Short-Term Volunteering and Internships in Palestine 2026/2027: Many people with at least some level of awareness about the Palestinian Issue can see the difficulties faced by Palestinians and feel the natural human urge to want to help those affected by the ongoing Occupation of Palestine by Israel. Visiting Palestine can be a great way to support Palestinians by uplifting the local economy. At the same time, you also have the opportunity to learn more about Palestine and get to know Palestinians.
However, to take it further, volunteering or an internship can be an excellent way to support the people of Palestine directly and foster meaningful relationships, while also developing your skills and gaining the necessary experience for your future career.
You can find a wide range of opportunities in Palestine, depending on your career ambitions, areas of interest, field of studies, and previous experience. By participating in a short-term volunteering program or internship in Palestine (up to 3 months), you will get to have a meaningful and impactful experience, without the long commitment sometimes required by volunteer or intern positions, for example, for 6-12 months.
Table of Contents
Why Palestine?
As alluded to, Palestine is a beautiful country that has had a distraught history over the last +75 years due to the Israeli Occupation. As a result, all Palestinians face oppression and hardships to some extent or another, with Palestinian refugees and poor people usually suffering the most. The country has a fascinating history dating back thousands of years, with a rich culture (including delicious food!). As the location of many of the Holy Land cities, such as Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and Jericho, it is an exciting place to visit and spend time in.
Additionally, suppose you are interested in learning Arabic. In that case, Palestine is a great place to do it because the locals are friendly and helpful in assisting you to learn, and you can learn in a fully immersive Arabic-speaking environment. Additionally, Palestinians speak the Levantine dialect, which is the most widely recognized throughout the Arab world, making it the most useful dialect for prospective Arabic students to learn.
The Situation In Gaza
Most of what you might hear in the media happens in Gaza, which has been under Israeli blockade and siege by air, land, and sea for at least 15 years. This makes daily life extremely difficult for many people in Gaza, and Gaza is often referred to as the world’s largest open-air prison. 98% of the tap water is undrinkable, and the majority of people only have electricity for 3-12 hours per day in Gaza.
On top of that, it is a tiny piece of land where around 2.1 million Palestinians live, of which around 1.4 million are internally-displaced refugees from other parts of historic Palestine. All of these are just a few consequences of the Israeli occupation that you will rarely, if ever, hear about in the news.
Why Consider a Short-Term Volunteering Role or Internship?
Unfortunately, Israeli tourist visas (issued on arrival at Ben Gurion airport or the land borders with Jordan) only last for 90 days. So the maximum length of stay, if you are doing voluntary work or an unpaid internship, is three months. This is generally sufficient time to get a taste of Palestine and see if it’s the right fit for you. However, it is possible to leave after 90 days and re-enter a few days or weeks later to obtain a new visa, but this process is unpredictable.
If you want to find longer-term work in Palestine, then you will have to go through an arduous Israeli visa process before you even enter the country. We only recommend this option if you have prior experience in Palestine, a good understanding of the country, and a long-term commitment to working here, as well as the willingness to navigate the visa application process.
How Can I Prepare For An Internship In Palestine?
Palestine, as mentioned, has its own unique history and culture, so be sure to research the place and its customs before visiting. This will give you a better idea of what to expect and will also help advise you when packing your luggage. If you speak Arabic, practice it up and plan your route to whichever area of the West Bank you will be visiting. Arrange your flights and travel insurance, and notify your bank of your plans to travel abroad. Pack your bags accordingly, bearing in mind that the winters can actually get quite cold and wet, and summers are blistering hot, and you will soon be ready to go!
Join Us For A Volunteer Program Or Internship In Summer
If you are a student, graduate, professional, taking a sabbatical or gap year, or anyone else with an extended break during the summer, we invite you to join us to take up one of our volunteering or internship opportunities over the summer. During summer (June through September), many people have holidays, including students in Palestine and abroad, which means it is when we are the busiest and host the highest number of internationals throughout the year.
So if you join us in summer, you will find many other international volunteers, interns, and Arabic students with whom to make friends and explore Hebron and Palestine. Additionally, our partnership with the Palestinian Ministry of Education enables us to offer academic credit to current university or college students who are seeking it.
We invite you to join us in the summer to gain practical, real-life experience, grow your personal and professional skills, while immersing yourself in Palestinian culture, traveling, and making friends with people from many different countries.
