At Engage in Palestine, we have over a decade of experience welcoming volunteers worldwide. We understand that adjusting to a new environment is easier when you feel comfortable in your living arrangements. That’s why we include quality accommodation in our program fees, allowing you to focus on learning and volunteering.
We offer four types of housing options, all located in a safe and vibrant part of Hebron City in the West Bank:
- Shared Volunteer Apartments (one for males and one for females)
- Female-only Host Family Stays
- Private Accommodation
Each option is designed to provide comfort, safety, and convenience, ensuring an enriching experience in Palestine. Read on to explore each accommodation choice and find the best fit for you!
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Your Accommodation Options:
Our accommodation options are all located in Hebron city, close to the Engage in Palestine and the bustling Ein Sara Street—one of the city’s main precincts. Your home away from home in Hebron is organized with the comfort, safety, and convenience of international volunteers in mind.
1. Shared Female Volunteer Apartment
A brand new, modern, fully furnished apartment just a two-minute walk from Engage in Palestine center. Located next to the home of Engage in Palestine staff members Marwa and Osama, volunteers have direct support and frequent opportunities for cultural exchange.
- Multiple shared rooms (2–3 beds per room)
- Fully equipped kitchen and kitchenette
- Four bathrooms
- Spacious living area with a large couch and coffee table
- Balcony with a scenic view of Hebron
What to Expect: Living in the shared female apartment offers an outstanding balance between privacy and community. The apartment is well-maintained, has regular cleaning schedules, and is equipped with modern amenities. Volunteers often cook meals together, study Arabic in the shared space, or relax on the balcony with tea.
Volunteer Testimonial:
“The apartment was beautiful, and everyone respected the space. We often gathered in the living room, drinking tea and sharing stories. Marwa and Osama lived nearby, so we always had support and invitations to join for tea or dinner.” – Eva, 2025 Volunteer
2. Shared Male Volunteer Apartment
Located on the opposite side of Ein Sara Street, this apartment is a 5-minute walk from Engage In Palestine. It provides a comfortable and independent living experience with fellow volunteers.
- Shared bedrooms with comfortable beds and storage
- Functional kitchen
- Washing machine
- Spacious common living area
What to Expect: The male apartment offers a relaxed and friendly atmosphere where volunteers from different countries bond over shared meals and cultural exchange. The spacious living room is often used for group discussions, movie nights, and language practice sessions.
3. Staying with a Palestinian Host Family (Female Only)
An excellent option for those looking for cultural immersion. Volunteers live with a local family in a home near Engage in Palestine, gaining firsthand experience of Palestinian hospitality and traditions.
- Private or shared bedroom with a Palestinian host family
- Daily exposure to Arabic and local customs
- Home-cooked meals and participation in cultural celebrations
What to Expect: Living with a Palestinian family allows volunteers to experience authentic local life. You’ll share meals with the family, participate in daily routines, and be invited to weddings and religious celebrations. This is an excellent way for Arabic learners to practice language skills in a natural setting.
Male volunteers cannot be placed with a host family to align with the local culture.
4. Private Accommodation (Male or Female)
Private flats or rooms are available for those staying long-term or preferring more privacy. Engage in Palestine arranges these accommodations, which are always located close to the Center and Ein Sara Street.
- Independent living with a private room or flat
- Safe and centrally located
- Extra costs apply; speak with our staff to discuss options
What to Expect: Private accommodation offers complete independence, ideal for those who value their personal space. Whether you need a quiet place to focus on work or prefer a private setting, this option ensures a comfortable stay in Hebron.
What is Included?
Services and Facilities
Accommodation is included for all volunteers as part of their program fee. In all options, the Engage in Palestine will ensure there are facilities and services to make you feel at home, including:
WiFi and Utilities
The accommodation’s cost includes a strong Wi-Fi connection and utilities like power and water.
Furnishing
Each accommodation option includes all the furnishings needed for a comfortable life, including a couch, table, fridge, oven, kettle, and washing machine.
Kitchen access (for apartments)
Volunteers can choose to buy groceries and cook at home with our fully equipped kitchens.
Safe and welcoming environment
Our accommodations are located in a safe neighborhood close to the Engage in Palestine and staff in case of any issue or emergency. We like to ensure you feel welcome, with a communal breakfast held at the Center each weekday and regular invitations to tea or dinner at night.
Safety Living in Hebron
Safety is one of Engage in Palestine’s main priorities. Given the state of news reporting on Palestine, some might wonder exactly how safe it is to live and work in the West Bank right now.
Our accommodation options are secure, close to the Center and its staff in central Hebron, and in a safe part of the city. We do everything possible to ensure that our volunteers feel secure in their surroundings.
One of our 2025 volunteers, Sara, talks about her experience:
“As an American, I have been inundated for years with nothing but images of war, hatred, and suffering in the Middle East. My family was terrified for me because they thought I would be in grave danger just by being here. However, the reality is very different. Hebron is an incredibly safe and friendly city, and Palestine, in general, is very safe for an international coming to the country.
“The people here do everything they can to make you feel at home and welcome. From being invited into random shops and places for coffee and conversation, talking with strangers on the street as we practiced each other’s language, there is a culture of hospitality here in Palestine.”
Living in Hebron: What to Expect
Hebron is a lovely place to live. While it is one of the biggest cities in the West Bank, it has a very local feel. Its people are incredibly friendly and welcoming; immediately, you will feel right at home!
Location and Amenities
Hebron is a vibrant city with a strong sense of community. Engage in Palestine is located in a central neighborhood near Al Hussein Stadium and Ein Sara Street, where you’ll find:
- Supermarkets and fruit/vegetable markets
- ATMs and banks (Bank of Palestine is recommended for international visitors)
- Cafes and restaurants (local favorites include Coffee Corner, Hawana, and Feyrouz)
- Public transport connecting you to other parts of the West Bank
Daily life, customs, and culture
Daily life in Hebron is very relaxed but can differ from life in the West. As mentioned, people are very welcoming, so it is not uncommon for locals to stop and say welcome or to ask where you are from. People may also quickly ask for your social media or contact details or invite you to their home to meet their families. This is quite common here, so ensure you only give out your details and accept invitations if you feel comfortable. If you are unsure, you can always ask the staff at the Center for their advice.
What to wear?
Hebron is quite a conservative city, so to respect the local culture, men and women must dress conservatively. Winter in Hebron can be very cold, so make sure to pack warm clothing. It can get very hot in the summer, so we recommend bringing long, loose clothing that is comfortable and covers you. Women do not need to cover their hair unless they wish to do so for religious reasons.
Conclusion: Your Home Away from Home
Despite what you might hear in the news, staying in the West Bank is a safe, comfortable, and enriching experience for international people. Since 2011, we have welcomed over 2,000 volunteers to Engage in Palestine.
Adjusting to life in a different place can be daunting at times. That’s why we work hard to provide accommodation that allows our volunteers to have the kind of experience they want – whether it be sharing with other volunteers, spending time with a host family, or stretching out in their own space. To live this experience to the fullest, we recommend opening your heart and mind to Palestine and trying to step out of your comfort zone a little.
