Volunteer Work in Palestine: Volunteers can make a difference in Palestinian communities and learn more about the area’s intricate history and culture. Palestinians face a variety of issues, such as limited access to essential resources, restrictions on movement, and political instability. Nonetheless, despite these obstacles, there are numerous volunteer programs and organizations that give people the chance to help bring about constructive change in Palestine.
Volunteering in Palestine, whether it involves teaching English or helping Palestinian refugees, may be a fulfilling and gratifying experience that can also improve the lives of others while providing opportunities for important personal and professional growth. In this article, we will talk more about volunteer work in Palestine, including some of the most popular fields for volunteering and volunteer opportunities in the West Bank.
Table of Contents
What Kinds Of Volunteer Work Is Popular In Palestine?
There are many kinds of volunteer programs and areas of volunteering available in Palestine, with each having its unique focus and requirements. Below, we outline some of the most popular fields for volunteer work in Palestine.
1. Volunteer English Teaching Work
One of the most popular and common types of volunteer work abroad is teaching English. Many Palestinians have limited access to quality English language instruction and often few opportunities to interact with native or fluent English speakers. In the West Bank in Palestine, students learn English at school but the quality of English instruction is not of a high standard, with the focus being mostly only on writing and reading, while speaking and listening skills are neglected.
In addition, there are often 35-50 students in one class in public schools, which isn’t an optimal environment for learning English. So volunteer English teachers can help to bridge this gap and empower local Palestinians through improving their English language skills and confidence.
Getting a paid English teaching position in Palestine often requires qualifications such as a TEFL, CELTA, TESOL, or a master’s degree, previous teaching experience, and being a native English speaker, while others will only require that you are fluent in English. For volunteer positions, there are usually much fewer requirements. So if you are interested in pursuing English teaching as a career, finding short-term English teaching volunteer work can be a great way to get the experience you need and see if it’s the right path for you while making a difference in people’s lives.
2. Volunteer Work With Palestinian Refugees
Many international volunteers come to Palestine because they want to volunteer to support Palestinian refugees living in refugee camps, who have been displaced for several generations. There are still many refugee camps in both the West Bank and Gaza, although volunteers will find it virtually impossible to enter Gaza because it is under Israeli blockade and siege. To name a few refugee camps in the West Bank, there are Al-Fawwar and Al-Aroub camps near Hebron, Dheisheh, Aida and Azzeh/Beit Jabrin camps near Bethlehem, Askar and Balata camps near Nablus, Aqbat Jabr camp near Jericho as well as Jenin Camp near Jenin.
Palestinian refugees face many difficulties and are often marginalized communities, so volunteer work is a powerful way to make a positive impact on their lives and volunteers can help in providing much-needed support and advocacy. There are several fields for volunteering with Palestinian refugees, from teaching English to teaching the art of sports to Palestinian refugee children, to providing medical care to working on construction projects. These volunteer initiatives can serve to raise the standard of living for refugees while giving volunteers the chance to advance themselves personally and professionally.
3. Volunteer Work In Medicine And Healthcare
Palestine’s healthcare system is underfunded and lacking in resources. It has several challenges, such as a lack of medical professionals in specific areas and limited access to pharmaceuticals and medical equipment. By offering assistance and knowledge to individuals in need, volunteers with medical skills can contribute to closing these gaps.
International volunteers looking for volunteer work in medicine and healthcare may have the chance to assist in clinics, hospitals, or mobile health units, offering a variety of services ranging from straightforward medical procedures to comprehensive health checks. Alternatively, volunteers may have the chance to work on community-based health initiatives such as programs for maternity and child health or health education. Volunteers can also work with Palestinian medical students to run workshops or seminars on medical topics, give career advice, help Palestinian students write a CV, or look for opportunities to study abroad. Overall, depending on your skills and expertise, there are a wide range of opportunities within medicine and healthcare for you to make a difference.
