Internship Programs in Palestine: Are you looking for an internship opportunity that goes beyond just work experience? An internship in Palestine offers an unparalleled opportunity to gain real-world 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. 

Engage in Palestine offers a wide range of internship programs for people wanting to come and spend time learning about and making a difference in the West Bank. 

Types of Internship Programs in Palestine Available

1. Palestine and Israel Internship

This program offers a unique opportunity for individuals passionate about social justice, human rights, and international relations. Interns will have the chance to work on projects in Palestine, meet Palestinian people directly affected by the occupation, and gain insight into the complex political and social dynamics of the region.

Through collaboration with local NGOs, Palestinian community organizations, and advocacy groups, interns will contribute to peace-building efforts and engage with Palestinian communities. This is a meaningful opportunity for those seeking to make a tangible impact in one of the most historically significant regions in the world.

Internship Programs in Palestine

“I’ve participated in extensive activities while here: I’ve taught English, visited refugee camps, hiked in the countryside, talked to lawyers, professors, students, government ministers, artists, and activists. I’ve explored Palestinian towns and cities like Hebron, Bethlehem, Jericho, Ramallah, and Nablus, and visited Israeli settlements.

Palestine will forever have a lasting and fond place in my heart; it’s absolutely unlike anywhere I’ve been, and I’ve loved every second here. It’s effortlessly interesting, and almost impossible to tune out – there’s always something going on in the streets or the Centre that catches your attention.” – Luca

This program provides a unique opportunity for individuals interested in law, legal studies, and human rights. Interns will gain hands-on experience working with local legal organizations, Palestinian lawyers, and human rights groups, contributing to important legal and advocacy work in Palestine.

Interns will explore the complexities of Palestinian legal systems, the impact of Israeli occupation on Palestinian law, and the challenges faced by the Palestinian legal community. This is an excellent opportunity for those passionate about law and human rights, providing valuable insights into legal practices in a historically significant region.

“As part of the Palestinian Laws and Legal internship, I got the unique opportunity to visit a diverse range of places all over Palestine. Additionally, one of the great things about the center is the flexibility. If you show an interest in a particular area, they are more than happy to accommodate you on various trips, even if they are for a different program. As such, I feel like I received an even richer, interdisciplinary understanding of Palestine.” – Kat

“On my programme, I also met with a lawyer for the Sharia courts and found out more about the origins and sources of the modern Palestinian legal system. I also had the privilege of sitting in on Mamon’s Human Rights presentation and his ability to turn a few PowerPoint slides into an academic debate and environment of intellectual creation meant that we not only learned the history of the Israeli occupation of Palestine and how it came to be, as well as the devastating human rights violations that this has inflicted on the Palestinians, but also heard each other’s reasons to be here and what we thought was the solution to such suffering.

There is certainly no better way to understand the occupation than by being here, and learning about the law and history from not only highly educated teachers and mentors here at the Centre but also people who have stayed kind-hearted and extraordinarily willing to help and educate at no personal gain for them.” Jaskiran

3. Human Rights Internships

Learn about the human rights situation in Palestine from local NGOs and activists who are working every day to fight injustice. This program gives you the opportunity to see past the headlines and gain a deeper understanding of the human rights abuses happening in the West Bank, and arm yourself with the knowledge and stories to advocate for Palestine. 

Interns will meet with local human rights actors, gaining a much deeper knowledge about the current situation and the difficulties facing the local population. 

“I spent 1 week with Engage in Palestine as part of their Human Rights program. I had some idea of what to expect before coming here, but I had never been to the region before, so I still had many questions. During my time in Hebron, the staff at Engage in Palestine were incredibly welcoming and helpful, and provided me with an experience I will never forget. 

Throughout the week, I had the chance to study Arabic, engage with the local community, and volunteer as a protective presence for villagers in the Masafer Yatta region, all while gaining a better understanding of the situation in the West Bank. I had the opportunity to experience Palestinian culture and truly felt welcomed by the local community. I always felt safe and would recommend this program to anyone considering it!” – Chris

4. Refugee Support and Community Development Internships

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 and 19 camps in the West Bank alone. 

Refugee support programs allow individuals to work directly with Palestinian refugees, supporting children and youth through education and recreational activities, collaborating with community centers and NGOs, and creating impactful workshops. This program is Ideal for those passionate about human rights, education, or humanitarian aid. 

“I did a lot of site visits with other volunteers from various programmes. I went to Fawwar Camp a few times, and I got the chance to speak to community leaders, social workers, and the young children living in the camp. It was very eye-opening, especially since I assumed that refugee camps are filled with tents, but Fawwar Camp (like many other Palestinian refugee camps) has buildings gradually erected by the refugees themselves.” – Hannah

5. The Internship in the West Bank, Palestine

The Internship in the West Bank, Palestine 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 internship opportunity involves participating in a highly respected community development initiative run by Engage in Palestine.

