Engage in Palestine, located in the city of Hebron, Palestine offers short-term internship programs for international participants interested in gaining hands-on experience in the field of human rights in Palestine and/or working with Palestinian refugees in the West Bank. These are great opportunities for anyone passionate about or considering a career in human rights advocacy and working with refugees. 

A Fascinating And Unique Opportunity

Engage in Palestine’s short-term internship programs provides a fascinating and unique opportunity for overseas interns to engage with local Palestinian communities, including Palestinian refugee communities, to learn about human rights in Palestine, and the struggles of Palestinian refugees and contribute to making a positive difference. As an intern, you will also be immersed in Palestinian culture and daily life, get to learn some Arabic, develop your skills, and gain valuable work experience while also making new friends.  

Immersive And Experiential Internships

The Palestinian Refugees and Human Rights Internships provided by Engage in Palestine, are designed to be immersive and experiential, giving interns the chance to engage with local Palestinian communities and organizations. In addition to that, interns will be able to deepen their knowledge of the situation in Palestine and develop practical skills, including in areas such as advocacy, community organizing, community outreach, and research. 

Meet With Local Palestinians And Hear Their Stories

Participants will get to meet with local Palestinians, hear their stories, and learn much more about the political, social, and daily struggles of Palestinians as well as the effects of the Israeli occupation on their lives. On top of that, our human rights internship and Palestinian refugees program are excellent ways to develop yourself both personally and professionally as well as gain new perspectives. 

Where Is Engage In Palestine?

Engage in Hebron is located in the bustling city of Hebron, which is in the south of the West Bank and is the largest city in the West Bank. Hebron is also one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, rich in culture and full of historic and religious significance. Today, Hebron is on the frontline of the Israeli occupation, as it is the only city in the West Bank with Israeli settlers having taken over parts of the city itself and with several Israeli settlements in the area. Palestinians in Hebron experience numerous human rights abuses as a result of the Israeli occupation and military. Despite this, Hebron is safe for international visitors and the Palestinians of Hebron are very friendly and welcoming. 

Hebron Is Well-Known For…

Hebron is well-known for its history of traditional handicrafts, which include ceramics, glassblowing, shoe-making, embroidery, and other leather products. The expertise of these crafts has often been passed down from one generation to the next, although this industry has faced many challenges due to globalization, economic issues, and restrictions due to the Israeli occupation. Hebron is also known for its delicious Palestinian food, with qidreh (also propounded as idreh), rice, and chicken with a special blend of spices, being one of the most famous dishes.

Engage in Palestine’s Range Of Internships In The West Bank

In addition to our Human Rights Internship and Our Palestinian Refugees In The West Bank programs, Engage in Palestine offers a range of other short-term internships and volunteer programs. Our programs allow interns and volunteers to gain valuable experience and build their skills while also making a contribution to the local Palestinian community in Hebron. Interns and volunteers can join us for as little as one week and as many as 13 weeks during summer or any other time of the year.

You can learn much more about each of the specific programs we provide by clicking the links in the table below.

Our Palestine Refugees Program

Engage in Palestine’s Palestinian Refugees Program allows interns passionate about refugee issues to create a positive impact on the lives of some of the most vulnerable communities in the West Bank – Palestinian refugees. We have designed this program to focus on supporting Palestinian refugees who were displaced from their homes and original villages and are still living in difficult conditions today, many years later. 

During this opportunity to work alongside Palestinian refugees, you have the chance to provide support in areas such as education, healthcare, social services, and more, depending on your interests, experience, and knowledge. Some examples of this include teaching English to Palestinian refugee children, organizing cultural, educational, or other events, and creating or assisting community development projects. This program is one of the best opportunities to learn about the unique challenges that Palestinian refugees in the West Bank face, while also making a meaningful difference in their lives.

Our Human Rights Internship

Engage in Palestine’s Human Rights internship program is designed so that interns will have several opportunities to engage in activities related to human rights, cultural exchange, education, and community development in the West Bank. Human rights interns in Palestine can participate in several different activities and projects during their time in the West Bank, including teaching English or other subjects, advocacy, running workshops, and community outreach. 

