The Human Rights Internship Program in the West Bank, Palestine is a great opportunity for those interested in gaining experience in fields such as humanitarian aid, diplomacy and international law whilst building their Arabic language skills and intercultural competency. Interns on this program will be working to raise awareness of the situation in the West Bank, while also giving voice to local communities. The interns will be at the forefront of relationship-building between international visitors and locals.
Engage in Palestine offers this flexible program year-round (Summer, Winter, Fall, and Spring), for periods of between 1 and 13 weeks, with the choice of start and end dates entirely up to the participant. In order to better inform participants of the complexities surrounding human rights in Palestine, Engage in Palestine will organise visits to human rights organizations, Palestinian community centers, local activists, Palestinian refugee camps and Palestinian families.
The Human Rights Internship program is open to students of all levels, native and non-native English speakers, graduate and undergraduate students of Middle Eastern studies, Arabic studies, political sciences, scholars conducting case studies on Palestine and Israel, human aid worker, professionals, researchers, retirees and anyone who would like to help and contribute meaningfully to the Palestinian community in the West Bank.
If you’re looking to volunteer opportunities in the Middle East, Jordan, Syria or Lebanon and have an interest in Israeli-Palestinian relations, you will find this internship an ideal opportunity to gain the relevant experience while learning or improving your Arabic language skills at the same time.
Summer Programs
Whilst we operate our Human Rights Program in Hebron year-round, we also offer summer Human Rights internship programs designed specifically for students looking to travel abroad while gaining university credits. These programs give students the opportunity to travel during summertime, gaining hands-on experience in their relevant field while working towards their degree at the same time.
If you’re an undergraduate, graduate, professional or retired individual looking for Human Rights volunteer opportunity in Palestine, the West Bank, Israel, Middle East or wider Arabic world, this internship program is for you.
Law and Human Rights Internship
The Palestinian Laws curriculum seeks to give a thorough overview of the legislation that governs the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Internships are available year-round for periods ranging from one to thirteen weeks.
This curriculum is suitable for law, social science, and human rights students, as well as anybody interested in the Palestinian legal system. During the internship interns will visit local Palestinian lawyers and human rights organizations, legal religious institutions and clinics in the city of Hebron, Palestine.
Internship Program Description
The Human Rights Internship in the West Bank, Palestine is largely knowledge-based, focusing on building participant knowledge around human rights and legal transgressions in Palestine, whilst also raising awareness of these issues.
During the internship you will be working in cooperation with international organizations, local activists and experts on international law for the benefit of the Palestinian people. To help accomplish this, the Human Rights Program is divided into four sections:
- Building knowledge about human rights and the political situation
- Constructing an original program by coordinating and working with local activists
- Studying Arabic and learning about Palestinian culture and daily life
- Organising workshops for Palestinian youth, teaching English to Palestinian children and refugees and writing articles
What Activities Can Be Organized When Interning?
There are several activities appropriate for all levels in the Human Rights Internship program that you may participate in during your stay, including:
- Educating Palestinian school and university students about basic rights
- Visiting UN buildings and Human Rights NGO Headquarters
- Visiting Palestinian refugee camps in and around Hebron.
- Writing human rights essays, with an emphasis on Palestine and Gaza
- Studying International Human Rights laws
- Creating a catalog of NGOs and describing and analyzing their impact on human rights violations across the world
And might include:
- Collaboration with journalist project students to create a short documentary
- Other activities (We happily encourage suggestions)
Participants on the Human Rights Program in Hebron must meet the following criteria:
Required:
- To be aged between 18 and 75
- An ability to communicate in English
- Willingness to meet and interact with a diverse range of Palestinians
- An eagerness to learn
Not required:
- An ability to speak Arabic
- Travel experience
- Teaching experience or qualifications
- To be a native speaker of English
What do you receive during your time in Palestine?
Volunteers on the Human Rights Program are entitled to the following benefits while participating in the program:
- Three hours of Arabic lessons per week.