To facilitate a deep cultural experience, the Center organizes visits to various institutions, including both Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and Palestinian governmental organizations, factories, and Palestinian refugee camps in Hebron. This first hand exposure provides an exciting opportunity for interns to gain insight into daily life in Palestine. The program offers various internships at the Center to cater to different interests and career goals.

At the center, I participated in a variety of activities. We visited the municipality, Palestinian activists, the human rights organization, art galleries, factories, education centers, medical centers, villages, the old city, and refugee camps. 

The most eye opening experience was when we visited various activists’ houses in the H2 area because we were able to see the real impact of the occupation in Palestine. At Engage in Palestine I had the opportunity to help teach English classes, because of this I got to meet the most amazing people. 

All the students I had were a joy to be around, and they really helped me understand Palestinian culture and engage in the culture.”

Duration and Program Structure

One thing to consider when you are thinking of coming to spend time in Palestine is how long you’ll be here for, and the structure of the program that you undertake. Below are some useful tips that might help you decide!

Short-term vs. long-term internships

Internships come in a variety of shapes and sizes, depending on the needs of the organisation, and the availability of the intern. Some internships can go from a few weeks, to three months, sometimes all the way to half a year. Some organisations will have structured internship programs for a particular amount of time, and some will be more flexible. 

Short-term internships are great if you’d like a taster of a place or an organisation to see if it might be the right fit for you. They allow you enough time immersed in a role to get a sense of it. Longer-term internships are better for people who are looking to gain some experience at the start of their career, make a career change, or build on a hobby. 

The length of the internship you choose will suit whatever your personal goals are for your internship program. 

Daily work schedules 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 gives interns an opportunity to learn about the situation at a deeper level, from people’s lived experience. They also have the opportunity to work or co-create events or seminars with the organisations they are really interested in. 

Flexibility in program dates

Great internship organizations offer programs with clear learning objectives and guidance to achieve those objectives. But they should also offer flexibility to make room for individual goals. Make sure you check the program content of your chosen organisation to see if it aligns with your intentions for participating in a program. Also, make sure to check whether the program duration and timing align with your availability. 

Host Organizations and Locations

There are some great, locally run organisations offering internship opportunities in Palestine. We recommend locally-run organisations because they guarantee the work you will be doing is needed and organised by the Palestinian community. Below are some of the options you could consider:

Engage in Palestine

Engage in Palestine (مَرْكَزُ اَلتَّمَيُّزِ or Markaz Al Tamayoz) was founded by dedicated local community servants to create a bridge between Palestine and the world. 

We 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 we began in 2011, Engage in Palestine has provided a rich and immersive learning experience for over 1000 international visitors, with great benefits to the local community, including children, Palestinian refugees, youth, and women. 

Internship Programs in Palestine
How to Help Masafer Yatta?

Local NGOs and grassroots initiatives

Smaller local and grassroots initiatives are those that often need more support than the larger NGOs. There are a lot of really great small initiatives around that could use extra hands.

  • Human Rights Defenders – A locally led organisation supporting local grassroots human rights activities, focused on deep learning about the Palestinian context and greassroots nonviolent action. 
  • Al Haq Human Rights organisation – An internationally known Palestinian human rights organisation in operation since the 1980s. 
  • Center for Jewish Nonviolence – An organisation offering support to local Palestinian communities via protective presence initiatives during olive harvests, or in day-to-day presence at regional villages in high need areas. 

International humanitarian organizations

Another option might be to intern with a larger international humanitarian organisation. These tend ot have more structured programs that run at certain times, and with a more competitive application process. Some that you could approach might be:

  • International Committee of the Red Cross – the world’s bigegst humantarian organisation, the ICRC offers support across a range of thematic areas.
  • United Nations Volunteers – United Nations Volunteers are skilled professionals who give their time either online or in-person to different UN agencies and country missions. 

Application Process

How to apply?

Before you apply for an internship, the first step is to make sure that you are eligible. Most internship programs should clearly state their requirements somewhere that’s accessible, like their website, so you can check and make sure it is the right program for you. Once you know if you fit the criteria, you can think about applying. 

Different organizations are going to have different application processes. Some organisations with more structured programs might open applications only once a year, and request things like letters of motivation, references, or your academic record. Other places might not even offer internship programs publicly. But if you see an organisation that you really like, you can always write to them and ask if they have the capacity to take on an intern. 

Some places, like Engage in Palestine, have internship programs in different subjects that start year-round and last anywhere from one week to three months. There is no deadline and no selection process either – simply express your interest at Info@ecpalestine.org, fill out a short form, and wait for confirmation of your acceptance. 