4. Volunteer Work In Community Development
Another popular area for volunteer work in Palestine is community development, which is focused on promoting and improving the social, economic, and environmental well-being of a community. This helps to build stronger and more resilient individuals and communities, which in turn creates a better future. By volunteering your time, skills, and passion, you can help to make a difference.
In Palestine, there are numerous ways to volunteer in community development. You could, for instance, volunteer with local organizations that offer underserved areas access to social, medical, or educational services. You may also aid initiatives to safeguard culturally or historically significant sites or advance environmental sustainability. Alternatively, you make worthwhile with individuals in the community such as Palestinian youth or women to help them enhance their employability, career prospects, and economic situation. Whatever your hobbies or abilities, there is probably a way you can help Palestinians create a better future for themselves.
5. Volunteer Work Opportunities With Engage In Palestine
Engage in Palestine is a local Palestinian organization that is well-regarded with ties to the local community and is highly reviewed by former participants. We offer a range of short-term volunteer programs, internships as well as Arabic courses. These programs aim to foster cultural connections and exchanges, in addition to promoting language learning and developing individuals and communities.
While there are many opportunities for volunteer work throughout Palestine, Engage in Palestine has over 14 years of experience running volunteer programs and bringing international volunteers together with local Palestinians. Engage in Palestine is an excellent choice for anyone looking for structured yet flexible volunteer work in the areas of Palestine, the West Bank, Israel, or the Middle East. Volunteers with Engage in Palestine will have a safe, immersive, and supportive stay and make new friends while learning about and making a difference in the local Palestinian community.
Quick Facts About Our Short-Term Volunteer Programs
Below you may find some quick key information about our short-term volunteer projects.
| Location of Programs | Hebron, West Bank |
| Age of Participants | 18-70 years old |
| Program Focus | Teach English in Palestine Volunteer with Palestinian Children Palestinian Refugees Law and Human Rights Community Development Medicine & Healthcare And More |
| Program Language | English |
| Volunteering Program Duration | 1-13 weeks |
| Starting/ Ending Dates | Participants can freely choose their starting and ending dates and we offer volunteer programs and internships in Palestine year-round |
| Timeframe | Short Term Summer Winter Spring Autumn / Fall Year Round |
| Travel Type | Budget Family Older Travelers Solo Women |
| Weekly Costs | Starting at 230€ – Check Our Price List |
| Accommodation in Hebron | Palestinian host family Male dorm Private (additional fees apply) |
| Included Arabic Lessons | 3 hours per week |
| 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 |
| Tel Aviv Airport Pickup | Available (Fee applies) |
Where Is Engage In Palestine?
Engage in Palestine is located in Hebron in the West Bank, of Palestine. Hebron is the largest city in the West Bank and is a bustling city where Palestinians come from all over to go shopping. The old city in Hebron is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Hebron is also home to the famous Ibrahimi Mosque. On top of this however, Hebron is also a city on the frontline of the Israeli occupation and is the only city in the West Bank with Israeli settlers living inside part of the city itself. This makes Hebron a very important city, not only historically and economically, but also to see and understand the effects of the occupation.
Safety In Hebron
It’s important to emphasize that the safety situation for international visitors in Hebron is completely different from what you might have heard in the news. Many of our former participants, including women, have told us how safe and welcome they feel in Hebron and sometimes even more so than in their own home countries.
Overall, Hebron is very safe although as with any city, there are a few certain areas that are best to avoid late at night. While there are occasional outbreaks of violence in Hebron, they are highly localized and are very easy to avoid so long as you wish to do so. Our participants often spend their free time in the evenings getting a drink in a cafe, going for a walk or to a restaurant, or going out for some ice cream.
Our Short-Term Volunteer Opportunities
Engage in Palestine offers a range of short-term volunteer programs that provide the opportunity for volunteers to make a positive impact on the local Palestinian community and gain a deeper understanding of Palestinian culture, society, and daily life. Our volunteer work programs, which range in length from one week to three months, are made to be adaptable and customized to the needs and interests of the individual.
