are famous from this area. 

Nablus

Located in the north of the West Bank, Nablus is great for humanitarian and development projects. About an hour and a half from Ramallah, Nablus is a beautiful little city nestled among surrounding mountains. This place is famous for its old winding markets and its delicious kunefe (a decadent dessert made with soft cheese and sugar syrup). In Nablus, you can also see historically and religiously significant sites, like Jacob’s Well and the Sebastia Ruins, that date back 4000 years. 

Things you should know

Eligibility and Requirements 

Volunteering in Palestine is open to a wide range of people, including students, professionals, and retirees. While Arabic skills are helpful, they are not required for most programs. Prior experience may be beneficial for certain fields like healthcare and human rights, but many programs welcome volunteers with no prior experience.

Volunteer Responsibilities and Daily Activities 

This will vary depending on your program, the duration, and the focus. Typically, volunteers can expect to engage in activities like: 

• Teaching, mentoring, and language exchange.
• Organizing workshops and community events.
• Assisting NGOs with research, advocacy, and media production.
• Providing humanitarian or medical aid where applicable.

Duration & Scheduling Flexibility 

Different volunteering programs in Palestine offer flexible durations to accommodate a range of schedules. Some potential program durations are:

• Short-term: 1-4 weeks (ideal for students and travelers with limited time).
• Long-term: 3+ months (recommended for those seeking deeper engagement and impact).
• Flexible start dates: Many organizations allow volunteers to join at any time of the year.
• Part-time vs. full-time commitments: Some programs allow volunteers to balance work with other activities.

Accommodation and Living Costs 

Volunteers can choose between staying with host families for a fully immersive experience or renting independent housing. The cost of living in Palestine is relatively low compared to Western countries, with affordable food, transportation, and activities. Program fees often cover accommodation, meals, and support services.

Volunteer in Palestine has a variety of accommodation options to suit different needs. Most commonly, volunteers will reside at one of our shared flats located close to the center. There is one for men and one for women. The apartments are modern, spacious, and equipped with everything you need for daily living. Rooms might be shared depending on the number of volunteers, but it is possible to request a private room if you prefer. Another option (for female volunteers) is placement with a Palestinian host family. This immersion is a great way to experience the local culture and language. 

Cultural Immersion & Local Experiences 

One of the greatest benefits of volunteering in Palestine is the opportunity to immerse yourself in Palestinian culture. Volunteers can:

• Learn Arabic through daily interactions and language courses.
• Experience Palestinian hospitality and traditions.
• Explore historic sites, bustling markets, and breathtaking landscapes.

Safety and Travel Considerations 

While safety concerns exist due to the political situation, many volunteers have positive and trouble-free experiences in Palestine. It’s important to:

• Stay informed about current events and travel advisories.
• Follow local guidelines and the advice of your host organization.
• Secure a visa from Israel, as entry into Palestine is controlled by Israeli authorities.

List of Programs offered by Volunteer in Palestine

For the 2025-2026 season, we are offering the following volunteer programs in Palestine:

1. Volunteer in a Sports Project in Palestine

2. Volunteer in the Environment and Conservation Program in Palestine

3. Volunteer in Palestinian Communities

4. Volunteer With Palestinian Orphanages

5. Community Development Volunteer Program in Palestine

6. Media & Journalism Volunteer Program in Palestine

7. Medicine & Healthcare Volunteer Program in Palestine

8. Volunteer In A Technology Program In Palestine

9. Volunteer In Local Schools In Palestine

10. Music and Art Volunteer Program

Impact of Volunteering in Palestine 

Volunteers leave a lasting impact on the communities they support, while also experiencing personal growth. The experience fosters cross-cultural understanding, strengthens professional skills, and often inspires lifelong connections to Palestine. 

While our volunteers typically spend between one week to three months in Hebron (the maximum offered on a tourist visa by Israel), the long-term impact of volunteers on local communities is significant. Volunteer programs through Volunteer in Palestine focus on education, skills, and capacity building, which have a long lasting effect on the people they work with. 

More intangible but no less important is the long-term impact of volunteering on breaking social barriers. Volunteering helps build mutual understanding and respect between Palestinians and people from all over the world, reducing narrow stereotypes and creating a rich social fabric across borders. During their time here, volunteers tend to create meaningful relationships with local people, from the Center staff to the shopkeepers of Ein Sara Street to the children at Al Fawwar refugee camp. These connections are beneficial for local and international alike. 

How to Apply & Get Started 

To apply for volunteer programs in Palestine, follow these steps:

• Research and choose an organization that aligns with your interests.
• Check application deadlines and requirements.
• Contact the organization to inquire about available programs.
• Prepare necessary documents, including visas and travel insurance.
• Plan your travel and accommodation arrangements.

Recommended organizations include Volunteer in Palestine in Hebron, Birzeit University programs, and various NGOs operating across Palestine.

Volunteering in Palestine is a journey into resilience, culture, and meaningful human connections. If you’re ready to make a difference while expanding your worldview, consider taking this unforgettable step. 

Contact Us

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at:

Info@ecpalestine.org

WhatsApp: +972 599 479 880

Website: https://ecpalestine.org/

EC Website: https://excellencenter.org/

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

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

Tags: community service projects in Palestine, Palestine volunteer programs for internationals, Volunteer Opportunities in the West Bank, Volunteer work in Palestine for students