Best Internship Organizations in Palestine in 2026/2027: Are you seeking an internship opportunity that offers more than just work experience? An internship in Palestine offers a unique chance to gain hands-on experience, immerse yourself in a rich cultural landscape, and make meaningful contributions to local communities. Whether you’re interested in working with NGOs, media organizations, social enterprises, or educational institutions, spending time in Palestine provides insights and experiences that are impossible to get from a textbook.

Living and working in Palestine offers the chance to build lifelong connections with local communities, fellow interns, and professionals dedicated to making a difference. In this guide, we explore the benefits of interning in Palestine, what makes a great internship organization, and how to choose the right program for you. Whether you’re passionate about human rights, journalism, education, law, or social work, this article will provide valuable insights into the best internship opportunities available and how you can get involved in this life-changing experience. 

Why Choose an Internship in Palestine?

Apart from being a beautiful place with very friendly, welcoming people, Palestine offers numerous qualities that will make your internship experience rich and meaningful. 

Real-World Experience

An internship in Palestine offers the kind of experience you cannot get from a page. Here, you will have the opportunity to meet people from local non-governmental organisations, media outlets, journalists, social enterprises, and educational institutions, and to learn more about the realities of working in a conflict-affected area. 

Cultural & Political Insights

Spending time immersed in the Palestinian community will give you a much deeper understanding of the Palestinian context, providing cultural and political insights through firsthand experience and hearing others’ stories. It also allows you to watch history in motion, especially since the situation continues to change so rapidly. 

Networking Opportunities

If you are considering an internship in Palestine, chances are that you’ll meet some people with similar interests during your time here. Through spending time with the community in Palestine, you’ll meet and develop close connections with local people – from the staff at your chosen program and the people working in other NGOs to the staff who work at your local coffee shop. At Engage in Palestine, our volunteers often form close friendships and enjoy traveling together. There are also great opportunities to meet with organizations or professionals in areas you have a distinct interest in, and grow your own networks.

Personal Growth

An internship in Palestine provides ample opportunities for personal growth. Through your work, you will develop skills in areas like adaptability, problem-solving, and cross-cultural communication. These are all crucial assets for a well-rounded professional life. Many volunteers who come to spend time in Palestine often say that their time here not only shapes their professional trajectory but also their personal understanding of Palestine, conflict, peace, and the world. 

What Makes a Great Internship Organization?

Many things can make a great internship organization, but these are the four points that we think are the most important to consider when looking at prospective programs:

Well-Structured Programs

Great internship organizations offer programs with clear learning objectives and guidance to help achieve them. But they should also provide flexibility to accommodate individual goals. Ensure that the program content of your chosen organisation aligns with your intentions for participating in the program. Also, make sure the program duration and timing align with your availability. 

Impactful Work

Spending time in Palestine offers numerous benefits to individual interns and provides a valuable opportunity to make a positive impact in the local community. For example, intern programs that support the education of children and vulnerable groups are critical as they pass on valuable skills to people who need them. However, even just the presence of international people in Palestine is supportive, showing solidarity with the cause. For an internship outside your own country, try to find an organisation run by locals. 

Diverse Fields of Work

While some internship organisations might focus on one particular area, it’s great to explore those that offer a range of programs. Some common internship themes in Palestine include education, human rights, journalism, and refugee support. Spending time in an organization with a range of programs offers broader opportunities for experience in your program, especially if the programming is flexible and tailored to your needs and interests. 

Positive Reviews & Alumni Success Stories

Don’t just take it from the organizations themselves! A good internship organization should be affiliated with a third-party body that allows people to leave honest reviews about their experience freely. This ensures you can hear directly from people with expertise in your organization of choice, helping you choose the right option for your needs and interests. 

Example Of An Internship Organization in Palestine

Name: Engage in Palestine

About: Volunteers in Palestine was founded by dedicated local community servants to create a bridge between Palestine and the world. 

