Volunteering with schools in the Middle East offers a powerful way to make a meaningful impact, especially in regions where educational resources are limited and the need for support is high. Organizations like Volunteer in Palestine provide valuable opportunities to contribute to the educational development of communities facing significant challenges. With the Middle East’s rapidly growing young population, this region presents a unique chance for volunteers to make a difference. However, with numerous organizations and locations to choose from, determining where and how to volunteer can be overwhelming.
This article by Volunteer in Palestine aims to simplify that process by guiding you through the various opportunities available for volunteering with schools in the Middle East. We’ll explore the regions most in need, the types of programs offered, and the steps you can take to make a lasting difference in the lives of children and their communities.
Is It Possible to Volunteer With Schools Through Local Governments?
The first thing to say is that unless you have significant previous experience you probably won’t be able to volunteer with governmental organizations directly. However, many NGOs do provide programs for those who wish to help out in schools throughout the Middle East. The best way to find an organization if you’ve never done it before is simply to start with Google and research the different options available to you.
Where Should I Be Looking?
It’s critical to do your research to ensure you find the right organization with a program that works for you. Some places will not be accessible due to ongoing problems like in Yemen, Syria, and Gaza. However, most places in the Middle East are open to outsiders. Where you go, whether it is to one of the Gulf States or somewhere in The Levant, depends on what your interests are. For example, if you have any experience teaching in either area, or you speak a certain Arabic dialect already, that can help you narrow down your choice.
Choose somewhere that is safe, interesting to you, and where you know that your work will have the biggest impact. Again this depends to some extent on your personality and some of these factors might be more important than others: for example, if your priority is safety you might find a program in the UAE or somewhere like that, while if making a difference is more important for you, maybe you will opt for somewhere like Palestine. The Middle East is such a culturally rich and varied region that wherever you go you’re likely to have a fantastic and interesting time.
Volunteering in Hebron with Volunteer in Palestine
Volunteer in Palestine offers the perfect opportunity to volunteer in the city of Hebron in the Middle East. Many varied programs involve volunteering with children in schools, so you can choose the one that is right for you. The city of Hebron is a complex, fascinating, dynamic city on the frontline of Occupation, where there is an acute need for the quality provision of education for the young population in this burgeoning city.
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.
Here you may find the list of our volunteers and internships program in Palestine:
Partnerships and Focus Areas in Hebron
Volunteer in Palestine partners with the Ministry of Education in Ramallah to provide outreach programs for the public schools in Hebron. Particularly interesting are the schools located in the H2 area of the city, which is the area where Israelis and Arabs live together in fractious co-existence. The Old City in Hebron is particularly dilapidated and the standard of schooling there needs all the help it can get.
Support and Community Impact
Volunteer in Palestine will provide a dedicated liaison officer to oversee all your teaching and provide the community links necessary for you to add value and create an impact for children in the schools in Hebron. Volunteering with these children feels so worthwhile as you can see the difference you are making in the community and get to know the locals.
Who Can Join Us?
Volunteering and internship opportunities for volunteering with schools in the Middle East, and Palestine in particular, 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 do some volunteering with schools in the Middle East, and in particular 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.
Language Learning, Practical Details, and Application
You can take Arabic lessons with Volunteer in Palestine while you volunteer too, which will enable you to interact with the locals in their language. Volunteers usually find that they pick up nearly as much Arabic from the immersion in the culture as they do from the classroom lessons with teachers at Volunteer in Palestine. Between the experience gained from volunteering and the language skills you will develop during your time here, you will have a lot to add to your CV when applying for work in the charity sector or as a teacher or an aid worker for international development in the future.
Volunteer in Palestine will also provide accommodation for the duration of your stay and most of your meals. The Center can assist you in entering the country as the visa and travel process can seem complicated if you have never done it before. For more information about the programs available and about how to apply for them, contact Volunteer in Palestine via the contact details below.
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 have an interest 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 for volunteering with schools in the Middle East. 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.
- +800 Reviews and ratings (96.8%) on gooverseas.com
- +160 Reviews and ratings on goabroad.com
- Participants’ video testimonials
Conclusion
Volunteering with schools in the Middle East provides a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in regions where educational support is urgently needed. By engaging directly with young people and contributing to their education, volunteers can play a vital role in the development of communities facing substantial challenges. The Middle East, with its diverse cultures and rapidly growing population, offers a wide range of programs tailored to different interests, whether you’re passionate about teaching, human rights, or cultural exchange. Choosing the right program requires careful research to ensure your skills and goals align with the needs of the community, but the rewards of such an experience are immense,
Volunteer in Palestine offers a robust framework for those looking to make a difference in the West Bank. Their programs are designed to cater to a variety of interests and are flexible enough to accommodate different schedules, whether you’re looking for a short-term experience or a more extended commitment. In addition to making a meaningful contribution to Palestinian society, volunteers also gain valuable experiences and skills that can enhance their personal and professional lives. Whether you’re a student, professional, or simply someone looking to give back, the opportunities available through Volunteer in Palestine can help you achieve your goals while making a lasting impact through volunteering with schools in the Middle East.
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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