Best Internship Organizations 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.
Table of Contents
Why Choose an Internship in Palestine?
Apart from being a beautiful place with very friendly and welcoming people, Palestine has a lot of great qualities that will make your internship experience rich and meaningful.
Real-World Experience
An internship in Palestine offers the kind of experience you simply cannot get from the page. Here, you will have the opportunity to meet people from local non-government organizations, media outlets and journalists, social enterprises, and educational institutions and learn more about the reality 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, gaining cultural and political insights through first-hand experience and hearing about the experiences of others. 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 tend to form close friendships and spend time traveling together. There are also great opportunities to meet with organizations or professionals in areas you have a distinct interest in, growing your own networks.
Personal Growth
An internship in Palestine offers so much room for personal growth. Through your work, you will develop skills in areas like adaptability, problem-solving, and cross-cultural communication. These are all assets that are crucial to a well-rounded professional life. Many volunteers who come to spend time in Palestine often talk about how their time here not only shapes their professional trajectory but also their own personal understanding of Palestine, conflict, peace, and the world.
What Makes a Great Internship Organization?
There are many things that 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 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 organization 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.
Impactful Work
Spending time in Palestine has a lot of benefits to the individual intern, but it also gives them a great opportunity to make an impact in the local community. For example, intern programs that support education of children and vulnerable groups are incredibly important 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 of your own country, try to find an organisation that is run by locals.
Diverse Fields of Work
While some internship organizations might focus on one particular area, it’s great to explore those that have some variety in their programming. Some common internship themes in Palestine include education, human rights, journalism, and refugee support. Spending time in an organization with a range of different programs enables a broader opportunity for experience in your program, especially if the programming can be flexible depending on 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 where people can freely leave honest reviews about their experience. This ensures you can hear directly from people with experience in your organization of choice, which will help you make a choice that’s right 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 they began in 2011, Engage in Palestine has provided a rich and immersive learning experience for over 2000 international visitors, with great 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 people who are looking for summer volunteer and internship programs in the West Bank, Palestine, Israel, or the Middle East. Here, you may find the list of our internship programs in Palestine:
1. Palestinian Laws and Legal Practices Internship
Palestinian Laws and Legal Practices Internship: This program is designed for students of law, social sciences, human rights, and anyone interested in the Palestinian legal system, as well as the situation of Palestinian refugees in the West Bank and Gaza. Interns can enroll for 1 to 13 weeks, with year-round availability (spring, summer, fall, and winter).
2. Human Rights Internship Program In The West Bank
The Human Rights Internship Program in the West Bank, Palestine, offers an exceptional opportunity for individuals seeking hands-on experience in humanitarian aid, diplomacy, and international law while enhancing their Arabic language skills and intercultural competence. Interns will actively raise awareness of the West Bank situation and amplify local Palestinian communities’ voices.
3. The Internship In The West Bank, Palestine Program
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.
4. Palestine and Israel In Context Internship
The Palestine and Israel in Context internship is for students (undergraduate and graduate level), professionals, retirees, or anybody interested in the political history and present-day reality of Palestine and Israel. This internship program in the West Bank targets humanities and social sciences students looking for ways to understand the Israeli/Palestinian situation firsthand.
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 can 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.
6. Volunteer In Local Palestinian Schools Program
Volunteer In Local Palestinian Schools Program: Be a part of the Local Palestinian Schools Volunteer Program and impact the lives of Palestinian children, refugees, and youth! Our volunteer program in Hebron, West Bank, is open to everyone—whether you’re a native or non-native English speaker, a student, a graduate, a professional, or a retiree.
7. Write About Palestine Internship
The Volunteer Program for Writing Articles about Palestine is open to individuals who enjoy writing and wish to share stories. It’s designed for those keen on journalism and reporting in various styles who love narrating human experiences. This program isn’t just an opportunity; it also motivates you to immerse yourself in Palestinian culture by connecting with people in Hebron, West Bank.
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 organizations 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 experiences. They also have the opportunity to work or co-create events or seminars with the organizations they are really interested in.
Support and Mentorship
Staff at Engage in Palestine offer a wealth of support and local knowledge. They are always on hand to help out with any questions, to help customize any internship program based on the interests of the participants, or to offer connection advice to other organizations the intern may be interested in connecting with.
Cultural and Community Engagement
From the orientation week onwards, internship participants actively engage in the community and 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 crafts businesses like ceramics and hand-blown glass, and the last authentic Keffiyeh factory in the West Bank.
Testimonials and Reviews
Engage in Palestine has a score of 97% from 860 alumni reviews on GoOverseas. 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 decided to choose the journalism program to build up some experience and expand my portfolio while getting to learn about Palestine and see and experience it in person. 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 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 includes any Arabic classes 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 organizations. 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 a lot more friendly on the wallet 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 to see what is included in your internship program 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 of three.
How to Apply & Practical Tips
Application Process
First, check the eligibility requirements to make sure you are able to apply for your chosen program. Then, check the application steps. Do they require any proof of prior learning? Do you need to write any kind of application letter? Once you know if you can apply, follow the steps on the website of the school or email them for more information about how to apply.
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 how to travel from Jordan to Palestine that can help you with the process. As of January 1st, 2025, anyone traveling to Palestine needs to fill out an Electronic Travel Authorization form prior to departure.
Budget & Cost of Living
The next big thing to think about is budgeting for your study. Things to consider are tuition fees, accommodation, travel costs, and daily expenses. At some schools, like Engage in Palestine, tuition fees are inclusive of accommodation and breakfast. Choosing a program like this can significantly reduce your costs. The currency in Palestine is the New Israeli Shekel. You can check 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 very strict 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 an option you should definitely consider! 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 email us at info@ecpalestine.org. We look forward to welcoming you to Palestine!
Find Us Online
Do you have questions about the Guide to Volunteering in Human Rights Programs in Palestine? Contact us:
Email: info@ecpalestine.org
WhatsApp:+972 599 479 880
Website: https://ecpalestine.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 Internship Organizations in Palestine, Internship Opportunities in Palestine for Students & Professionals, Leading Organizations Offering Internships in Palestine, top internship programs in Palestine, Where to Find Internships in Palestine