They offer educational, cultural, social, and community programs to a diverse range of international students, interns, and volunteers. With a wide variety of topics to choose from, Engage in Palestine has something for everyone interested in learning about and experiencing life in Palestine.

Since its inception in 2011, Engage in Palestine has offered a rich and immersive learning experience to over 2000 international visitors, providing significant benefits to the local community, including children, Palestinian refugees, youth, and women. 

List of Internship Programs Offered in Palestine

Our Internship programs in Palestine are especially ideal for students and individuals seeking summer volunteer and internship opportunities in the West Bank, Palestine, Israel, or the Middle East. Here, you may find the list of our internship programs in Palestine:

1. 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 full 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.

2. Human Rights Internship in Palestine

Human Rights in Palestine Internship Program: Engage 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.

Engage 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.

3. 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 Engage 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.

4. 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.

5. 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, Engage 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. 

6. Intern in Local Palestinian Schools Program

Join the Intern in Local Palestinian Schools Program and make a tremendous impact on the lives of Palestinian children, refugees, and youth! Our internship program in Hebron, West Bank, is open to everyone. This is whether you’re a native or non-native English speaker, a student, a graduate, a professional, or a retiree. If you’re passionate about improving local Palestinian students’ English and life skills, this is your chance to join us and make a difference. We’d love to have you on board!

As an intern in the West Bank, you get to visit local Palestinian schools, refugee camps, and villages around Hebron. You’ll contribute meaningfully to the West Bank, Palestine, and Palestinian communities here. Furthermore, you will help Palestinian students gain essential skills and knowledge while learning about their culture and way of life. It’s a perfect internship opportunity for anyone passionate about education, Palestinian community development, and making a positive impact in the West Bank.

7. Write Articles About Palestine Program

The Volunteer to Write Articles about Palestine Program is designed for participants with a background and interest in journalism, reporting, and recording in various formats, as well as an interest in telling human stories. This program allows and encourages participants to immerse themselves in Palestinian culture and form connections with residents in Hebron. We encourage reporting of the Center to be fair and unbiased, to tell the stories of the people who live in Hebron and the work of the Center.

Whereas media coverage of Israel and Palestine focuses on the ongoing conflict and relationship between the parties, writing articles with our center will allow you to experience and recount the experiences and everyday life of residents and communities. International communication is vital for many Palestinians, who want to feel connected to and recognized by the global community.

Daily Work and Responsibilities

This varies between programs. Ordinarily, the day will start at 10 am with breakfast at the Center, followed by Arabic classes. The afternoon is reserved for program activities. For example, people doing the Human Rights internship would spend time meeting with local organisations and individuals who dedicate their time to human rights action and advocacy, visiting refugee camps, and seeing some of the small villages that face daily threats from settlements. This allows interns to learn about the situation in greater depth through people’s lived experiences. They also have the opportunity to work or co-create events or seminars with the organisations that genuinely interest them. 

Support and Mentorship

Staff at Engage in Palestine offer a wealth of support and local knowledge. They are always available to assist with any questions, customize internship programs according to participant interests, or provide advice on connecting with other organizations that interest the intern. 

Cultural and Community Engagement

From orientation week onward, internship participants actively engage with the community and its cultural life. This includes visits to Hebron’s old city and the demarcation between Palestinian-run H1 and Israeli-run H2, the famous Ibrahimi Mosque, local craft businesses such as ceramics and hand-blown glass, and the last authentic Keffiyeh factory in the West Bank. 

Testimonials and Reviews

Engage in Palestine has a 97% score from 900 alumni reviews on Go Overseas. Sara, 25, is a recent intern from the United States:

“At home, I am a welder, but I have a love for journalism and have been wanting to do work in journalism and human rights. I chose the journalism program to gain experience, expand my portfolio, and learn about Palestine firsthand. I also have always wanted to visit the Middle East in general and learn Arabic, so to me, it was a perfect opportunity that ended up being an amazing experience.”

