The Medicine and Healthcare volunteer program in the West Bank, Palestine will suit a wide range of potential volunteers, whether they are already working in the medical profession, studying medicine or pre-med, or considering a career in healthcare. General practitioners, specialists, doctors of public health, nutritionists, nurses and paramedics will all find the experience gained on this volunteer program to be invaluable. 

For those looking to provide medical assistance in Israel, West Bank or the Middle East, this volunteer program will be an especially rewarding experience. Serving as a medical volunteer in Palestine can be a great introduction to medical fieldwork while experiencing the day to day workings of local health clinics and nonprofits. 

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.

By being paired with local professionals such as doctors and nursing students, the volunteers will gain valuable knowledge and experience when working under their supervision. They will learn about the Palestinian healthcare system, the work of local hospitals and the medical and healthcare specializations of the local universities and colleges. As the volunteers gain hands-on experience, the program enhances their practical skills and awareness while allowing them to contribute to a society that is underprivileged and in need of aid.

Located in the city of Hebron, Engage In Palestine has in the past provided numerous opportunities for those wishing to volunteer in medicine. From undergraduate students to fully licensed medical professionals, all can participate in and benefit from this program. Because we are partnered with the Palestinian Ministry of Education, university students may also receive academic credit for their time spent volunteering. 

Brief Description 

The Medicine and Healthcare Program in West Bank is an ideal volunteering opportunity for those who are looking to help Palestinian children, youth, women and refugees. Your time spent here can have a significant impact on the Palestinian community whilst giving you the opportunity to broaden your clinical, procedural and cultural skills.

Although the scope of medical work undertaken will vary depending on the experience and qualifications of the volunteers, they will certainly have the opportunity to exchange knowledge and cross-cultural learning with locals as well as with other volunteers at the center.

Volunteer In The Summer

For those interested in traveling to Palestine or Israel ( for the duration of 1-13 Weeks) while also pursuing a summer internship or volunteer opportunity, the Medicine and Healthcare Program can satisfy both requirements. This is especially true for university students looking to gain practical experience during their summer break while also assisting in clinics and hospitals in Palestine.

Raising Awareness

The ultimate goal of the Volunteer in Medicine and Healthcare Program is to raise awareness of health practices and services in Palestine. To do this volunteers will travel to various health-related facilities throughout Hebron in order to become familiar with their operation and the predominant health needs of their clients. 

After acquainting themselves with their surroundings and conducting the necessary research, volunteers will work with the Center to organize local medical workshops. These workshops are designed to better inform local Palestinians of safe health practices. This has become more important since the onset of COVID-19, as the pandemic has disrupted life and misinformation has spread. 

Trained medical volunteers will also have the opportunity to utilize their expertise in refugee camps, where public services are extremely lacking and medical experts are in high demand. For volunteers with experience in a specific or specialized medical field, the Center can arrange for them to act in an advisory role with medical experts within Palestine. 

Ultimately, volunteers with Engage In Palestine will work with local organizations in Hebron to ensure that Palestinians receive the medical attention and education necessary for a healthy, safe and prosperous life.

Ways To Volunteer In Palestinian Healthcare

There are many ways in which you can participate in the volunteer healthcare program in Palestine. You may find yourself assisting local professionals in the healthcare system or, depending on your experience and qualifications, you may be involved in hands-on medical care of patients. There will also be opportunities for the care of medical equipment, as well as some administrative work.

Examples Of How You Can Help By:

• Organizing workshops for Palestinian university students on different medical topics and themes, e.g. first aid]

• Raising health awareness throughout the schools and universities, as well as in the general community in Hebron

• Visiting local schools and universities in Hebron to educate students about basic public health issues

• Organizing free events at the center where you and other volunteers can provide health consultations

• Liaising with local Palestinian medical organisations to organize health and wellness activities in the community

• Gathering information from local clinics, hospitals, universities and the Department of Health

• Organizing workshops for Palestinian medical students 

• Arranging other activities (we strongly welcome your suggestions)

Our Programs Make Great Impact 

Our 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 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.

Consult With Palestinian Health Professionals

During this volunteer program, medical volunteers will have the opportunity to consult with doctors and nurses of the local Al Ahli Hospital, Mahmoud Abbas general hospital in Halhul, Princess Alia Governmental Hospital. Volunteers will also visit international aid organisations located in Hebron, such as the United Nations Relief Work Agency (UNRWA), Médecins Sans Frontières, and the Red Crescent. 

According to the World Bank, fewer than half of Palestinians have their healthcare requirements met. As a volunteer in our Medicine and Healthcare Program, you will be contributing to an important cause while providing invaluable assistance to a people in need. 

