Volunteer in Music and the Arts in the West Bank: Music is perhaps the most diverse form of self-expression in the world and is one of the best modes of cultural exchange and learning. As a volunteer in the Music and the Arts Program in West Bank, Palestine, participants will engage with the culture of Palestine while also sharing their own expression of culture through music and art.

This volunteer program in Palestine is perfect for those with an active interest in the arts, cross-cultural interaction, and exploring Palestinian art forms while also promoting shifts in public opinion through cultural diplomacy. Additionally, the Volunteer in Music and the Arts Program is available for academic credit, so university students are especially encouraged to apply. 

This volunteer opportunity is span from one week to three months (13 Weeks) year-round (Summer, Winter, Fall, and Spring). Our volunteer programs in Hebron, West Bank provide you the chance to work in a fascinating and energetic environment since they are created to be immersive, genuine, and complete.

Program Benefits to Volunteers

There are numerous benefits to participate in the Music and Arts Program, such as the opportunity to gain experience working in an international setting. Many employers, especially NGOs and government agencies, value those with experience working in multi-cultural and immersive environments more highly than those without, as cross-cultural communication is an acquired skill. Your commitment to the Palestinian people especially will be appreciated deeply by all those you work with, and not to mention working abroad is a valuable foot in the door.  

Additionally, program participants currently enrolled in college or university are eligible to receive academic credit through the Palestinian Educational Authority for their contributions to the Excellent Center. Types of credits offered depend on the specific program but may vary between internship, community service, and Arabic language credits. The Music and Arts Program in Hebron, Palestine specifically is perfect for anyone looking to gain experience in program management and teaching, since volunteers will be in charge of both during their stay. 

Benefits Of Volunteering In Palestine

Volunteers in Palestine receive many benefits during their time in the city of Hebron, West Bank. By being totally immersed in the Palestinian culture, you will be able to participate in many educational, cultural, social and community development activities.

Benefits of volunteering in Palestine:

• Living in Hebron and visiting sites in the local and wider area

• Better Understand Palestinian politics and experience the occupation in the West Bank.

• Learning spoken Arabic from native speakers and embracing the opportunity to communicate with locals

• Get to know the human rights situation and supporting Palestinian refugees. 

• Travelling to historical locations and nearby cities including Jerusalem, Jericho, Ramallah, Nablus and Bethlehem in your free time

• Visit nearby cities such as Akko, Herzliya, Beersheva, Eilat, Tiberias, Netanya, Safed, Haifa, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Masada, Amman, Aqaba, Wadi Rum, and Nazareth.

• Spending time and living with a Palestinian host family, if desired

• Visiting Palestinian universities, local institutions and organizations specializing in culture and education

• Eating local Palestinian foods and delicacies

• Attending cultural nights featuring entertainment and activities in Hebron’s social hubs

What You Will Contribute

The Music and Arts Program is highly flexible, designed to allow volunteers to tailor their service according to their skills, interests, or academic focus. Volunteers are encouraged to choose from a diverse and widely varying array of subjects, from music to poetry, painting, drawing, dance, and even more specialised styles of craftsmanship. The sky is the limit!

With their specific subject in mind, volunteers will create workshops, organize performances, and work with local Palestinians including children to expand their artistic profile. Previous workshops and performances have included concerts for Palestinian families, demonstrations of various instruments, and even circus performances. 

These workshops are beneficial to Palestinians as it allows them to access their creative side and consequently discover their artistic potential and strengths. By volunteering in the arts, participants will provide Palestinians the tools to build self-confidence and collective empowerment. 

Because this program is available to participants with a wide range of talents and skill levels, people of all artistic skills and levels are welcome to apply so long as they have a passion for their chosen art form.

Our Programs Make Great Impact 

Our Art and Music Volunteer and Internship programs in the West Bank, Palestine are well researched, targeted, and suitable for anyone who wants to gain insights into daily Palestinian life, culture and human rights. We aim to make a long term difference for the Palestinian local community through the exchange of ideas and “walking in each other’s shoes”.

Volunteering and interning in Hebron, West Bank is a unique opportunity to genuinely make an impact on your life as well as others including Palestinian children, refugees, women, youth and community members in the West Bank, Palestine.