- Visits to Palestinian refugee camps and an active role in organizing activities for Palestinian children.
- Experience of working with non-profit organizations, humanitarian and human rights law firms, NGOs and other charitable organizations.
- Visits to human rights organizations in Palestine.
- Meetings with human rights activists, workers, law teachers, students and NGOs.
- Exposure to daily life in Hebron and to Palestinian culture and society.
- Accommodation with either a Palestinian host family or in our male apartment
- The opportunity to eat and enjoy local Palestinian foods and desserts.
- Attendance at Palestinian cultural nights featuring entertainment and activities.
- Opportunities to visit unique tourist attractions from a particularly native perspective, including Bethlehem, Ramallah, Nablus, Tulkarm, Qalqilyah, Jenin and the Dead Sea near Jericho.
- Access to nearby cities as well as in those in Jordan, including Akko, Herzliya, Beersheva, Eilat, Tiberias, Netanya, Safed, Haifa, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Masada, Amman, Aqaba, Wadi Rum and Nazareth.
- Assistance from attentive Arabic teachers, each with an excellent educational background who will be ready and willing to help you.
- A participant’s certificate upon completion.
Become Informed
The Human Rights Internship program in Hebron, Palestine begins with an overview of the Geneva Convention and international law surrounding human rights. You will then learn how these international agreements are being violated in Palestine.
In order to understand how these violations take place, you will venture into Hebron and the surrounding areas to speak with local organizations and representatives including, among others: community leaders, politicians, business owners, employees, teachers and university students. You will also have the opportunity to visit the United Nations Headquarters in Hebron in addition to other notable organizations and NGOs.
The Current Situation In The West Bank, Palestine
According to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights’ (OHCHR) , in a report released on 5 March 2015 and relating to the period of 26 May 2013 to 31 October 2014, it was noted that there were “widespread violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law.”
The pervasiveness of military occupation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and East Jerusalem has meant that adherence to international law is limited, with the independent international NGO, Human Rights Watch, noting “severe and discriminatory restrictions on Palestinians’ human rights.” As a result of your meetings with local organizations, you will gain a better understanding of the state of human rights in the West Bank.
Educational Workshops
Once you have gained a sufficient theoretical understanding of human rights (with special attention paid to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Geneva Convention) you will begin the second stage of the program: applying this knowledge in practice. Designing and implementing educational workshops in partnership with local organizations, you will use your creativity, expertise and skills to formulate unique and impactful projects for the benefit of the local community.
Previous workshop presentations have included the making of documentaries and other visual media, teaching English to Palestinian children, conducting Q&As with local Palestinians, publishing articles and pamphlets and designing digital content.
Arabic Culture and Language Immersion
All of our international volunteers and interns receive 3 hours of Arabic lessons a week with a knowledgeable, qualified and attentive teacher. These classes are designed so that participants can connect with the people with whom they are working on a fundamental level. Making the effort to learn the local language is also seen as a mark of respect for their culture, and it is something which is invariably appreciated by all concerned.
During your stay in Palestine you will meet new people on a daily basis, which means that you will have ample opportunity to practice the Arabic you have been learning in class. Both Modern Standard Arabic and Colloquial Arabic are taught by our teachers.
Participants in the Human Rights Internship in Palestine program will also take part in centre-led excursions to various historical and politically significant sites within Palestine. While these excursions will generally include the Old City of Hebron and the neighboring cities of Jerusalem and Bethlehem, tours of the refugee camps will also give the participant a better understanding of Palestine’s contemporary political situation.
Live With a Palestinian Family
During their time in Hebron, interns will have the opportunity to reside with a Palestinian host family! This valuable experience will immerse them in Levantine Arabic, as well as providing them with a rare look into Palestinian home life and culture. Interns will take part in family activities, attend Palestinian cultural events, become familiar with daily life in Hebron and much more!
Please note: Homestays are only guaranteed for female students and are subject to availability for male students, so we recommend applying for the program of your choice as early as possible in order to secure a homestay.
