Join Us In 2024/2025

Discover many of our volunteer and internship opportunities for 2024/2025 with Study In Palestine. Our programs tackle crucial issues such as human rights, supporting Palestinian children, advocating for women’s rights, journalism, teaching English, sports, medicine, assisting Palestinian refugees, delving into culture, politics, laws, and the history of Palestine and Israel. Perfect for students and individuals seeking summer experiences in the West Bank, Palestine, Israel, or the Middle East.

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Study In Palestine is a Palestinian community organisation providing volunteer and internship programs in the West Bank.

Our volunteer and internship opportunities encompass a wide range of subjects, with a focus on promoting human rights, supporting Palestinian children, advocating for women’s rights, engaging in journalism, teaching English, participating in sports, contributing to medicine, assisting Palestinian refugees, exploring Palestinian culture, delving into politics, and understanding Palestinian laws and legal systems.

Home » Coming to Palestine Without Arabic

Coming to Palestine Without Arabic

Coming to Palestine without knowing Arabic might seem a bit scary at first because of the language difference. Living in the West Bank or Gaza for a few months might sound like a big adventure. Even though not speaking Arabic can make things confusing and hard sometimes, it’s cool to know that the Palestinian people are strong and friendly. They’re open to visitors and super welcoming, so even if you don’t speak their language, you can still make good friends and go through Palestinian daily life together.

Sure, not knowing Arabic might make some things tricky, but don’t let that stop you from having an awesome time in Palestine. You can connect with local Palestinian using gestures and just being kind, which is like a language everyone understands. Also, in many places, like cities and tourist spots, lots of Palestinians know English.

You don’t need to know Arabic before you travel to Palestine.

You don’t need to know Arabic before coming to Palestine. Many students, interns, and volunteers arrive at Study in Palestine without any previous knowledge of Arabic. Some, like me, have only studied it for a few weeks before the trip, while others come with years of training and can have conversations in Arabic with Palestinians. Even though the final group might find some things easier, all three groups usually have positive experiences here in Palestine.

You will be fine with English

You’ll be just fine with English at Study in Palestine. Whether you’re working or studying, the staff here have decent English skills. While they might speak to you in Arabic to help you practice if you understand, English is always an option.

Many Palestinian students speak English

When it comes to teaching English to Palestinian students, it’s absolutely fine not to know Arabic. If you’re teaching beginner or intermediate classes, the Palestinian students usually understand enough English to get your instructions and explanations, even though you might need to go slow and repeat things a few times—it’s good practice for them.

In starter English classes, the students might find it a bit challenging to understand you, but there’s usually a translator available or a co-teacher who knows enough Arabic to help bridge the gaps.

Customized Arabic lessons in Palestine

Enjoying personalized Arabic lessons in Palestine is easy with the Study in Palestine. Our skilled Arabic Palestinian teachers cater to all levels, providing either private sessions or pairing you with a classmate of similar proficiency. We also offer Arabic lessons for our international students, enhancing their integration into Palestinian daily life and culture.

Getting around Hebron

Navigating through Hebron and other parts of Palestine might pose some challenges without knowing Arabic. However, these challenges are quite manageable. Almost all Palestinians are familiar with a few basic English words and phrases, such as numbers and greetings.

While not everyone is fluent, many have a good grasp of English, which is taught in schools from an early age. If you ever find yourself lost or confused, not every Palestinian may be able to assist you, but you can almost always locate at least one person nearby who can lend a helping hand.

Study some Arabic before coming to Palestine

Considering everything, it’s definitely a good idea to study some Arabic before your trip to Palestine. If you familiarize yourself with the alphabet, basic greetings, numbers, and introductions beforehand, your experience here will be a bit smoother, giving you a head start in your Arabic lessons in Palestine.

Final Remarks

In conclusion, don’t let the fear of not knowing Arabic keep you from joining Study in Palestine. Many other interns and volunteers share the same situation, and your lack of Arabic skills won’t hinder you from having a rewarding and enjoyable experience. Embrace the opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture, connect with the warm and welcoming Palestinian community, and discover the richness of daily life in this vibrant region.

Remember that Study in Palestine is there to support you every step of the way. The inclusive environment, coupled with the openness of the Palestinian local community, ensures that you can thrive and make the most of your time, regardless of your proficiency in Arabic. So, pack your bags, bring your enthusiasm, and get ready for a meaningful journey in Palestine!