Best Volunteer and Internship Organizations in Palestine: Are you looking for a meaningful, life-changing volunteer opportunity? Volunteering in Palestine offers a unique chance to immerse yourself in a rich cultural landscape while making a tangible impact on local communities. Whether you’re passionate about human rights, education, journalism, youth empowerment, or community development, there is something for everyone in Palestine. 

Established in 2011, Internship in Palestine has welcomed volunteers from all over the world to Hebron in the West Bank, providing diverse opportunities to engage with Palestinian society. From teaching English to working with refugee communities, supporting women’s empowerment initiatives, or writing about life under occupation, volunteers gain firsthand insight into the realities of Palestinian life. 

Internship in Palestine offers flexible, accessible programs that welcome volunteers year-round for stays ranging from 1 week to 3 months. In addition to hands-on volunteer work, participants receive Colloquial Arabic instruction, helping them integrate into the local community and communicate with the people they meet. Beyond daily volunteering, weekends offer the chance to explore Palestine’s historical and cultural treasures, from Bethlehem and Jerusalem to refugee camps and bustling city markets.

In this guide, we explore the diverse volunteer opportunities available, the experience of living and working in Palestine, and practical steps to apply. Whether you are looking to contribute your skills, expand your understanding of Palestine, or engage in an enriching experience, volunteering with Internship in Palestine is an opportunity worth exploring. 

Why Choose Internship in Palestine?

Established in 2011, Internship in Palestine is a trusted organization with over a decade of experience hosting volunteers in Hebron, the West Bank. 

We offer a diverse range of volunteer and internship opportunities for people from many different backgrounds and interests. Some of our most popular programs include Human Rights, Journalism, Volunteering in Palestinian Communities, Teaching English, and Volunteering with Palestinian Refugees. In addition to these themed programs, we offer Arabic instruction in Modern Standard Arabic and Colloquial Arabic for beginners. 

Our immersive programs are fantastic for cultural and linguistic exchange. Volunteers gain invaluable experience living and working in another culture, interacting daily with local people, and learning in depth about the historical and political context of Palestine as part of our close-knit community. Every volunteer at Internship in Palestine receives Colloquial Arabic instruction, helping them settle into the community and speak with locals.

Some program providers have strict schedules or certain times of the year when they accept volunteers. Internship in Palestine offers fully flexible programming, allowing you to choose the program and timing that suits you. Our volunteers arrive when they like and stay with us anywhere from a week to three months! Compared to many other similar programs on the market, ours offers a high-quality option suitable for most budgets. 

Volunteer Opportunities at Internship in Palestine

Internship in Palestine offers a variety of programs designed to suit many interests. 

Teach English & Language Exchange

Teaching English is an incredibly valuable way to help the Palestinian community. As the global language, English helps increase future opportunities for young Palestinians and helps them better tell their stories to the world. According to our students at Internship in Palestine, practicing English with native speakers is one of the most valuable ways they have improved their skills. 

Human Rights & Advocacy

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

Palestinian 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 an orphanage in Hebron, at a refugee camp like Al Fawwar, or in a local Palestinian village. 

Writing & Journalism

In this 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 about their experiences living in the West Bank. 

Women’s Empowerment Programs

Many local programs support women’s rights and empowerment, including those that help them find reliable jobs and secure good incomes. Spend time meeting, working with, and hearing from inspiring women who are doing their part to help create a better future.

Types of Volunteer and Internship Opportunities in Palestine

There are many ways to volunteer in Palestine, and each makes a big difference.

1. Volunteer in the West Bank Program

Volunteer in the West Bank: Join us at Internship in Palestine and explore our diverse range of volunteer and internship programs! Any program you choose will have many people needing support, and your influence on the Palestinian communities will be unforgettable. The kind people of Palestine make the opportunity a fantastic and welcoming experience.

Please take advantage of this exceptional opportunity to meet Palestinian people, experience their daily lives, learn Arabic, and gain a unique perspective of the Israel-Palestinian conflict firsthand! Your role as an international volunteer or intern can significantly improve Palestinians’ prospects in various ways, including teaching English, organizing community activities, raising awareness, and informing the world that Palestine is not portrayed as mainstream media sources commonly depict it.