You may learn more about each of the specific programs we provide by clicking the links in the table below.
Short-Term Volunteering In Summer
The most popular season for volunteering is over the summer, from June to September, when many people have a summer break or sufficient spare time for volunteering, including retirees, teachers, professionals, and current students. Many volunteers come to Engage in Palestine for volunteer work during this time, from anywhere between 1-13 weeks.
Summer is an excellent time to volunteer because you will have the chance to make new friends and enjoy the pleasant weather while also making the most of your summer vacation. We will also introduce you to Palestinian culture, take you on numerous excursions in and around Hebron, and give you some free time to explore new places with your new friends. We can also provide you with academic credit if you are a current university student looking to gain credit for your volunteer experience.
Volunteer With Palestinian Refugees
While Engage in Palestine offers a specific volunteer program for anyone with an interest or passion for working with refugees and making a meaningful impact, all of our programs offer the chance to work with Palestinian refugees and learn more about their situation.
Palestinian Refugees In The West Bank, Gaza and Diaspora
The ongoing Occupation has created a very significant refugee population both inside Palestine and outside of Palestine. Palestinian refugees are not only the largest group of refugees in the world but are also the longest suffering. About 64% of Gaza’s population and 26% of the West Bank’s population are internally displaced Palestinians who are originally from other areas in historic Palestine such as Yaffa, Haifa, and Al-Naqab.
In the diaspora, there are around 7 million Palestinians, most of whom are exiled and denied their right to return to their homeland by Israel. Many refugees in the diaspora are still living in refugee camps in Syria, Jordan, or Lebanon. In our programs, we focus on Palestinian refugees living in Hebron governorate and the surrounding area.
Opportunities To Engage With Palestinian Refugees
In all of our short-term volunteer projects and internships, volunteers, and interns will have the opportunity to engage with Palestinian refugees in the local Hebron area in refugee camps such as Al-Fawwar and Al-Aroub camps. Participants will get to visit a refugee camp and have the chance to work on projects and initiatives to positively impact the Palestinian refugees living there. This might include volunteer work such as teaching English to refugee children running workshops to enhance the employability of refugee youth and students or meeting with the local community to learn about their situation and ways in which you can help.
If you have specific initiatives or activities you wish to implement during your program, we are always open to your ideas.
Children in Palestine
Nearly half (43.9%) of the Palestinian population inside of Palestine consists of children under the age of 18, 41.7% in the West Bank and 47.3% in Gaza. This means that there are many young people in Palestine who not only have all the pressure of growing up, but they are growing up under Israeli occupation. Palestinian children are the future, so it is particularly important to care about them, support their development, and empower them to create better futures for themselves and their country.
Volunteer With Palestinian Children
While Engage in Palestine has a dedicated volunteer program to work with Palestinian children, there are other opportunities for volunteer work with Palestinian children in any of our programs. For example, if you volunteer to teach English in the West Bank, you will have opportunities to teach Palestinian children English. Community development volunteers will be able to develop projects targeted to Palestinian children, youth, adults, or another segment of the Palestinian community.
Who Participates In Short-Term Volunteer Projects In Palestine?
Many different people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse motivations come to Palestine for volunteer work. Some current students or those taking a gap year, come to Palestine to fill in some of their summer break with volunteer work and to learn more about Palestine. Other volunteers are recent graduates looking for volunteer work experience or to take a break before starting full-time work.
Professionals in various fields such as doctors, dentists, lawyers, teachers, and many others also come to Palestine to volunteer their time and expertise. Some people are interested in spending an extended period in Palestine, Israel, or the Middle East, and find that volunteer work is a way to find purpose while getting to know Palestine more intimately than tourists usually do.
Volunteers in Palestine come from all over the world and are of all different ages, religions, ethnicities, professions, and backgrounds with a diverse range of interests and passions. No matter who you are, there is short-term volunteer work in Palestine for you.
