Volunteer In the West Bank: Come join us at Study in Palestine and choose from our various 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.
Come 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 may help improve the prospects of Palestinians in many ways, whether teaching English, organizing community activities, raising awareness, or simply informing the world that Palestine is not what mainstream media sources commonly portray.
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 and offer durations ranging from one week to three months in all seasons and months!
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Who Can Volunteer in Palestine?
We offer inclusive and affordable volunteering programs and internships in Hebron for both native and non-native English speakers eager to support the Palestinian community. Opportunities include teaching English and learning about human rights and the legal situation in the West Bank. All volunteers are welcome, whether you are a student, graduate, professional, retiree, or simply interested in volunteering in the Arab world. We have hosted volunteers from various countries, including the USA, Brazil, Mexico, Canada, the UK, Australia, Japan, and across Europe. With over a decade of experience, we assist you from the start.
- University students who wish to experience and learn about Palestine and Israel
- Gap year students
- Older or retired people seeking adventure
- People who are interested in studying and practicing their Arabic
- Participants who would like to know more about Israel/Palestine and the political and humanitarian situation firsthand
- College students who wish to write articles or conduct research in Palestine
- People who are interested in spending a short time in a community and family setting
- Everyone willing to help Palestinians and make a difference in the community
Are There any Requirements for volunteers?
Our volunteer programs are designed so that you are not expected to be an expert in your chosen profession upon arrival but rather to develop useful experience as you go. Volunteering has various advantages that enable you to make a difference in both your life and the lives of others.
Whilst some courses demand a general university degree, official academic credentials are usually not necessary. If you meet the criteria listed below, you are welcome to join us:
- 18+ (although further restrictions may depend on the program)
- A good attitude and willingness to learn
- An interest in meeting and engaging with many people in Palestine
- The ability to communicate in English
- Willing to be a part of a family
However, what you don’t need in order to volunteer in the West Bank, Palestine is:
- The ability to speak Arabic
- Travel experience
- To be a native speaker of English
- A degree in English or any specialization
- Experience in teaching English (for English teaching programs)
What can I do in the West Bank?
We invite volunteers from a wide range of backgrounds and can accommodate a wide skill set. You will certainly find a program or project where you will excel and impact a Palestinian community, whether it’s in law, the arts, education, environmentalism, or even sports!
What Kind Of Activities Can I Do While Volunteering?
Studying in Palestine is incredibly accommodating when it comes to what you want to do while you are here with us; we are ready to organize, plan, and involve you in any events that you wish to take part in! Here are just a few examples of tasks we have organized for our volunteers:
- Providing conversational English lessons with Palestinian and international instructors at our center, as well as assisting other instructors with the preparation of their class outlines
- Educational and cultural events such as organizing weekly seminars for the Palestinian community on a variety of topics, such as cultural differences, writing resumes, and formal email writing
- Helping Palestinian teachers in assessing Palestinian students’ English capabilities
- Organizing activities according to your interests and expertise, such as painting workshops, writing workshops, handicrafts, filming, photography, journalism and media workshops, and healthcare seminars
- Organizing fun and entertaining activities for our Palestinian students
- Administrative activities include helping our staff and interns write reports, make schedules, print class materials, etc.
Participate In Many Extracurricular Activities
- As an international volunteer, you will participate in various educational, cultural, and social activities throughout your time in the program, which are organized by Study in Palestine. These activities include visits to the old city, visits to Palestinian families’ homes, and tours of nearby businesses and Palestinian organizations, to name a few.
- You may learn more about the local and larger region by doing this and witnessing a variety of elements of life in Palestine.
Discover a Unique Personal Opportunity for Cultural Exchange!
Our West Bank volunteering opportunities empower the local community and individuals. Your contributions in Hebron will foster relationships and immerse you in Palestinian culture.
We have welcomed numerous volunteers globally, achieving cultural exchange and vibrant social dialogue through the Volunteer in Palestine program. The skills and confidence gained by volunteers are heartwarming, providing a global education.
Our programs cater to all – whether you work with Palestinian refugees or enjoy tea while learning about the culture. Many volunteers return year after year, often trying different programs!
Volunteering with Study in Palestine also offers Arabic classes and university credit through our partnership with the Palestinian Ministry of Education!
Arabic Classes for All Of Our Volunteers
Our international volunteers in Hebron take Arabic lessons for three hours weekly, totaling twelve hours monthly, from a native Arabic teacher based at our center. You’ll have many opportunities to converse with locals in Arabic and enhance your skills. We offer flexibility in choosing the dialect you wish to learn during your stay and volunteer placement.
