The Internship in the West Bank, Palestine 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.
The Internship in the West Bank serves students, graduates, professionals, retirees, and individuals dedicated to advocating for human rights and supporting refugees in Palestine. Study in Palestine welcomes individuals from around the world and aims to foster connections between people globally and Palestine.
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Intern and Volunteer with Palestinian Children
During the final stages of the internship, you can intern and volunteer with Palestinian children in Hebron and refugee camps, shaping your perspective for years. Interns can create their own workshops for these children. Previous workshops included:
- Drama for Palestinian refugees
- Fun days for Palestinian kids in the refugee camps
- Conversational English language for Palestinian kids
- Arts and music for disabled Palestinian children
- Media training for Palestinian school students
- Environmental camps for young school students
- Journalism workshops for high school students
- Medicine (First Aid Courses)
- And more!
Accessible Internship Programs
Study in Palestine offers accessible internships for international participants lasting one to three months. These internships cater to individuals looking to aid the Palestinian community and learn Palestinian, Levantine, or Modern Standard Arabic.
Interns can make a meaningful impact through activities such as teaching English, studying Arabic, and discussing human rights in a safe environment. Programs include visits to local sites, lectures, and discussions to enhance understanding and foster cultural exchange.
The Internship in the West Bank is available year-round—Summer, Winter, Fall, and Spring—ideal for law or human rights students and anyone wanting to broaden their experiences while learning a new language.
Internship in Palestine Impact
Our Volunteer and Internship programs in the West Bank offer valuable insights into Palestinian legal affairs and human rights. We strive to create a lasting difference in the local community by exchanging ideas and understanding each other’s experiences. Volunteering and interning present a unique chance to impact your life and others, including Palestinian children, refugees, and local youth.
Summer Internships in Palestine
Those seeking summer internships in the West Bank, Palestine, Israel, or the Middle East can apply to Study in Palestine, which offers programs from June to September. These internships are perfect for students and English speakers looking for immersive experiences in Palestinian culture, politics, and history. Participants will visit Bedouin areas, refugee camps, local villages, and community centers. The program is open to interns over 18 who can communicate in English, with no required proficiency in Arabic, as language lessons and practice opportunities are provided.
What Can an Internship in Palestine Offer?
The Internship in the West Bank is suitable for participants who are looking to:
- Study Arabic in Palestine (Modern Standard Arabic, MSA) or Colloquial Palestinian Arabic
- Learn more and engage in Palestinian culture and politics
- Learn about Human Rights Studies in Palestine
- Assist the cause of Palestinian refugees in the West Bank
- Learn about the legal system in the West Bank and Palestinian laws
- See the political and legal situation in the West Bank
- Lead community activities in the city of Hebron
- Provide educational support for Palestinians
Who is Interested in an Internship in Palestine?
Study in Palestine was founded in June 2011. Since then, interns from all over the world have come to join our family in Hebron. Most of our interns have traveled from countries like the USA, Germany, the United Kingdom, Poland, The Netherlands, Switzerland, Australia, Japan, and Canada.
In General, The Internship In Palestine is Suitable For:
- Those who study the Middle East, refugee law, or Human Rights studies
- Gap year students
- University Students who wish to do a semester abroad (University Credit)
- Participants who are interested in understanding the politics of Palestine
- Arabic and Islamic Studies students
- Participants who wish to learn Arabic and immerse themselves in the Palestinian culture and daily life
- People who are interested in meeting Palestinians
- Everyone willing to help and make a difference in Palestine
Study in Palestine invites applicants from all majors and backgrounds for internships in the West Bank. This program offers practical experience in a dynamic environment for students and those seeking to enhance their skills.
What do you need to intern in Palestine?
- +18 years of age
- A positive attitude and willingness to learn about Palestine
- An interest in meeting many people in Palestine
- The ability to communicate in English
- The willingness to be a part of a family in Hebron, Palestine
What you don’t need to intern in Palestine:
- The ability to speak Arabic
- Travel experience
- To be a native English speaker
- An educational degree
- Experience teaching English
- To be a student
Main Activities During the Internship
The Internship in the West Bank Program includes four main activities that will offer interns a life-changing experience:
- Studying Arabic (MSA or Colloquial Palestinian Arabic)
The first week of the internship will focus on learning conversational Arabic. Interns will participate in an Arabic intensive course for 20 hours each month at the center. These Arabic lessons make the Internship in the West Bank, Palestine Program an ideal learning experience for university students and individuals seeking a cultural introduction to their internship in Hebron, Palestine.
- Engaging in culture, politics, and site visits
Participants in the Internship in Palestine Program will engage in cultural activities with their host families and Study in Palestine staff. They will receive an introduction to Palestinian politics and culture, alongside lectures and discussions about the situation. The center will also organize visits to various sites in Hebron, including factories, universities, refugee camps, NGOs, and law clinics.
