Best Places To Volunteer In The Middle East: A meaningful way to contribute to society and make an impact on the world is through volunteer work. The Middle East, with its thousands of years or rich history, diverse cultures and peoples presents a unique opportunity for interested individuals to engage in volunteer work.
Volunteering in the Middle East, will give individuals the chance to grow meaningful relationships with locals, as well as other international volunteers, while developing themselves personally and professionally. Through this enriching and rewarding experience, volunteers will be able to gain new perspectives, learn about different cultures, break down their own internal walls while gaining valuable life and professional experience.
We will explore, in this article, some places that you might consider volunteering in the Middle East, both suitable and not so suitable places.
Short Term Volunteer Opportunities In The Middle East
There are many short-term volunteer opportunities to be found in the Middle East. These include, volunteering in humanitarian aid, environmental conservation, educational support, administrative support, or translation work. In addition to supporting refugees or other vulnerable communities, women’s empowerment, providing medical relief or assisting with economic or community development and more. As you can see, there are many causes that can benefit from short-term volunteering projects throughout the Middle East.
Short-term volunteer programs can last from one week up to several months. These can be a great way to make a contribution if you have limited time you can offer, or if you would like to dip your toes into the water before pursing a longer-term volunteer opportunity or career. In any case, the right volunteer work will allow you to have a meaningful impact on your own life and the lives of others, while also giving you a valuable and rewarding cross-cultural experience and the opportunity to build important connections.
Finding A Current And Trustworthy Organization For Volunteering
Researching potential volunteer opportunities is very important. This includes checking the reputation, track record, and financing of the organizations or partners involved. It’s also a good idea to see what kind of support and resources they make available to volunteers and weigh this up with any risks or anticipated challenges.
We recommend you One check the organization’s website, any information available online written by others about the organization, as well as reviews from former participants. Doing this can ensure that your volunteer experience is impactful as well as fulfilling, regardless of where you choose to volunteer.
The Mesopotamian Region
Like many other areas in the Middle East, the Mesopotamian region (Iraq and Kurdistan) has thousands of years of history and rich, diverse cultures, as this area is part of the Cradle of Civilization.
A Region With Diverse Religious Groups
In this area, the majority of people follow Islam but there are religious minority groups following religions such as Christianity, Judaism, Yarsanism, Yazidism and Zoroastrianism.
And Linguistic Diversity Too
While Arabic (specifically Mesopotamian Arabic) and Kurdish are the official languages of Iraq, there are numerous languages spoken. Kurdish people speak Kurdish, with the Sorani and Kurmanji dialects being most widely spoken. Other languages that minority groups speak are the Iraqi Turkmen dialect of Turkish, Domari, Shabaki, Armenian and several Aramaic and Syriac languages.
Weather And Climate
The climate in Iraq and Kurdistan is predominantly hot and arid, with summer months (June through September) being the hottest where temperatures can get as high as 50°C in some parts. Although in winter (December through February), the weather can get very cold and the temperatures can drop below freezing, especially in mountainous areas, where it can snow. The mountainous areas, primarily located in Kurdistan, are somewhat colder and more moderate than in Iraq.
Why do Iraq and Kurdistan Need Help?
Iraq has suffered enormously in recent decades, particularly due to the US invasion and occupation, which started in 2003. It brought horrific brutality, destruction, torture and countless other atrocities and war crimes to Iraq and its people. It’s estimated that over 1 million Iraqis were killed, with a survey finding 1 in 5 Iraqis had at least one person in their household murdered. Additionally, over 5 million Iraqi children were orphaned, 4-5 million Iraqis had to flee their homes (some became internally-displaced refugees, some fled to other countries), and ancient Iraqi minority groups were also displaced.
On top of that, many babies have since been born with severe birth defects (particularly in Fallujah) and many other people who have since developed cancer, disabilities, infertility or an inability to carry a healthy pregnancy to term, due to the US’ burning of toxic waste. On top of all of this, much or Iraq’s economy and infrastructure (including healthcare systems) were destroyed, which caused even more Iraqis to die from diseases and malnutrition.