Additionally, interns can have the opportunity to work with local Palestinian human rights organizations, including women’s rights and children’s rights. Interns will also get to participate in workshops and classes that will allow them to increase their awareness about human rights issues in Palestine and the Israeli occupation of Palestine. This human rights in Palestine internship opportunity is especially suitable for those who have studied or are passionate about human rights but is open to individuals from around the world. Prospective interns do not need prior experience or expertise!

Summer Human Rights And Palestinian Refugees Internships In Palestine

Engage in Palestine offers great summer internship opportunities in human rights and also working with Palestinian refugees. Our summer season runs from June through September, which is our busiest time of the year. The summer human rights internship and summer Palestinian refugees program are ideal for anyone seeking summer internship opportunities in the West Bank, Palestine, Israel, and the Middle East more broadly or close to the cities of Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Ramallah, or Tel Aviv. Our short-term summer internships run throughout the summer and you can join as for as little as one week, up to 13 weeks. 

If you are a student, graduate, professional, taking a gap year or sabbatical, or otherwise have a summer break, our summer internship programs in Hebron are a great way to make the most of your summer. During this time, you will have many chances to learn about the human rights and refugee situations in Palestine, gain valuable professional experience, positively impact Palestinian communities, learn some Arabic, and immerse yourself in Palestinian culture. 

Palestinian Refugee Camps In/Near Hebron 

The two major refugee camps in Hebron governorate (that is the surrounding area but not inside the city center itself), are Al-Aroub and Al-Fawwar refugee camps. Al-Aroub is one of the largest refugee camps in the West Bank and is located around 10km north of Hebron, on the route to Bethlehem.

Why Are There Palestinian Refugee Camps?

There are several Palestinian refugee camps across the West Bank, Gaza, Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria. These were created mostly between 1948, when the Nakba began, and 1967. The Nakba refers to the ongoing event of Palestinians being displaced or made refugees in their land and abroad, their homes and villages being destroyed, and continuing to be oppressed and subjugated as a result of the establishment of the state of Israel on top of historic Palestine. While Palestinian refugees are no longer living in tents, Palestinian refugee camps still exist today because Palestinian refugees in Palestine and around the world are denied their right of return by Israel.

Most Palestinian Refugee Camps Are Administered By UNRWA

Most refugee camps in these areas are official refugee camps administered by UNRWA (United Nations Relief And Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees. UNRWA was created in 1949 specifically to provide essential services, including health and education services as well as humanitarian assistance. Palestinian refugees, who, to this day still make up the largest refugee population in the world. In the late 1940s when the Nakba began, there were around 750,000 Palestinians made into refugees but today there are almost 6 million Palestinian refugees around the world. 

Al-Aroub Refugee Camp

One of the largest refugee camps in the West Bank, Al-Aroub Camp, established in 1949, is located around 10km north of Hebron, on the route to Bethlehem. Today, at least 12,000 Palestinian refugees live in the 0.24 square kilometers that make up the Al-Aroub camp. There is an Israeli military watchtower immediately outside of the camp and an iron gate, which means the Israeli military can close it and besiege the camp at any time, preventing anyone from going in or out. This can also greatly restrict access to medicine, healthcare, and employment opportunities for Palestinians in the camp.

Al-Aroub is one of the most invaded refugee camps by the Israeli occupation forces, who frequently use tear gas, sound bombs, and rubber-coated bullets. In addition to that, some of the other key issues facing Palestinian refugees who reside in Al-Aroub camp are overcrowding, high rates of unemployment, sub-standard living conditions, with sewerage and storm-water systems in dire need of rehabilitation, especially as this can cause flooding during the rainy season in winter. 

Al-Fawwar Refugee Camp 

While Al-Aroub camp is to the north of Hebron, there is another refugee camp established in 1949 about 20km south of Hebron city – Al-Fawwar Refugee Camp. Al-Fawwar camp is also administered by UNRWA and today has a population of around 8,500 Palestinian refugees inside about 0.27 square kilometers. 

