The Media and Journalism in the West Bank, Palestine is an ideal opportunity for anyone interested in giving a voice to Palestinians on the global stage. Volunteers on this program will be helping to raise awareness of circumstances within the West Bank, while also learning about ethical journalistic practices. Although this Media & Journalism program would suit a wide range of potential volunteers, seasoned and aspiring journalists are especially encouraged to apply.

This volunteer program in the West Bank, Palestine would also be of interest to 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 in the West Bank program, volunteers will be responsible for conducting video interviews with local Palestinians and writing articles that encapsulate the Palestinian refugee experience. They will also participate in Center-led activities and will become familiar with the daily life of Palestinians and the human rights situation.

Document Palestinian Daily Life

Both experienced and amateur photographers with an interest or experience in photojournalism are also encouraged to apply. Volunteers with this specialization will have the opportunity to participate in photography missions in Hebron and the surrounding areas which will document Palestinian daily life. Volunteers will at times be researching contemporary issues within Palestine, fact-checking articles, and verifying sources while utilizing various forms of media to improve the representation of Palestinians within the media.

This volunteer opportunity spans from one week to three months (13 Weeks) year-round (Summer, Winter, Fall, and Spring). Our volunteer programs in Hebron, West Bank provide you the chance to work in a fascinating and energetic environment since they are created to be immersive, genuine, and complete.

Program Overview

The Media and Journalism in the West Bank program can help participants make connections and build relationships with people from all over the world while working to aid refugees and the local community of Hebron. During their time in the program, volunteers will design and facilitate workshops that will educate Palestinians on the power of media, ethical reporting standards, and the process of media production. 

The workshops may also function as seminars and classes, with past examples including an overview of ethical sourcing and intellectual property and an insight into journalistic practices. Volunteers will also teach young Palestinians to be more aware when using the internet and social media so that they may use them more deliberately and responsibly. 

Program participants have the chance (on their own) also travel to the neighboring cities of Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Ramallah, Jenin, Nablus, Tel Aviv, and Haifa to visit important historical and cultural sites, international organizations NGOs,  media outlets, and radio centers. 

As with all our programs, volunteers will be entitled to 3 hours of complimentary Arabic lessons per week. These classes are designed so that participants may be better able to communicate with the people with whom they are working by connecting with them on a more fundamental level. Making the effort to learn the local language is seen as a mark of respect for the culture, and is one that will be noted and appreciated by all those you meet.

Regular Tasks For Volunteers:

  • Become acquainted with Palestinian culture and the Arabic language
  • Learn about the importance of media in Palestine
  • Document the lives of local Palestinians and refugees in the West Bank 
  • Record daily activities of volunteers at the Center
  • Design and conduct workshops to educate Palestinians on journalism and media
  • Participate in Center-led excursions to Hebron and neighboring cities
  • Enroll in 3 hours of Arabic language classes per week

Who Can Join Our Volunteer Program In Palestine?

This incredible volunteer opportunity is open to anyone with an interest in or competency in journalism or media. This can include undergraduate students or postgraduate students with a degree in Journalism, English, or a related topic, as well as anyone looking for experience in the fields of journalism and media.

This program allows volunteers to establish a solid foundation in their chosen field, and as such it is open to as broad a range of applicants as possible. The requirements for the Journalism and Media Volunteer Program in Palestine are as follows:

  •  Aged 18 years and over
  •  Able to communicate in English
  •  Patient and enthusiastic
  •  Willing to work with a team of colleagues from all over the world
  •  Eagerness to learn

What You Don’t Need?

  •  Ability to speak Arabic
  •  Travel or work experience
  •  To be a native English speaker
  •  A degree in journalism

Summer Volunteer Programs In Palestine 

For people looking for Media and Journalism in the West Bank volunteer opportunities in Israel, West Bank, Palestine, or the Middle East over the summer months, Internship in Palestine offers a summer program that runs from June until August. These programs are ideal for students on a summer break or for anyone looking to volunteer during an extended visit to the region.