Volunteering In Iraq And Kurdistan
There is much need for humanitarian aid and other volunteer initiatives because this region has suffered unfathomably in the last few decades. Some people may consider volunteering here as they think this is an area where they can do the most good and have a meaningful impact on the lives of others.
Volunteer Opportunities
As a result, there are a variety of different volunteer opportunities to help the Iraqi and Kurdish communities, including children, women, refugees and internally displayed persons. These opportunities include providing medical care, mental health services or therapy for trauma for qualified individuals. As well as teaching English, working in nature and wildlife conservation, community development, infrastructure rebuilding and translation work.
Although They May Require Specialized Skills
However, it’s important to note that many volunteer opportunities, especially in Kurdistan, require volunteers to speak English and Arabic or Kurdish, and sometimes all three languages. Some volunteer opportunities also require a high degree of skills, qualifications and experience, such as doctors, nurses, mental health professionals, and translators.
Security Concerns
While there are many volunteering opportunities available, there is also much ongoing political turmoil and instability as well as many security concerns. This means it isn’t the greatest place to volunteer as the safety picture here is constantly changing, and while it has become a bit safer and a bit more stable in recent years, volatility shows no signs of totally subsiding any time soon.
Searching For A Volunteer Organization
It can be difficult to find volunteer opportunities in Iraq and Kurdistan from abroad because many organizations lack any website or a well-functioning website with detailed information. Organizations here also often lack structured, readily-available volunteer programs – if that’s what you are looking for. This also means you are not very likely to find reviews or feedback from previous volunteers.
So, Should You Volunteer There?
If you are a very experienced volunteer with highly specialized and in-demand skills and willing to risk an unstable security situation, then you might wish to consider volunteering in Iraq or Kurdistan. But if you are a first-time or new volunteer without these other qualities, we would recommend beginning your volunteer journey somewhere else.
The Gulf Region
The Gulf Region, comprised of the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain are often considered distinct from other Middle Eastern countries due to their unique social, economic and political characteristics. They are well-known for their oil wealth, which has made them some of the wealthiest countries in the whole world.
This means the Gulf States have been able to heavily invest in things such as infrastructure, education and healthcare, and rapidly become very developed and modern nations in the last several decades. Particularly in the 20th century, Palestinians were heavily involved in developing the education systems and programs, as well as a number of universities and providing educators in Gulf countries, especially in Kuwait. Much of the Gulf has adopted Western-style education, entertainment and lifestyle, therefore blending traditional and modern values and culture, thus setting them apart from other Middle Eastern countries.
A Region With Many Expatriates
The Gulf States are home to diverse populations, with a mix between the indigenous peoples and many expatriates from all around the world. There are cases when the majority of the population is made up by expatriates. While the Arab population in the Gulf are culturally and linguistically distinct from those in the rest of the Arab world.
What Languages Are Spoken In The Gulf?
Arabic is the official language of all Gulf countries, although the Gulf’s history of trade and migration has resulted in many languages being spoken. English is widely spoken and has become an important language for trade and communication.
There are also many migrant workers, who speak English, as well as languages such as Urdu, Hindi, Tamil and Tagalog. Additionally, there are minorities who speak Turkish, Farsi (Persian), Balochi, as well as other Indo-Iranian, Modern South Arabian and Bantu languages.
Weather And Climate
It’s very hot and humid in the Gulf States, particularly in coastal areas, with the high humidity making the heat feel even more intense and unbearable. Temperatures can often exceed 40°C and for this reason, locals typically dress in loose and lightweight clothing. The Gulf States however, have developed incredible infrastructure to manage the heat and humidity as well as climate change. Air-conditioning is widespread and you can even find air-conditioned bus stops.
Summer (May through September) is by far the hottest, while it will start to cool down in October. Winter (November through April) is milder, although temperatures are still usually 15-25°C. It’s important to note that nights in the desert at any time of the year, can be quite cool or cold. Another unique feature of the Gulf is that sandstorms and dust storms are prevalent, particularly during summer.
Why Do The Gulf States Need Help?
Despite the tremendous economic and social development and transformation in the last several decades, there are still a number of challenges such as poverty, inequality, environmental issues and social issues such as exclusion. These issues particularly affect migrant workers, who often are low- or under-paid, have poor working conditions and limited access to healthcare and social services.