- Engaging and leading community development activities
Interns in Palestine will actively participate in community development initiatives. They will receive essential preparation outlining community development activities for Hebron residents. Participants will then design and lead events based on their interests and skills, targeting Palestinian school and university students and community members, with supervision by the Study in Palestine team.
For instance, journalism interns can conduct training for 10-12 students on writing press releases or making short films, held at local institutions like universities, schools, and cultural centers.
- Participating in educational activities
The final stage of the internship in the West Bank, Palestine, involves participating in educational activities organized by the Center for the local community in Hebron. Interns will support activities and learning for Palestinian students and assist in English classes taught by local teachers. They will also write articles about their experiences in Palestine and at the Center.
Benefits of the Internship
Participants of the Internship program in Hebron, West Bank will be provided with:
- 20 hours of conversational Palestinian Arabic lessons for each month they intern. Participants also can study MSA, Fusha or colloquial Arabic.
- Accommodation with a Palestinian host family or a shared flat.
- Breakfast with other participants (6 times a week)
- Support during their time in Palestine
- Visits to various sites in the city of Hebron (refugee camps in Hebron, the old city, different factories, etc.)
- Understanding of Palestinian politics and experience of the occupation of the West Bank
- Get to know the human rights situation and help the Palestinian refugees.
- Engagement in educational, community, and social activities
- The hospitality of Palestinians and a pleasant climate
- The opportunity to live in and gain impressions from one of the Middle East’s most politically divisive and ambivalent regions.
- The chance to visit unique tourist attractions with a native perspective – locations including Bethlehem, Ramallah, Nablus, Hebron, Tulkarm, Qalqilyah, Jenin, and the Dead Sea in Jericho.
- Visits to nearby cities such as Akko, Herzliya, Beersheva, Eilat, Tiberias, Netanya, Safed, Haifa, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Masada, Amman, Aqaba, Wadi Rum, and Nazareth.
- Well-qualified, attentive Arabic teachers, each with an excellent educational background, who are ready and happy to help you.
- A certificate upon completion.
Moreover, weekends in Israel exploring famous historical cities such as Jericho, Jerusalem, Akko, Tel Aviv, the Dead Sea, Eilat, Tiberias, Nazareth, Be’er Sheva, Ashdod, and Masada are awaiting you! Travel to Jordan’s most ancient sites in Petra, Amman, Wadi Rum, Irbid, and Aqaba, and broaden your experiences in the Middle East!
Living Accommodations:
Female interns are guaranteed a homestay with a Palestinian host family in Hebron, while male interns’ homestays depend on availability. Study in Palestine arranges shared flats for male interns when homestays are not possible. Male students hoping for a host family should apply early for the best chance.
Brief information about the internship in the West Bank, Palestine
| Questions | Answers |
| Place of Internship | Hebron, West Bank, Palestine |
| Program Language | English |
| Internship Duration | 4-13 Weeks |
| Hours of Arabic Instruction per Month | 20 hours |
| Starting/ Ending Dates | Interns can freely choose their starting and ending dates. We offer internship programs year-round |
| Timeframe | Academic Year Fall J-Term Maymester Spring Spring Break Summer Winter Year Round |
| Internship Weekly Hours | 30 Hours |
| Area of Internship | Human Rights in Palestine The Palestinian legal and political situation Palestinian Community development The Palestinian culture and politics Palestinian refugees in the West Bank |
| Intern Age | People who are 18 years or older |
| Days of the Week | Saturday-Thursday: The Center is open six days a week. Interns are off Friday and one other day of their choice. |
| Monthly Costs | 1250€ (Euro) |
| Homestay in Hebron | Palestinian host family Male dorm Private (Additional fees apply) |
| Educational Degree | Not Required |
| University Credit | Available |
| Application Deadline | No Deadline. However, please apply early if you are a male intern interested in living with a Palestinian host family, as homestay availability is limited. |
| Internship in Palestine Reviews | Reviews and Ratings On Gooverseas.com Reviews and Ratings On Goabroad.com Participants video testimonials |
Quick information about the Internship in Palestine Program:
- Cost includes breakfast, accommodation, Arabic classes, and some visits to different institutions in the city of Hebron. Some examples include the old city of Hebron, glass and ceramic factories, local companies, refugee camps, public parks, and local universities such as the Palestine Polytechnic University and Hebron University.
- Registration fee: 30€, payable at the time of registration.
Reviews and Community Awards
Since 2011, Study in Palestine has welcomed individuals globally. While we continually improve our programs for the best learning experience, our core mission remains to connect, teach, and develop individuals within the local and international community.
