Teaching English in the West Bank offers an eye-opening experience for those who choose to visit Palestine and engage with Palestinian youth, children, women, refugees, and community members in the city of Hebron. Volunteers teach English to Palestinian students, either at the Engage in Palestine Center or in local community development centers, Palestinian local schools, government organisations, non-governmental organisations, and refugee camps.

Furthermore, participants actively immerse themselves in Palestinian culture, daily life, politics, and the regional situation. Engage in Palestine hosts volunteers and interns from all over the world year-round. This involvement provides you with the opportunity to meet international colleagues at the center, travel throughout Palestine, collaborate in English teaching, and participate in a wide range of social, educational, cultural, and community development activities during your time in Hebron.

If you aspire to pursue a career in TESOL, TESL, TEFL, or related English language teaching roles, this internship program provides an outstanding opportunity to acquire practical experience and bolster your English teaching skills.

This English teaching internship is an excellent fit for you if you possess strong colloquial fluency in English and are intrigued by the Middle East, especially in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian situation. Furthermore, You are eager to actively participate in a volunteer program while exploring the West Bank, Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Bethlehem, Ramallah, Jaffa, and numerous other fascinating locations.

Arabic Classes

Learning Arabic is an integral part of the teach English program. Interns will receive 12 hours of conversational Arabic lessons each month, which can be spread out as 3 hours per week. You have the flexibility to choose the form of Arabic you wish to study:

• Shami or Levantine Arabic (Amiyya dialect)
• Colloquial Palestinian Arabic
• Modern Standard Arabic (MSA)
• A mixed schedule, such as Modern Standard Arabic and Shami Arabic, can also be arranged.

Support People in Vulnerable Communities

Volunteering as an English teacher in Hebron, West Bank presents an excellent opportunity to assist Palestinians in vulnerable communities. These include Palestinian children in Palestinian refugee camps and school children in rural areas like Dura, Bani Nuaim, Halhul, Masafer Yatta, Susya, Tafuh, Kharas,and other local Palestinian villages. They are eager to enhance their academic and professional prospects.

Teaching English for a Short-Term Period

This teaching internship caters to individuals who are looking for a unique, short-term English teaching opportunity. Volunteers are welcome to stay for a duration ranging from 1 to 13 weeks. Engage in Palestine accommodates people throughout the year, allowing you the freedom to select your preferred starting and ending dates.

NO Prior Experience In Teaching English

This volunteer program for teaching English presents an exciting internship opportunity, suitable for both those with prior teaching experience and participants with no prior teaching background.

Additionally, our Palestinian teachers hold degrees in teaching English, English literature, and teaching methods. We also have experienced Palestinian English teachers on our team who are highly skilled at conducting classes for non-native English speakers. They are available to provide guidance and support to our volunteers during the program.

Furthermore, we organize workshops on teaching English, offer teaching manuals and activities, and our staff is always willing to provide tips and advice on teaching English to Palestinians.

Program Components

Participants on the Volunteer to teach English program in Palestine will also enroll in 3 hours of Arabic language classes per week. These classes should further immerse volunteers in Palestinian culture, while also allowing them to communicate with their students and with the local population of Hebron. 

This teaching internship program can last from 1-13 weeks, depending on the participant’s preference. During their stay, volunteers will live with either a local Palestinian host family or in an all-male dorm, depending on availability. In either instance volunteers will be based in the bustling city of Hebron, giving them countless opportunities to practice their Arabic skills and become immersed in Arabic and Palestinian culture. 

Activities In The Program: 

• Conducting conversational English classes for Palestinian children and youth

• Assisting local public Palestinian schools in Hebron 

• Teaching classes of between 15 and 20 Palestinian students at the Engage in Palestine center

• Conducting one-on-one tutoring sessions with students at the center

• Helping to manage after-school programs 

• Participating in excursions to Hebron and other parts of the West Bank, Palestine

• Attending Arabic language classes for 3 hours per week

Reviews And Ratings

We continue to strive towards “excellence”: 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. The Excellence Center was also 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 also 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 the Excellence Center’s impact on the community of travelers around the world. The Excellence Center continues to be a highly rated travel organization across its selection of programs. 

Check out our many great reviews here:

• +730 reviews (94%) on gooverseas.com
• +150 reviews (96%) on goabroad.com
• Video testimonials

Requirements For Our Volunteer

To intern as an English teacher in the West Bank, Palestine, you will need to:

• Be 18+ years
• Have a bachelor degree or diploma (in any subject), or be a current undergraduate
• Be fluent in English
• Commit to a minimum of 1 week and a maximum of 3 months as a volunteer

    You Will Not Need To:

• Speak Arabic
• Have travel experience
• Have teaching experience
• Be a native English speaker

After finishing the volunteer program, Engage in Palestine will furnish you with a certificate and a letter of recommendation that you can include on your résumé and use to earn university credits.