Because of the occupation, Palestinians have not always had the opportunity to offer the world an authentic portrayal of their culture, and they are all keen to share their expertise and encourage international visitors to participate in Palestinian culture. Your experience with us will be fulfilling and gratifying! We offer opportunities throughout the year, with durations ranging from one week to three months, available in all seasons and months.

2. Volunteer with Palestinian Refugees

Volunteer with Palestinian Refugees: This program caters to undergraduate and graduate students, professionals, employees of human rights organizations, retirees, and anyone interested in engaging with the work concerning Palestinian refugees in the West Bank, Palestine. Getting involved in refugee assistance presents an excellent opportunity for university students and recent graduates seeking to gain experience in the human rights field.

Through this project in the West Bank, volunteers will have the opportunity to work with Palestinian children, women, and youths to enhance each other’s skills, create mutual understanding, engage in language exchange, and make a difference in each other’s lives.

The Volunteer with Palestinian Refugees in the West Bank program is open to individuals between the ages of 18 and 70. People from all countries and majors are welcome to join this program. There are no specific degree requirements. All that is required is a willingness to participate and help. 

3. The Palestinian Women’s Rights Program

The Palestinian Women’s Rights Program in the West Bank is a volunteer initiative that allows international visitors to visit Palestine and gain exclusive insight into women’s rights in the West Bank. Located in the vibrant city of Hebron, the project provides participants with many opportunities to meet Palestinian women, visit women’s rights organizations, and engage in educational and cultural activities.

Aimed at educating international participants about the current power dynamics of women in Palestinian society, you will get involved with volunteering with Palestinian women by promoting their rights and empowering them in all spheres of life, including the family, the workplace, and politics, all whilst ensuring they are safe from violence, exploitation, and discrimination.

Altogether, this volunteer program will enable you to gain awareness about gender equality in Hebron (one of the most conservative cities in Palestine) whilst also allowing you to study and practice Arabic, meet other internationals, and experience Palestinian daily life. 

4. Media and Journalism in Palestine Program

The Media and Journalism volunteer program in the West Bank is ideal for anyone interested in giving Palestinians a voice on the global stage. As a volunteer, you will help raise awareness of conditions in the West Bank while learning about ethical journalistic practices. Although this program would suit many potential volunteers, seasoned and aspiring journalists are especially encouraged to apply.

This volunteer program in the West Bank, Palestine, would also interest students of journalism, mass communication, media studies, communications, political science, English, social work, and other related fields. Recent graduates will welcome the opportunity to gain real-world experience from this program, as cross-cultural communication, travel within the Middle East, and Arabic language acquisition are all highly valued by prospective employers. 

During the Media and Journalism program, you will be responsible for conducting video interviews with local Palestinians and writing articles encapsulating the Palestinian refugee experience. You will also participate in center-led activities and become familiar with Palestinians’ daily lives and human rights situations.

5. Volunteer to Teach English in the West Bank

The Volunteer to Teach English in the West Bank program offers an eye-opening experience for those who want to visit Palestine and engage with Palestinian youth, children, women, refugees, and community members in Hebron. Volunteers will teach English to Palestinian students at Internship in Palestine’s Center or local community development centers, Palestinian local schools, governmental or non-governmental organizations, and refugee camps.

Additionally, participants will actively immerse themselves in Palestinian culture, daily life, politics, and regional situations. Internship in Palestine hosts volunteers and interns from around the world year-round. This involvement allows you to meet international colleagues at the Center, travel throughout Palestine, and collaborate in teaching English. You will also participate in various social, educational, cultural, and community development activities in Hebron.

Suppose you aspire to pursue a career in TESOL, TESL, TEFL, or related English language teaching roles. In that case, this internship program provides an outstanding opportunity to acquire practical experience and bolster your English teaching skills.

6. Palestinian Law and Legal Systems Internship

Palestinian Law and Legal Systems Internship: This legal internship program is ideal for students of law, the social sciences, and human rights, as well as for anyone interested in the Palestinian legal system as it operates in the West Bank. As an intern, you can enroll for a period of from 1 to 13 weeks, year-round (spring, summer, fall, and winter). The Palestinian Law program aims to provide a full understanding of legislation applying to the West Bank and Gaza.

During the legal internship program, you will visit local Palestinian lawyers, law faculties, courts, human rights organizations, legal and religious institutions, as well as legal clinics in the city of Hebron, Palestine. You will witness the enactment of laws, the decision-making process, court rulings, legal negotiations, and mediations in various social settings.