There are also a number of environmental challenges, such as air and water pollution, climate change with 70-90% of the Arabian peninsular is at risk of desertification. On top of this, nearby countries such as Yemen and Syria, are experiencing war and conflict as a result of imperialism, which has created refugee crises.
Volunteering Opportunities In The Gulf Region
Volunteering in the Gulf States, can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience as well as a great way to gain valuable skills and experience. There is a thriving volunteering community here with many organizations offering volunteer projects and opportunities in fields such as education, environmental conservation, healthcare, humanitarian aid, providing food, water and shelter and supporting refugees.
So, Should You Volunteer There?
There is a high standard of living for many, which can make it very appealing as well as safe, although the severe heat and humidity can make it very unpleasant. With the high standard of living, comes a higher price for traveling and living.
The Gulf States offer a range of volunteer opportunities, such as working with refugees, volunteering in education, community development and humanitarian aid. However, other destinations around the world may be better-suited for you, depending on your interests, skills and goals. It may be better to volunteer in countries that are experiencing more severe problems to better use your time to make a more significant impact.
The Levantine Region
The Levant has thousands of years of rich and diverse history and cultures, influenced and shaped by a range of different cultural, religious and political influences since then. Today the Levant is comprised of present-day Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and Palestine. It’s home to a mix of many different religious and ethnic communities that have lived together for many centuries. However this region has also suffered from decades of European colonialism, the effects of which can still be felt.
A Region With Diverse Religious And Ethnic Groups
There are many different religious groups that have existed in the Levantine region for hundreds or thousands of years. These religions include Christianity, Druze, Islam and Judaism, as well as Yazidism, Samaritanism and Baha’i. There are also a variety of ethnic groups, such as Arabs, Armenians, Assyrians, Circassians, Kurds, Turkomans and others.
And Linguistic Diversity Too
As the Levant was colonized by the British and French, this left a lasting legacy of those languages in the region. French is still widely spoken by most Lebanese and some Syrians, while many Palestinians and Jordanians have spoken English for decades due to being former British colonies.
Aside from colonial languages and the official language of Arabic, there are peoples in the Levant who speak Assyrian, Armenian, Domari, Farsi, Kurdish, Russian, Syriac, and Turkish.
Weather And Climate
Due to its location in the eastern Mediterranean, the Levant experiences a Mediterranean climate. Typically, summers are hot and dry, with temperatures getting up to 35-40°C. Winters are usually mild and rainy, with temperature averaging 10-20°C, although at times the weather can reach freezing point and it can snow. As there is much topographical diversity in the Levant, the coastal areas are more temperate and humid compared to the drier and hotter interior areas.
Why does The Levant Need Help?
Since the Nakba began in 1948, Palestinians have become the largest group of refugees in the world, when Zionist militias uprooted hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to establish Israel. Some became internally displaced when they fled to Gaza or the West Bank. Others fled to neighboring countries – Jordan, Lebanon and Syria, many of whom are still living difficult lives in refugee camps there. This is in addition to the daily oppression and human rights abuses that Palestinians face due to the ongoing Israeli occupation of their homeland.
Syria has also faced war, crises and theft of its natural resources for over a decade due to western imperialism, US occupation and sanctions. This has left many Syrians dead, millions displaced internally or abroad as refugees, while many others are still suffering from poverty, malnutrition, or severe trauma. Much of Syria’s infrastructure has been destroyed, including hospitals, schools and homes. In 2023, the 7.8 magnitude earthquake near the Turkish-Syrian border also devastated already-suffering Syrians and was exacerbated by US sanctions.
Jordan faces issues such as high rates of poverty, limited access to education and healthcare, plus environmental issues and climate change. Jordan also has a large refugee population, from Palestine, Syria, Iraq and Yemen. Many refugees still live in difficult circumstances in refugee camps and face barriers in accessing basic necessities.
Lebanon has faced severe political, economic and financial crises in recent years, impacts from the Syrian refugee crisis in addition to many Palestinian refugees still living in refugee camps in Lebanon. There is therefore a demand for international volunteers to support refugees and other vulnerable communities, as well as to volunteer in economic and community development, healthcare, sustainability and environmental conservation.
