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 volunteer project in the West Bank, volunteers will have the opportunity to work with Palestinian children, women, and youths in order 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 is open to all individuals between the ages of 18 and 70 years old. 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. 

Support Palestinian Refugee Camps 

Palestinian refugees fall under the purview of the United Nations, with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency–more commonly referred to as the UNRWA–supporting 19 Palestinian refugee camps within the West Bank alone. Conditions in these camps such as Al Fawwar or Al Arroub are notoriously cramped and uncomfortable, lacking basic necessities, services, and infrastructure including hospitals and enough schools to accommodate the camp populations adequately.

These Palestinian refugee camps in the West Bank originally began as expansive tent-cities, however as time went on and it became clear a return would not happen anytime soon, stone structures gradually replaced tents, causing cramped, concrete quarters. Palestinian Refugee camps therefore have an exceptionally high population density where people often experience housing shortages and overcrowding. 

About Displaced Peoples In Palestine

Many are surprised to learn that there are, in fact, Palestinian refugees within Palestine itself. As a matter of fact, the Palestinian diaspora is the largest group of displaced peoples in the world, with approximately 7.1 million dispersed globally. This phenomenon finds its roots in two key years within the mid-20th century. The first is 1948 during the Nakba when Palestinians fled from their homes to escape Israeli militias, and the second is 1967 during the Six-Day War which ended in Israel occupying the Syrian Golan Heights, the West Bank, Gaza, and the Egyptian Sinai Peninsula, while also illegal annexing Jerusalem. While Jordan and Egypt had administered the West Bank and the Gaza Strip respectively between the time of the Nakba and the Six-Day War, these territories both fell under Israeli control thereafter. 

Over 700,000 Palestinians who fled during the Nakba from what was to become the new state of Israel to territories under Jordanian or Egyptian control thereafter became refugees, and their children to this day are still assigned refugee status. Palestinians also fled to other parts of the region as well including Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan, however the latter was the only country in the world to offer citizenship to the newly displaced refugees. Additionally, many eventually also migrated to other parts of the world such as Europe and the Americas.

Stay Between 1 and 13 Weeks in Hebron

Volunteers with Palestinian refugees can stay in Hebron from 1-13 weeks. They are able to choose their preferred start and end dates. The center hosts volunteers year-round (spring, summer, fall, and winter) for all individuals interested in working with Palestinian refugees in the West Bank, have an interest in political sciences, human rights or the political situation of the Middle East, wish to pursue a career in teaching, or are simply looking for ways to give back to the community.

Volunteer with Palestinian Refugee Children

This volunteer program is specifically geared towards helping and supporting children in both an educational and a vocational capacity, giving the children both practical life skills as well as helping in their academic progress. 

Volunteers in this program will have opportunities to work with refugee children in local schools as well as in Palestinian community centers within refugee camps. Workshops run by previous volunteers have 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  
  • Mathematics lessons 
  • Journalism workshops for high school students 
  • Medicine (First aid Courses)

In addition to these courses, volunteers will have opportunities to work with children of the local refugee camps where they often suffer from lack of schooling and educational support, and also crave fun and exciting projects in which they can immerse themselves and can build their self-esteem.

Volunteer with Palestinian Refugees in the Summer

While we operate our Palestinian Refugees Program year-round (Summer, Winter, Fall, and Spring), we also have summer volunteer programs specifically designed for students looking for opportunities to go abroad while also gaining university credit.

Through a partnership with the Palestinian Ministry of Education, Study in Palestine is able to offer academic credit to our currently enrolled university students. This makes for the perfect opportunity to travel to Palestine/Israel during your summer, gain hands-on experience in a related field, and work towards your degree all at the same time. 

Our Programs Make Great Impact 

Our Volunteer and Internship programs in the West Bank, Palestine have been meticulously researched, precisely tailored, and are a perfect fit for anyone seeking profound insights into daily Palestinian life, the rich Palestinian culture, the Levantine Arabic language, as well as legal affairs and human rights. Our goal is to effect lasting change within the Palestinian local community by fostering the exchange of ideas and promoting the concept of “walking in each other’s shoes.”

Volunteering and interning in Palestine represents an exceptional opportunity to genuinely transform not only your life but also the lives of others, including Palestinian children, women, refugees, youth, and community members in the West Bank, Palestine. Your contributions hold the power to make a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of Palestinians you engage with during your time with at Engage in Palestine.

