Volunteer In Local Palestinian Schools Program: Come be a part of the Local Palestinian Schools Volunteer Program and make a wonderful impact on the lives of Palestinian children, refugees, and youth! Our volunteer program in Hebron, West Bank, is open to everyone—whether you’re a native or non-native English speaker, a student, a graduate, a professional, or a retiree. If you’re passionate about improving the English and life skills of local Palestinian students, this is your chance to join us and make a difference. We’d love to have you on board!
As a volunteer in the West Bank, you get to visit local Palestinian schools, refugee camps, and villages around Hebron. Here, you’ll make meaningful contributions to the Palestinian community in the West Bank, Palestine. Furthermore, by joining this volunteer program, you help Palestinian students gain important skills and knowledge while learning about their culture and way of life. It’s a perfect volunteer opportunity for anyone passionate about education, Palestinian community development, and making a positive impact in the West Bank, Palestine.
Our Volunteer Program in Local Palestinian Schools is for everyone who speaks English, whether you’re a student, professional, retiree, or graduate. It’s a fantastic opportunity for anyone interested in volunteering in Palestine, the West Bank, Israel, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, the Middle East, or the wider Arabic world.
Volunteer in Local Palestinian Schools Program for 2026/2027
Engage in Palestine is excited to announce the opening of applications for the Volunteer in Local Palestinian Schools Program for the 2026/2027 academic year. This unique program offers participants the chance to work closely with Palestinian students, refugees, children, youth, teachers, and local communities, contributing to education and positive social change.
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A Wide Range Of Impact
Our Volunteer in Local Palestinian Schools Program in Hebron, West Bank is well researched, targeted, and suitable for anyone who wants to gain insights into daily Palestinian life, education, teaching English, 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”. Our volunteer and internship programs foster shared and mutual learning for both our community and our volunteers and interns. When you take on the role of a volunteer teacher, you not only help others learn, but you yourself will learn so much from your students, which will have an impact on your life even after you leave Palestine.
Volunteering and interning is a unique opportunity to genuinely make an impact on your life as well as on others, including Palestinian children, refugees, youth, and community members in the West Bank, Palestine.
Immerse Yourself In Palestinian Culture
Our volunteering with the Palestinian children and youth program is designed to fully immerse you in Palestinian culture and forge strong relationships whilst challenging you as a person. You will be working alongside the Palestinian men, women, and children of the local area – allowing you to meet plenty of new people, study a new language, and learn more about the local Palestinians and refugees living in and around Hebron.
Once you arrive at Engage In Palestine and complete your personalized orientation, you will have the opportunity to design and create your own workshops aimed at benefiting Palestinian children and youth. These workshops will make up the majority of your workload during your time in the West Bank, Palestine. Previous workshops created by volunteers have included:
- Fun days for Palestinian children in the refugee camps
- Conversational English language courses
- Arts and music courses for disabled children
- Media training for students
- Environmental camps for students
- Mathematics lessons
- Drama lessons
- Journalism workshops for high school students
- Medical workshops, such as first aid courses
As long as you have the willingness to participate, this volunteer program in the West Bank is open to everyone aged 18 – 70 years old from all countries, all majors, and all walks of life.
Volunteer With Palestinian Children And Youth In Summer
The Volunteer in Local Palestinian Schools Program in the Summer is ideal for you if you are someone who is seeking to engage and volunteer with Palestinian children and youth in the summer. This volunteer program is especially suitable for university students who are looking for internships to gain practical in-person experiences in the area of the West Bank, Palestine, and Israel, as well as the Middle East.
While we operate our Volunteer in Local Schools in Palestine Program year-round (spring, summer, fall, and winter), we also have dedicated summer volunteer programs specifically designed for students looking for opportunities to volunteer abroad in the fields of teaching and volunteering with children and youth while gaining credit towards their studies. Engage in Palestine is able to grant academic credit to our already enrolled university students thanks to collaboration with the Palestinian Ministry of Education.
Please note that, as students in Palestine have school holidays in summer, our summer volunteer and internship program will be a little different from when it runs throughout the rest of the year. However, there will still be many exciting and different opportunities to participate in, no matter whether you join us in summer or at any other time.
We invite you to join this program to make the most of this excellent chance to travel throughout the summer, obtain practical experience in a related profession, and work towards your degree all at the same time.
Experience The Palestinian School System
In this volunteering program in the West Bank, Palestine, we would like to bridge the gap between the Palestinian students in Hebron and the international volunteers who come to the Center. This is for two reasons:
1) In order to allow the students to become familiar with foreign nationals
2) To enable you to directly experience and understand the Palestinian school system yourself
Many Palestinians in Hebron have never met or talked to a foreign national due to the Israeli Occupation limiting the prospects for Palestinians to travel abroad, as well as greatly limiting the tourism industry in Hebron. Palestinian students may experience a range of emotions when meeting with internationals, some might be a bit scared and shy and some will be very excited and eager to communicate with you and learn more about you.
