Palestine and Israel in Context Internship: Whether you’re an undergraduate, graduate, professional, retiree, or just someone interested in political history, human rights, Palestinian refugees, or the current situation, the Palestine and Israel in Context Internship program is for you! With the ability to hear the opinions of everyday people and understand, grasp, and witness the effects of the conflict firsthand, this is a fantastic opportunity to gain insider knowledge beyond the headlines.

If you’re a current student of humanities, political sciences, or Middle Eastern studies and looking to frame your knowledge within a cultural context, this internship program in Palestine is particularly pertinent to you. You will explore the occupation in the West Bank and meet Palestinian civilians, local human rights activists, and families who are subject to Israeli military law.

In addition to these great opportunities, you will also receive an Arabic language course tailored to your level. With tuition of three hours a week, you’ll also be able to immerse yourself in your surroundings by chatting with local Palestinians, ordering food in restaurants, and more. Therefore, for those looking to enhance their knowledge of Arabic, experience cultural immersion, and conduct political research, consider our program to gain an in-depth, personalized internship.

Palestine and Israel In Context Internship 2026/2027

Engage in the West Bank now accepts applications for its Palestine and Israel In Context Internship for 2026/2027. This program is designed for individuals passionate about political history, human rights, Palestinian refugees, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Whether you’re an undergraduate, graduate, professional, retiree, or simply someone seeking firsthand insight into the realities on the ground, this internship provides a unique opportunity to move beyond media narratives.

Human Rights In The West Bank Program

Participants will engage with Palestinian civilians, local human rights activists, and families affected by Israeli military law, allowing for a deeper understanding of the occupation and its effects on daily life in the West Bank. Interns will also participate in an Arabic language course tailored to their level, with three hours of weekly instruction to help them navigate daily interactions and immerse themselves in Palestinian culture.

In addition to language learning, participants will visit refugee camps, local NGOs, and community organizations to witness the complexities of the conflict firsthand. Whether you’re looking to conduct political research, deepen your understanding of Middle Eastern studies, or engage in meaningful cultural exchange, this internship offers an unparalleled experience in one of the most significant geopolitical regions in the world.

Overview of the Palestine and Israel In Context Internship Program

Place of Internship ProgramHebron, West Bank, Palestine
Program Fees (Per Week)Check Prices Here
Age18-75
Duration1 – 13 weeks
Internship Program FocusThe Politics of Palestine and Israel
Israel and Palestine Case
Politics and History of Palestine
Human Rights in the West Bank
Perfect for Anyone Interested inMiddle Eastern studies
Conflict and refugee studies
Politics in the West Bank
Human Rights in West Bank  
Number of ParticipantsVariable (3-6)
Expected Working Hours30 hours per week
Starting/Ending DatesFlexible – Anytime
Application DeadlineNo Deadline
University CreditAvailable
Program LanguageEnglish

A Flexible Program

Engage in the West Bank in Hebron will work with you to tailor this volunteer position to your experience and skills. We are very flexible, so you can freely choose what activities and workshops you would like to implement during your time with us.

Looking for volunteers year-round, you decide when you want to start, and we organize things accordingly. You can volunteer anywhere between 1-13 weeks.

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

Looking for Summer Internships?

Engage in the West Bank works with and is supported by the Palestinian Educational Authority, meaning university credits are available for many of its summer internship programs. This particular program is a desirable internship opportunity, and students who enroll in it will gain a broader perspective on the Israeli/Palestinian situation.

Interns can engage in dialogues on the contemporary situation in Palestine with university staff and students, lawyers, human rights actors, local politicians, and everyday people. This summer internship is ideal for students seeking a unique, hands-on experience. 

Community-Based Outreach Activities

Designed to increase your knowledge of the conflict, you will act as a cultural ambassador for your country by spearheading community outreach programs for cross-cultural communication. For example, you will visit Palestinian refugee camps and discuss the geopolitical circumstances of Palestine with local politicians and activists.