Who Is This Program For?
The Human Rights Internship in Palestine program would be ideal for anyone who has a passion for human rights and who wants to ensure that Palestinians have access to their fundamental rights. For those interested in working for non-profit organizations in a humanitarian or legal capacity, volunteering on this program will gain the intern invaluable experience.
This program will also benefit university students, as Engage in Palestine can provide academic credit to program participants through our partnership with the Palestinian Ministry of Education. For those recently graduated, this program would be a great opportunity for real-world application of their specialty.
Program Benefits
As a volunteer with the Human Rights Program, you will not only gain insight into the political, social and cultural parameters which heavily influence the lives of Palestinians, but you will also be able to make positive changes whilst enjoying rewarding experiences. It is an ideal opportunity for young professionals and current or recently graduated university students to gain experience of working with nonprofit and humanitarian organizations, as well as with law firms specializing in human rights and NGOs. As a further benefit, the interns will more than likely make lasting connections with the people they encounter.
In addition to learning first-hand about one of the most politically divisive regions in the world, you will be supported in your endeavors throughout your stay. You will also be provided with accommodation with a Palestinian host family which will, in conjunction with your conversations with locals, ensure a fully immersive experience.
Your Impact
The Human Rights Internship in the West Bank, Palestine is a well-researched program suitable for anyone wishing to gain an insight into the daily lives of Palestinians under the current political and military parameters.
Ultimately, we aim to make a long-term difference in the lives of refugees, Palestinian children, youth and the general population through the exchange of ideas between Palestinians and our international volunteers.
Great Impact On The Palestinian Community
This volunteer program aims to make a long term difference to the local Palestinian community through the principle of “walking in each other’s shoes.” Volunteering here will not only leave an impression on your life, but also on the lives of Palestinian children, refugees and other members of the community.
Who Can Participate?
Engage in Palestine does not discriminate on any basis and this includes nationality, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation or any other basis. We have a long history of welcoming people from around the globe, and people from all walks of life, backgrounds and identities have come here to volunteer. All are welcome to volunteer with us!
Previous participants of our programs have hailed from the following countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Interacting With Palestinian Culture
Participants in the Human Rights Internship in Palestine program will find that the majority of Palestinians are incredibly friendly and open to foreigners. If participants utilize their Arabic skills, no matter how well developed, they will find that most Palestinians are enthusiastic and patient communicators who will be delighted 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 opportunities for visiting cultural sights, historical monuments and many other landmarks. Although circumstances can at times be difficult for Palestinians, you will find that the people are friendly and open and that Palestine in general is a safe place to visit!
Schedule For Volunteers
Volunteering with Engage in Palestine requires commitment and flexibility. On average, volunteers work approximately 30 hours per week from 10:00am to 5:00pm with two days off (on Friday, as the center is closed and on another day of your choosing).
Breakfast is provided every morning at the center and typically consists of bread, olive oil and za’atar, hummus, labneh, baba ghanoush, falafel, cucumber, tomato and bell pepper – basically all of the essentials you will find in a traditional Palestinian morning meal. Custom dictates that center staff, volunteers and interns all sit together during breakfast, which allows people to touch base whilst also creating strong communal bonds.
The center also facilitates regular excursions into Hebron and neighboring cities throughout the week. Evenings, however, are usually free, giving you the chance to explore the city and its many restaurants, shops and historical sites on your own or in the company of your colleagues.
In addition to your contribution to the program, you will also be attending Arabic lessons which will require some study and preparation. With all these activities you will find that your schedule quickly fills up and that your stay in Palestine will be a busy but extremely rewarding one.
