The Media and Journalism volunteer program in the West Bank, Palestine is an ideal opportunity for anyone interested in giving a voice to Palestinians on the global stage. As a volunteer on this program you 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 of gaining 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 which encapsulate the Palestinian refugee experience. You will also participate in Center-led activities and will become familiar with the daily life of Palestinians and human rights situation.
Importance of Media in Palestine: documenting daily life
By volunteering in Media and Journalism in the West Bank, you 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.
Study in Palestine aims to connect Palestine to the world through the work of international visitors, where, as a participant, you can experience for youself 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, as volunteers and interns you will assist local Palestinian news agencies as they articulate the Palestinian perspective throughout the Arabic-speaking world. Compared to major news organisations such as Al Jazeera and Al Arabiya, Palestinian news agencies lack the necessary resources to expand their audience. By volunteering with Study in Palestine, you can help these news organisations gain acknowledgment and respect from a larger regional and international audience.
Both experienced and amateur photographers with an interest or experience in photojournalism are also encouraged to apply. Volunteers with this specialisation 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 utilising various forms of media in order to improve the representation of Palestinians within the media.
Volunteering in Media and Journalism in the West Bank
For people looking for Media and Journalism volunteer opportunities in Israel, West Bank, Palestine or the Middle East over the summer months, Study 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 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.
Who Can Participate?
We are committed to equal opportunities. Study in Palestine does not discriminate on any grounds, based on nationality, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or any other. We have a long tradition of accepting individuals from all over the world, and volunteers have come from many walks of life, backgrounds, and identities. Everyone is invited to engage!
Program details and Additional Activities in Palestine
Volunteers in the Media and Journalism Program based in Hebron, West Bank will receive the following benefits. More details are given below. These include:
- Arabic lessons of three hours weekly with native speakers in Palestinian dialect and MSA if desired. Our teachers are well-qualified and attentive, each with a solid educational background, ready and willing to assist you.
- Visiting Palestinian universities, local institutions and organizations specializing in culture and education
- 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 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
- Learning about the human rights situation and aiding Palestinian refugees.
- Exposure to everyday life in Hebron, as well as Palestinian culture and society including the chance to experience traditional Palestinian dishes and desserts
- Accommodation arranged through a Palestinian host family or through our all-male dormitory
- Palestinian cultural nights with entertainment and activities
- Opportunities to visit unique tourist attractions with the benefit of a native point of view, including Bethlehem, Ramallah, Nablus, Tulkarm, Qalqilyah, Jenin and the Dead Sea in Jericho
- The option to visit nearby cities as well as cities located in Israel including Akko, Herzliya, Beersheva, Eilat, Tiberias, Netanya, Safed, Haifa, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Masada, Amman, Aqaba, Wadi Rum and Nazareth
- And finally, a certificate upon completion.
The First Week
The first week of the program will be spent adapting to life in Hebron and preparing for service in your field of expertise. During the first week you will also attend classes on Palestinian culture and the Arabic language, thus enabling you to better interact with Palestinians.
Palestinians are a 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, you 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 Study in Palestine will be only to happy to offer guidance on any program of special interest to volunteers.
During your time in Hebron, you 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 which affect the lives of all Palestinians.
Arabic Culture and Language Immersion
Every international volunteer and intern will receive three hours of Arabic instruction every week from a professional, skilled, and attentive teacher. These classes are created so that you may connect with the individuals your are working with on an essential level. Making an attempt to learn the local language is also considered a sign of respect for their culture, and is always appreciated by all parties involved.
You will have plenty of opportunities to practice the Arabic you have been studying in class because you will meet new people on a daily basis throughout your time in Palestine. Our instructors teach both Modern Standard Arabic and Colloquial Arabic.
Live With a Palestinian Host Family
In addition to learning first-hand about one of the most politically divisive regions in the world, volunteers and interns will be supported in your endeavours throughout your stay. You can be provided a host family in addition to your specific program objectives.
Via a stay with a host family during the time in Hebron, you will be given many opportunities to fully immerse themselves in a Palestinian context through many conversations among the local friendly community of Hebron, as well as learn Arabic. You will consequently be given a rare look into Palestinian home life and culture and will take part in family activities, attend Palestinian cultural events, become familiar with daily life in Hebron and much more!