Volunteer Program Opportunities:

At Study in Palestine, there are a wide variety of volunteering opportunities available for volunteers from all countries and backgrounds. Our range of programs are designed so that each volunteer can focus on a personal passion or area of expertise. All programs are 1 to 13 weeks long and are paired with Arabic language classes provided by the Center. Volunteers also have the chance to combine together different programs as part of their stay.

For volunteers interested in coming to Palestine, especially those keen on working with refugees, we highly recommend the following volunteering opportunities:

Internship in Palestine Program (1-3 months)Palestinian Laws & Legal Practices Internship
The Palestine and Israel in Context ProgramHuman Rights Program in West Bank 
Women’s Rights in Palestine internship ProgramMedicine & Healthcare in the West Bank
Teach English in the West Bank internshipVolunteer & Study Arabic in Palestine 
Volunteering with Palestinian Children in  the West BankVolunteer in Local Schools in Palestine
Teach for Palestine Program (2-3 Months)Volunteer in a Journalism Program in Palestine

Arabic Lessons for all our Volunteers

All our international volunteers in Palestine receive 3 hours of Arabic classes a week, or 12 hours a month, with one of our experienced Palestinian teachers. 

On top of this, all volunteers will also have multiple chances to meet many people in Palestine to learn and practice their Arabic speaking skills. Volunteers can freely choose what kind of Arabic they would like to learn during their time at the Study in Palestine.

Arabic Dialects to Study 

All volunteers at our base in Hebron will receive a choice of Arabic dialects to learn during their time in the West Bank. As part of your volunteer placement, we offer a choice of: 

  • Shami or Levantine Arabic (Amiyya dialect)
  • Colloquial Palestinian Arabic
  • Modern Standard Arabic (MSA)
  • a mixed Program: (Modern Standard Arabic & Shami Arabic)
  • We can help you choose which Arabic dialect to study if you are unsure.

Who Can Participate?

Study in Palestine does not discriminate on any basis. this includes a person’s nationality, ethnicity, religious standing, gender, sexual orientation, or by any other discernable means. The EC has a long history of welcoming people from around the globe. 

Participants have visited the Palestinian Study in Palestine from the following countries: The United Kingdom, the United States of America, 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 with a passion for helping refugees are welcomed! 

Study in Palestine has over 13 years of experience in welcoming international volunteers. Since opening in 2011, we have welcomed a broad range of applicants to participate in our volunteer with Palestinian refugee program. These include: 

  • University students who wish to have experience in the Palestine and Israel area 
  • Gap Year Students
  • Older or retired people seeking adventure
  • People who are interested to study and practice their Arabic
  • Participants who would like to know more about Israel/Palestine and the political and humanitarian situation there
  • College Students who wish to write articles or conduct research in Palestine
  • People who are interested to spend a short time in a community and family setting
  • Everyone who is willing to help Palestinians and make a difference in the area

One thing all our volunteers share is an open mind and a willingness to learn and engage with the Palestinian culture and customs. They arrive with a smile on their face, and we do our best to ensure that they are still smiling when they leave, returning home with fond memories.

Stay with a Palestinian Host Family 

When residing in Hebron, Palestine, volunteers will have the option to either live in a dorm or with a Palestinian host family – there are advantages to both cases. For those that reside in a dorm, there is extra time to become acquainted with the other participants and volunteers of the Study in Palestine. Further, the dorms are located next to Hebron’s metropolitan center, providing ample opportunity to explore the City of Hebron with fellow dormmates which holds many new and exciting experiences! 

The second option available to participants is to stay with a Palestinian host family. The benefit of this option is that participants receive a firsthand view into Palestinian life, customs, and culture. In addition, residing with a Palestinian host family provides ample opportunities to become acquainted with Palestinian home cuisine and family structures. Further, it is likely that participants residing with a Palestinian host family will be invited to family gatherings and cultural events, guaranteeing a cultural immersive experience! 

Interacting with Palestinian Culture

Volunteers in Hebron, West Bank, will find that the majority of Palestinian people are incredibly friendly and open to foreigners. When participants utilize their Arabic skills, no matter how developed, they will find that most Palestinians are enthusiastic and patient communicators – eager that people have taken an interest in their language and culture.

In addition, Palestine is located at the heart of the Levant (the area associated with the eastern Mediterranean), providing ample opportunity to visit cultural sights, historical monuments, as well as other landmarks! Although Palestine faces difficult circumstances, participants will find that the Palestinian people are friendly and open – and that Hebron itself is a safe place to learn, intern, and volunteer! 

