The Internship in Palestine Program provides individuals with the incredible opportunity to experience the Palestinian culture, daily life, human rights, refugee situations, and politics in Hebron, West Bank, while also participating in a highly regarded community program at Engage In the West Bank.

Engage In the West Bank fosters this cultural experience by organizing visits for interns to different institutions (including both non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and governmental organizations), factories, and Palestinian refugee camps in Hebron, receiving a firsthand experience of daily life in Palestine. This exciting experience is delivered through several internships at the Center.

Furthermore, participants in the internship will study either Modern Standard Arabic or Ammiya (spoken/colloquial Arabic dialects), gain valuable skills, meet many Palestinians, stay with a Palestinian host family, and learn more about the rich Palestinian culture. 

Moreover, the Internship Program in the West Bank is perfect for students, graduates, professionals, and retirees alike. It is also well-suited for anyone interested in actively advocating for human rights and supporting the cause of Palestinian refugees. Engage In the West Bank accepts applicants from across the globe and sees it as its mission to connect the people of the world to Palestine.

Intern and Volunteer with Palestinian Children

In the last two stages of the internship in the West Bank, you will have the chance to intern and volunteer with Palestinian children in Hebron and local refugee camps. This will be a unique experience that will shape participants’ perspectives for years to come. Interns will have the chance to create their workshops geared toward Palestinian children. 

Previous workshops have included:

• Drama workshops for Palestinian refugees 
• Fun days for Palestinian kids in the refugee camps  
• Conversational English language learning for Palestinian kids 
• Arts and music classes for disabled Palestinian children
• Media training for Palestinian school students 
• Environmental camps for young school students  
• Journalism workshops for high school students 
• Medicine (First Aid Courses)

Flexible Internship Programs

Engage In the West Bank, offers accessible internship programs for international participants. The internships take place for one to three months. It is perfect for individuals interested in helping the Palestinian community and learning either Palestinian, Levantine, or Modern Standard Arabic. We provide an engaging environment for interns to make a difference in a safe and meaningful way.

Therefore, this can range from teaching English as a foreign language to studying Arabic and sharing information about Human Rights in Palestine, along with several other topics. As part of the different programs, you will be able to visit local sites, lectures, and discussions to develop your understanding of your internship, and as part of a commitment to cultural exchange.

The Internship in Palestine Program is available year-round and is ideal for a wide variety of internationals, from law or human rights students to those wishing to broaden their life experience while learning a new language. 

Program Reviews 

We continue to strive towards “excellence”: In 2022 we were rated one of the top three programs worldwide in offering volunteer opportunities and one of the top three language schools worldwide by Go Overseas. We received a total of five Go Overseas Community Choice Awards in 2022. Engage in the West Bank was also recognized as one of the top Teach Abroad Providers for the category of “benefits” and one of the Top Internship Abroad Providers for the categories of “growth” and “support”. 

In 2021, we were also rated one of the top three programs worldwide in offering volunteer opportunities. We received the community choice awards by Go Overseas in the categories “Best Language School”, and voted best on “fun” and “instruction.” 

In 2019, we received our first “Go Overseas Community Choice Awards” to acknowledge Engage in the West Bank’s impact on the community of travelers around the world. Engage in the West Bank continues to be a highly rated travel organization across its selection of programs. 

Check out our many great reviews here:

• +748 reviews (96.8%) on gooverseas.com
• +150 reviews (96%) on goabroad.com
• Video testimonials

Summer Internships in Palestine 

If you’re looking to participate in an internship in the West Bank for the summer, during a semester break, or as part of a vacation, then Engage In the West Bank has an internship program for you! All volunteers are guaranteed the opportunity to contribute to meaningful community development while learning a fantastic new language.

The program is suitable for interns over the age of 18 with the ability to communicate in English. However, the Engage In the West Bank does not expect volunteers to be proficient in Arabic, as volunteers will be given Arabic lessons through their program of choice along with plenty of opportunities to practice in an authentic and safe setting. 

Who has done an Internship in Palestine?

Engage In the West Bank, Palestine was founded in June 2011. Since then, interns from all over the world have come to join our family in Hebron. Most of our interns have traveled from countries like the USA, Germany, the United Kingdom, Poland, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Australia, Japan, and Canada.

Engage In the West Bank welcomes individuals from all university majors, nationalities, and backgrounds to apply for an internship in Palestine. The program is designed for students and people who would like to live in a dynamic place like Palestine to get practical experience in their fields of interest and skill sets.