While Palestinians learn English in school, they have limited opportunities to practice speaking English with fluent English speakers (whether native or non-native). This program helps to bridge that gap, by connecting international English speakers with Palestinian children and youth. This will not only help them improve their English through practice, but also help them improve their confidence, which will benefit not only their English but their overall self-esteem.
This program also gives you, as a participant, a unique insight into the Palestinian school system by experiencing it for yourself. This gives you the opportunity to both learn and teach at the same time. You will have the opportunity to learn from other teachers and the students, while also getting practical experience through participating and teaching.
Volunteer In Local Palestinian Schools Program: Overview
| Location of Volunteer Program | Hebron, West Bank, Palestine |
| Program Language | English |
| Volunteering Duration | 1-13 weeks |
| Starting/ Ending Dates | Year round |
| Program Focus | Palestinian children and refugees Palestinian school students Volunteering with Palestinian children Internship with Palestinian refugees |
| Monthly Costs | Starting at €250/week. See our Price List for details. |
| Homestay in Hebron | Palestinian host family Shared, fully-furnished apartments Private (additional fees apply) |
| Educational Degree | Not required |
| University Credit | Available |
| Application Deadline | No deadline |
| Reviews and Ratings | Reviews On Gooverseas.com Reviews On Goabroad.com Participants video testimonials |
What do the Programs in Palestine include?
| Program Content |
|---|
| A homestay with a Palestinian family or a stay in a nice apartment |
| Family breakfast during the work week |
| 3 hours of Arabic per week (can be increased to 6, 9, or 12 hours for an additional fee) |
| Guided tours in Hebron’s Old City |
| Visits to Palestinian refugee camps |
| 24/7 support during your time in Palestine |
| Certificate upon the completion of the program |
| Cultural immersion activities throughout your stay |
A Flexible Volunteering Program
As a participant in the Volunteer in Local Palestinian Schools Program, you are welcome to choose what kind of activities you would like to organize during your program and if you would like to work with certain target groups (for example, children of a certain age).
We understand that our international participants have different skills, interests, and circumstances, so we are very flexible with the kinds of activities and experiences you wish to have. We also make the program length very flexible, anywhere from 1 to 13 weeks, so you are able to choose the option that best suits you.
When You Arrive in Hebron, Palestine
Before deciding on a schedule, volunteers will be welcomed to the Center and given an orientation about Hebron and Palestinian culture, including both Arabic classes and an introduction to Palestinian culture.
We offer both accommodation options to suit your preference: you can stay with a Palestinian host family, which provides a unique cultural experience and personal support, or in a shared apartment just a 5-minute walk from the center, offering comfort and convenience. Both options are designed to enhance your immersion in the local community and culture.
After the introductory week, as mentioned before, you will then get to decide what kind of activities to develop and present to your students, based on your individual knowledge, interests, and level of experience. You will be given a lot of control over this process.
Which Kind Of Activities Can You Organize?
At Engage In Palestine, we strive to provide our volunteers with a flexible and customized experience that aligns with their interests and goals. We are happy to work with you to create a volunteering plan that suits your preferences and skills.
Currently, our program offers a variety of opportunities, including:
- Teaching conversational English to Palestinian children, youth, and refugee children in local schools in and around Hebron.
- Planning and organizing interactive activities such as painting, photography, and writing workshops.
- Organizing activities aimed at entertaining refugee children in Hebron.
- Assisting in organizing weekly workshops for Palestinian refugees on educational-related subjects such as writing resumes and formal emails, teaching employment skills, and educational writing skills.
- Helping Engage In Palestine’s staff in administration-related activities, such as writing articles and reports, and printing materials for the students.
By participating in our volunteer program, you can gain valuable experience and make a meaningful contribution to the local community. We look forward to working with you to create a volunteering plan that aligns with your interests and goals.
The Day in the Life of a Volunteer in Palestine
Mornings
Volunteering in Palestine requires commitment and flexibility. Volunteers usually work around 30 hours per week (10:00–17:00) and have two days off (Friday, when the center is closed, and one additional day of your choice).
Each morning, breakfast is shared at the center and includes traditional Palestinian foods such as bread, olive oil, za’atar, hummus, labneh, falafel, and fresh vegetables. Staff, volunteers, and interns sit together, creating a warm, communal atmosphere and a chance to connect.
Afternoon
Engage in Palestine also facilitates regular afternoon excursions to Hebron and neighboring cities throughout the week. Participants learn Arabic, visit refugee camps, take part in community activities, and also lead workshops and classes.