What Do You Need To Be A Volunteer With Us?
- Age 18-70 years old (although exceptions can be made if approved by our director)
- The ability to communicate in English
- The ability to work with an international team
- Patience and enthusiasm
- Eagerness to learn
What Don’t You Need?
- The ability to speak Arabic
- Travel or work experience
- To be a native speaker of English
- Experience in teaching English as a foreign language
Please note that some programs may have additional requirements. For example, if you wish to volunteer with Palestinian children, you will have to undergo a safeguarding interview. This is so that you fully understand your responsibility as a caretaker of children, as well as the laws and protocols in place to protect children from abuse. Another example is that to volunteer in our Medicine & Healthcare program, it’s a requirement to have prior experience in healthcare work.
Duration of Short-Term Volunteer Programs
All of our short-term volunteer work programs are flexible in both duration and timing. You can choose whether to volunteer for as little as one week or up to 13 weeks. We have a 13-week maximum duration due to the 90-day limit of the Israeli tourist visa that allows you to volunteer in Palestine. In addition to this, volunteers are free to choose their own start and end dates all year round.
Flexible Booking
At Engage in Palestine, we understand that plans change, whether due to a change of heart, unforeseen circumstances, or emergencies. So with all of our volunteer programs, internships, and Arabic courses, we give you the flexibility to adjust or delay your travel plans.
All of our programs have flexible start and end dates. During the application process, you can choose when to begin and when to end throughout the year and for 1-13 weeks.
Need To Make Date Changes?
In case you need to make any date changes, you can do this for free at least two weeks before your original start date. However, if you wish to cancel or change your dates within two weeks of your original start date, any payments you have made will be converted to a credit that you can use towards any other program in the future with us, or with our sister location in Germany.
The Highlights Of Your Volunteer Work In Palestine With Us
What can you expect throughout your short-term volunteer work program with Engage in Palestine? Keep reading to learn about some of the highlights of volunteering with us.
- Growing new friendships with other volunteers or interns as well as students, visitors, local Palestinian residents and Engage in Palestine’s staff
- Living in the fascinating city of Hebron and getting to experience it on a more intimate level than most tourists do
- Immersing yourself in Palestinian culture, Palestinian Arabic, and daily life
- Experiencing the hospitality of Palestine by participating in Engage in Palestine’s activities and during your free time
- Learning Arabic for the first time or continuing your Arabic learning journey with many opportunities to practice and have conversations with local Palestinians
- Engage in Palestine’s center consists of highly qualified and attentive Arabic and English teachers with excellent educational backgrounds, who are eager and enthusiastic to assist you
- Gaining firsthand experience of one of the most politically complex and dynamic regions in the Middle East
- Gaining a deep understanding of the refugee situation in Palestine and the West Bank
- Participating in a range of educational, social, and community activities organized by us to provide a space for locals, Palestinian refugees, volunteers, and interns to meet, socialize, and learn
- Joining group excursions and visits organized by us to a range of different culturally, politically, or historically important sites such as the old city in Hebron, Al-Shuhada Street, the keffiyeh factory, a glass and ceramics factory, refugee camps, human rights organizations, local artists and much, much more
- Arranging weekend trips to travel in your free time with your fellow volunteers or interns to exciting nearby destinations such as Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Ramallah, Nablus, Hebron, Tulkarem, Qalqilyah, Jenin, the Dead Sea, Jericho, Akko, Herzliya, Beersheva, Eilat, Tiberias, Netanya, Safed, Haifa, Nazareth, Tel Aviv, Masada, Amman, Aqaba and Wadi Rum.
- Program fees cover guided tours and activities, Arabic language tuition, accommodation, breakfast, and 24/7 program assistance from pre-departure to the end of your program
- Upon completion of your internship or volunteer program, Engage in Palestine will provide you with a certificate.