Program Impacts 

We thoroughly research and precisely tailor our Volunteer to Teach English in the West Bank program, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a deeper understanding of Palestinian daily life, culture, and human rights in Palestine.

Our primary objective is to create a lasting impact on the lives of the local Palestinian community through the exchange of ideas and the practice of “walking in each other’s shoes.” Volunteering and interning represent a unique opportunity to make a profound impression, impacting not only your own life but also the lives of Palestinian children, women, youth, refugees, and the local community.

Teaching English Over Summer

For people looking to teach English over the summer months in the West Bank, Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, or Israel, Engage in Palestine offers great volunteer teaching opportunities from May to August. These volunteer and internship programs are ideal for students, native English speakers or anyone looking to volunteer during an extended visit or on a summer break .

The summer teaching volunteer programs combine an Arabic language focus with an immersion and engagement in Palestinian culture, politics and history. It includes visits to Bedouin areas (Susiya), Masafer Yatta, Palestinian refugee camps, local villages and community centers in Hebron, West Bank.

English Classes Size

At Engage in Palestine, volunteers will conduct one-on-one tutoring English sessions in addition to teaching full classes which can have from 10 to 20 Palestinian students in attendance. The students’ age can vary between six and forty years, as Palestinians of all ages are eager to learn new languages and connect with the outside world.

Additionally, Western media often portrays the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in an unfair and biased manner, where Palestinians are more often than not assigned blame and denied their own representation. As an English teacher in Palestine, you can help to turn the tide and combat this bias. You will be giving Palestinians the tools to express themselves and to communicate with an audience that has historically viewed them through a Western-centric and Orientalist lens.

An Opportunity To Explore Palestine

In addition to teaching English to the community here in Hebron, volunteers will also have the opportunity to explore the beautiful and historic land of Palestine. 

Engage in Palestine regularly conducts excursions into Hebron, and you will also have the opportunity to make your own way to neighboring cities such as Bethlehem, Tel Aviv, Ramallah, Jericho, Jenin, Nablus, Nazareth and Jerusalem. These excursions are meant to immerse program participants in Palestinian history, and to give volunteers a well-rounded understanding of a people and culture that have existed here for thousands of years.

Why Is This An Excellent Opportunity? 

Volunteering as an English teacher in the West Bank is a great opportunity to gain teaching experience, support human rights in Palestine, immerse oneself in a new culture and aid refugees in the West Bank. Taken together, these activities are sure to make this program a rewarding experience. 

One of the most rewarding aspects of your time here will be watching your students improve their English language comprehension. The students in turn will educate you about Palestinian culture, the Arabic language and their lives and experiences growing up under occupation. Volunteering as an English teacher in the West Bank is truly an immersive exchange, as well as being a two-way street between different cultures, languages and peoples. 

Reminder: This Program Does Not Have The Same Requirements As Other English Teaching Programs.

• Volunteers need not have previous teaching experience

• Volunteers are not required to have a teaching qualification or degree such as CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults), DELTA (Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language), TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language), TESOL, etc. 

• Volunteers will be provided with a teaching manual and the necessary materials by Engage in Palestine

• Our staff will be available to assist volunteers in their training and during their classes

• Volunteers will interact closely with refugee communities

• Classes will either be conducted on a one-on-one basis or in small groups

• This program is available throughout the year

General Program Overview

Program Costs And Information

Engage in Palestine is priced competitively in comparison to other English language teaching programs, with prices of 750 Euro a month or 250 Euro a week. Program costs cover the language courses, accommodation, complimentary breakfast each day the participant attends the center, operating costs and group excursions. There are no additional or hidden fees applied to these programs, as the  price quoted above is the complete and final cost that participants will pay.

Program Fees Cover:

• Accommodation
• Arabic Language courses
• Operating costs
• Complimentary breakfast 
• Group excursions to Hebron 

Accommodation

When staying in Hebron, you will have the option of residing with a Palestinian host family or staying in a dorm. There are advantages to both options. For those staying in a dorm, you will have extra time in which to become acquainted with other  participants and volunteers. The dorms are located in Hebron’s metropolitan center, providing ample opportunities to explore the city, either on your own or in the company of your colleagues.

The second option, to reside with a Palestinian host family, will give participants an intimate view of daily Palestinian life, customs and culture. They will also become familiar with family structures, as well as getting to taste some 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 the participant chooses, their time in Palestine is guaranteed to be immersive, enriching and memorable! 