Similarly to the Al-Aroub camp, Al-Fawwar also suffers from poor living conditions, overcrowding, and limited access to basic essential services. There is also an Israeli military watchtower directly outside Al-Fawwar camp and the camp can also be closed and placed under siege by the Israeli occupation at any moment. There are Israeli settlements and military outposts nearby and the Israeli occupation forces do invade the Al-Fawwar camp from time to time. 

Hear From Some Of Our Recent Human Rights Interns

“In just two weeks, I have had visits to numerous organizations, including women’s organizations, hospitals, schools, law firms, and other community projects. This has provided me with an in-depth insight into the human rights situation in Palestine and the challenges that individuals face. “ – Natasha in 2022

“Every meeting we had was different in nature, and on some occasions, we would have discussions with individuals whose core principals were very different to my own, though I found this added more value to the program as the possibility to have an in-depth conversation with someone with an opposing point of view, about a sensitive topic, is not an opportunity which comes by often.” – Hasan in 2022

Hear From Some Of Our Recent Participants In Our Palestinian Refugees Program

“The center provided tangible ways to understand what life is like here. This is exactly what I was hoping to get out of the trip, as I know it will help better inform me for my future efforts in my career. It is so important as a future career woman to make these connections, so I can be the best I can be for the people I will encounter at work. I have learned to be a better advocate and speak for what is right. – Megan in 2023.

“I met with many Palestinian people who welcomed me into their homes to tell me their stories. The Arabic lessons the center provided made it easier to communicate with the people. I have learned so much during my time in Palestine. I visited many beautiful places such as Bethlehem, Ramallah, and Jerusalem.” – Dena in 2023

Work With Palestinian Children

If you are passionate about working with Palestinian children, we provide opportunities to interact and work with Palestinian children across all of our internship and volunteer opportunities, in addition to our dedicated volunteer with Palestinian children program.  Working with Palestinian children in the West Bank, Palestine can be a very impactful and rewarding experience both for international volunteers and Palestinian children.

Additionally, our programs are great at facilitating cultural exchange between local Palestinians, including Palestinian children and international interns from around the world. You will get to learn a lot about Palestine, Palestinian culture, daily life, and even some Arabic from Palestinian children, while they will get to learn about you, your country, and your culture from you. 

Work With Palestinian Refugees In The West Bank, Palestine

Engage in Palestine provides opportunities for international volunteers and interns to engage with Palestinian refugees, whether in our volunteer with Palestinian Refugees Program, our Human Rights Internship, or any of our other short-term programs. This allows you to support Palestinian refugees in ways that they need, while also learning more about their daily lives and circumstances. No matter your level of expertise educational background, interests, and skills, there will be a way you can contribute to supporting Palestinian refugees if you wish to.

Interns and volunteers will get to visit Palestinian refugee camps near Hebron such as Al-Fawwar or Al-Aroub camps and have the chance to work on projects to positively impact the Palestinian refugees living in these camps. These projects can include teaching English to Palestinian refugee children, running workshops to enhance the employability of refugee youth and students, or meeting with the local community to learn about their situation and ways in which you can help.

Quick Facts About Our Short-Term Internships And Volunteer Programs In The West Bank  

Duration And Timing Of Our Short-Term Internship Programs In Palestine

Our short-term internship programs, whether working in human rights in Palestine or with Palestinian refugees, are very flexible for our overseas participants. Our interns can choose their own start and end dates all year round and can choose how long their internship program duration is, starting from 1 week and lasting up to 13 weeks. This makes it very flexible and accessible no matter your schedule. 

Additionally, from June through September, Engage in Palestine offers summer internship opportunities in the West Bank, Palestine in human rights, working with Palestinian refugees, and many other fields. These are particularly ideal for university or college students and recent graduates looking for intern or volunteer organizations abroad to volunteer or intern with in the summer, but you don’t have to be a student or graduate to join us!