The options we offer right now are:
- Shami or Levantine Arabic (Amiyya dialect) اللهجة العامية او الشامية
- Colloquial Palestinian Arabic
- Modern Standard Arabic (MSA)
- A mixed Program: (Modern Standard Arabic and Shami Arabic)
We can help you choose which Arabic dialect to study if you are unsure about the differences between them or which is the best option for you.
Make A Contribution To The Palestinian Community
Volunteering in the West Bank, Palestine, allows you to support the local community and foster understanding. We encourage volunteers to engage with locals and Palestinian refugee camps through various projects that promote education and community development.
If you wish to learn about Palestinian legal matters and human rights, our focused volunteer and “walking in each other’s shoes,” we aim to create a lasting impact on both the Palestinian community and your personal growth.
These opportunities offer a unique chance to transform your life and the lives of others, including Palestinian children, women, refugees, and local residents.
Travel in Your Spare Time
You can explore nearby places like Tel Aviv, Haifa, Jerusalem, Akko, Ramallah, Nablus, Jenin, and Bethlehem from our Hebron base. International tourists can easily and affordably travel between Palestine and Israel.
Our volunteer programs offer plenty of free time for regional exploration and the chance to make new friends among the Palestinians!
You can also visit local institutions, such as Palestinian universities, or enjoy cultural nights in Hebron’s social hubs. Entertainment and activities are abundant in Hebron.
Are You a Qualified Teacher?
We invite you to join our Teach For Palestine Program if you have an English degree, especially if you have formal training or work as an English instructor. Teaching experience or certification isn’t required; we welcome volunteers who are passionate about the subject, eager to learn, and wish to benefit from this opportunity. For more details, please consider our English Teaching Arabic Study Internship programs.
When Can I Start and End My Volunteering Program?
Volunteers in the West Bank, Palestine, are needed all year round by studying in Palestine. We’ll set everything up and pick when you want to begin!
Summer Volunteer Programs in The West Bank
Study in Palestine offers excellent summer volunteer opportunities for those seeking internships abroad in the West Bank, Palestine, or Israel from June to September. Ideal for students and anyone wishing to serve abroad during summer breaks, these programs can also provide college credit due to our partnership with the Palestinian Ministry of Education. This allows you to travel and volunteer while earning your degree. These programs combine Arabic language focus with education, immersion, and participation in Palestinian culture, politics, and history, including visits to refugee camps, local villages, community centers, and Bedouin areas like Susiya.
Awards And Recognitions
We continue to strive towards “excellence.” In 2022, we were rated one of the top three programs worldwide for offering volunteer opportunities and one of the top three language schools worldwide by Go Overseas. We received a total of five Go Overseas Community Choice Awards in 2022. Study in Palestine was also recognized as one of the top Teach Abroad Providers for the category of “benefits” and one of the Top Internship Abroad Providers for the categories of “growth” and “support”.
In 2021, we were ranked as one of the top three programs in the world for providing volunteer opportunities, demonstrating our continued commitment to “excellence.” In the categories of “best language school,” “fun,” and “education,” we won the community choice awards from Go Overseas.
Our inaugural “Go Overseas Community Choice Awards” were given to us in 2019 to recognize the influence Study in Palestine has had on the global travel community. Across its range of programs, Study in Palestine continues to receive excellent reviews from travelers.
Check out some of the many fantastic reviews we have here:
- +845 Reviews (94%) on Gooverseas.com
- +170 Reviews (96%) on Goabroad.com
- Participants’ video testimonials
Program Quick Facts
The table below gives some general information about all of our volunteering opportunities in Palestine
| Location of Volunteer Program | Hebron, West Bank |
| Area of Volunteering | Teach English in Palestine Volunteer with Palestinian Children Volunteer Palestinian Refugees Law and Human Rights |
| Program Language | English/Arabic |
| Volunteering Duration | 1-13 weeks |
| Starting/ Ending Dates | Volunteers can freely choose their starting and ending dates and we offer volunteer programs in Palestine year-round |
| Timeframe | Short Term Spring Break Summer Winter Year Round |
| Travel Type | Budget Family Older Travelers Solo Women |
| Weekly Costs | 250 Euro a week |
| Homestay in Hebron | Palestinian host family Male dorm Private (additional fees apply) |
| Educational Degree | Not Required |
| University Credit | Available |
| Application Deadline | No Deadline |
| Reviews and Ratings | Reviews On Gooverseas.com Reviews On Goabroad.com Participants video testimonials |
| Tel Aviv Airport Pickup | Available (Fee applies) |
Brief Information About Costs:
We charge a cost of 250 Euros per week depending on how long you stay since studying in Palestine does not receive funding from any governmental or non-governmental organizations. These costs include:
- Community breakfast at the center each morning
- Accommodation
- Pre-departure and in-country support
- Arabic classes
- Certificate of completion
- Visits to various locations within the city of Hebron, such as the old city, glass and ceramic factories, local businesses, Palestinian refugee camps, public parks, and local universities like the Palestine Polytechnic University and Hebron University
Volunteering As A Woman In The West Bank
Understandably, women may have some concerns about coming alone to volunteer in Palestine, especially those who have never experienced Middle Eastern culture before!