Examples of outreach activities in Hebron include organizing educational workshops (such as conversational English lessons for Palestinian children, youth, women, and refugees), CV and employment workshops, and computer programming workshops. Furthermore, we are flexible and are happy to help you design and deliver a workshop for any skill you’d like to teach.

Moreover, in Hebron, you can organize community sporting events, informational and cultural presentations, and others of your choice. But don’t worry, you won’t have to go through it alone as you will work with local Palestinians to enact these programs and gain sources of inspiration. The sky’s the limit at Engage in the West Bank!

What You Will Contribute

As an intern in the Palestine and Israel in Context Internship Program, you will not only study the issues at hand but also work with us to create constructive programs geared towards benefiting members of the Palestinian community, e.g., designing workshops that address fundamental cultural differences.

At Engage in the West Bank, we want to invite people from around the world to come to Palestine and utilize their expertise to help the people of Hebron.

Benefits of interning in Hebron, Palestine

  • 12 hours of Arabic lessons for each month you intern
  • Accommodation with a Palestinian host family or a shared flat
  • Breakfast with other participants (6 times a week)
  • Pre-departure and support during your time in Palestine
  • Visits to various sites in the city of Hebron (including refugee camps, the old city, different factories, etc.)
  • Understanding of Palestinian politics and the experience of occupation in the West Bank 
  •  Getting to know the human rights situation and helping the Palestinian refugees.
  • Engagement in educational, social, and community activities
  • Palestinian hospitality and a pleasant climate
  • Living and gaining impressions from one of the most politically divisive and ambivalent regions of the Middle East
  • The opportunity to visit unique tourist attractions with a native perspective – including Bethlehem, Ramallah, Nablus, Hebron, Tulkarm, Qalqilyah, Jenin and the Dead Sea in Jericho
  • Visiting nearby cities both nationally and internationally, such as Akko, Herzliya, Beersheva, Eilat, Tiberias, Netanya, Safed, Haifa, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Masada, Amman, Aqaba, Wadi Rum, and Nazareth
  • Help from well-qualified, attentive Arabic teachers with excellent educational backgrounds
  • A certificate upon completion

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.

Modern Standard Arabic

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.

Who Can Participate?

Engage in the West Bank does not discriminate on any basis, including nationality, ethnicity, religious standing, gender, sexual orientation, or any other discernable means. Furthermore, we have a long history of welcoming people from around the globe including the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, Canada, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Brazil, Mexico, Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Australia, Japan, South Africa, Singapore, South Korea, Ireland, China and New Zealand.

Are there any requirements for participants?

  • Colloquial in either Arabic or English
  • Between the ages of 18 and 75 (unless granted special permission by the Center’s director)
  • A positive attitude and an eagerness and openness to learn

Program Accommodation

When residing in Hebron, male program participants can either stay with a Palestinian host family (depending on availability) or in a very nice apartment just a 5-minute walk from our center. Both options offer unique advantages.

Staying in the apartment provides extra time to bond with other participants and volunteers, fostering a sense of community. Located near Hebron’s metropolitan center, the apartment offers convenient access to explore the vibrant city with fellow roommates, opening the door to many new and exciting experiences!

The second option available to participants will be to reside with a Palestinian host family. This option will provide participants with an intimate view of Palestinian daily life, customs, and culture, familiarize them with family structures, and allow them to taste some of the 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!

Program Costs & Information

Our fees are priced competitively with other abroad programs, with the stated costs below covering the following expenses:

  • Housing
  • Language courses
  • Center’s operating costs
  • Breakfast (Mon – Fri)
  • Group excursions

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.