These summer Media and Journalism in the West Bank volunteer programs combine an Arabic language focus with a full immersion and engagement in Palestinian culture, politics, and history. It includes visits to Bedouin areas (Susiya), Palestinian refugee camps, local villages, and community centers.

Importance Of Media In Palestine

By volunteering in Media and Journalism in the West Bank program participants will help elevate Palestinian voices on the global stage where they have historically been denied representation. This has in turn led to the misrepresentation of Palestinians, making it all the more important for journalists to use the correct language when reporting on Palestinian issues. 

Internship in Palestine aims to connect Palestine to the world through the work of international visitors, where participants can experience for themselves the diversity of perspectives and identities among Palestinians. In addition to participants learning about Palestine, Palestinians in turn will be able to gain a greater understanding of the world through their interactions with the participants. In this way, exchanges between Palestinians and their visitors can become a mutually beneficial and symbiotic process. 

During the program, volunteers and interns will assist local Palestinian news agencies as they articulate the Palestinian perspective throughout the Arabic-speaking world. Compared to major news organizations such as Al Jazeera and Al Arabiya, Palestinian news agencies lack the necessary resources to expand their audience. By volunteering with Internship in Palestine, participants can help these news organizations gain acknowledgment and respect from a larger regional and international audience. 

Why Take Part In This Program? 

An internship in Palestine’s Media and Journalism in the West Bank can help aspiring journalists sharpen their media skills while they immerse themselves in the many facets of Palestinian culture. Because the program is located in Hebron, participants will inevitably gain an understanding of daily life in Palestine. 

Volunteering in the Media and Journalism Program in the West Bank is an excellent way to learn the ins and outs of ethical journalism, the process of publishing in the media, and the real-life impact of world news on the communities being featured. As part of the program participants will take part in community festivals, visit areas of historical and political significance, and work closely with the local community of Hebron. 

After the program, volunteers in Media and Journalism in the West Bank Program will be able to share the knowledge that they have acquired with Palestinians here in Hebron. In this way, they can ensure that the local community will be able to discern ethical journalism for themselves as they analyze news media and create their own. 

Who Is This Program For? 

This program is for anyone interested in journalism, media, and the effects of global news practices on Palestine. It would be ideal for students of Journalism and Communication Studies, as well as anyone interested in a career in journalism.  

Volunteering in this program would also suit those interested in working with non-profit organizations, charities, and NGOs in a specific cultural or linguistic context, as the experience of local cultures and languages in the Middle East is an increasingly desirable asset to have. 

Benefits Of Volunteering In Palestine

Volunteers in Media and Journalism in the West Bank program will receive many benefits during their time in the city of Hebron, as they will be able to participate in many educational, cultural, social, and community development activities.

Benefits of volunteering in Media and Journalism in the West Bank:

  • Living in Hebron and visiting sites of cultural and historical importance
  • Gaining an understanding of Palestinian politics and experiencing the occupation in the West Bank.
  • Learning spoken Arabic from native speakers and using it to communicate with locals
  • Learning about the human rights situation and aiding Palestinian refugees. 
  • Traveling to historical locations and nearby cities including Jerusalem, Jericho, Ramallah, Nablus, and Bethlehem in your free time
  • Having access to cities such as Akko, Herzliya, Beersheva, Eilat, Tiberias, Netanya, Safed, Haifa, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Masada, Amman, Aqaba, Wadi Rum and Nazareth.
  • Spending time with a Palestinian host family, if available
  • Visiting Palestinian universities, local institutions, and organizations specializing in culture and education
  • Eating local Palestinian foods and delicacies
  • Attending cultural nights that feature entertainment and activities in Hebron’s social hubs

Our Programs Make a Great Impact 

Our Journalism 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 life, media, culture, 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 in Hebron, West Bank is a unique opportunity to genuinely make an impact on your life as well as others including Palestinian children, refugees, women, youth, and community members in the West Bank, Palestine.

Flexible Booking

At Internship in Palestine, we understand that things change. As such, our programs are incredibly flexible in case you need to alter travel plans or just simply have a change of heart. As programs begin at the center year-round (with flexible start and end dates), you decide your arrival.