Help Make A Long Term Difference With Us
Through all of the programs that we run from our center in Hebron, we aim to make a long-term difference for both the local Palestinian community and you through the exchange of ideas and “walking in each other’s shoes”. We ensure that all of our programs are well-researched and targeted so that they have a real impact and effectively foster shared learning. Participating in volunteer work in Palestine is a meaningful way to spend some of your valuable time and it’s also a way to enrich your own life as well as the lives of those in the local and wider communities.
Volunteer Work Impacts
Short-term volunteer work in the West Bank can improve a variety of aspects of your life, including your professional and personal prospects as well as those of individuals in our local Palestinian community. You will be able to gain valuable skills in a range of areas while having a positive impact on the Palestinians that you engage with. Ultimately, doing volunteer work abroad in Palestine can have a significant impact on your personality and open your eyes to new perspectives, fresh possibilities, and unexpected friendships.
Choosing to Engage In Palestine Has Many Benefits
Engage in Palestine offers numerous benefits to our volunteers throughout their short-term volunteer programs. Some have already been discussed in this article, while other key benefits are outlined below.
- We arrange and provide accommodation for you in Hebron (in either a homestay or shared apartment).
- We provide a Palestinian breakfast every day (except Fridays) at our center, shared with other participants and our staff.
- All of our volunteers receive three hours of Arabic lessons per week (more can be added for an additional fee) in your choice of Levantine Arabic, Modern Standard Arabic, or Colloquial Palestinian Arabic.
- Our Arabic classes are taught one-on-one or in small groups (2-5 students), allowing for personalized instruction and an immersive environment.
- All of our volunteers get two days off per week. This allows you ample free time to visit nearby local and international cities such as Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Jericho and the Dead Sea, Nablus, Tulkarem, Qalqiliyah, Jenin, Haifa, Eilat, Tel Aviv, Masada, Akko, Herzliya, Beersheva, Tiberias, Nazareth, Netanya, Safed, Amman, Aqaba and Wadi Rum.
- We provide pre-departure and then ongoing in-country support for the duration of your program.
- We can provide you with academic credit towards your studies, for current university students.
- We provide all of our wonderful participants with a certificate to reflect the completion of their program.
Reviews and Awards
Engage in Palestine has been honored with several prestigious Community Awards, recognized as the Best Language School and Top Volunteer and Internship Program Provider for the years 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023. For more details, please visit our profiles on GoOverseas.com and GoAbroad.com.
- +840 Reviews and ratings (96.8%) on gooverseas.com
- +170 Reviews and ratings on goabroad.com
- Participants’ video testimonials
Summary
In conclusion, Engage in Palestine offers a variety of volunteer opportunities for anyone interested in visiting Palestine, making a positive impact on the local community, and enriching their own life. Volunteer work at Engage in Palestine is short-term, with volunteers being able to choose the length of their program from 1 to 13 weeks. Volunteers can also participate at any time throughout the year, this makes it very flexible for volunteers to contribute their time and expertise when it best suits them.
Volunteers have a variety of programs to select from, depending on their interests and skill sets, ranging from helping women’s empowerment efforts to human rights to medical volunteering to teaching English. Engage in Palestine also offers volunteers opportunities for cultural immersion and learning about Palestinian society and history.
In addition to improving the lives of Palestinians in the West Bank, volunteers at Engage in Palestine can also develop essential skills and experience that they can utilize in their personal and professional lives. Any volunteer activity at Engage in Palestine, whether it is tutoring an English student or leading a course on leadership techniques, can help create a brighter and more resilient community in Palestine. In general, giving back to the community through volunteer work with us is a rewarding experience that can have a long-lasting effect on both individuals and the local Palestinian community.
We hope to receive an application from you to join us for one of our volunteer programs soon!
Find Out More
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us: Info@ecpalestine.org
WhatsApp:+972 599 479 880
Website: https://ecpalestine.org/
EC Website: https://excellencenter.org/
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