The Volunteer/Internship Program with Palestinian Children provides an excellent opportunity for students, professionals, retirees, social workers, and teachers interested in direct work with kids or Palestinian school students in the West Bank, Palestine. Moreover, it’s suitable for anyone, regardless of whether English is your first language, who has an interest in volunteering and interning with Palestinian children.
Additionally, those interested in childhood education will benefit from humanitarian volunteering/interning with children in Palestine. Volunteers/interns are provided a full immersion into Palestinian culture, daily life, politics, the human rights situation, and the educational system.
Volunteers in Palestine can join our program for the period of time that best suits them, anywhere from 1-13 weeks. You can during any time of the year (spring, summer, fall, and winter) as we are flexible when it comes to the starting and ending dates. People of all backgrounds and nationalities are welcome to apply, but you must be at least 18 to join.
Undoubtedly, as a volunteer/intern in Hebron, West Bank,Palestine you will have the chance to meet many Palestinian children who yearn to interact with visitors from around the world. The Palestinian children are the future, and helping them grow will have a direct impact on their own wellbeing along with that of their country. You will make a difference in their lives as well as your own.
General Information Regarding Program Costs and Components:
| Place of Program | Hebron, West Bank, Palestine |
| Program Fees | 750⏠per Month 250⏠per Week |
| Program Focus | Volunteer with Palestinian children, refugees, and disabled kids in West Bank |
| Age | 18-70 Years Old |
| Minimum Duration | 1 Week |
| Maximum Duration | 13 Weeks |
| Arabic lessons | 3 hours per week |
| Class Duration | 45 Minutes |
| Number of Volunteers | Varied (3-5 Volunteers) |
| Starting/Ending Dates | Flexible â Anytime |
| Application Deadline | No Deadline |
| Program Reviews | Reviews and Ratings on Gooverseas Reviews and Ratings on Goabroad Video testimonials |
| Airport Pickup | Available (Fee applies) |
| University Credit | Available |
| Program Language | English |
An Immersive Experience with Palestinian Children
Volunteer/Internship With Palestinian Children will be a fully immersive experience for all involved. Volunteers will not only have the opportunity to work with Palestinian children in a variety of subjects, but will also live and breathe Palestinian culture, the Arabic language, and the rich history of the Levant! This will occur in a number of ways.
Firstly, volunteers will have the opportunity to reside with a Palestinian host family or in an all-male dorm located in the center of Hebron. In either case, volunteers/interns will be completely immersed in the daily life of Palestine.
Secondly, by engaging with Palestinian children, you tend to forget the language barriers, helping you to learn Palestinian colloquial Arabic in a playful manner.
Summer Volunteer Programs
For people looking for humanitarian volunteer programs or internships with Palestinian children over the summer in the West Bank, Palestine or Israel, Study In Palestine offers great volunteer opportunities that span from May to September. These volunteer opportunities are ideal for students, English native speakers, or anyone on a summer break.
Specifically, these summer volunteer/internship programs with Palestinian children will combine learning Arabic with a full education and engagement in Palestinian culture, politics, and history. This includes visits to Bedouin areas (Susiya), Palestinian refugee camps, local villages such as Susya, Masafer Yatta, Masafer Bani Naim and Palestinian community centers.
Arabic Language Courses
Study In Palestine offers free in-person Arabic language courses to all of its volunteers. These courses span 3 hours per week throughout oneâs stay in Hebron. Learning Arabic will be valuable in your mission to aid the Palestinian community of Hebron.
Additionally, Study In Palestine conducts regular ventures into Hebron, visiting Palestinian cultural sights, local human rights organizations, businesses, factories, local universities, schools, and refugee camps. All of this will give volunteers a well-rounded understanding of Palestine.Â
Leading Workshops
Educational classes and workshops will take place in either the Excellence Center/Study In Palestine or in the local Palestinian community such as day care centers, local schools, childrenâs organizations, special needs schools or Palestinian refugee camps in Hebron. Â
Upon your arrival in Hebron, volunteers will get the chance to craft and develop your workshops tailored to working with Palestinian children. These workshops and classes will constitute the primary portion of the volunteersâ workload during your time in the West Bank.