Furthermore, you’re able to change your start date entirely free of charge if requested at least two weeks beforehand.

Schedule For Volunteers

Volunteering with Internship in Palestine requires commitment and flexibility. Media and Journalism in the West Bank Program can last from 1 to 5 weeks, with each week broken up into stages. On average volunteers are expected to work approximately 30 hours per week from 10 am to 5 pm. Participants will have two days off per week, one on Friday when the Center is closed and another on a day of the participant’s choosing.

Breakfast is provided every morning at the Center and typically consists of bread, olive oil and za’atar, hummus, labneh, baba ghanoush, falafel, and cucumber, tomato, and bell pepper – all the essentials you will find in a traditional Palestinian morning meal. Center staff, volunteers, and interns all sit together during breakfast, which gives everyone a chance to touch base while creating strong communal bonds. 

The Center also facilitates regular excursions into Hebron throughout the week, connecting volunteers with local activists and Palestinian community organizations. Evenings are usually free, giving volunteers the chance to explore the City of Hebron and its many restaurants, shops, and historical sites on their own or in the company of their colleagues.

In addition to their specific programs, volunteers will also be attending Arabic classes for a total of three hours per week, something which will require some study and preparation. All of this means that schedules tend to fill up fast, and volunteers usually find that their time in Palestine passes very quickly. 

The First Week

The first week of the program goes to adapting to life in Hebron and preparing for service in the volunteer’s field of expertise. During the first week, volunteers will also attend classes on Palestinian culture and the Arabic language, thus enabling them to better interact with Palestinians. 

Palestinians are traditionally hospitable and welcoming people, and will certainly appreciate any effort that volunteers make to speak Arabic, as this shows a genuine interest and respect for Palestinians and their culture. 

The Following Weeks

Once settled in, volunteers will start learning about media and journalism within the context of Palestine, and may also start facilitating workshops alongside local Palestinians. Workshops will focus on safe internet navigation, ethical sourcing of information and materials, and the effect of news media on world affairs and public opinion. Workshops may subsequently expand beyond these topics into more diverse or specific subjects and Internship in Palestine will be only too happy to offer guidance on any program of special interest to volunteers. 

During their time in Hebron, volunteers will have the option of taking part in Center-led excursions to Hebron, West Bank. These site visits are a great opportunity to explore Palestine while gaining a deeper understanding of the historical, cultural, social, and political factors that affect the lives of all Palestinians. 

Who Can Participate?

Internship in Palestine do not discriminate on any basis; this includes nationality, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or any other basis. Internship in Palestine has a long history of welcoming people from around the globe, from all walks of life, and from all backgrounds and identities. All are welcome!

Previous participants on our programs have hailed from the following countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States! 

Traveling To Hebron

Getting to Hebron, Palestine can entail a lot of traveling, but it need not be arduous. Although there may be some obstacles to overcome, Internship in Palestine has compiled a list of resources that will help you reach us in an efficient, safe, and practical manner. Please read our articles below on planning your trip, flying to Palestine, the different routes to Hebron, and Israeli and Palestinian taxi services: 

If you have any further inquiries about travel to Palestine, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team. Our contact information is available at the bottom of this page. 

Accommodation While Living In Palestine

When staying in Hebron, you will have the option of residing with a Palestinian host family or in a dorm. There are advantages to both of these options. If staying in a dorm, you will have more time to become acquainted with other participants and volunteers. Furthermore, the dorms are located in Hebron’s metropolitan center, providing ample opportunities for exploring the city, either on your own or in the company of your colleagues.

The second option available to female participants is to reside with a Palestinian host family. This option will give participants an intimate view of the daily life, customs, and culture of Palestinians while giving them a chance to familiarize themselves with family structures as well as taste some delicious Palestinian cuisine. It is also likely that participants residing with a host family will be invited to family gatherings and cultural events, guaranteeing a culturally immersive experience! 

Whichever housing option participants choose, their time in Palestine is sure to be enriching and memorable! 