Flexible Booking

At Engage in Palestine, we understand that things change. As such, our programmes are incredibly flexible in case you need to alter travel plans or just simply have a change of heart. As programs begin at the center year-round (with flexible start and end dates), you decide your arrival.

Furthermore, you’re able to change your start date entirely free of charge if requested at least two weeks beforehand.

Summer Volunteer Programs

For people looking for volunteer programs or internships in Music And Arts over the summer in the West Bank, Palestine, Middle East, or Israel, the Engage in Palestine offers great volunteer opportunities that span from May to September. These volunteer programs and internships are ideal for students, English native speakers, and anyone with a summer break or any individuals looking to volunteer on an extended visit.

These summer volunteer programs in Music And Arts in Palestine combine Arabic language focus with a full learning, immersion and engagement in Palestinian culture, politics and history. It includes visits to Bedouin areas (Susiya), Palestinian refugee camps, local villages and community centers.

Short Term Volunteer in West Bank, Programs

Here at the Engage in Palestine in Hebron, West Bank we run a wide range of volunteer projects covering a large variety of subjects. Whether you have interests or expertise in arts, sport, law, justice, education, environmental and humanitarian issues or in promoting professional development, we believe you can find a volunteer program to flourish in and contribute to extensively.

Our short-term volunteer programs in the West Bank, Palestine include: 

Schedule for Volunteers

Volunteering for the Engage in Palestine requires commitment and flexibility. On average volunteers are expected to work approximately 30 hours a week from 10:00am to 5:00pm. Participants will have two days off per week, one on Friday when the Center is closed and another day of the participant’s choosing. 

Breakfast is provided every morning at the Center and typically consists of bread, olive oil and za’atar, hummus, labneh, baba ghanoush, falafel, and cucumber, tomato, and bell pepper–basically all the essentials you will find in a traditional Palestinian morning meal. Center staff, volunteers, and interns all sit together during breakfast as custom dictates, which also allows everyone a chance to touch base while creating stronger communal bonds. 

The Center also facilitates regular excursions into Hebron and neighboring cities throughout the week, connecting volunteers with local activists and organizations. Evenings are usually free, giving volunteers the chance to explore the City of Hebron and its many restaurants, shops, and historical sites by themselves.

In addition to their contributions to their specific programs, volunteers also attend Arabic courses twice per week for an hour and a half per session, which will require some study and preparation as well. All this together means schedules tend to fill up quickly, and volunteers find their time in Palestine passes quickly. 

The First Week

The first week of the program will be dedicated to becoming situated and adapting to life in Hebron, and also preparing volunteers for service in their particular field. During the first week volunteers will take Center-led classes on Palestinian culture and the Arabic language, thus equipping volunteers with the skills to navigate Hebron and successfully interact with Palestinians. Palestinians are a traditionally hospitable and welcoming people, and volunteers who can communicate and speak using Arabic will be much appreciated as this shows a genuine interest and respect for Palestinians and their culture. 

Volunteers will also take part in their first excursions into Hebron, visiting local landmarks, cultural sights, restaurants, and areas of political significance such as refugee camps and Israeli settlements. The intent of these trips is to provide volunteers with a firmer grasp of Palestinian culture and the significance of the political reality that exists in contemporary Palestine. 

Volunteers in Palestine will also be tasked during their first week of designing a syllabus for their program that will work as an outline and schedule for their service project here in Hebron. Previous syllabi have included international music styles and instruments, the music industry in Palestine or the volunteer’s country of origin, critical art theory, exploring exhibitions, analyzing sound systems, learning about copyright laws and intellectual property rights, visiting Palestinian ateliers, hosting Palestinian artists as guest speakers, conducting art classes, visiting local radio stations, and so on. At the end of their service project, volunteers will conclude with a video or art installation that encapsulates the work they contributed. 

If you are interested in this program but are unsure what kind of project you would like to pursue, we at the Engage in Palestine are more than happy to help volunteers devise project ideas and workshops, as well as support their efforts by providing the necessary resources and contacts! 

What Kinds of Activities Can You Organize During the Volunteer Period?

You can freely choose among a vast range of activities to develop in your own syllabus, such as:

• Art class (sculpture, painting, drawing, etc.);
• Helping children improve their English language skills through painting, music, and acting activities;
• Inviting visiting speakers, such as artists within Hebron and within Palestine to present;
• Design classes (interior design, web design and so on);
• Music classes;
• Visiting local NGOs and organizing activities for children and orphans in Hebron;
• Visiting a radio station;
• Art workshops for Palestinian university and school students;
• Ending the course with a festival (music or art exhibitions);
• Other activities – We strongly welcome your suggestions.