Previous Workshops Have Included:
- Drama/theater workshops for Palestinian refugees
- Fun days in refugee camps
- Conversational English language workshops
- Art and music workshops for disabled Palestinian children
- Media training
- Environmental camps
- Mathematics lessons
- Journalism workshops for high school students
(Note: All volunteers/interns wishing to work with Palestinian children are required to take a safeguarding interview. This is to ensure that volunteers fully understand their responsibilities as caretakers of children, as well as the laws and protocols in place to protect children from abuse.)
Of course, Study In Palestine will assist all volunteers in acquiring the necessary resources to conduct their workshops successfully, and connecting them with local experts here in Hebron. These resources and experts include local NGOs, community centers, Palestinian refugee organizations, schools, charities, law firms, universities, and day care programs. This is made possible by the Centerâs deep ties to the local community here in Hebron!Â
Who Is This Volunteer Program For?
The Volunteer/Internship With Palestinian Children program is for anyone interested in working with children and who understands the importance of connecting Palestine to the world.
Exposing young generations of Palestinians to other people and cultures will connect them to the international community. It will also dispel any preconceptions Palestinians may have about other cultures.
Particularly, this volunteer program is perfect for those interested in political science, human rights, Islamic culture, politics of the Middle East, and Arabic culture/language. It can also help you to build a career with international NGOs. Many NGOs, Palestinian governments and international organizations see volunteer work in the Middle East, and experience with the Arabic language as a major plus.
The Volunteer/Internship With Palestinian Children program is open to people of all ages, from students to seniors, who wish to make a difference in the lives of Palestineâs youth and children.
Who Can Participate?
Those who love working with Palestinian children and who wish to make a career out of doing so are encouraged to apply. The children of Palestine are eager to learn. Being a constructive force in their lives by coming to volunteer in Palestine is the best way to ensure their prosperity and empowerment.
Study In Palestine does not discriminate individuals on any basis. This includes a personâs nationality, ethnicity, religious standing, gender, sexual orientation or any other basis. Furthermore, the Study in Palestine as a long history of welcoming people from around the globe.
Participants have visited the Study in Palestine from the following countries: the UK, the US, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, Canada, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Brazil, Mexico, Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Australia, Japan, South Africa, Singapore, South Korea, Ireland, China and New Zealand! All people who wish to advance the welfare of Palestinian children are encouraged to apply!Â
Volunteer Guidelines:
To volunteer with Palestinian Children, You Should Be:
- Willing to work with Palestinian children from diverse backgrounds
- A student or graduate who seeks teaching experience
- Someone interested in the educational system in Palestine
- An English or education major student
- Willing to make an impact on the local Palestinian community
- Someone who desires to help empower the future leaders of Palestine
Requirements:
- To be at least 18 years old
- The ability to communicate in English
- The ability to work with an international team
- Patience, enthusiasm, and empathy
- Eagerness to learn
What DONâT You Need?
- Ability to speak Arabic
- Travel or work experience
- Be a native English speaker
- Degree in English or any other specialization
- Experience in teaching English as a foreign language
Accommodation While Volunteering
When residing in Hebron, male participants in the program will have the option of either residing in a dorm or with a Palestinian host family (depending on availability). For those residing in a dorm there will be extra time to become acquainted with the other volunteers at Study in Palestine. Furthermore, the dorms are located next to Hebronâs metropolitan center, providing ample opportunity to explore Hebron with others, which may lead to many exciting experiences!Â
The second option (available primarily to female participants) is to reside with a Palestinian host family. The benefit of this is that participants will receive a firsthand view of Palestinian life, customs, and culture, along with cuisine and family structures. Furthermore, it is likely that participants residing with a Palestinian host family will be invited to family gatherings and cultural events, guaranteeing a culturally immersive experience!
Participants who choose to live in a private accommodation will cover their own expenses, but we will be happy to help you find an accommodation suitable to your needs in the city of Hebron.
