Best Places For Internships In Palestine: Palestine, located in the Middle East, boasts thousands of years of rich history and culture, making it a unique and dynamic country. Despite decades of being under occupation, the Palestinian people are steadfast, dignified, and very welcoming to overseas students, visitors, volunteers, and interns. Although the Palestinian economy faces many challenges, Palestine has several innovative organisations that offer volunteer and internship opportunities for interested individuals.
There is a diverse range of internship opportunities, including for those interested in community development, social justice, human rights, the economy, the law, and more. Interning in Palestine is a fantastic way to gain valuable work experience, enhance your skills, and develop yourself personally as well. There are numerous cities in the West Bank offering exciting internship opportunities. This article will explore some of these cities, highlighting the best places for internships in Palestine.
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Jerusalem (Al Quds)
Jerusalem (or Al Quds in Arabic), as the capital of Palestine, is one of the best places to find internships in Palestine. Jerusalem is one of the most famous and oldest cities in the world, with thousands of years of rich cultural, historical, and religious heritage and significance. Jerusalem is a significant city for Christians, Jews, and Muslims and is full of significant religious sites and places of worship. While Jerusalem can be expensive to live and work in, it offers a wide variety of internship opportunities. Millions of tourists visit Jerusalem each year, exploring several historic sites, including the Old City, the Al-Aqsa Mosque Compound, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Western Wall.
There are numerous internship opportunities in Jerusalem, including in tourism, political and social activism, community development, in religious organizations, and with Palestinian refugees in Shu’fat refugee camp. Jerusalem is a great place to learn about Palestinian culture, but also the Israeli occupation of Palestine and its effects on Palestinians’ daily lives in Jerusalem.
Bethlehem (Beit Lahem)
Bethlehem (or Beit Lahem in Arabic), located only a bus ride and checkpoint away from Jerusalem, is a very historic city that is one of the best places to intern in Palestine. It is a great place for interns and visitors to learn about Palestinian history, culture, and the thousands of years of coexistence and community between Palestinian Christians and Muslims. Amongst other things, Bethlehem is famous for being the birthplace of Jesus and is one of the oldest cities in the world. Bethlehem attracts many tourists and pilgrims each year who come to experience its rich cultural and religious heritage and significance.
However, Bethlehem’s present makes it an exciting city and one of the top places to intern in Palestine. Bethlehem is home to numerous organizations offering internships in various fields, including education, social work, and business. Multiple organizations in Bethlehem dedicate themselves to improving Palestinians’ lives through community development, economic empowerment initiatives, healthcare, and education. Additionally, there are opportunities to work with Palestinian refugees in and around Bethlehem, as there are several Palestinian refugee camps in the area. These include Dheisha, Azzeh, and Aida refugee camps.
Ramallah
Like Bethlehem, Ramallah is located only a checkpoint and a bus ride away from Jerusalem. Ramallah is the West Bank’s political capital and the administrative center of the Palestinian Authority. While not the largest city in Palestine, it is rapidly growing, and there are several exciting internship opportunities. Ramallah is home to numerous government agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), international organisations, local businesses, educational institutions, and private sector companies.
There are many opportunities to engage in political and social activism, human rights, and social justice work in Ramallah. Ramallah also offers opportunities to intern, volunteer, or work with Palestinian refugees in nearby camps, such as Am’ari, Jalazone, Deir Ammar, and Qaddura. In addition, Ramallah is a center for innovation and entrepreneurship, which offers excellent opportunities to interns interested in or studying business, marketing, start-ups, and technology. As such, Ramallah is a rich landscape for internship opportunities in a variety of different fields.
Nablus
Nablus, like several other cities in Palestine, is one of the oldest cities in the world and also one of the best places for internships in Palestine. To get to Nablus from Jerusalem, you will generally need to go via Ramallah or Qalandia. Nablus is a very historic and culturally rich city, famous for having the best knafeh in Palestine (and the world), as well as its Nabulsi olive oil soap, which today still uses production methods that are hundreds of years old. Nablus, which gets its name from the Roman emperor Neapolis, is a great place to learn about Palestinian culture and history, with its being home to numerous historic sites, including ancient Roman ruins.
For interns interested in social justice, education, and supporting Palestinians to improve their lives, there are several internship opportunities in Nablus. Like in other cities in the West Bank, there are opportunities to volunteer, work, or intern with Palestinian refugees in Nablus in nearby refugee camps that include Askar and Balata camps and Camp No. 1. Nablus is also one of the best places in Palestine to learn about the Israeli occupation of Palestine and its effects on Palestinians and their daily lives.