Who is This Program For?

The Volunteer in Music and the Arts Program is perfect for anyone seeking opportunities to volunteer in music conservatories in the West Bank, teach various art forms including their specific field of study, and also expand their own musical and artistic repertoire. By sharing their talents with the people of Palestine, volunteers will more effectively foster growth and dedication in their students by exemplifying their own artistic expression and passion. This program is therefore a unique opportunity to combine teaching and learning while also bridging constructive activism and cultural diplomacy between Palestine and the world. 

University students, aspiring music teachers, recent graduates, and those with a focus in the arts looking to work with NGOs will all find this program in line with their personal and professional interests. Additionally, you will also have the opportunity to learn Arabic, whether it be Modern Standard, Levantine, or specifically Palestinian, which will of course increase appeal by prospective employers. The Engage in Palestine is even partnered with the Palestinian Ministry of Education, and is subsequently able to provide academic credit to university students. 

Who Can Participate?

The Engage in Palestine does not discriminate on any basis; this includes nationality, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or any other discernable way. The Engage in Palestine has a long history of welcoming people from around the globe, from all walks of life, and from all backgrounds and identities. All are welcome!

Previous participants of the Engage in Palestine have hailed from the following countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States! 

Are There Any Criteria for participants? 

There are only 3 criteria for participants, the first being conversational fluency in either of the program languages (i.e. English or Arabic). Secondly, participants should be between the ages of 18 and 70, though exceptions can be made in special circumstances. And finally, we ask participants to have a positive attitude with an eagerness to learn.

Participant Requirements: 

• Colloquial fluency in English
• 18-70 years of age (unless granted special permission by the Center’s director) 
• A positive attitude and eagerness to learn

Program Costs and Information

Engage in Palestine is priced competitively with other programs at 750$ a month and 250$ a week. Program costs cover language courses, housing, complimentary breakfast each day the participant is at the center, operating costs, and group excursions. There are no other additional or hidden fees applied to these programs; the cost quoted above is the complete and final cost participants will pay.

Program Fees Cover:

• Housing
• Language courses
• Operating costs
• Complimentary breakfast 
• Group excursions into Hebron 

A Unique Experience

Although the Center hosts volunteers from all over the world, many people are unaware of the diversity of Palestine and the Levant, and only have a crude understanding of the immemorial cultures here in these lands.

By enrolling in this volunteer program, participants will take part in a unique experience that is surely to be remembered throughout their lives. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to experience Arabic and cultural immersion that is second to none when they live in Hebron. 

In What Language is the Program Run? 

All of our programs are geared toward English speakers, however volunteers have the option of attending 3 hours of complimentary Arabic courses per week to help assimilate them to Hebron. For the sake of immersion, the higher the Arabic course level the less English will be utilized in the classroom.

Additionally, students will necessarily need to utilize their Arabic skills to the best of their ability when navigating through Palestine, thereby ensuring a fully immersive experience.

General Information Overview 

Accommodation

When staying in Hebron, you will have the option to reside either with a Palestinian host family or in a dorm; in either case, there are advantages to both. For those staying in a dorm, you will have extra time to become acquainted with other Center participants and volunteers. Additionally, the dorms are located in Hebron’s metropolitan center, providing ample opportunity to explore downtown, either by yourself or with your fellow dorm mates.

The second option available to participants will be to reside with a Palestinian host family. This option will provide participants an intimate view into Palestinian daily life, customs, and culture, while also giving them a chance to become familiar with family structures and taste some of the delicious Palestinian cuisine. It’s also likely that participants residing with a host family will be invited to family gatherings and cultural events, guaranteeing a culturally immersive experience! 

Whichever housing option participants choose, their time in Palestine is sure to be immersive, enriching, and memorable! 

Volunteering as a Woman in Palestine

The Engage in Palestine has hosted many female volunteers from vastly different cultural backgrounds and origins. This is a point of pride for us at the Center, as we see it as our mission to connect people of all identities with Palestinian society and culture in order to deconstruct various misconceptions. 