Volunteering Opportunities In The Levant
The above factors have created a need for volunteers to assist vulnerable or underserved communities and there are a range of different volunteer initiatives and programs available.
Volunteers are needed in humanitarian aid, human rights, providing medical care, supporting refugees and other vulnerable communities, as well as community and economic development. Additionally, there is also a need for teaching English or other subjects such as music, drama, art, and sports. Due to the severe trauma that many in the Levant have suffered, providing therapy, counseling or other mental health support is also something that adequately trained volunteers can provide.
These are just some of the volunteering opportunities available but there are many more, if you can think of it, there is probably a need for it somewhere in the Levant.
Some Security Concerns
There are some security concerns in certain parts, like in northern Syria, which can be unpredictable and dangerous. While as of 2023, Aleppo and Damascus have become considerably safer and more stable, with tourists making a return. However, getting a visa for Syria requires advanced planing and time and isn’t as simple as in other Levantine countries.
Another area off-limits to tourists is Gaza in Palestine, which is almost impossible to get into due to the Israeli blockade and siege, which has been ongoing for over 15 years. However, another part of Palestine that is easily accessible to volunteers and tourists alike is the West Bank, which is generally a safe place particularly for internationals. Aside from that, the Levant is generally very safe.
So, Should You Volunteer There?
When weighing up considerations such as safety and impact, we believe the Levant is the best region to volunteer in in the Middle East. Of course you will need to consider your personal interests, skills and the experiences and impact you wish to have.
Much of the Levant is very safe for internationals and volunteers, while there are many volunteering opportunities available and many locals in vulnerable or underserved communities who could truly benefit from volunteers.
Volunteering In Hebron, Palestine With Engage In Palestine
Of everywhere, we believe Palestine is the best place to volunteer. It is a country that has suffered greatly, through no fault of its own, which has forced many Palestinians to treasure life as best they can. There are many problems and much suffering as a result of the Israeli occupation of Palestine. Which has resulted in there being many people that could use support here, including Palestinian refugees, children, youth and women. Engage in Palestine in Hebron is just one of the many organizations which do great work in the community to improve the plight of the Palestinian people.
Hebron is a large city located in the south of the West Bank, where the Israeli Occupation is very present. Particularly in the Old City, there is low level ongoing conflict and volunteers are vital in providing teaching and other public services which are otherwise lacking. Engage in Palestine is deeply embedded in the local community to provide these services (as well as training and language skills), so if you join a volunteer program with us, you will really be able to see the difference your work is making.
You may see negative media reports about the situation here in Palestine, but these are usually biased and sensationalized, while generally speaking the West Bank is very safe. There are occasionally clashes and protests in the Old City of Hebron, but these are highly localized and easily avoided as long as you are sensible with your movements. For more information on this or anything else, contact us and we can give you a view of the situation as it currently stands.
Our Short-Term Volunteer Opportunities
For anyone looking to have a positive local and global impact on the lives of Palestinians, Engage in Palestine offers a range of short term volunteering opportunities. These programs are short-term (1-13 weeks), making them ideal for you if you are looking for a meaningful way to spend your summer break, gap year or other limited period of time. Find our more about each program we offer by growing the table below. By clicking the program name in the table below, you may learn more about each of the specific programs we provide.
Engage In Palestine In Summer
If you are interested in volunteering in Palestine, Israel or the Middle East over summer, Engage in Palestine offers a variety of valuable short-term volunteer experiences. Summer volunteers can work with local Palestinian communities on a range of projects, such as teaching English, supporting community development, and working with youth. In addition to participating in various cultural and educational activities such as learning Arabic, organized trips and tours around Hebron, and sharing traditional Palestinian meals together.
Summer volunteering offers a unique and rewarding chance to make a positive impact on local Palestinian communities, while also developing valuable skills, learning about the culture and history of Palestinians while also making memories. If you are a current university student, we can even provide you with academic credit (due to our partnership with the Palestinian Ministry of Education) so you can work towards your studies while volunteering.
We invite you to join us for this unique and enriching experience to make the most of your summer.