Best Summer Internship Programs In The West Bank
Study in Palestine offers some of the country’s best summer internship programs, running from June through September. These are great programs for those searching for summer internship opportunities in the West Bank, Palestine, Israel, the Middle East more broadly, or close to the cities of Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Ramallah, or Tel Aviv.
Suppose you are a student, graduate, professional, taking a gap year, sabbatical, or otherwise have a summer break. In that case, our summer internship programs in Hebron, Palestine, are a great way to make the most of your summer. Summer is our busiest time, so you will have plenty of opportunities to make new friends, gain valuable work experience, positively impact the Palestinian community, learn some Arabic, and immerse yourself in Palestinian culture.
Our internship programs have starting dates throughout the summer, allowing you to choose the duration of your internship in Palestine (1-13 weeks). This flexibility makes our programs suitable for all schedules.
Through our volunteer and internship opportunities, you have the chance to work with Palestinian refugees in the West Bank, gaining insight into their daily lives and circumstances. If you have specific initiatives or activities you wish to implement during your internship program, we are always open to your ideas.
7 Best Short-Term Internships In Palestine in Palestine
Below is a short overview of the seven best short-term internship programs in Palestine:
1. 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 complete 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.
2. Human Rights Internship in Palestine
Human Rights in Palestine Internship Program: Study in Palestine in Hebron 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.
Study 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.
3. 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 Study 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.
4. 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.
5. 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, Study 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.
6. Intern In Local Palestinian Schools Program
Join the Intern in Local Palestinian Schools Program and make a tremendous impact on the lives of Palestinian children, refugees, and youth! Our internship program in Hebron, West Bank, is open to everyone. This is whether you’re a native or non-native English speaker, a student, a graduate, a professional, or a retiree. If you’re passionate about improving local Palestinian students’ English and life skills, this is your chance to join us and make a difference. We’d love to have you on board!
As an intern in the West Bank, you get to visit local Palestinian schools, refugee camps, and villages around Hebron. You’ll contribute meaningfully to the West Bank, Palestine, and Palestinian communities here. Furthermore, you will help Palestinian students gain essential skills and knowledge while learning about their culture and way of life. It’s a perfect internship opportunity for anyone passionate about education, Palestinian community development, and making a positive impact in the West Bank.
7. Write Articles About Palestine Program
The Volunteer to Write Articles about Palestine Program is designed for participants with a background and interest in journalism, reporting, and recording in various formats, as well as an interest in telling human stories. This program allows and encourages participants to immerse themselves in Palestinian culture, forming connections with the residents around Hebron. We encourage reporting of the Center to be fair and unbiased, to tell the stories of the people who live in Hebron and the work of the Center.
Whereas media coverage of Israel and Palestine focuses on the ongoing conflict and relationship between the parties, writing articles with our center will allow you to experience and recount the experiences and everyday life of residents and communities. International communication is vital for many Palestinians, who want to feel connected to and recognized by the global community.
Duration And Timing Of Our Short-Term Internship Programs In Palestine
Study in Palestine offers overseas interns a significant amount of flexibility, and interns can choose which dates to begin and finish their internship program year-round. Each program can last from as little as one week to 13 weeks, and participants have the freedom and flexibility to choose their own program duration.
From June through September, we also offer some of the best summer internship opportunities in the West Bank, Palestine. These are particularly ideal for university or college students looking for intern or volunteer organizations abroad to volunteer or intern with in the summer.
Requirements To Intern In Palestine With Study In Palestine
Our short-term internship programs in the West Bank are very flexible and open to a wide range of participants. While a few of our programs require specific experience or expertise from volunteers and interns, the following requirements generally apply across all of our internship opportunities.
To Intern With Us, You Need:
- To be aged 18-70 years old (although exceptions can be made if approved by Study in Palestine’s director)
- The ability to communicate in English
- The ability to work with an international team
- Patience and enthusiasm
- Eagerness to learn
What You DON’T Need:
- The ability to speak Arabic
- Travel or work experience
- To be a native speaker of English
- Experience in teaching English as a foreign language
Who Is Interning In Palestine For?
- Current university students looking to spend a semester abroad or their summer doing an internship, either for academic credit or not for credit.
- Anyone interested in Palestinian culture, Arab culture, or learning about the Palestinian cause and the Israeli occupation of Palestine
- Anyone looking to learn Arabic while working with Palestinians, including Palestinian children and Palestinian refugees in the West Bank.