In general, the Internship in Palestine is suitable for:

• Those studying the Middle East, refugee law, or human rights studies
• Gap year students
• University students who wish to do a semester abroad and gain university credit
• Participants who are interested in understanding the politics of Palestine
• Arabic and Islamic Studies students
• Participants who wish to learn Arabic and immerse themselves in the Palestinian culture and daily life
• People who want to meed and get to know Palestinians
• Everyone willing to help and make a difference in Palestine

It is also a good fit for those who are looking to:

• Studying Arabic in Palestine like Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) or Colloquial Palestinian Arabic
• Learn more about and engage in the culture and politics
• Learn about Human Rights Studies in Palestine
• Assist the cause of Palestinian refugees in the West Bank 
• Learn about the legal system in the West Bank and Palestinian laws
• Understand the political and legal situation in the West BankLead community activities in the city of Hebron
• Provide educational support for Palestinians

Requirements for Interns:

• Be +18 years of age
• Have a positive attitude and willingness to learn about Palestine
• Interest in meeting many people in Palestine
• Ability to communicate in English
• Willing to be a part of a family system while staying in Hebron, Palestine

Not Required:

• Ability to speak Arabic
• Travel experience
• To be a student
• To be a native English speaker
• Educational degree
• Experience in teaching English

Duration of the Internship in Palestine

Engage In the West Bank accepts applications year-round from individuals looking for a 1-3 month internship at our Center in Hebron. Participants in the Intern in Palestine Program decide when they would like to start and end their program. We are very flexible with starting dates and the duration.

If you are looking for an internship or a volunteer program for less than one month (e.g. one, two, or three weeks), then please consider our Volunteer and Study Arabic in Palestine Program (1-13 weeks).

Typical Day for Interns

As an intern, you will be expected to work about 30 hours a week, from around 9 am until 5 pm, Saturday to Thursday. Interns receive Friday and one other day of their choice off. Normally, international interns start the day with a breakfast at the Engage In the West Bank, Palestine together with Palestinian teachers, international volunteers from other programs, and directors.

Mornings are generally quiet at the Center. Usually, interns will have their Arabic course in the morning and help in the educational and community activities in the afternoon. During the day, you will also have the opportunity to go on sightseeing trips in Hebron, meet with members of the community, and visit local organizations. You will often have your evenings free, although the Center will occasionally organize optional activities.

Our Intern in Palestine Program is a unique opportunity to gain valuable experience in your field of interest and connect with others on an international level. Not only is this program certain to make your resume stand out – but more importantly, it will make a significant contribution to the Palestinian community.

Main Activities During Your Internship

The Intern in Palestine Program includes four main activities that will offer interns a life-changing experience in Hebron, Palestine:

1. Studying Arabic (MSA or Colloquial Palestinian Arabic)

The first week of the internship focuses on learning conversational Arabic. Interns will be provided an Arabic intensive course for 20 hours each month at the center. These Arabic lessons make the Internship in Palestine Program an ideal learning experience for university students and people looking for a cultural introduction to their internship in Hebron, Palestine.

2. Engaging in Culture, Politics, and Site Visits

Participants in the Intern in Palestine Program will engage in cultural activities with both their host family and Engage In the West Bank’s staff. An introduction to Palestinian politics and culture will be also provided for internationals, in addition to lectures and discussions about the current situation in Palestine. Moreover, the Center will organize visits to various sites in Hebron, including factories, universities, refugee camps, local NGOs, and law clinics, to name a few. 

3. Engaging and Leading Community Development Activities 

Furthermore, interns in Palestine will play an active role in community development initiatives. Our interns will be given some fundamental preparation in advance outlining the organization of community development activities for the residents of Hebron. After this, participants will develop and lead these events according to their interests and skills.

In particular, the activities will be for Palestinian school students, university students, and/or community members and take place with the supervision of the Engage In the West Bank team. For example, those studying journalism can organize training for university or school students (around 10-12 participants), teaching them how to write a press release or make a short movie. Such training can take place at local institutions in Hebron or organizations including universities, schools, educational and cultural centers, companies, etc.

4. Participating in Educational Activities 

The last stage of the internship in Palestine will include your participation in different educational activities that the Center organizes for the Palestinian community in and around the city of Hebron.

Interns will support fun and game activities, and overall learning for Palestinian students, and assist in the English classes taught by the Palestinian teachers. Additionally, interns will be asked to write some articles about Palestine and their experiences both with the community and their stay at the Center.

