10 Best Summer Volunteer and Internship Programs in Palestine: Summer is the perfect time for students, anyone taking a gap year, and professionals of all ages to explore new opportunities, develop new and existing skills, and gain valuable professional and personal experience. Finding a summer internship or volunteer work allows you to take a break from your everyday routine, challenge yourself, and step outside of your comfort zone, which in turn will enable you to grow as a person and fulfill your purpose. 

Summer Volunteer and Internship Programs In Palestine

Suppose you are interested in fields such as social justice, community development, human rights, women’s rights, international relations, working with refugees, teaching English, or studying Arabic. In that case, Palestine can be an incredible place to find summer volunteer programs or internship opportunities. 

There is a wide range of short-term internships and volunteer opportunities available in the West Bank in Palestine year-round for volunteers and interns from diverse backgrounds with diverse interests, skills, and expertise. Volunteer work and internships in Palestine typically range from one week to three months, due to the 90-day visa limit. However, the only time that many people have an extended break and can travel, study, volunteer, or intern abroad is during the summer months, from June until September, so that will be our focus here.

Here you can see which short-term volunteer projects in Palestine are available.

1. Volunteer in the West Bank Program

Volunteer in the West Bank: Join us at Engage in Palestine and explore our diverse range of volunteer and internship programs! Any program you choose will have many people needing support, and your influence on the Palestinian communities will be unforgettable. The kind people of Palestine make the opportunity a fantastic and welcoming experience.

Please take advantage of this exceptional opportunity to meet Palestinian people, experience their daily lives, learn Arabic, and gain a unique perspective of the Israel-Palestinian conflict firsthand! Your role as an international volunteer or intern can significantly improve Palestinians’ prospects in various ways, including teaching English, organizing community activities, raising awareness, and informing the world that Palestine is not portrayed as mainstream media sources commonly depict it.

Because of the occupation, Palestinians have not always had the opportunity to offer the world an authentic portrayal of their culture, and they are all keen to share their expertise and encourage international visitors to participate in Palestinian culture. Your experience with us will be fulfilling and gratifying! We offer opportunities throughout the year, with durations ranging from one week to three months, available in all seasons and months.

2. Volunteer with Palestinian Refugees

Volunteer with Palestinian Refugees: This program caters to undergraduate and graduate students, professionals, employees of human rights organizations, retirees, and anyone interested in engaging with the work concerning Palestinian refugees in the West Bank, Palestine. Getting involved in refugee assistance presents an excellent opportunity for university students and recent graduates seeking to gain experience in the human rights field.

Through this project in the West Bank, volunteers will have the opportunity to work with Palestinian children, women, and youths to enhance each other’s skills, create mutual understanding, engage in language exchange, and make a difference in each other’s lives.

The Volunteer with Palestinian Refugees in the West Bank program is open to individuals between the ages of 18 and 70. People from all countries and majors are welcome to join this program. There are no specific degree requirements. All that is required is a willingness to participate and help. 

3. The Palestinian Women’s Rights Program

The Palestinian Women’s Rights Program in the West Bank is a volunteer initiative that allows international visitors to visit Palestine and gain exclusive insight into women’s rights in the West Bank. Located in the vibrant city of Hebron, the project provides participants with many opportunities to meet Palestinian women, visit women’s rights organizations, and engage in educational and cultural activities.

Aimed at educating international participants about the current power dynamics of women in Palestinian society, you will get involved with volunteering with Palestinian women by promoting their rights and empowering them in all spheres of life, including the family, the workplace, and politics, all whilst ensuring they are safe from violence, exploitation, and discrimination.

Altogether, this volunteer program will enable you to gain awareness about gender equality in Hebron (one of the most conservative cities in Palestine) whilst also allowing you to study and practice Arabic, meet other internationals, and experience Palestinian daily life. 

4. Media and Journalism in Palestine Program

The Media and Journalism volunteer program in the West Bank is ideal for anyone interested in giving Palestinians a voice on the global stage. As a volunteer, you will help raise awareness of circumstances within the West Bank while also learning about ethical journalistic practices. Although this program would suit many potential volunteers, seasoned and aspiring journalists are especially encouraged to apply.

This volunteer program in the West Bank, Palestine, would also interest students of journalism, mass communication, media studies, communications, political science, English, social work, and other related fields. Recent graduates will welcome the opportunity to gain real-world experience from this program, as cross-cultural communication, travel within the Middle East, and Arabic language acquisition are all highly valued by prospective employers. 

During the Media and Journalism program, you will be responsible for conducting video interviews with local Palestinians and writing articles encapsulating the Palestinian refugee experience. You will also participate in center-led activities and become familiar with Palestinians’ daily lives and human rights situations.

5. Volunteer to Teach English in the West Bank

The Volunteer to Teach English in the West Bank program offers an eye-opening experience for those who want to visit Palestine and engage with Palestinian youth, children, women, refugees, and community members in Hebron. Volunteers will teach English to Palestinian students at the Engage in Palestine Center or local community development centers, Palestinian local schools, governmental or non-governmental organizations, and refugee camps.