- University or college students or graduates who are studying or have studied Middle Eastern Studies, Arab Studies, Islamic Studies, Human Rights, International Relations, International Law, Diplomacy, Political Science, or other related fields
- Individuals of Palestinian or Arab heritage seeking to learn their family’s language, culture, and reconnect with their roots.
- Students, interns, or professionals with a personal or professional interest in Palestine, Israel, or the Middle East in general
- People who are social workers or otherwise work or aspire to work with refugees, particularly Palestinian or Syrian refugees
- Individuals interested in internship opportunities abroad or summer internships abroad.
- Anyone passionate about social justice, human rights, community development, teaching English abroad, or other similar fields
The Impact Of Interning With Study In Palestine
At Study in Palestine, we aim to make a long-term difference for both the local Palestinian community and you, through our range of various short-term internships and volunteer programs, through the exchange of ideas, and “walking in each other’s shoes”. All of our internships and volunteer opportunities in the West Bank, Palestine, are well researched and targeted to ensure that they have a positive impact.
Interning with Study in Palestine is an opportunity to contribute some of your valuable time to have a meaningful impact on the lives of those in our local Palestinian community, while enhancing your skills and gaining valuable work experience in return. Your time interning in Palestine will also undoubtedly have a significant impact on your own life, even long after you leave Palestine. Interns will get to leave Palestine with a sense of accomplishment as well as with a new appreciation and understanding of the Palestinian people, their culture, and resilience in the face of ongoing occupation.
Some Of The Benefits And Highlights Of Interning With Study In Palestine
- Your accommodation in Hebron is included as part of your internship program and arranged by us, either in a homestay or shared apartment.
- Be immersed in Palestinian culture and daily life in Hebron.
- Each morning (except Fridays), join us at our center for a Palestinian breakfast as part of your short-term internship, shared with other participants and our staff.
- Gain valuable work experience and develop your skills by working with Palestinians, your fellow interns, and volunteers.
- The experience of living and interning abroad will also provide you with a valuable opportunity for personal development, including improving your confidence, becoming more independent, and becoming a better problem-solver.
- Meet and make friends with people from all over the world.
- Three hours of Arabic tuition per week, with the choice between learning Levantine (Shami) Arabic, Modern Standard Arabic, or Colloquial Palestinian (Ammiya) Arabic.
- Learn Arabic privately or in a small group class (2-5 students) in an immersive environment and with personalized instruction.
- Learn Palestinian spoken Arabic from native speakers and embrace the opportunity to communicate with locals.
- The chance to gain a better understanding of Palestinian politics and experience the Israeli occupation in the West Bank.
- The possibility of learning about the human rights situation in Palestine and supporting Palestinian refugees, children, and women (if you wish).
- You have the opportunity to travel to historical locations and nearby cities, including Jerusalem, Jericho, Ramallah, Nablus, and Bethlehem, in your free time.
- You will have days off to visit other nearby cities, including Akko, Herzliya, Beersheva, Eilat, Tiberias, Netanya, Safed, Haifa, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Masada, Amman, Aqaba, Wadi Rum, and Nazareth.
- We arrange visits to Palestinian universities, local institutions, and organizations specializing in culture and education.
- Having numerous opportunities to enjoy local Palestinian foods and delicacies.
- We offer you pre-departure support as well as ongoing in-country support during your time with us in Palestine.
- You can obtain academic credit or internship credit towards your degree for currently enrolled university or college students, thanks to our partnership with the Palestinian Ministry of Education.
- You will receive a certificate upon completion of your internship program.
Reviews and Awards
Best Places For Internships In Palestine – Final Thoughts
Palestine offers numerous internship opportunities in various fields and across the country. Interested interns can find internship programs in Ramallah, Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Nablus, Hebron, and more. One of the top organizations offering internship opportunities in Palestine is Study in Palestine. Interning with Study in Palestine provides interns the chance to work with Palestinian children, Palestinian refugees, and other members of the local Palestinian community. When interning with us, you will have the opportunity to choose from a variety of fields, including English teaching, human rights, community development, education, working with Palestinian refugees, medicine and healthcare, laws and the legal field, and more.
Our short-term internship programs offer flexibility, allowing you to choose an internship duration of 1 to 13 weeks, available in summer or year-round. Our internships offer great opportunities for students, graduates, professionals, and individuals on a gap year or sabbatical. They are ideal for those looking to pursue a career in Palestine, Israel, or the Middle East, or simply seeking a more authentic experience beyond the typical tourist trail.
We hope you will join us in the near future for one of the best internships in Palestine!