Interning Or Volunteering With Us Makes A Real Impact
We aim to make a long-term difference with all of our volunteer and internship programs, for both the Palestinian local community and you through the exchange of ideas and “walking in each other’s shoes”. All of our programs are well researched and targeted to ensure they have a tangible impact and foster shared learning for both our community and you. Volunteering or interning in the West Bank affords you the unique opportunity to genuinely make an impact on your life and the lives of local Palestinians and the wider community. As with most things, the more you put into your program, the more you will get out of it.
The kind of impact you will have will depend on which program you choose. For example, if you volunteer to teach English, you will affect the education and English proficiency of Palestinian students. If you volunteer in our medicine and healthcare program, you will have the opportunity to engage with medical professionals and support and educate medical students through seminars or workshops.
Suppose you intern in our Palestinian Laws & Legal Internship Program. In that case, you will learn about local laws and the local legal system through a range of different settings, such as visiting law courts and meeting with Palestinian lawyers. You will also impact the local community by contributing your time and sharing your knowledge and experience with Palestinian students and others who can benefit.
No matter which program you choose, you will have the opportunity to engage with the local community. Our Arabic lessons will help you integrate into the community and communicate with locals, even at a basic level. You will be immersed in Palestinian culture and daily life, learning about the current political situation firsthand from Palestinians. This will better inform you and equip you to make a genuine impact on your life and the lives of Palestinians.
Short-Term Volunteering and Internships in Palestine 2026/2027: Overview
Here is a brief overview of the short-term volunteering and internship programs available in Palestine:
1. Volunteer in the West Bank Program
Volunteer in the West Bank: Join us at Study in Palestine and explore our diverse 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 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 circumstances within the West Bank while also 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 the Study in Palestine 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. Study 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 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.
7. 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.
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 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.
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, 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.
The Benefits We Offer To You
Study in Palestine offers numerous benefits to all of our participants. Some of these benefits include:
- Being immersed in Palestinian culture and daily life while living in Hebron.
- Provided accommodation with a Palestinian host family (for women) or an all-male dorm.
- Breakfast is provided each day you are at our center.
- Three hours of Arabic tuition per week in Modern Standard Arabic, Levantine, or the Colloquial Palestinian dialect, taught either one-on-one or in small groups by one of our well-qualified and attentive Arabic teachers.
- The opportunity to form new friendships with volunteers, interns, students, visitors, and residents.
- Participating in various activities and trips around Hebron, such as visiting the Old City, a kaffiyeh factory, a glass and ceramics factory, the Ibrahimi Mosque, a local refugee camp, meeting local artists, and engaging with local organizations.
- The opportunity to experience Palestinian hospitality and enjoy traditional Palestinian cuisine and drinks.
- Two days off per week to spend as you please. You may wish to explore nearby cities such as Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Ramallah, Nablus, Hebron, Tulkarem, Qalqilyah, Jenin, the Dead Sea in Jericho, Akko, Herzliya, Beersheva, Eilat, Tiberias, Netanya, Safed, Haifa, Tel Aviv, Masada, Amman, Aqaba, Wadi Rum, and Nazareth.
- 24/7 program assistance, including pre-departure support.
- Academic credit towards your studies for current students is available on request.
- A certificate will be awarded upon completion of your program.
Reviews and Awards
Summary
Participating in a short-term volunteering program or internship in the West Bank, Palestine, will really open your eyes. Contrary to many media reports, the West Bank is safe for international visitors, offering a range of attractions and numerous volunteer and internship opportunities. When you volunteer or intern with us, you will get to learn a lot about Palestine, a beautiful country with warm people that is highly misunderstood and misrepresented. This opportunity is sure to enrich your own life, as you immerse yourself in Palestinian culture and daily life while making friends.
However, in addition to the personal benefits and growth opportunities, you can also develop yourself professionally by gaining practical experience in your chosen field. This can give you experience in your chosen or prospective career path, help you explore new career paths or interests, or provide a break from your regular life. We offer a wide range of volunteer opportunities and internship programs that are suitable for students, graduates, professionals, anyone taking a gap year or sabbatical, or anyone else wishing to get to know Palestine.
We look forward to welcoming your application for the Palestine internship or one of the other short-term volunteering opportunities here at Study in Palestine in Hebron in the very near future!