Additional Benefits of Interning in Palestine

Exploring the Country

Doing your internship in Palestine allows you to explore the beautiful West Bank. Many areas are worth exploring, all with cultural, historical, and religious significance. You might travel to cosmopolitan Ramallah, the political and NGO center of Palestine, or explore the winding streets of Bethlehem’s old city and visit the Church of the Nativity. Hebron is the economic capital of the West Bank, with a bustling marketplace and the beautiful Ibrahimi Mosque.

Language Learning

One of the key benefits of doing an internship in Palestine is the ability to learn or improve your Arabic skills! One of the most spoken languages in the world (and, we think, one of the most beautiful), Arabic is a handy skill to have, especially the Levantine colloquial Arabic, which is used across Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and Palestine. It’s also a great way to meet and speak with locals while you’re living in Palestine. Check if your internship program includes any Arabic classes. 

Volunteering & Extra Activities

Your time in Palestine doesn’t have to be all about your internship program! There are many other activities you can do once you get settled in. Some interns might participate in in-person volunteering with various local NGOs and organisations. For example, some volunteers from Engage in Palestine have gone on to spend time at a local social enterprise to help women find employment or to spend the weekend at a local village in Masafer Yatta, supporting protective presence efforts.

Affordable Living Costs

Doing an internship in Palestine is significantly more budget-friendly than in many other places around the world. While the cost of living has risen significantly almost everywhere, you can still eat, study, and stay in Palestine relatively cheaply. Check what is included in your internship program’s fees; some include accommodation, some food, and language classes, making it an incredibly cost-effective option, especially if you’re planning to stay a month or three. 

How to Apply & Practical Tips

Application Process

First, check the eligibility requirements to make sure you can apply for your chosen program. Then, check the application steps. Do they require any proof of prior learning? Do you need to write an application letter? Once you know whether you can apply, follow the steps on the school’s website or email them for more information. 

Visa & Travel Information

Once you have been accepted into your chosen program, it’s time to start planning your trip to Palestine! The first thing to know is that there is no separate visa to enter Palestine – you will need to get a tourist visa from Israel on arrival. We have some tips on traveling from Jordan to Palestine to help you with the process. As of January 1st, 2025, anyone traveling to Palestine must complete an Electronic Travel Authorization form before departure.

Budget & Cost of Living

The next key consideration is budgeting for your study. Things to consider are tuition fees, accommodation, travel costs, and daily expenses. At some schools, such as Engage in Palestine, tuition fees include accommodation and breakfast. Choosing a program like this can significantly reduce your costs. The currency in Palestine is the New Israeli Shekel. You can use a currency converter tool to see the rate and check websites like Numbeo to get a sense of the current cost of living for everyday expenses.

Safety & Local Etiquette

Contrary to what you might hear in the news, life for internationals in Palestine is incredibly safe. Getting into the country can be a little bit difficult at times, as Israeli border security can be stringent depending on the security situation. Our best advice is not to mention Palestine or the West Bank or learning Arabic, and instead talk about doing tourism in Israel. Once you are across the border, it’s really easy to travel to your destination. 

Summary

If you’re considering an internship abroad, Palestine is definitely worth considering! With a wealth of great programs, a welcoming environment, and a chance to make a real difference, it might be time to start planning your travel now! 

To learn more about joining Engage in Palestine as an intern, or for more details about any of our programs, please get in touch with us via info@ecpalestine.org. We look forward to welcoming you to Palestine! 

Find Us Online

Do you have questions about the Best Internship Organizations in Palestine or about one of our programs? Contact us via:

Email: info@ecpalestine.org

WhatsApp: +972 599 479 880

Website: https://volunteerinpalestine.org/

EC Website: https://excellencenter.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

Tags: Best internships West Bank, Internships in Palestine, NGO internships in Palestine, Palestine internship programs