Traveling To Hebron
Reaching Engage in Palestine’s center in Hebron might seem like a long journey but it need not be arduous. Although there are some obstacles when traveling to Hebron, Engage in Palestine has compiled a list of resources which should ensure that you reach us in an efficient, safe and practical manner. Please read the articles below on planning your trip, flying to Palestine, the different routes to Hebron and the Israeli and 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
Additionally, Engage in Palestine staff can arrange for transport from the airport via private taxi. This is the easiest, fastest and least confusing method of reaching Hebron, although it can be quite expensive with total costs coming to around 160 Euros. Please let us know if you are interested in this option.
If you have any further enquiries about travelling to Palestine, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team. Our contact information can be found at the bottom of this page.
In Which Language Is The Program Run?
All of our Human Rights programs are geared toward English speakers. For the sake of language immersion, the higher the Arabic course level, the less English will be utilized in the classroom. Students will also have the opportunity to use their Arabic skills when travelling throughout Palestine, which will help to create a fully immersive experience for them.
General Information Regarding Program Costs and Components
| Internship Program Location | Hebron, Palestine |
| Program Fees | 250€ (Euro) per week |
| Age Limit | 18-70 years old |
| Duration | 1-13 weeks |
| Arabic Lessons per Week | 3 hours |
| Class Duration | 45 minutes |
| Number of Participants | 1-5 |
| Program Focus | Palestinian human rights Human rights in the West Bank Human rights issues and violations in Hebron |
| Related Subjects | Middle East studies Arabic Language and Literature Political science Case studies on the Israeli-Palestinian situation Humanitarian aid |
| Start/End Dates | Flexible to fit the participant’s schedule |
| Application Deadline | No Deadline |
| University Credit | Available |
| Program Language | English |
Tel Aviv Airport Pickup | Available (Fee applies) |
- Community breakfast at the center each morning
- Accommodation
- Pre-departure and in-country support
- Arabic classes (3 hours a week)
- Certificate of completion
- Visits to different institutions in the city of Hebron, e.g. the old city, 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€ Euro, payable at the time of registration.
Awards And Recognitions
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 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” and “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 Engage in Palestine has had on the global travel community. Across its range of programs, Engage in Palestine continues to receive excellent reviews from travelers.
- +730 reviews (94%) on gooverseas.com
- +160 reviews (96%) on goabroad.com
- Volunteer for the Human Rights Program in Palestine video testimonials
How Do I Get A Visa To Visit Palestine?
Most of our volunteers in Palestine get a tourist visa for three months when they fly to Israeli airports or cross from Jordan to the West Bank.
Generally, no prior visa is needed for Americans, Canadians and most Europeans in order to enter Palestine but please refer to the visa exemption agreement for further information. Upon your arrival at the Israeli Airports of Tel Aviv or Eilat, you will be granted a tourist visa that is valid for 90 days. This is sufficient for participation in Engage in Palestine’s programs and will enable you to travel around Palestine and Israel easily.
Summary
Engage in Palestine’s Human Rights Program emphasizes the exchange of information and learning, as well as the raising of awareness of human rights in Palestine. During the internship program, volunteers will work closely with local organizations in the West Bank such as human rights organizations, law firms, charities and activists.
As a result, Interns will become better informed about issues surrounding human rights. When visiting the various Palestinian organizations, participants will engage with local Palestinians in dialogue about their rights and liberties as declared in the Geneva Convention and the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Additionally, interns will immerse themselves in Arabic language and culture as they visit local Palestinian historical sites, areas of political significance, cultural festivals and more. For those looking to contribute to the advancement of universal human rights while experiencing a new cultural setting, Engage in Palestine’s Human Rights Program is a wonderful opportunity to do just that. We hope to meet you soon.
How to Apply
If you are interested in participating in our Human Rights Program, please, write to us at Info@ecpalestine.org. We should be able to respond to your initial inquiry within 1 to 2 business days.
In the subject line of your email write “Human Rights Internship in the West Bank, Palestine.” Upon responding we will attach an application form which you will fill out and return to us to begin the process.
Related Internship Programs– Please Click To Read
Find us online
Whatsapp:+972 599 479 880
Website: https://ecpalestine.org/
EC Website: https://excellencenter.org/
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