We continue to strive towards “excellence”: In 2021 we were rated one of the top three programs worldwide in offering volunteer opportunities. We received the community choice awards by 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 Study in Palestine’s impact on the community of travelers around the world. Our center continues to be a highly rated travel organization across its selection of programs
Furthermore, Study in Palestine’s programs, including the internships in Hebron, have more than:
- +845 reviews (94%) on gooverseas.com
- +170 reviews (96%) on goabroad.com
- Participants video testimonials
Duration of the Internship
Study in Palestine accepts applications year-round from individuals looking for a 1-3 month internship with our organization. Participants in the Internship in the West Bank, Palestine Program decide when they would like to start and end their program. We are very flexible with starting dates and the duration.
If you are looking for an internship or a volunteer program for less than one month (e.g., one, two, or three weeks), then please consider our Volunteer and Study Arabic in Palestine Program (1-13 weeks).
A Typical Day for Interns
As an intern, you will work about 30 hours weekly, from 9 am to 5 pm, Saturday to Thursday. You receive Fridays and one other day off. Typically, international interns start their day with breakfast at the center together with Palestinian teachers, volunteers, and directors. Mornings at the center are quiet, with Arabic classes in the morning and educational activities afterward. You’ll have opportunities for sightseeing trips in Hebron, meeting community members, and visiting local organizations. Evenings are usually free, though the center may organize optional activities.
Our Internship in Palestine Program offers valuable experience in your field and connects you internationally. This program will enhance your resume and significantly benefit the Palestinian community.
Safety of our Volunteers and Interns
The region of Palestine has not been stable for the last few decades. Sometimes, it becomes more volatile, and at other times, it’s calmer. Nonetheless, each year, millions of tourists visit Palestine and the West Bank, including Hebron, Ramallah, Bethlehem, Jenin, Jerusalem, Salfeet, Tulkarem, Nablus, and many other cities, without any safety issues. Palestinians, in general, are welcoming and hospitable people. They recognize that the politics of a country and its people may differ.
Since its formation in 2011, Study in Palestine has welcomed over 1000 international visitors. These visitors lived and worked in Hebron for a few weeks to several months. Overall, they did not face any threat or unsafe in Hebron or the West Bank.
The center is located in an area of Hebron, which is under the Palestinian authority and in the heart of the city. Our Palestinian host families and the male dorms are also conveniently located near the center.
How Can I Get to Hebron, Palestine?
Unfortunately, Palestine does not have any airports in the West Bank or the Gaza Strip. All Palestinians use the airports in Jordan or Egypt to travel abroad instead. However, international interns in Palestine may also fly to Israeli airports and then cross into Hebron, West Bank.
The easiest way to get to Hebron, Palestine, and Study in Palestine is:
- Fly to Ben Gurion, Tel Aviv Airport (Israel). It takes about two and a half hours from the airport to Hebron and the center via shared Taxi.
- Furthermore, you can fly to Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, Jordan, and then cross to Palestine, but it takes more time and is more expensive.
- Finally, you can also fly to Eilat Ramon airport (South of Israel) and then travel by booking a shuttle or taking a bus to Jerusalem and then to Hebron. This trip to Hebron can last between 6-7 hours.
Do I Need a Visa to Intern in the West Bank?
Most of the center’s participants in the Internship in the West Bank, Palestine Program receive a three-month tourist visa when they fly to Israeli airports or cross the checkpoint from Jordan to the West Bank.
In general, no prior visa is needed for Americans, Canadians, and most Europeans in order to enter Palestine (and Israel), as these interns usually qualify for the visa exemption agreement. When you arrive at the Israeli Airports in Tel Aviv or Eilat, you will be granted a tourist visa that is valid for 90 days, which allows you to travel in Palestine and Israel.
Traveling to and from Hebron, Palestine
Study in Palestine’s staff knows that as an intern in Palestine, travel information to Palestine can make your international journey easier. For this reason, we have detailed guides for how to get to Hebron, West Bank, how to make your way to the center, which taxi you should take, and how to cross the checkpoints in the West Bank.
You may find all the necessary information on traveling to Hebron, Palestine, and the center, including our 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
Tel Aviv Airport Pickups
Our staff can organize a taxi to pick you up at Ben Gurion Airport and take you straight to Hebron and the Center. This is the easiest and fastest way (about an hour, 60 km/37 miles) to get to the center.
Additional fees are applied, and the trip costs about 160 Euros. Please Contact the Study in Palestine staff if you are interested in this option.
Pre-Departure Support
Study in Palestine will organize calls with you via Skype, write invitation letters, send travel instructions, and advise you on different travel topics.
How to Apply
Please email us at Info@ecpalestine.org and write “Internship in the West Bank Program” as the subject line. We will then send you the application form.
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