Interacting With Palestinian Culture

Participants will find that the majority of Palestinian people are incredibly friendly and open to foreigners. If participants utilize their Arabic skills, no matter how well-developed, they will find that most Palestinians are enthusiastic and patient communicators who are delighted 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 the situation in Palestine can at times be difficult, participants will find that the Palestinian people are friendly and open, and that Palestine in general is a safe place to visit! 

What Do You Get From Engage In Palestine? 

• 12 hours of Arabic lessons for each month that you intern with us, or 3 hours per week

• Accommodation with a Palestinian host family or in a shared flat

• Breakfast with other participants (6 times a week)

• Support before your departure and during your time in Palestine

• Visits to various sites in the city of Hebron, including refugee camps, the old city and different factories

• An understanding of Palestinian politics and of the experience of occupation in the West Bank 

• The opportunity to learn more about the human rights situation while helping Palestinian refugees.

• Engagement in educational, social and community activities

• Palestinian hospitality and a pleasant climate

• The experience of living in one of the most politically divisive and ambivalent regions of the Middle East

• The opportunity to visit unique tourist attractions from a native perspective,  including Bethlehem, Ramallah, Nablus, Hebron, Tulkarm, Qalqilyah, Jenin and the Dead Sea near Jericho

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

• Assistance from well-qualified, attentive Arabic teachers with excellent educational backgrounds

• A certificate upon completion

Who Is This Program For?

The Volunteer to teach English program in the West Bank is suitable for anyone wishing to assist Palestinians while also gaining valuable teaching experience. The program is also ideal for those interested in the Arabic language and the Middle East, especially in relation to the Israel – Palestine situation, as well as for people with an interest in issues of human rights, linguistics and second language acquisition. Furthermore, it would suit those who simply wish to dedicate some of their time to helping others.  

University students and recent graduates will find this program especially helpful in building their skillset while exploring topics related to political science and refugee aid. In partnership with the Palestinian Ministry of Education, Engage in Palestine is able to provide university credits for students volunteering their services. 

In summary, the program is suitable for:

• University students who are studying English and who wish to teach abroad for a semester in order to gain university credit
• Those interested in immersing themselves in the daily life and culture of Palestine
  • Students who are studying Political Science or Middle Eastern, Palestinian and Israeli history 
• People who intend to work as English teachers
• People who would like to study and practice Arabic with native speakers
• People who are willing to help Palestinians learn conversational English

Who Can Participate?

Engage in Palestine does not discriminate on any basis; this includes nationality, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation or any other basis. 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 on Engage in Palestine’s programs 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! 

Traveling To Hebron, Palestine 

Traveling to Engage in Palestine’s center in Hebron might seem challenging, but we’re here to make it easier for you. We’ve compiled valuable resources to assist you in reaching Hebron with convenience, safety, and comfort in mind.

To prepare for your journey to the West Bank, explore the informative articles below. These resources provide insights into topics like air travel to Palestine, different transportation options to reach Hebron, and utilizing taxi services in both Israel and Palestine.

• 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 enquiries 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. 

How To Get A Volunteer Visa For Palestine

Most of our international participants get a tourist visa for three months when they fly to Israeli airports or cross from Jordan to the West Bank.

Generally, no prior visa is required for Americans, Canadians, and most Europeans to enter Palestine. However, please refer to the visa exemption agreement for additional information. Upon your arrival at the Israeli Airports of Tel Aviv or Eilat, you will receive a tourist visa valid for 90 days. This visa is ample for participating in Engage in Palestine’s programs and allows you to travel around Palestine and Israel freely.

Summary

The Volunteer to Teach English in the West Bank program is perfect for those who want to teach English to non-native speakers, study Palestinian/Levantine Arabic, and immerse themselves in Palestinian culture and daily life. Teaching English to Palestinians offers a unique chance to create an impact while experiencing personal growth in a new environment.

By volunteering in the West Bank, participants will broaden their understanding and knowledge of Palestinian culture. They will  get to hear new perspectives on global affairs and life under occupation which may inspire them to change their outlook on the world. If this teaching English program description has piqued your interest, please do not hesitate to apply, and we can begin the process today!

How To Apply

If you’re interested in joining the Volunteer to Teach English program, please email us at Info@ecpalestine.org. We aim to respond to your initial inquiry within 1-2 business days.

In the subject line of your email write “Volunteer to Teach English in the West Bank.” Upon responding we will attach an application form which you will fill out and return to us to begin the process.

Related Internship Programs

How To Get Further Information 

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

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

Volunteer in Palestine: https://volunteerinpalestine.org/

Whatsapp:+972 599 479 880

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/excellence.center

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