Arabic Classes For Program Participants

All of our international volunteers and interns receive 3 hours of Arabic class per week with an experienced and knowledgeable Palestinian teacher. Additionally, there are plenty of chances to meet many people in Palestine, allowing you to learn further and practice your Arabic skills. But that’s not all, because as a thank you for your time with us, you can freely choose what dialect of Arabic you would like to learn from the following list:

  • Modern Standard Arabic (MSA)
  • Colloquial Palestinian Arabic
  • Colloquial Shami/Levantine Arabic (Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine)
  • A mixed program between MSA and colloquial dialects

If you are unsure which dialect to study, we can guide you and help you choose the one most appropriate for your needs. However, they are all beneficial, and our teachers are all very knowledgeable.

What Language Is The Program Run In?

The Palestine and Israel in Context Internship is geared toward English speakers. However, for the sake of immersion, the higher the course level, the less English will be utilized in the classroom. Furthermore, when navigating through Hebron, you will be required to utilize your Arabic skills to the best of your ability, creating a fully immersive experience.

Traveling To And From Hebron And The West Bank

Our volunteers travel to and from Hebron using single or shared taxis that pass through checkpoints.

You will find all the necessary information about how to get to Hebron and Engage in the West Bank with relevant contact information in these four articles:

How to Fly to Palestine?

The easiest way to get to Engage in the West Bank is to fly to:

Alternatively:

How Do I Get A Visa To Visit Palestine?

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

Generally, no prior visa is needed for Americans, Canadians, and most Europeans to enter Palestine, but please refer to the visa exemption agreement for further information. Upon your arrival at the Israeli Airports in Tel Aviv or Eilat, you will acquire a tourist visa that is valid for 90 days. This is sufficient for participation in Engage in the West Bank’s programs and to enable you to travel around Palestine and Israel easily.

Tel Aviv Airport Pickups

Engage in the West Bank 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 are charged, and the trip costs about 160 Euros. If you want to participate in this program, write to us!

Safety Of Our Volunteers And Interns 

The region of Palestine is perpetually unstable. The situation sometimes becomes more volatile, and unrest and war always exist. Nonetheless, millions of tourists visit Palestine and the West Bank, including Hebron, Ramallah, Bethlehem, Jenin, Tulkarem, Nablus, and many other cities, without any safety issues each year. Palestinians, in general, are 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 the West Bank has welcomed over 1,000 international visitors. These visitors have lived and worked in Hebron for weeks or months at a time, and they have never faced any threats or safety issues while in Hebron or the West Bank in general.

Moreover, Engage in the West Bank is in an area of Hebron that is under Palestinian authority and in the heart of the city. Our Palestinian host families and the male dorms are also located near Engage in the West Bank.

Awards, Recognition, And Program Reviews

Engage in Palestine has been honored with several prestigious Community Awards and recognized as the Best Language School and Top Volunteer and Internship Program Provider for 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. For more details, please visit our profiles on GoOverseas.com and GoAbroad.com.

Conclusion

The Palestine and Israel in Context Internship provides an invaluable opportunity for individuals to engage deeply with the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict while gaining hands-on experience in political history, human rights, and cultural immersion. Participants not only gain firsthand insight into the occupation in the West Bank by interacting with local Palestinians, human rights activists, and families affected by Israeli military law but also engage in meaningful community outreach programs.

By working alongside local NGOs and community organizations, interns contribute to addressing the pressing challenges Palestinian civilians face, all while broadening their understanding of the geopolitical realities shaping the region. This internship program also offers a unique opportunity to learn Arabic, fostering personal growth and cultural integration. With a tailored language course and the chance to practice Arabic with locals, interns can fully immerse themselves in Palestinian culture, making meaningful connections and gaining a deeper appreciation for the country’s rich history and complex political landscape.

Whether you’re a student of Middle Eastern studies, a professional in the field of human rights, or simply someone eager to broaden your global perspective, this internship offers an unparalleled opportunity to engage in impactful work, gain international experience, and join a global network of individuals passionate about peace, justice, and cross-cultural understanding.

How To Apply

If you want to participate in our Israeli–Palestinian conflict program, please write to 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, “The Palestine and Israel in Context Internship program.” Upon writing back to you, we will attach an application form, which you will fill out and return to us to begin onboarding.

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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/

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