Flexible Booking

Whether due to a change of heart, unforeseen circumstances, or last-minute emergencies, we understand that plans can change. For this reason, we make all of our volunteer programs, internships, and Arabic courses flexible, allowing you to change or delay your plans. 

Additionally, all of our programs have flexible start and end dates and during the application process, you can choose when to begin and end anytime throughout the year for 1-13 weeks.

Date Changes

In case you need to make any date changes to your short-term internship program in the West Bank, Palestine, you can do this for free two weeks or more before your original start date. However, if you wish to make changes or cancelation within two weeks of your original start date, any payments you have made will be converted to a credit for you to use towards any of our other programs in the future either in Palestine or with our sister location in Germany.

Requirements To Intern In Human Rights Or With Palestinian Refugees With Us In Palestine

Our short-term human rights and Palestinian refugees internship opportunities in the West Bank, Palestine are very flexible and open to a wide range of participants. There are a few requirements needed from prospective interns, which you can see below.

To Intern With Us, You Need:

• To be aged 18-70 years old (although exceptions can be made if approved by Engage in Palestine’s director)
• The ability to communicate in English
• The ability to work with an international team
• Patience and enthusiasm
• Eagerness to learn

What You DON’T Need:

• The ability to speak Arabic
• Travel or work experience
• To be a native speaker of English
• Experience in teaching English as a foreign language

Who Is Interning With Palestinian Refugees Or In Human Rights In Palestine For?

• Current university or college students looking to spend a semester abroad or their summer doing an internship either for academic credit or not for credit
•  Anyone interested in or passionate about Palestinian culture, Arab culture, or learning about the Palestinian cause, Palestinian refugees, human rights, and the Israeli occupation of Palestine
• Anyone looking to learn Arabic while working with Palestinians, including Palestinian children and Palestinian refugees in the West Bank 
• University or college students or graduates who are studying or have studied Middle Eastern Studies, Arab Studies, Islamic Studies, Human Rights, International Relations, International Law, Diplomacy, Political Science, Peace And Conflict Studies, or other related fields
• People with Palestinian or Arab heritage wishing to learn their family’s language and culture, reconnect to their roots, and give back to the Palestinian community
• Students, interns, or professionals with a personal or professional interest in Palestine, Israel, or the Middle East in general
• People who are social workers or otherwise work or aspire to work with refugees in other countries, particularly Palestinian or Syrian refugees
• Anyone interested in internship opportunities abroad or summer intern work abroad
• Anyone passionate about social justice, human rights, refugee issues, community development, teaching English abroad, or other similar fields

The Impact Of Interning With Engage In Palestine

We aim to make a long-term difference for both the local Palestinian community and you, through our range of various short-term internships and volunteer programs, through the exchange of ideas and “walking in each other’s shoes”. All of our internships and volunteer opportunities in the West Bank, Palestine are well-researched and targeted to ensure that they have a positive impact. Interning with Engage in Palestine allows you to contribute some of your valuable time to create a positive impact on our local Palestinian community, while also allowing you to enhance your skills and gain valuable work experience in return.

You will get to learn a lot about human rights in Palestine as well as the plight of Palestinian refugees during your time with us. This knowledge will also allow you to make a greater contribution both during your time in Palestine and after you leave. Your internship experience in Palestine will surely stay with you forever, long after you have left Palestine. You will be able to leave with new knowledge, a new appreciation and understanding of the Palestinian people, their culture, and resilience in the face of ongoing occupation.