Interacting With Palestinian Culture
Volunteers in Hebron will find that the majority of Palestinian people are incredibly friendly and open to foreigners. Furthermore, if participants utilize their Arabic skills, no matter how well developed, they will find that most Palestinians are enthusiastic and patient communicators. They are very happy to have people take an interest in their language and culture.
Additionally, Palestine, situated at the heart of the Levant (the region linked with the eastern Mediterranean and considered the birthplace of three world religions), offers abundant opportunities to explore cultural sights, historical monuments, and landmarks. Despite facing challenging circumstances, participants will discover that Palestinians are open and friendly, and Hebron provides a secure environment for learning, interning, and volunteering.
A Huge Range Of Impacts
The Volunteer with Palestinian Children Program is very well researched and targeted. It is suitable for anyone who wants to gain insights into the daily life and education of Palestinians, as well as gaining experience in teaching English, and learning about human rights.
We aim to make a long term difference to the local Palestinian communities through the exchange of ideas and by âwalking in each otherâs shoesâ. Volunteering and interning is a unique opportunity to genuinely make an impact on your life as well as on the lives of Palestinian children, refugees, and on the wider community in the West Bank.
Benefits of Volunteering:
The Volunteer/Internship With Palestinian Children program offers many benefits including:
- Living in Hebron and undertaking trips to the Old City, holy sites, and more
- Learning spoken Arabic from native speakers and opportunity to communicate with locals
- 3 hours of Arabic lessons per week
- Exposure to daily life, culture, and society in Hebron
- Accommodation with a Palestinian host family or in our male apartmentÂ
- Opportunity to enjoy local Palestinian foods and dishes
- Palestinian cultural nights
- Opportunities to view tourist attractions from a native perspective, such as Bethlehem, Ramallah, Nablus, Tulkarm, Qalqilyah, Jenin, and the Dead Sea in Jericho
- Ability to visit nearby cities as well as those in Jordan, including Akko, Herzliya, Beersheva, Eilat, Tiberias, Netanya, Safed, Haifa, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Masada, Amman, Aqaba, Wadi Rum and Nazareth
- Assistance of well-qualified, attentive Arabic teachers, all with an excellent educational background, ready and happy to help you
- Certificate upon completion
You will get the opportunity to meet Palestinian university and school students, as well as members of the Hebron community and local organizations, as an international student studying Arabic in Palestine.
Take the chance to travel on your own to see distinctive tourist sights from a localâs point of view, such as Bethlehem, Ramallah, Nablus, Hebron, Tulkarm, Qalqilyah, Jenin, and the Dead Sea.
Moreover, weekends in Israel are awaiting you to explore the famous historical cities such as Jericho, Jerusalem, Akko, Tel Aviv, the Dead Sea, Eilat, Tiberias, Nazareth, Beâer Sheva, Ashdod, Masada! Â Travel to Jordanâs most ancient sites in Petra, Amman, Wadi Rum, Irbid and Aqaba to broaden your experiences in the Middle East!
Daily/Weekly Schedule For Volunteers:
Volunteering with Palestinian children requires commitment and flexibility. You are expected to work approximately 30 hours a week from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (Saturday â Thursday). Volunteers will have two days off per week â Friday, and another of their choice.
Breakfast will be provided every workday at the Center, with ingredients coming from a diverse range of local Palestinian agriculture. Breakfast is intended to prepare volunteers for the workday ahead. In addition, breakfast will be shared between the Centerâs staff, volunteers, and interns. This is designed to create stronger communal bonds throughout the Center, along with touching base with all participants about their experiences and ambitions for the coming day(s).
Study In Palestine will also lead regular excursion trips into Hebron and neighboring cities, connecting volunteers with local activists and organizations. Evenings are usually free, allowing volunteers the opportunity to explore the city of Hebron, including its many restaurants, shops, and historical sights. Volunteers will have the chance to travel on their own to Israeli cities such as Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa, Nazareth, Akko, Tiberias, as well as to the Dead Sea, the Red Sea, and the Mediterranean.