7. Human Rights Internship in Palestine

Human Rights in Palestine Internship Program: Internship in Palestine offers human rights volunteer opportunities that highlight Palestinian rights and promote personal and professional growth. Students gain experience in international law, diplomacy, and humanitarian aid while enhancing their intercultural and Arabic language skills. Participants will raise awareness about human rights in the West Bank and support local communities through education.

Internship in Palestine offers human rights internships and volunteer programs year-round for 1 to 13 weeks, with flexible start and end dates. Participants can learn Ammiya (Palestinian Arabic) and receive three hours of Arabic instruction weekly from qualified teachers. You’ll engage with Palestinian and international NGOs, professors, students, and human rights activists and participate in excursions to refugee camps and organizations, enhancing your academic work and Arabic skills.

8. Internship in the West Bank Program

Internship in the West Bank Program offers international participants the chance to immerse themselves in Palestinian culture and daily life and learn about human rights, Palestinian refugee situations, and politics in Hebron, West Bank. The program involves participating in a highly respected community development initiative run by Internship in Palestine.

To promote a profound cultural experience, the Center organizes visits to various institutions, including Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Palestinian governmental organizations, factories, and Palestinian refugee camps in Hebron. This firsthand exposure offers an exciting opportunity for interns to gain insight into daily life in Palestine. The program provides a variety of internships at the Center to meet different interests and career objectives.

Additionally, interns enrolled in the Internship in the West Bank, Palestine program have the option to study either Modern Standard Arabic or Ammiya (spoken Arabic dialects). They can also engage with Palestinian locals, stay with a Palestinian host family, and gain a deeper understanding of the rich Palestinian culture.

9. Palestine and Israel in Context Internship

Palestine and Israel in Context Internship: Whether you’re an undergraduate, graduate, professional, retiree, or just someone interested in political history, human rights, Palestinian refugees, or the current situation, the Palestine and Israel in Context Internship program is for you! With the ability to hear the opinions of everyday people and understand, grasp, and witness the effects of the conflict firsthand, this is a fantastic opportunity to gain insider knowledge beyond the headlines.

In particular, if you’re a current student of humanities, political sciences, or Middle Eastern studies and looking to frame your knowledge within a cultural context, this internship program in Palestine is particularly pertinent to you as you will explore the occupation in the West Bank as well as meet Palestinian civilians, local human rights activists and families who are subject to Israeli military law.

In addition to these great opportunities, you will also be provided with an Arabic language course tailored to your individual level. With tuition of three hours a week, you’ll also be able to immerse yourself in your surroundings by chatting with local Palestinians, ordering food in restaurants, and more. Therefore, for those looking to enhance their knowledge of Arabic, experience cultural immersion, and conduct political research, consider our program to gain an in-depth, personalized internship.

10. The Palestinian Culture Internship Program 

The Palestinian Culture Internship Program: This program is designed to provide its participants with a first-hand view of Palestinian culture, art, history, and industry. Interns in Palestine will be able to explore the beautiful and historic city of Hebron, take day trips to neighboring cities such as Bethlehem and Jerusalem, and explore other cultural and historical sites. The immersive internship focuses on how participants can enhance their experience of everyday Palestinian customs, politics, and culture. 

This program would be ideal for a wide range of participants, whether native English speakers or not, from students to young professionals and retirees, or anyone interested in Palestinian culture or the politics of the Middle East. The program would also suit university students interested in an internship program (from 1 to 13 Weeks) that would be shorter than the typical semester or quarter system. Through its partnership with the Palestinian Education Authority, Internship in Palestine can also provide academic credits to all participants. 

The Palestinian Culture internship program offers an excellent opportunity for those interested in learning Palestinian or Levantine Arabic, providing a fully immersive linguistic experience. By participating in this program, individuals eager to learn Arabic will have numerous opportunities to practice their language skills daily with shopkeepers, restaurant owners, and other members of the Palestinian community in Hebron. 

The Volunteer Experience

Volunteering in Palestine offers a rich and varied experience, whether you join us for one week or three months! This is what you can expect from your time at Internship in Palestine. 