Evening and Weekends
Evenings are generally free time, giving volunteers the opportunity to relax after the working day or explore Hebron at their own pace. Many choose to spend this time with fellow volunteers or colleagues, meeting each other at the center, cooking together, or enjoying shisha in a social setting, as well as discovering local cafés, restaurants, and cultural or historical sites around the city.
Trips to nearby areas such as Halhul and Masafer Yatta are also common. Weekends provide a welcome break from the routine and are an opportunity for rest, travel, and independent exploration, including overnight stays away from Hebron.
Benefits Of Volunteering:
Our volunteer program in local schools in the West Bank, Palestine, offers many benefits, including:
- Living in Hebron, and undertaking trips to the old city, holy sites, and more during your time
- Gain practical teaching experience and experience working with Palestinian children, students, and youth
- Learning spoken Arabic from native speakers and embracing the opportunity to communicate with locals
- 3 hours of Arabic lessons per week
- Well-qualified, attentive Arabic teachers, each with an excellent educational background, are ready and happy to help you
- Exposure to daily life in Hebron, Palestinian culture, and society
- Accommodation with either a Palestinian host family or in our male apartment
- The opportunity to eat and enjoy local Palestinian foods and desserts
- Palestinian cultural nights featuring entertainment and activities
- Opportunities to visit unique tourist attractions with a particular native perspective, including Bethlehem, Ramallah, Nablus, Tulkarem, Qalqilyah, Jenin, and the Dead Sea in Jericho
- The ability to visit nearby cities as well as those in Jordan, including Akko, Herzliya, Beersheva, Eilat, Tiberias, Netanya, Safed, Haifa, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Masada, Amman, Aqaba, Wadi Rum, and Nazareth
- A participant’s certificate upon completion.
Additional Services and Customization Options
Additional Arabic Language Hours: Participants can add extra weekly Arabic lessons for a more intensive learning experience.
Private Accommodation Options: Participants may choose a private room or an apartment located just 3 minutes from the center.
Family-Friendly Housing: Families with children are welcome, with suitable accommodation options available for a comfortable stay.
Combined Study and Practical Experience: Participants can combine Arabic language study with volunteer or internship programs for a more hands-on experience.
Online Arabic Lessons: Available before and after the program to support continued language development.
Support Materials to Help You Get Started
To help participants transition smoothly into their new environment, a range of support materials is provided upon arrival. These resources are carefully designed to answer common questions and offer guidance on both practical and cultural aspects of life in Palestine. They play a key role in helping participants feel comfortable and well-prepared from the very beginning.
Among these resources is the Orientation Guide for participants in Engage in Palestine, which introduces the program structure, expectations, and key information about daily life. In addition, the Travel Guide to Palestine offers essential advice on transportation, local customs, and important locations, helping participants navigate their surroundings with ease.
Participants also receive a Daily Schedule Guide, which outlines their weekly activities, classes, and responsibilities. Together, these documents ensure that participants can quickly find their rhythm, understand their commitments, and fully engage in their experience from day one.
To Volunteer In A Local Palestinian School, You Should Be:
- Willing to work with diverse Palestinian children, youth, and school students
- A student or graduate who seeks teaching experience
- Someone interested in the educational system in Palestine
- An interest or major in English or education
- 18+ and willing to make an impact on the local community
- Someone who desires to help the future leaders of Palestine
What do you need to be a volunteer in a local school in Palestine?
- 18+
- The ability to communicate in English
- The ability to work with an international team
- Patience and enthusiasm
- To be eager to learn
What don’t you need?
- The ability to speak Arabic
- Travel or work experience
- To be a native speaker of English
- A degree in English or any specialization
- Experience in teaching English as a foreign language
Arabic Lessons For Volunteers
All our international volunteers and interns receive 3 hours of Arabic classes a week or 12 hours a month with an experienced and knowledgeable Palestinian teacher. With this foundation, all volunteers will have plenty of chances to interact with locals to learn and practice the language.
No matter what your Arabic level is, from total beginner to advanced, we make our Arabic lessons suitable for you. On top of that, as a volunteer or intern, you can freely choose what kind of Arabic you would like to learn.
When Does The Volunteering In Local Schools In Palestine Program Accept Volunteers?
Engage In Palestine welcomes international volunteers year-round and allows volunteers to decide when they would like to start their program. We are very flexible with starting and ending dates, and you can choose your volunteer period anywhere between 1 and 13 weeks.
We understand that everyone has different schedules and availability, so we work with each volunteer to create a program that fits their individual needs. Whether you want to volunteer for a few weeks during your summer break or for several months during your gap year, we can help you design a program that aligns with your goals and availability.