Additionally, participants will actively immerse themselves in Palestinian culture, daily life, politics, and regional situations. Engage in Palestine hosts volunteers and interns from around the world year-round. This involvement allows you to meet international colleagues at the Center, travel throughout Palestine, and collaborate in teaching English. You will also participate in various social, educational, cultural, and community development activities in Hebron.

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

6. Volunteer with Palestinian Children

Volunteer With Palestinian Children Program offers students, professionals, retirees, and teachers an excellent opportunity to work directly with Palestinian children in the West Bank. It welcomes anyone interested in volunteering or interning, regardless of their first language.

Those interested in childhood education can benefit from volunteering or interning with children in Palestine. Participants are immersed in Palestinian culture, daily life, politics, human rights, and education.

Volunteers can join our program for 1 to 13 weeks, with flexible start and end dates year-round. All backgrounds and nationalities are welcome to apply, but participants must be at least 18.

As a volunteer or intern in Hebron, West Bank, you will meet many Palestinian children eager to interact with visitors. Supporting their growth positively impacts their well-being and the future of their country, making a difference in both their lives and yours.

7. Palestinian Community Development Program

The Volunteer in Palestinian Community Development Program in the West Bank offers a unique opportunity for students, undergraduates, teachers, and others seeking to volunteer or intern in Palestinian community development organizations in Palestine and Israel. If you wish to help Palestinian children and youth, refugees in refugee camps, and other community members in and around Hebron, West Bank, this program is for you. As a volunteer, you will be immersed in Palestinian culture whilst meeting new people (from Palestine and abroad), studying Arabic, and making a difference in people’s lives.

The Palestinian Community Development Volunteer and Internship Program has an essential impact on the Palestinian community. Through this program, you can help empower community members to develop themselves personally, professionally, and economically. At the same time, volunteers gain valuable experience in their personal development by running seminars, giving lectures, offering employment advice, and building interpersonal relationships within the local Palestinian community.

8. Volunteer in the Environment and Conservation Program in Palestine

Volunteer in the Environment and Conservation Program in Palestine: You are invited to join us at Engage in Palestine and volunteer in our Environment and Conservation program, aimed at teaching Palestinian youth, refugees, and children about the importance of preserving the environment. In the West Bank, Palestine, there is a pressing need for such programs, as many residents of Hebron are unaware of the harmful effects of littering and environmental neglect on their own lands and streets.

This volunteer program is an excellent opportunity for students, graduates, and travelers interested in the environment and conservation in the West Bank. If you’re a university student looking for an environment and conservation program abroad to supplement your studies during your summer break, this program is ideal for you.

By joining our volunteer program in the West Bank, you will have the chance to share your passion for the environment and conservation while experiencing Palestinian daily life and learning about Palestinian culture firsthand. We offer our participants three hours of complimentary Arabic Classes each week, taught one-to-one or in small groups of two to three students, and accommodation during their stay.

9. Volunteer in a Sports Project in Palestine

Volunteer in a Sports Project in Palestine: Since its establishment in 2011, Engage in Palestine has maintained high standards in English language teaching with the help of numerous international volunteers. However, to meet the increasing demand for diverse programs, we are excited to introduce a new series of volunteer programs, including the Volunteer in a Sports Project in Palestine.

This volunteer program in the West Bank offers a unique opportunity for current students, postgraduates, gap year students, professionals, teachers, retirees, and anyone interested in sports-related fields to volunteer with the local Palestinian community. As a volunteer, you can share your passion and expertise by organizing workshops, lectures, sporting tournaments, training sessions, summer camps, and more for Palestinian youth.

Volunteer in a Sports Project in Palestine
Volunteer in a Sports Project in Palestine

The Volunteer in a Sports Project in Hebron program is ideal for individuals with a strong interest and background in sports or related fields. Through this program, you can develop your activities and contribute to the local Palestinian community while gaining personal and professional development opportunities and having fun.

10. Volunteer With Orphanages in Palestine

Volunteer With Orphanages in Palestine: Hebron City, in the Occupied West Bank, is home to several orphanages that provide essential care and support to thousands of Palestinian children who have lost one or both of their parents. The high number of orphans in the region is mainly due to ongoing conflict, military occupation, economic hardship, and limited access to healthcare. Some children lose their parents to direct violence, such as military raids, airstrikes, and clashes. Others are caused by the impact of long-term instability, including imprisonment of family members, displacement, or lack of access to health services. 

There are approximately 7,000 orphans in and around Hebron city, ranging from infants to young adults. These orphanages provide essential services such as housing, education, medical care, and psychological support to children without stable family situations. They often rely on funding from local charities, international donors, and religious organizations to support their operations. Some orphanages also function as social enterprises, operating businesses like kitchens and grocery stores to generate income and further support their work.

Duration of Summer Volunteer And Internship Programs In Palestine

All of our short-term summer programs are flexible in duration and timing. When applying for one of our volunteer programs or internships, you can choose the start and end dates that best suit you during the summer. The minimum time that you can join us for an internship or volunteer program is 1 week, and the maximum time is 13 weeks (due to the 90-day limit of Israeli tourist visas). 