Arabic Language Immersion

All of our international volunteers and interns in Palestine receive 3 hours of Arabic language lessons per week, or 12 hours per month with a Palestinian teacher. These classes are designed so that participants may be better equipped to assist the people with whom they are working by connecting with them on a more fundamental level. Making the effort to learn the local language is also seen as a mark of respect for the culture, one that will be noted and appreciated by all those you meet.

During their stay, volunteers will meet new people in Palestine on a daily basis, giving them ample opportunity to practice the Arabic that they have learnt in class. Volunteers can choose to learn Modern Standard or Colloquial Arabic during their time with Engage In Palestine. 

Participants will also take part in Center-led excursions to various historical and politically significant sites within Hebron, Palestine. These excursions will usually include the Old City of Hebron and the neighbouring refugee camps in order to gain a better understanding of Palestine’s contemporary political situation. 

How Does It Work? 

Engage In Palestine will work closely with volunteers to create a program that will reflect their experience, skill set and interests. We are very flexible in regard to the roles they may wish to take or the organizations they may wish to cooperate with. 

Upon their arrival, a medical volunteer liaison will work with volunteers to organize schedules, seminars, and workshops while also learning about the volunteer’s specific interests and ambitions. Volunteers will be housed with a Palestinian host family or in  an all-male dorm close to the city center for the entirety of their stay. Furthermore, the Center’s staff will be available at all times to assist volunteers. 

Who Is The Program For? 

Our Medicine and Healthcare Program in Palestine caters to a broad spectrum of volunteers including:

• Healthcare students
• Nursing students
• Public health workers
• Medical students
• Pre-med students
• Qualified health professionals
• Paramedics
• Doctors
• Nutritionists

The volunteer program is ideal for medical and health professionals looking to share their expertise with local nonprofits in a region which can often lack the resources needed to improve local conditions. This program is also open to medical and pre-med students, or those considering a career in the field of medicine. Volunteering with Engage In Palestine is a great way to build your skill set and to learn more about whether medicine is the right career choice for you. 

Because you will be located in the West Bank and working directly with local organizations, you will inevitably gain an understanding of Palestinian language and culture. This cultural and linguistic specialization is becoming increasingly important in the field of medicine.

Those who choose to volunteer with Engage In Palestine will be contributing to an important and worthwhile cause, helping to improve the overall health of the Palestinian people while also experiencing the language and culture of Palestine.

International volunteers may also be involved in health awareness and educational programs aimed at disease prevention and improving quality of life within the Palestinian community. 

Program Components:

• Introduction to Palestinian culture and the Arabic language

• Tours of local Palestinian hospitals, clinics, NGOs, and charity organisations

• Presentation of educational and medical workshops for Palestinians

• Implementation of free, Center-led healthcare events (open to volunteers with certified medical training only) 

• Consultation with local medical professionals concerning the state of Palestine’s healthcare 

Requirements To Volunteer In This Program:

• Aged 18 years or over
• Experience in healthcare work
• Ability to communicate in English
• Patience and enthusiasm
• Eagerness to learn

What Is Not Required:

• Medical qualification
• Ability to speak or understand Arabic
• English as a native language
• Travel experience

Schedule For Volunteers

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

Breakfast is provided every morning at the Center and typically consists of bread, olive oil and za’atar, hummus, labneh, baba ghanoush, falafel, 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, which gives everyone a chance to touch base while also creating strong communal bonds.

The Center also facilitates regular excursions into Hebron and neighbouring 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 on their own or in the company of their colleagues.

In addition to their specific programs, volunteers will also attend Arabic classes for a total of three hours per week, something which will require some study and preparation. All of this means that schedules tend to fill up quickly, and volunteers will find that their time in Palestine usually passes very quickly. 

Arrival

Upon arrival, volunteers will be paired with a volunteer liaison who will organize their schedules, seminars and workshops, while also assessing their goals and abilities. The volunteers will be housed with a Palestinian host family or in an all-male dorm located near the city center. 

The First Week

The first week of the volunteer program will be spent adapting to life in Hebron and preparing for service in the volunteer’s field of expertise. During this first week volunteers will also attend classes on Palestinian culture and the Arabic language, thus enabling them to better interact with Palestinians.

Palestinians are a traditionally hospitable and welcoming people, and will certainly appreciate any effort that volunteers make to speak Arabic, as this shows a genuine interest and respect on their part for Palestinians and their culture. 

The Following Weeks

Once settled in, medical volunteers will work predominantly on organizing educational workshops, conducting site visits and volunteering in Palestinian hospitals. Workshops will focus on ensuring Palestinians are well-informed about their physical health, and may also include information about how best to guard against the Covid-19 virus. Additionally, volunteers will consult with local medical students and will exchange information about medical practices. 