Safety Of Our Volunteers And Interns
The region of Palestine is perpetually unstable. While there is always unrest and war, the situation sometimes becomes more volatile. Nonetheless, each year millions of tourists visit Palestine and the West Bank, including Hebron, Ramallah, Bethlehem, Jenin, Tulkarem, Nablus, and many other cities without any safety issues. Palestinians in general are a welcoming and hospitable people, and they recognize that the politics of a country may differ from its people.
Since its formation in 2011, Engage In Palestine has welcomed over 1,000 international visitors. These visitors have lived and worked in Hebron for weeks or months at a time, and overall, they never faced any threats or safety issues while in Hebron or the West Bank in general.
Traveling To Hebron, Palestine
Engage In Palestine has all the resources you need to answer your questions about how to travel in an efficient, safe, and practical manner. Please read our articles below for guidance:
- How to travel to Palestine
- How to get to Hebron, Palestine
- Planning your trip to Palestine
- How to get from the Ben Gurion Airport (Israel) to Hebron
Tel Aviv Airport Pickups
Engage In Palestine staff can organize a taxi to pick you up at Ben Gurion Airport and take you straight to Hebron and the Center. This is the easiest and fastest way (about an hour, 60 km/37 miles) to get to us.
Additional fees apply, and the trip costs about 160 euros. Please contact us if you are interested in this option, and we can arrange it for you.
How to Fly to Palestine?
The easiest way to get to Engage in Palestine is to fly to:
- Ben Gurion, Tel Aviv Airport in Israel. It takes about two and a half hours from the airport to Engage in Palestine via shared taxi.
Alternatively:
- Flying to Eilat airport in the south of Israel and then traveling by shuttle or by taking a bus to Jerusalem and then to Hebron. However, the duration of the trip can last between six and seven hours.
- Flying to Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, Jordan, and then crossing the border to Palestine. However, this takes more time and is more expensive.
Pre-Departure Support
Engage In Palestine will organize calls with you via WhatsApp, write invitation letters, send travel instructions, and give you advice on different topics for your travels, ensuring you feel comfortable and confident in volunteering with us.
Awards And Recognitions
Engage in Palestine has proudly earned several Community Awards, including recognition as the Best Arabic Language School overseas, one of the best Online Programs for Palestinian Colloquial Arabic Providers, and the Top Provider of Volunteer and Internship Opportunities abroad in 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. For further details, please visit our profiles on GoOverseas.com and GoAbroad.com.
- Check out our latest awards here
- +1000 Reviews (96.8%) on Gooverseas.com
- +190 Reviews (9.3/10) on Goabroad.com
- Participants’ video testimonials
Summary
The Volunteer in Local Palestinian Schools Program in Hebron, West Bank, Palestine is the perfect opportunity for university students, graduates, those taking a sabbatical or gap year, and people who are looking to make a difference in the lives of Palestinian children in Hebron, Palestine. The ways in which you, as a volunteer, can apply your skills are nearly endless. You will not only get to volunteer and have an impact, but you will be immersed in Palestinian culture and get to learn a lot about Palestine.
During your volunteer program in the West Bank, you will get to engage with the local community, particularly Palestinian children and youth. You will get the opportunity to learn first-hand about the Palestinian school system and participate in it. There are many potential activities you can choose to do in this program, such as running conversational English classes, art, music, drama, or dance workshops, or workshops in media, journalism, or healthcare and medicine. This program is very flexible, so you will be able to engage in the activities and areas of interest of your choosing.
Volunteering with Palestinian children and youth in the West Bank, Palestine, is a unique experience that will shape your perspective for years to come. Whether you are a native or non-native English speaker, you are welcome to participate in our programs. No matter your level of Arabic, you are also welcome and will have the opportunity to learn Arabic for the first time or build upon your existing Arabic level.
In addition, volunteering in the West Bank is the perfect opportunity for anyone who is interested in a career working with children, refugees, early childhood education, and children’s welfare. If you are a current university or college student, you can even obtain credit towards your studies while volunteering with us in Palestine. Whether you are a student or not, you can participate in this program year-round for as long as you like between 1-13 weeks.
How To Apply
If you are interested in volunteering with us at Engage In Palestine, please send an email to Info@ecpalestine.org with the subject line “Volunteer in Local Palestinian Schools“. We will send you the application form to get started on your journey with us. Our team is happy to answer any questions you may have and guide you through the application process. We look forward to hearing from you and working together to make a positive impact on the lives of Palestinian children and youth.
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Contact Us
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at:
WhatsApp: +972 599 479 880
Email: Info@ecpalestine.org
Website: https://excellencenter.org/
Volunteer For Palestine: https://volunteerforpalestine.org/
Volunteer In Palestine: https://volunteerinpalestine.org/
Study In Palestine: https://studyinpalestine.org/
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