Daily/Weekly Schedule for Volunteers

Volunteering with Palestinian refugees through the Study in Palestine requires commitment and flexibility. Volunteers are expected to work approximately 30 hours a week between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm (Saturday – Thursday). Volunteers will have two days off per week, one mandatory day off, Friday, and another of their choice. 

Breakfast will be provided for every workday morning at the Center, being made from a diverse range of food groups and meant to prepare volunteers for the workday ahead. In addition, breakfast will be shared between all the Center’s staff, volunteers, and interns; this is designed to create stronger communal bonds throughout the Center, as well as touch bases with all participants on their experiences and ambitions for the coming day. The Center will also run regular excursion trips around Hebron and neighboring cities throughout the week, connecting volunteers with local activists and organizations. Evenings are usually free, allowing volunteers the chance to explore the city of Hebron, its many restaurants, shops and historical sights. 

In addition to their daily work related tasks, volunteers will have their Arabic language courses which will require much study and preparation. Participants’ schedules fill up quickly and their time in the program will go by quickly. However, volunteers are here to complete a mission and all their work will be towards that stated goal. 

Traveling to Hebron, Palestine 

Traveling to Hebron, Palestine will be a long journey, however there are many feasible options available to international volunteers – and Study in Palestine is happy to provide assistance. Although there are some hoops when traveling to Hebron, the Palestinian Study in Palestine has all the resources you need to travel in an efficient, safe, and practical manner.  Please read our articles below on flying to Palestine, getting to Hebron, planning your trip, and Israeli/Palestinian taxi services. 

Language of the Program

All of our volunteer programs are geared toward English speakers. However, and for the sake of immersion, less English will be spoken in higher levels of Arabic lessons. When navigating through Palestine, participants will be required to utilize their Arabic skills to the best of their ability to create a full immersive experience.

General Information Regarding Program Costs and Components: 

Place of ProgramHebron, West Bank, Palestine 
Program Fees (Per Week) 250 Euros per Week (for short term programs)
Area of volunteering Volunteer with Palestinian children
Volunteer with Palestinian refugees 
Work in Palestinian refugee camp
Suitable forStudents of Middle Eastern studies
Arabic studies
Political sciences
Human aid workers
Anyone who is interested in the human rights situation in the West Bank
Age18-70 Years Old
Minimum Duration1 Week 
Maximum Duration12 Weeks
Weekly Arabic hours 3 hours per week
One Teaching Hour45 Minutes
Number of Volunteers Variable (3-5 Volunteers)
Class periodsMorning (9:30 – 12:30)Afternoon (12:30 – 17:00)
Starting/Ending DatesFlexible – Anytime
Application DeadlineNo Deadline
Program ReviewsReviews and Ratings on Gooverseas 
Reviews and Ratings on Goabroad
Video testimonials
University CreditAvailable
Program Language English 

Program Fees Cover:

  • Housing in Hebron 
  • Arabic Language courses
  • Center’s operating costs
  • Breakfast (Mon – Fri) 
  • Group excursions 

Program Reviews 

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 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 also 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 the Study in Palestine’s 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. 

Check out our many great reviews here:

The Palestinian Refugees Volunteer Program in particular is perfect for anyone looking to become involved in improving the health, education, and rights of refugees in the West Bank, Palestine.  

To Conclude

There is both a great need and a great variety of ways in which you can provide assistance to local Palestinian refugees through the Study in Palestine. If you still need guidance, feel free to contact us by email or on our social media accounts. 

How to Apply

If you are interested our volunteer opportunities in Palestine, please write to us at Info@ecpalestine.org. We should respond to your initial inquiry within 1 – 2 business days.

In the subject line of your email, indicate “Volunteer with Palestinian Refugees.” Upon replying to you we will attach an application form, which you will fill out and return to us to begin the on-boarding process.

Teaching English to Palestinian RefugeesTeach English to Palestinian children internship
Summer Volunteer programs in PalestinePalestine and Israel in Context Internship
Palestinian Laws & Legal Practices InternshipVolunteer to teach English in the West Bank

How To Get Further Information 

For more information, please visit our website: https://ecpalestine.org/

EC Website: https://excellencenter.org/

Volunteer in Palestine: https://volunteerinpalestine.org/

Study in Palestine: https://studyinpalestine.org/

Whatsapp:+972 599 479 880

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