Interacting With Palestinian Culture

Interns and volunteers will find that the majority of Palestinians are incredibly friendly and open to foreigners. If volunteers utilize their Arabic skills, no matter how well-developed, they will find that most Palestinians are enthusiastic and patient communicators who are delighted that people have taken an interest in their language and culture. 

In addition, Palestine is located at the heart of the Levant (the area associated with the Eastern Mediterranean), providing ample opportunities for visiting cultural sights, historical monuments, and many other landmarks. Although Palestine can at times face difficult situations, participants will find that the Palestinian people are friendly and open and that Palestine, in general, is a safe place to visit! 

A Unique Experience

Although the Center hosts volunteers from all over the world, many people are unaware of the cultural diversity of Palestine and the Levant, having only a vague understanding of the timeless heritage of these lands. 

By enrolling in this volunteer program, participants will experience something unique that is sure to be remembered throughout their lives. Participants will also have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the Arabic language and culture while living in Hebron. 

What Is The Program Language? 

All of our volunteer programs are geared toward English speakers. For the sake of immersion, however, the higher the Arabic course level, the less English will be present in the classroom. Volunteers will also have the opportunity to utilize their Arabic skills to the best of their ability while living in Hebron, ensuring that their time spent here will be a fully immersive experience.

General Information Regarding The Program

Program LocationHebron, West Bank, Palestine 
Program Fees750€ per month 
250€ per week
Age Limit18-70 years old
Duration1-13 weeks 
Program ComponentsEthical journalism
Media and Journalism workshops
News media in Palestine
Assisting local Palestinian news organisations
Number of Arabic Lessons per Week3 hours in total
Duration of Arabic Lessons45 Minutes
Number of ParticipantsVaries
Qualifications requiredNone
Start/End DatesFlexible to fit participant’s schedule
Application DeadlineNo deadline
University CreditAvailable
Program Language English

Program Costs And Information

Internship in Palestine is priced competitively in comparison with other programs, with costs of 750€ a month and 250€ a week. Program costs cover language courses, accommodation, complimentary breakfast each day the participant is at the center, operating costs, and group excursions. There are no additional or hidden fees applied to these programs, as the price quoted above is the complete and final cost that participants will pay.

Program Fees Cover:

  • Accommodation
  • Language courses
  • Operating costs
  • Complimentary breakfast 
  • Group excursions into Hebron 

Program Reviews 

We continue to strive towards “excellence”: In 2022 we ranked as one of the top three programs worldwide in offering volunteer opportunities and one of the top three language schools worldwide by Go Overseas. We received a total of five Go Overseas Community Choice Awards in 2022. Internship in Palestine also ranked as the top Teach Abroad Provider for the category of “benefits” and one of the Top Internship Abroad Providers for the categories of “growth” and “support”. 

In 2021, we ranked one of the top three programs worldwide in offering volunteer opportunities. We received the community choice awards from Go Overseas in the categories “Best Language School”, and voted best on “fun” and “instruction.” 

In 2019, we received our first “Go Overseas Community Choice Awards” to acknowledge Internship in Palestine’s impact on the community of travelers around the world. Internship in Palestine continues to rank highly as a travel organization across its selection of programs. 

Check out our many great reviews here:

Summary

The Volunteer in Media and Journalism in the West Bank, Palestine will present you with a unique opportunity to help elevate Palestinian voices in the media. Ethical journalism is of crucial importance here, owing to the historical and continuous misrepresentation of Palestine and Palestinians in the international media. 

Periods of rising tensions often drown out Palestinian voices while being completely disregarded at other times. Anyone who has a passion for human rights, for equal representation for all on the world stage, and for improving the quality of ethical journalism will find that this program will satisfy their needs.

How to Apply

If you want to participate in our Media and Journalism in the West Bank Program, please email us at Info@ecpalestine.org. We should be able to respond to your initial inquiry within 1-3 business days.

In the subject line of your email write “Media and Journalism in the West Bank”. Upon responding we will attach an application form which you can fill out and return to us to begin the process.

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