That said, female volunteers–especially those coming from Western countries–must be conscientious of Palestinian conventions and attitudes surrounding women. Below are a few descriptions on how customs might differ, as well as some tips in effectively navigating them. 

For more information and tips on travel for women in Palestine, please click on the following link: https://excellencenter.org/travelling-as-a-woman-to-palestine/

Flying Into Palestine

Unfortunately, there are no airports in Palestine and so it is currently impossible to fly directly into the West Bank. Although Palestinians use either the airports in Jordan or Egypt to travel abroad, international volunteers and interns can fly to Israeli airports and then cross over to Palestine. We believe the easiest ways to get to the Engage in Palestine in Hebron are:

• To fly to Ben Gurion, Tel Aviv Airport (Israel). From there, it takes about two and a half hours from the airport to the Engage in Palestine in Hebron via shared taxi.

• To fly to Eilat airport in Israel and then travel by booking a shuttle or taking a bus to Jerusalem and then to Hebron. However, this trip can last between 6-7 hours.

• To fly to Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, Jordan and then cross over to Palestine, however this route takes more time and is more expensive.

Traveling to Hebron, Palestine 

Reaching the Center in Hebron, Palestine will be a long journey, but it need not be arduous. Although there are some obstacles when traveling to Hebron, the Engage in Palestine has all the resources you need to reach us in an efficient, safe, and practical manner. Please read our articles below on planning your trip, flying to Palestine, the different routes to Hebron, and Israeli and Palestinian taxi services: 

• How to fly to Palestine
• How to get to Hebron, Palestine
• Planning your trip to Palestine
• How to get from the Ben Gurion Airport (Israel) to Hebron

If you have any further inquiries about travel to Palestine, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team. Our contact information can be found at the bottom of this page. 

Interacting with Palestinian Culture

Participants will find the majority of Palestinian people are incredibly friendly and open to foreigners. If participants utilize their Arabic skills, no matter how developed, they will find most Palestinians are enthusiastic, patient communicators simply pleased that people have taken an interest in their language and culture. 

In addition, Palestine is located at the heart of the Levant (the area associated with the Eastern Mediterranean), providing ample opportunities to visit cultural sights, historical monuments, and many other landmarks. Although Palestine faces difficult circumstances, participants will find the Palestinian people are friendly and open–and Palestine in general is a safe place to visit! 

Reviews and Ratings

Since 2011 the Engage in Palestine has welcomed individuals from 40 different countries! While we continue to develop our programs to provide the best possible learning experience, for over 10 years the Center’s fundamental mission remains the same: to connect, teach, and advance individuals within the local and international community. In 2019, we received our first “Go Overseas Community Choice Awards” recognizing the Engage in Palestine’s meaningful and unforgettable impact on international travelers. 

Additionally, the Engage in Palestine is renowned for its cultural immersion, friendly staff and atmosphere, and its commitment to dispelling misconceptions about Palestine and Palestinians. If you are interested in the volunteering in Palestine, please read our program reviews to see if the Center is the right organization for you:

• +730 Reviews (94%) on Gooverseas.com
• +150 Reviews (96%) on Goabroad.com
• Participants’ video testimonials

Summary

The Volunteer in Music and Arts Program in West Bank, Palestine is designed to bring volunteers from around the world into Hebron, where they will help local Palestinians including Palestinian children, youth, women, refugees, young adults, university students and families, learn about various art forms while they themselves learn about the arts of Palestine. 

This type of exchange is central in creating a proactive approach to policy shift by way of cultural diplomacy while building community connections between Palestine and the world. By volunteering in Hebron, participants will enrich their own understanding of Palestinian art and culture while hearing new perspectives about global affairs and life under occupation. 

If you have an active interest in the arts and appreciate cultural exchange, please do not hesitate to apply and begin the process today!

How to apply

If you are interested in participating in the Volunteer in Music and the Arts Program, please write to us at info@ecpalestine.org . We should respond to your initial inquiry within 1-3 business days.

In the subject line of your email write “Volunteer in Music and the Arts.” Upon responding we will attach an application form which you will fill out and return to us to begin the on-boarding process.

Related Volunteer Programs

How To Get Further Information 

For more information, please visit our website: https://excellencenter.org/

Engage in Palestine: https://ecpalestine.org/

Whatsapp:+972 599 479 880

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