A typical day at the Center starts at 10 a.m. with breakfast. We have everything you usually find on a local breakfast table, including bread and hummus, labneh, zaatar, shakshuka, and avocado—all served with tea and coffee. Next, you will have an Arabic class. Every volunteer program includes some Arabic instruction to help you get around and engage with the community. After class, you will spend the afternoon on your program activities. 

The first week is usually spent on orientation, where you will get to know your new surroundings and see some of Hebron’s cultural and religious highlights. This will include a tour of the old city, a visit to the Ibrahimi Mosque, more information about the division of Hebron into Palestinian-controlled H1 and Israeli-controlled H2, and visits to local craft producers, such as those specializing in ceramics, hand-blown glass, and the last authentic Keffiyeh factory in the West Bank. 

People in Hebron are very friendly, and you’re likely to be invited to people’s homes for coffee, a meal, or to meet their family. This is a great way to learn more about daily life and local food. 

While in Palestine, you will also have the chance to travel on weekends if you’d like! Local mini-buses called Services (pronounced Servees) take passengers from Hebron to different hubs in the West Bank, including Bethlehem, Jerusalem, and Ramallah. This public transport option is affordable and relatively easy to navigate, allowing you to explore many of Palestine’s cultural and historical wonders. 

How to Apply & Practical Tips

Application Process

It’s straightforward to apply to volunteer with Internship in Palestine. Check our programs to find the one you are most interested in, and email Info@ecpalestine.org with the dates you would like to attend. You will be sent a short application form to complete and return before you are accepted into the program. 

Visa & Travel Information

Once you have been accepted into your chosen program, it’s time to start planning your trip to Palestine! The first thing to know is that there is no separate visa to enter Palestine – you will need to get a tourist visa from Israel on arrival. We have some tips on traveling from Jordan to Palestine to help you with the process. As of January 1st, 2025, anyone traveling to Palestine must complete an Electronic Travel Authorization form before departure.

Budget & Cost of Living

The next key consideration is budgeting for your study. Things to consider are tuition fees, accommodation, travel costs, and daily expenses. At some schools, like Internship in Palestine, tuition fees include accommodation and breakfast. Choosing a program like this can significantly reduce your costs. The currency in Palestine is the New Israeli Shekel. You can use a currency converter tool to see the rate and check websites like Numbeo to understand the current cost of living for everyday expenses.

Safety & Local Etiquette

Contrary to what you might hear in the news, life for internationals in Palestine is incredibly safe. Getting into the country can be a little bit difficult at times, as Israeli border security can be stringent depending on the security situation. Our best advice is not to mention Palestine or the West Bank or learning Arabic, and instead talk about doing tourism in Israel. Once you are across the border, traveling to your destination is easy. 

Hebron is quite a conservative city, so make sure you are respectful to the locals and dress accordingly. This means wearing long, loose clothing in public or when hosting guests, for both women and men. 

Testimonials & Success Stories

Since 2011, Internship in Palestine has hosted over 2,000 international volunteers from around the world. We are proud to have been recognized with multiple awards from GoOverseas, including the 2024 Best Internship Abroad Provider for Safety.

Volunteers often speak about the profound personal impact of spending time at Internship in Palestine. Some make lifelong friendships with locals and their fellow volunteers, and many return to spend time with us again. 

Sofia, 28, from the United States, volunteered with us in 2024. She says: “Internship in Palestine offers a wide range of incredible topics to learn and invaluable in-person learning opportunities. They are so welcoming and kind, and answered all kinds of questions about the travel journey, making me really comfortable with the process. They provide wonderful accommodations and daily trips that make the experience a true cultural immersion and life-changing education. I highly recommend this center to anyone looking for more knowledge and insight about Arabic, Palestine, and any of the wide variety of topics they offer.” 

We Look Forward to Working With You

Volunteering with Internship in Palestine is incredibly impactful and meaningful. Not only are you investing in your own professional experience and self-development, but you are also making a real difference for the local community and showing your solidarity with the Palestinian cause. 

Find Us Online

WhatsApp:+972 599 479 880

Email: info@ecpalestine.org

Website: https://volunteerinpalestine.org/

EC Website: https://excellencenter.org/

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

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

Facebook account: https://www.facebook.com/RafatECHebron

Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsQSLdFZWZcBm6Uj0XMYuKg

Visit and Explore Palestine: https://www.facebook.com/ExplorePalestine

 

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