Some Of The Benefits And Highlights Of Interning With Engage In Palestine

• We provide your accommodation in Hebron for you, included as part of your internship program, either in a homestay or shared apartment.
• Immersion in Palestinian culture, the local community, and daily life in Hebron. 
• Each morning (except Fridays), join us at our center for a Palestinian breakfast as part of your short-term internship program, shared with other participants and our staff.
• Gain valuable work experience, build and develop your skillset through working with Palestinians and your fellow interns and volunteers. 
• The experience of living and interning abroad is a valuable opportunity for personal development, including growing your confidence, becoming more independent, and a more adept problem-solver. 
• Meet and make lasting friendships with people from Palestine as well as all over the world. 
• You will receive three hours of Arabic tuition per week provided by us, with the choice between learning Levantine (Shami) Arabic, Modern Standard Arabic, or Colloquial Palestinian (Ammiya) Arabic.
• Learn Arabic privately or in a small group class (2-5 students) in an immersive environment and with personalized instruction.
• Learn Palestinian-spoken Arabic from native speakers and embrace the opportunity to communicate with locals.
• The chance to gain a better understanding of Palestinian politics and experience the Israeli occupation in the West Bank.
• Learn about the human rights situation in Palestine and support Palestinian refugees, Palestinian children, and Palestinian women. 
• The opportunity to travel to historical locations and nearby cities including Jerusalem, Jericho, Ramallah, Nablus, and Bethlehem in your free time.
• You will have days off so you can visit other nearby cities such as Akko, Herzliya, Beersheva, Eilat, Tiberias, Netanya, Safed, Haifa, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Masada, Amman, Aqaba, Wadi Rum, and Nazareth.
• Visits are arranged by us to Palestinian universities, local institutions, and organizations specializing in culture and education.
• Having lots of chances to eat local Palestinian foods and delicacies.
• We offer you pre-departure support as well as ongoing in-country support during your time with us in Palestine. 
• You can obtain academic credit or internship credit towards your degree for currently enrolled university or college students thanks to our partnership with the Palestinian Ministry of Education. 
• You will receive a certificate upon completion of your internship program. 

Reviews and Awards

Engage in Palestine has been offering Arabic courses for non-native speakers since 2011. We have developed many Arabic immersion programs and online courses over the years. We use the most advanced teaching methods, which we develop and enhance year after year. Education is an active process always advancing, and you will be part of the development. 

Despite continuous program improvements to ensure the best learning experience, our core goal remains connecting, teaching, and developing individuals. Additionally, we aim to promote and encourage exchange in the local and international communities. 

We continue to strive towards excellence:

In 2022, we ranked as “one of the top three organizations worldwide in offering volunteer opportunities”. We also ranked as “one of the top three language schools worldwide” by Go Overseas. We also received a total of five Go Overseas Community Choice Awards. Among others, Engage in Palestine earned recognition as one of the top Teach Abroad Providers for the category of “benefits”. Besides that, we were also one of the Top Internship Abroad Providers for the categories of “growth” and “support”. 

In 2021, we were one of the top three volunteer programs in the world. Go Overseas awarded us the community choice awards in the categories of “best language school”, “fun”, and “teaching”.

In 2019, we received our inaugural “Go Overseas Community Choice Awards.” This award recognized Engage in Palestine’s positive effect on the global travel community.

Overall, Engage in Palestine is a highly-rated travel company.

• +800 Reviews and ratings (96.8%) on gooverseas.com
• +160 Reviews and ratings on goabroad.com
• Participants’ video testimonials

Final Thoughts

Engage in Palestine offers fantastic opportunities to intern in human rights in the West Bank, to engage with local Palestinian communities, and to work with Palestinian refugees. We offer these internship opportunities to all, no matter whether you are a student, recent graduate, professional, on a gap year or sabbatical, or anyone else. During your time interning in Palestine, you will get to learn some Arabic, immerse yourself in Palestinian culture, and learn about the situation in Palestine, while gaining valuable professional experience and meeting many new people. 

You can choose whether you wish your human rights internship or Palestinian refugees program to last from 1 week up to three months (13 weeks) and you can start year-round. These programs make fantastic summer internship opportunities abroad in Palestine, but you can join us any time of the year that suits you. Interning in human rights or with Palestinian refugees offers fantastic opportunities for personal development as well as career advancement, particularly if you have an interest or wish to pursue a career in Palestine, Israel, or the Middle East more broadly. 

We hope you will join us shortly to intern in human rights or with Palestinian refugees with us in Palestine!

Find Out More

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us: Info@ecpalestine.org and on Whatsapp:+972 599 479 880

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