Impact on the Palestinian Community
Study in Palestine’s Media and Journalism Program can help aspiring journalists sharpen their media skills during full immersion in the many facets of Palestinian culture. Because the program is located in Hebron, as a participant you will inevitably gain an understanding of daily life in Palestine.
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”.
Ethical Journalism
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, you will take part in community festivals, visit areas of historical and political significance and work closely with the local community of Hebron.
At the conclusion of the volunteer program in the West Bank, Palestine, following your internship on the Media and Journalism Program, you will be able to share the knowledge that you have acquired with Palestinians here in Hebron. In this way you can ensure that the Palestinian local community will be able to discern ethical journalism for themselves as they analyze news media and create their own.
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.
Practical Information
| Program Location | Hebron, West Bank, Palestine |
| Program Fees | 750€ per month 250€ per week |
| Age Limit | 18-70 years old |
| Duration | 1-13 weeks |
| Program Components | Ethical journalism Media and Journalism workshops News media in Palestine Assisting local Palestinian news organisations |
| Number of Arabic Lessons per Week | 3 hours in total |
| Duration of Arabic Lessons | 45 Minutes |
| Number of Participants | Varies |
| Qualifications required | None |
| Start/End Dates | Flexible to fit participant’s schedule |
| Application Deadline | No deadline |
| University Credit | Available |
| Program Language | English |
Program Costs And Information
Study 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
At Study in Palestine we understand that things change. As such, our programmes 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..
Daily schedule for Volunteers
Volunteering with us at Study In Palestine will require commitment and flexibility. You will be expected to work approximately 30 hours a week, from around 9am until 5pm. One of your days off will be Friday and another day of your choice. We are closed on Fridays.
Every morning, international volunteers start the day with breakfast with our staff and the directors. It typically consists of bread, olive oil and za’atar, hummus, labneh, falafel, cucumber, tomato and bell pepper – basically all of the essentials you will find in a traditional Palestinian morning meal.
How to Get to Palestine?
The most convenient method to reach the us at Study In Palestine is to fly to:
- Ben Gurion, Tel Aviv Airport in Israel. It takes roughly two and a half hours by shared cab from the airport to the Hebron.
Alternatively:
- Flying to Eilat airport in the south of Israel and then taking a shuttle or bus to Jerusalem and finally to Hebron. The travel, on the other hand, can last between six and seven hours.
- Flying to Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, Jordan and then crossing the border into Palestine. This, however, takes more time and is more expensive.
Traveling to and from Hebron, West Bank
All of Study in Palestine’s volunteers travel to and from Hebron using single or shared taxis which pass through checkpoints.
You will find all the necessary information about how to get to Hebron and Study in Palestine with relevant contact information in these four articles:
- How to fly to Palestine
- How to get to Hebron, Palestine
- Planning your trip to Palestine
- How to get from the Ben Gurion Airport, Israel to Hebron
How Do I Get a Visa to Visit Palestine?
The majority of our volunteers in Palestine receive a three-month tourist visa when arriving into Israeli airports or cross from Jordan to the West Bank.
Americans, Canadians, and most Europeans do not require a visa to enter Palestine, but do refer to the visa exemption agreement for further information. Upon your arrival at the Israeli Airports in Tel Aviv or Eilat, you will be granted a tourist visa that is valid for 90 days. This is sufficient for participation in Study in Palestine’s programs as well as easy travel around Palestine and Israel.
Traveling to Palestine On Your Own?
No worries, you’ve come to the right place!
You will meet many participants from overseas who are also involved in our volunteer abroad programs, along with university students and a community of people with a variety of interests. Palestinians in Hebron, in particular, love to meet new people from different cultures and exchange ideas and experiences.
For everyone here it is like belonging to one family and there are always activities to do together in Hebron’s fantastic social scene.
Criteria for Participants in the Human Rights Program:
- 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
Summary: Join Our Family in Palestine
The Volunteer in Media and Journalism Program 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.
Palestinian voices can be drowned out during periods of rising tensions, 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 are interested in participating in our Media and Journalism Program, please write to 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 “Volunteer in Media and Journalism.” 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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