However, there is nothing to worry about – we have welcomed many female students and volunteers at Study in Palestine and repeatedly heard that they felt safe and welcomed. In fact, since our establishment in 2011, the majority of our volunteers have been women. Our female volunteers stay with a host family, with whom they may enjoy spending time in the evenings and mealtimes!
Hebron is, of course, more conservative than many places, so international visitors of all genders are expected to dress appropriately. Female volunteers aren’t expected or required to wear the hijab, but modesty is still important to respect the local culture and limit unwanted attention. Our staff and your host family are more than happy to help in any way and address any concerns you may have!
For further details, please see the Traveling as a Woman in the West Bank article.
Safety Of Our Volunteers And Interns
Palestine has been unstable for decades due to Israeli occupation, resulting in fluctuating turmoil and violence. However, it remains safe for international visitors, with none reporting safety concerns while traveling to places like Hebron, Ramallah, and Bethlehem. Palestinians are generally kind and hospitable, acknowledging that policies and citizens may differ.
Since 2011, over 1000 international visitors have worked and resided in Hebron, experiencing no threats or feelings of insecurity. Our Palestinian host families and male dorms are centrally located in Hebron, away from areas of higher tension near borders between Palestinian and Israeli control.
Raise Awareness About Palestine
We encourage you to share your volunteer experience and raise awareness about the situation in Palestine with your friends, family, and others in your community. But more than anything, we ask that you keep in mind that you should share your love of Palestine with the world as well, as doing so will encourage others to visit the West Bank and experience Palestine firsthand.
If you are ready to volunteer or looking for more information about the logistics of getting to Palestine and Hebron, keep reading the sections below for more information. Overall, we are confident that you will have a delightful and unforgettable time in Palestine, and we look forward to welcoming you.
How To Get A Visa to Volunteer?
Most international visitors (including our overseas participants) receive a three-month tourist visa upon arrival in Israel. This allows participation in study activities and easy movement in Palestine and Israel. As of January 2025, Americans, Canadians, Australians, and most Europeans can generally enter Palestine by filing for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA-IL).
Flying Into Palestine
Unfortunately, Palestine has no airports – but this isn’t a major roadblock for international volunteers, who can fly into Israeli airports and cross the border to Palestine from Jerusalem. Palestinians, on the other hand, must travel to Jordan or Egypt by land and fly from airports there.
The quickest routes, in our opinion, to reach Study in Palestine in Hebron are:
- To fly to Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv (Israel). First, take a train or shared taxi to Jerusalem from the airport. You can take a shared taxi to Study in Palestine in Hebron from there. The total travel time is around 2.5 hours.
- To fly into Eilat Airport in Israel, take a van or shuttle to Jerusalem and then take another shared taxi to Hebron. However, the duration of this trip might range from 6-7 hours.
- It is possible to travel to Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, Jordan, and then pass into Palestine, and then down to Hebron, however this method takes much longer and is more expensive.
Traveling To And From Hebron, the West Bank
We understand that many volunteers and students who participate in our various programs, particularly those visiting the Israel/Palestine region for the first time, may naturally have questions about things like:
- How to get to Hebron, West Bank?
- How do you make your way to study in Palestine once you arrive?
- Transportation in the area: which taxi should you take?
- How to cross the checkpoints in the West Bank?
As such, we have created these four pages that should provide you with all the information you need to know about how to get to Hebron, Palestine, and Study in Palestine (as well as some helpful contact details):
- 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
For any further questions, you are always welcome to get in touch with us
How To Apply
Please email us at Info@ecpalestine.org and write “Volunteer In The West Bank” as the subject line. We will then send you the application form.
Related Volunteer Programs
Find us online
Whatsapp:+972 599 479 880
Website: https://ecpalestine.org/
EC Website: https://excellencenter.org/
Volunteer in Palestine: https://volunteerinpalestine.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/excellence.center
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ExcellenceCenter
Facebook account: https://www.facebook.com/RafatECHebron
Watch us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsQSLdFZWZcBm6Uj0XMYuKg
Visit and Explore Palestine: https://www.facebook.com/ExplorePalestine