However, it is sometimes possible to go to another country upon your visa’s expiration (either your home country or a third country) and return after one week or a few weeks and continue volunteering or interning for a second stint.

Flexible Booking

At Engage in Palestine, we understand that plans change, whether due to a change of heart, unforeseen circumstances, or emergencies. With our range of volunteer programs, internships, and Arabic courses, you have 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 a duration of 1-13 weeks. 

Need To Make Date Changes?

If you need to make any date changes, you can do so for free at least two weeks before your original start date. However, suppose you wish to cancel or change your dates within two weeks of your original start date. In that case, 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.

Where Is Engage In Palestine?

Engage in Palestine is located in Hebron in the West Bank, 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 and essential Ibrahimi Mosque. On top of this, however, Hebron is also a city on the frontline of the Israeli occupation. It is the only city in the West Bank with Israeli settlers living inside part of the city itself. This makes Hebron a vital city, not only historically and economically, but also to see and understand the effects of the occupation. 

For Whom Is Volunteering or Interning in Palestine in the Summer?

The summer months in Palestine attract a diverse range of individuals from around the world, with various backgrounds and interests, who participate in volunteer projects or internships. Many interns and volunteers are current students or recent graduates who wish to develop their skills and abilities and gain experience in their field of study. Others are interested in trying something new, visiting friends or family, seeking a meaningful way to spend their time, or exploring Palestine to learn more about the Israeli occupation.

Some volunteers and interns come to Palestine because they have personal, religious, or cultural connections to Palestine. This can include young Palestinians who were born or have grown up in the diaspora because Israel exiled their families.

While many types of people come to Palestine to volunteer or intern for a variety of reasons, those who do so in the summer typically do so because that is when they have sufficient free time. This might be due to school or university holidays, a sabbatical, or other opportunities to take time off from their job. 

10 Best Summer Volunteer And Internship Programs In Palestine

Volunteer And Internship Program Highlights

Engage in Palestine offers a wide range of short-term volunteer programs and internships in the summer, providing participants with diverse experiences. However, there are some highlights that all our programs have in common. The key highlights are listed below.

  • 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
  • Taking Arabic language classes at our center, in either Modern Standard Arabic, Levantine Arabic, or the Colloquial Palestinian dialect, the choice is yours!
  • Engage in Palestine’s center is staffed by 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 significant 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. 

A Wide Range Of Positive Impacts

Volunteering or interning in the West Bank in Palestine can have a wide range of positive impacts on your personal and professional lives as well as on the lives of others. It will allow you to contribute to the local Palestinian community, who suffer in many unimaginable ways due to the Israeli occupation. However, this may not always be visible to international visitors. On top of that, interning or volunteering abroad can significantly impact who you are as a person and open your mind to new perspectives, new information, new opportunities, and new friends. 

Volunteer with Palestinian Refugees

While Engage in Palestine offers a specific volunteer program for anyone with an interest or passion in working with refugees and making a meaningful impact, all of our internships and volunteer programs offer the chance to work with Palestinian refugees and learn 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 most prolonged suffering. About 64% of Gaza’s population and 26% of the West Bank’s population are internally-displaced Palestinians who are initially 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 of return to their homeland by Israel. Many refugees in the diaspora are still living in refugee camps in Syria, Jordan, or Lebanon.

Children in Palestine

Nearly half (43.9%) of the Palestinian population inside of Palestine is made up 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 imperative to care about them, support their development, and empower them to create better futures for themselves and for their country.  

Reviews and Awards

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, and 2024. For more details, please visit our profiles on GoOverseas.com and GoAbroad.com.

Check out our many excellent reviews here:

Summary 

Volunteering or interning in the summer in Palestine is one sure way to make your summer unlike any other. It’s a unique and unforgettable experience to engage in meaningful work alongside Palestinians, form new friendships, and gain valuable insights while creating a positive impact and offering a rewarding opportunity to collaborate with local communities.

Engage in Palestine is a well-respected local organization offering a wide range of short-term internships and volunteer projects, with focuses such as English teaching, law, human rights, community development, volunteering with Palestinian refugees, and more. Our programs are suitable for anyone seeking summer internship or volunteer opportunities in Palestine, the West Bank, Israel, or the Middle East, whether you are a current student, a professional, a retiree, or simply taking a break from your life or career.

While traveling to Palestine can be a bit more challenging than in most countries, volunteers and interns will find that Engage in Palestine provides a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment. During your time volunteering or interning with us in the summer, you can make a meaningful difference in your life and the lives of others by taking this opportunity to contribute to a worthy cause, gain new perspectives, develop essential skills, and build valuable relationships.

We hope to receive your application for one of our summer internships or volunteer programs in the near future!

Contact Us

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at:

Info@ecpalestine.org

WhatsApp:+972 599 479 880

Website: https://volunteerinpalestine.org/

Website: https://excellencenter.org/

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