Your Impact
Through all of our short-term volunteer programs, we aim to make a long term difference for both the local Palestinian community and you. The impact that you, as a volunteer, can have can be felt particularly with Palestinian youth, through English language, after-school and summer initiatives. Volunteers can engage with local Palestinians, particularly Palestinian youth, to provide educational and social support, which helps to grow their confidence and develop their skills, leading to a brighter future.
Engaging with local Palestinian communities through volunteer work will also allow volunteers to develop a deeper understanding of Palestinian culture, society as well as the challenges that Palestinians face as a result of the Israeli occupation or due to other factors. Through this understanding, volunteers will be able to make a larger and more significant impact on our Palestinian community, as well as in their own lives and development, both personally and professionally.
What Benefits Can We Offer You?
Engage in Palestine offers a range of benefits to volunteers, including the chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others, develop your skills and gain valuable cross-cultural experience. You can gain skills and experience in areas such as teaching, leadership, project management, intercultural communication and adaptability. These can be applied to a wide range of professional and personal contexts in anywhere in the world.
A key benefit we offer is the opportunity to work directly with the local Palestinian community through teaching, workshops, meetings, visits or other activities. This allows volunteers to develop their critical thinking and problem solving abilities along with interpersonal skills, thereby building your confidence and enhancing your employability.
Volunteering and living in the West Bank will give volunteers an understanding and immersion in the local culture, customs and ways of life. While simultaneously getting to meet others from diverse backgrounds, including other volunteers, interns and Arabic students from around the world. The chance to build and grow relationships with Palestinians and other internationals is one of the most rewarding and fulfilling benefits.
All of these are in addition to the more tangible benefits we provide. These include three hours of Arabic classes per week, daily breakfast, accommodation with a Palestinian host-family or in an all-male dorm and frequent organized trips in and around Hebron to see important sites and better acquaint volunteers with their surroundings, and the cultural and political situations in Hebron.
Our Reviews And Community Awards
Engage in Palestine has welcomed over 1,000 individuals from all over the world since 2011. While we continuously develop our programs to provide the best possible learning experience, our fundamental mission remains the same: to connect, teach and develop individuals within the local and international community.
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 and were 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 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 Engage in Palestine’s impact on the community of travelers around the world. Engage in Palestine continues to be a highly rated travel organization across its selection of programs
Check out our reviews and testimonials from previous participants, linked below, to see if we are the right organization for you.
- 580+ Reviews (96%) on Gooverseas.com
- 120+ Reviews (94%) on Goabroad.com
- Participants’ video testimonials
In Conclusion
Volunteering in the Middle East can be an incredibly rewarding and enriching experience, impacting both the lives of the volunteer and local community they serve. While there are many opportunities here for engaging in volunteer initiatives, it’s first important to consider the kind of work and the location where you can best utilize your time to make a significant impact.
Additionally, volunteer work allows individuals to connect with locals in a community and forge meaningful and lasting relationships while also learning about a new culture and maybe even a new language. It also provides volunteers the opportunity to gain valuable experience and develop their skills while providing much-needed support.
It’s important for volunteers to take into consideration safety concerns, the weather, the local culture and customs as well as the trustworthiness and impact of a volunteer organization before committing to volunteer. We would love to have you volunteer with us at Engage in Palestine, located in Hebron, Palestine. We offer a range of immersive volunteer opportunities that allow our volunteers to make a genuine impact, while in a safe location rich with history and culture. We provide pre-departure and ongoing in-country support, Arabic lessons, accommodation and daily breakfast to assist you and help you ease into your new surroundings in Hebron.
This opportunity to engage with Palestinians, some of the most hospitable and also longest-suffering people in the world, will be a transformative experience both personally and professionally.
We look forward to welcoming to you to Engage in Palestine at some point in the future!
Find us online
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact at Rafat@excellencenter.org
Whatsapp:+972599479880
For more information, please visit our website: https://excellencenter.org
Excellence Center’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ExcellenceCenter
Excellence Center’s 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: Human Rights Internship in the Middle East, Internship Programs in the Middle East, Teach English in the Middle East, Volunteer Programs in Middle East, Volunteer Projects in the Middle East