Volunteers with training in certain fields of healthcare such as dentists, physical therapists, pharmacists, nutritionists and other specialists will be able to work with the Center to organize free healthcare events for local Palestinians. These events could include information sessions, workout classes, medical checkups and much more. Engage in Palestine works with local doctors and medical organizations in order to ensure that these healthcare events are conducted in a secure and safe manner for both volunteers and participants. 

What Do You Receive During Your Time In Palestine?

Volunteers the Medicine and Healthcare Volunteer program are entitled to the following benefits while participating in the program:

• Three hours of Arabic lessons per week.

• Visits to Palestinian refugee camps and an active role in organizing activities for Palestinian children.

• Experience of working with non-profit organizations, hospitals, NGOs and other medical organizations. 

• Visits to human rights organizations in Palestine.

• Exposure to daily life in Hebron and to 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.

• Attendance at Palestinian cultural nights featuring entertainment and activities.

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

• Access to nearby cities as well as in those in Jordan, including Akko, Herzliya, Beersheva, Eilat, Tiberias, Netanya, Safed, Haifa, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Masada, Amman, Aqaba, Wadi Rum and Nazareth.

• Assistance from attentive Arabic teachers, each with an excellent educational background who will be ready and willing to help you.

• A participant’s certificate upon completion.

Traveling to Hebron, Palestine 

Getting to Hebron can entail a lot of traveling, but it need not be arduous. Although there may be some obstacles to be overcome, Engage In Palestine has compiled a list of resources that will help you 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 on 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 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. 

Interacting With Palestinian Culture

Participants will find that the majority of Palestinians are incredibly friendly and open to foreigners. If medical volunteers 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 for visiting cultural sights, historical monuments and many other landmarks. Although Palestine can at times face difficult situations, participants will find that the Palestinian people are friendly and open, and that Palestine in general is a safe place to visit! 

Don’t Just Take Our Word For It!

If you are having any doubts about the safety of Palestine – or more specifically Hebron – it might be reassuring to know that prior to the COVID pandemic, Engage in Palestine welcomed around 80 participants each year. Since travel into the West Bank has recently resumed, we are seeing a steady flow of participants to our center once again. 

You may hear from past volunteers about their experiences while participating with Engage In Palestine under the descriptions of the various programs, as well as reading the following testimony from Archie, a volunteer from the UK:  

“Throughout my stay in Palestine, as a male, I have felt completely safe. I have never felt that I have been in danger. It is safer to walk through Hebron at night than it is to walk through Leeds in the UK.”  

Program Costs And Information: 

Engage In Palestine is priced competitively in comparison with other programs, with costs of 750 Euro a month and 250 Euro a week. Program costs cover language courses, accommodation, complimentary breakfast each day the participant is at 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 participants will pay.

Program Fees Cover:

• Accommodation
• 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 cultural diversity of Palestine and the Levant, having only a vague understanding of the timeless heritage of these lands.

By enrolling in this volunteer program, participants will experience something unique that is sure to be remembered throughout their lives. Participants will also have the opportunity to immerse themselves in Arabic language and culture while living in Hebron. 

In Which Language Is The Program Run? 

All of our programs are geared toward English speakers. For the sake of immersion, however, the higher the Arabic course level taken, the less English will be utilised in the classroom.

Volunteers will also have the opportunity to utilize their Arabic skills to the best of their ability while living in Hebron, ensuring that their time spent here will be a fully immersive experience.

General Information Regarding the Program

Program Reviews 

Since 2011 Engage In Palestine has welcomed individuals from 40 different countries! While we continue to develop our programs to provide the best possible learning experience, 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 Award, recognizing Engage In Palestine’s meaningful and unforgettable impact on international travelers. 

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 culture of Palestine and would like to visit the West Bank, please read our program reviews and testimonials to see if Engage In Palestine is the right organization for you:

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

Summary

The Volunteer in Medicine and Healthcare Program in the West Bank, Palestine is an ideal program for those looking to improve the health and well-being of the Palestinian people. Volunteers in this program will work closely with local hospitals, NGOs, and charity organizations to ensure that Palestinians have full access to healthcare. 

Additionally, volunteers will have the opportunity to create workshops designed to inform Palestinians of the healthcare services available to them in Hebron while guiding them toward healthy choices. Participants with specialized and certifiable medical training will even have the opportunity to organize free healthcare events to provide medical care to the local community.

How To Apply

If you are interested in participating in our Medicine and Healthcare Program, please write to us atInfo@ecpalestine.org. We should be able to respond to your initial inquiry within 1-3 business days.

In the subject line of your email write “Volunteer in Medicine & Healthcare.” Upon responding we will attach an application form which you can fill out and return to us to begin the process.

Find us online

Whatsapp:+972599479880

Website: https://ecpalestine.org/

EC Website: https://excellencenter.org/

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

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