The First Week
The first week at Study In Palestine will be focused on helping volunteers adapt to life in Hebron and Palestinian culture. To achieve this, volunteers will enroll in Arabic language courses at the Center and courses centered around Palestinian culture and customs. Taking these courses early on will help you in assisting the Palestinian people around them. The efforts made by volunteers to learn about Palestinian culture and customs will certainly be reciprocated by the Palestinians they help.
If you are only planning a short-term volunteer service (1 to 2 weeks), we recommend that you contact us at least one week beforehand to organize your schedule. We would be happy to arrange a WhatsApp call to provide all the necessary information for you.
Weeks 2-13
Every week thereafter, the volunteers will focus on learning about their chosen workshops, activities, and educational programs in Palestine. They will then create these programs in cooperation with local Palestinian organizations, helping them improve their understanding of these subjects. These workshops can include educational seminars on conversational English, how to safely navigate the internet, leadership/life skills, specific sports, or anything that will enrich the lives of Palestinian children here. There is no limit to the workshops volunteers can create, and the Study in Palestine will be happy to help put these ideas into practice!Â
Our staff will introduce you to our manual of teaching, and to the activity booklets which give examples and provide you with information. Volunteers who have limited experience of such workshops are also welcome to apply in order to enhance their skills.
Program Costs and Information:
Study In Palestine charges 750⏠a month or 250⏠a week.
The prices listed on this webpage are the complete and final cost students will pay.
Program Fees Cover:
- Housing in Hebron
- Arabic Language courses
- Centerâs operating costs
- Breakfast (Mon â Fri)
- Group excursions
What Language is the Program Run In?
All our volunteer programs and colloquial Arabic lessons cater to English speakers. However, to ensure full immersion, and as the course level increases, English will be used less in the classroom.
Do You Need University Credits?
The Volunteer with Palestinian Children program offers students university and internship credits if needed for your university. If you are applying for funding to volunteer in Palestine, the Center would be more than happy to help, providing any requested documents.
Traveling to Hebron, Palestine
Study In Palestine has information on all the resources you need to travel in an efficient, safe, and practical manner to Hebron. Please read our articles below on flying to Palestine, getting to Hebron, planning your trip, and on Israeli/Palestinian taxi services.
- 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
Study In Palestine 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 to get to the Study in Palestine (about an hour, distance of 60 km/37 miles).
Additional fees apply as this trip costs about 160 Euros. Please Contact our staff if you are interested in this option.
Reviews And Ratings
We continue to strive towards excellence. In 2022, we were rated one of the top three programs worldwide in 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. The Excellence Center/Study in Palestine was also recognized as one of the top Teach Abroad Providers for the category of âbenefitsâ and one of the Top Internship Abroad Providers for the categories of âgrowthâ and âsupportâ.Â
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 âBest Language Schoolâ, and voted best inâfunâ and âinstruction.â
In 2019, we received our first âGo Overseas Community Choice Awardsâ to acknowledge the Study in Palestineâs impact on the community of travelers around the world. The Study in Palestine continues to be a highly rated travel organization across its selection of programs.Â
Check out our many great reviews here:
- 730+ reviews (94%) on gooverseas.com
- 160+ reviews (96%)Â on goabroad.com
- Video testimonials
Summary
The Volunteer/Internship With Palestinian Children Program presents an ideal opportunity for university students, gap year participants, and individuals seeking to make a meaningful impact on the lives of Palestinian children in the West Bank. The scope for applying your skills as a volunteer is limitless.
Engaging with Children in the West Bank, Palestine is an unparalleled experience, one that will profoundly influence participantsâ perspectives for years to come. Furthermore, volunteering/interning in the West Bank is the perfect stepping stone for those passionate about working with Palestinian children and refugees or pursuing a career in early childhood education and childrenâs welfare. Take action today and embark on your volunteering journey in Palestine.
How To Apply
If youâre excited about volunteering/interning with Palestinian children, donât hesitate to email us at Info@ecpalestine.org. Weâre here to help, and you can expect to hear back from us within 1-2 business days.
In the subject line of your email, please write âVolunteer/Internship With Children In The West Bank.â Upon writing back to you we will attach an application form which you will fill out and return to us to begin the process. We hope to hear from you soon!
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