Benefits of the Internship in Palestine:

Participants of the program in Hebron, Palestine will be provided with:

• 20 hours of conversational Palestinian Arabic lessons for each month they intern. Participants also can study MSA, Fusha, or colloquial Arabic
• Accommodation with a Palestinian host family or in a shared flat
• Breakfast with other participants (6 times a week)
• Support during their time in Palestine
• Visits to various sites in the city of Hebron (refugee camps in Hebron, the old city, different factories, etc.)
• Understanding of Palestinian politics and experience of the occupation of the West Bank 
• Getting to know the human rights situations and helping Palestinian refugees.
• Engagement in educational, community, and social activities
• Hospitality of Palestinians and the pleasant environment 
• Impressions from one of the most politically divisive and ambivalent regions of the Middle East
• Chance to visit unique tourist attractions with a particular native perspective – locations including Bethlehem, Ramallah, Nablus, Hebron, Tulkarm, Qalqilyah, Jenin, and the Dead Sea in Jericho
• Visit nearby cities such as Akko, Herzliya, Beersheva, Eilat, Tiberias, Netanya, Safed, Haifa, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Masada, Amman, Aqaba, Wadi Rum, and Nazareth
• Well-qualified, attentive Arabic teachers, each with an excellent educational background
• A certificate upon completion

Living Accommodations

Female interns are guaranteed the opportunity to stay with a Palestinian host family in Hebron, Palestine. However, homestay availability for male interns is not a guarantee. Engage In the West Bank arranges living accommodations for male interns in shared flats when homestay options are unavailable. Male students seeking a host family stay are encouraged to apply early for the best chance of placement.

Overview of the Internship in Palestine:

*Cost includes breakfast, living accommodation, Arabic classes, and some visits to different institutions in the city of Hebron. Some examples include the old city of Hebron, glass and ceramic factories, local companies, refugee camps, and public parks as well as local universities such as the Palestine Polytechnic University and Hebron University.

Safety of our Volunteers and Interns

Unfortunately, the region of Palestine has not been stable for the last few decades, as there is always unrest and war. Sometimes it becomes more volatile, while at other times it’s calmer. Nonetheless, each year millions of tourists visit Palestine and the West Bank including Hebron, Ramallah, Bethlehem, Jenin, Jerusalem, Salfeet, Tulkarem, Nablus, and many other cities without any safety issues. Palestinians are generally very welcoming and hospitable people. They recognize that the politics of a country and its people may differ.  

Furthermore, since its formation in 2011, Engage In the West Bank welcomed over 1,000 international visitors. These visitors lived and worked in Hebron for a few weeks to several months. Overall, they did not face any threat nor were they unsafe in Hebron or the West Bank.

Engage In the West Bank is located in an area of Hebron which is under the Palestinian Authority and in the heart of the city. Our Palestinian host families and the male dorms are conveniently located near the Engage In the West Bank as well, making it a safe place to stay in Palestine. 

How to fly to Palestine?

Palestine does not have any airports in the West Bank or Gaza Strip. Palestinians use either the airports in Jordan or Egypt to travel abroad. However, international volunteers and interns including English teachers in Palestine can fly to Israeli airports and then cross to Palestine.

As it is currently impossible to fly directly into the West Bank, we believe the easiest ways to get to Hebron, Palestine are:

• To fly to Ben Gurion, Tel Aviv Airport (in Israel). It takes about two and a half hours from the airport to Hebron via shared taxi.
• You can fly to Eilat airport in Israel and then travel by booking a shuttle or taking a bus to Jerusalem and then to Hebron. The whole trip can last between 6-7 hours.
• You can also fly to Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, Jordan, and then cross to Palestine, but this route takes more time and is more expensive.

Traveling to and from Hebron, West Bank

We know that many participants in the Internship Program in Palestine have questions about traveling in Palestine, especially those traveling in the Israel/Palestine region for the first time. Hopefully, all the necessary information about how to get to Hebron, Palestine, and Engage In the West Bank is provided in these four articles:

• 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

For any further questions, you are always welcome to get in touch with us. Our contact info is at the bottom of the page. 

Pre-Departure Support 

Engage in Palestine can organize calls with you via Whatsapp, write invitation letters, send travel instructions, and give you advice on different topics related to your travels.

How to Apply

Have we piqued your interest? Then please send us an email to Info@ecpalestine.org Please write the Internship in Palestine Program in the subject line. We will then send you the application form. We are looking forward to your email!

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