Costs and Funding

Another important thing to consider is your budget. Some programs offer payment for internship programs. This is mostly for programs where there is some significant, work-like value being made to the company or organisation, or a clear pipeline into a paid position. Some internship programs are unpaid, where the intern covers their own costs for living and expenses in return for the work experience. And some internship programs, run by charities or social enterprises, may charge a fee for participation to help cover the costs of the program.  

For the programs that charge a fee, there are usually some important inclusions! For example, at Engage in Palestine, your program fee includes:

  • Safe, comfortable, modern accommodation 
  • Some meals are included, like breakfast five days a week, or iftar dinners during Ramadan. 
  • 3 hours of Arabic lessons every week that you intern
  • Orientation in Hebron city, including trips to the Ibrahimi mosque, the old city, the last operable keffiyeh factory in the West Bank, and visits to local industries like hand-blown glass and hand-painted ceramic factories. 
  • Program activities, which can include visits to refugee camps, meetings with journalists, work with Human Rights organisations, days spent in rural villages, and others depending on the program. 

Some programs might have scholarships and financial aid available – check their website or email their team to find out more! 

Accommodation and Living Arrangements

One important thing to think about is where you’re going to live for the duration of your internship program. It’s good to ask whether your organization provides accommodation or whether you are responsible for finding your own. Some organisations will have accommodation available during your stay, some will help arrange it for you, and some will mean you need to organise it for yourself. 

Engage in Palestine has a variety of accommodation options to suit different needs. Most commonly, volunteers will reside at one of our shared flats located close to the center. There is one for men and one for women. The apartments are modern, spacious, and equipped with everything you need for daily living. Rooms might be shared depending on the number of volunteers, but it is possible to request a private room if you prefer. 

Another option (for female volunteers) is placement with a Palestinian host family. This immersion is a great way to experience the local culture and language. 

Safety and Security Considerations

When traveling to spend time in a complex setting like Palestine, it is imperative that you know about the context of the place you are going to. Below sare some of our key suggestions as to how you can prioritise security and stay safe during your time in the West Bank. 

  • Understand the political landscape: Unsure what areas A, B, and C are? Wondering why most Palestinians aren’t allowed to travel to Jerusalem to pray at Al Aqsa mosque? You don’t need to be an expert in the long and complex history of the area, but some understanding of the current situation is recommended to ensure you truly understand the country you are travelling in. 
  • Safety tips: Seeing armed soldiers will be a regular occurance, and as mentioned before in this article, there may be times where you have to show your ID at a checkpoint, or answer questions about your travel. We recommend just staying calm, following the lead of the people around you, and answering any questions with a friendly smile. 
  • How to travel responsibly and support local communities: Responsible travel takes many forms. On one side, you can use a search engine to make sure you are supporting palestinian-owned businesses, especially when travelling in Areas B and C. You can also spend your money on local Palestinian crafts and eat at Palestinian restaurants. This economic support is invaluable for many people whose income relies on tourism. 

It is also important to ensure you do not engage with soldiers, police, or settlers in a confrontational way. No matter your feelings about the occupation, Palestinians are the experts in their own struggle. Foreigners making trouble will most likely mean Palestinians will bear the brunt. Make sure to check with your Palestinian friends before recording any tense interactions or taking photos of any military operations. 

Benefits of Interning in Palestine

Aside from the obvious professional benefits of gaining experience and networking, the the social benefit of making a different for an important cause, there are some other personal benefits to doing an internship program in Palestine. 

Exploring the Country

Doing your internship in Palestine gives you the opportunity to explore the beautiful West Bank. There are many areas that are worth exploring, all with cultural, historical, and religious significance. You might travel to cosmopolitan Ramallah, which is the political and NGO center of Palestine, or see 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 in Arabic! One of the most spoken languages in the world (and, we think, one of the most beautiful), Arabic is an incredibly useful 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 to see if your internship has any Arabic classes included in the program. 

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 do some in-person volunteering with different local NGOs and organisations. For example, some volunteers from Engage in Palestine spend the weekend at a local village in Masafer Yatta, supporting protective presence efforts.

How to Get Started

An internship in Palestine is a unique and invaluable opportunity for students and professionals to gain international experience, contribute to meaningful work, and understand the challenges of this conflict-affected region. Those interested should apply with an open mind, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to advocacy and social justice. 

Sounds like you? To learn more or to express your interest in coming to do a legal internship in Palestine, simply email us at Info@ecpalestine.org.

Contact Us

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at:

Info@ecpalestine.org

WhatsApp: +972 599 479 880

Website: https://ecpalestine.org/

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