The Palestinian Culture Internship Program: This program is designed to provide its participants with a first-hand view of Palestinian culture, art, history, and industry. Interns in Palestine will have the opportunity to explore the beautiful and historic city of Hebron, take day trips to neighboring cities such as Bethlehem and Jerusalem, and explore other cultural and historical sites. The internship is an immersive one, focusing on how participants can enhance their experience of everyday Palestinian customs, politics, and culture. 

This program would be ideal for a wide range of participants, whether native English speakers or not, ranging from students to young professionals and retirees,  or indeed anyone who has an interest in Palestinian culture or the politics of the Middle East. The program would also suit university students interested in an internship program (from 1-13 Weeks) that would be shorter than the typical semester or quarter system. Engage in the West Bank, through its partnership with the Palestinian Education Authority, can also provide academic credits to all participants. 

The Palestinian Culture internship program is an excellent opportunity for those interested in learning Palestinian or Levantine Arabic, as they will be learning the language as part of a fully immersive linguistic experience. By taking part in this program, those eager to learn Arabic will have many opportunities to speak the language daily with shopkeepers, restaurant owners, and other members of the Palestinian community right here in Hebron! 

Program Components 

The Palestinian Culture Internship Program includes Arabic language lessons for 3 hours each week. These classes are designed to provide participants with the linguistic tools to fully embrace Palestinian culture and to communicate with all sections of society. By learning Arabic, participants will be better able to communicate with a wide range of Palestinians in local shops and businesses, taxis, local charity organizations, and much more. Participants need not worry about their language proficiency, however,  as most Palestinians are very friendly and will be happy to see that visitors from overseas are showing an interest in their culture.  

In addition to Arabic classes, female participants (and some male participants, depending on the availability of accommodation) will have the option to reside with a Palestinian host family. There are many benefits to staying with a host family, such as the daily opportunities it gives the participants to practice their Arabic by engaging in conversations. Furthermore, participants will have the opportunity to experience Palestinian cooking, customs, festivities, and family dynamics. Most importantly, participants will very likely leave the program having made lifelong friends here. 

If a host family is unavailable, male participants in the program will have the opportunity to stay in an all-male dorm or a shared apartment in the city of Hebron. 

Excursions Into Hebron

Engage in the West Bank operates regular excursions into Hebron to introduce participants to the city’s cultural sites, restaurants, markets, industries, museums, and religious monuments. Participants will also have the opportunity to visit local Palestinian organizations that specialize in human rights issues and Palestinian law. This is for program participants to gain an understanding not only of the cultural heritage of Palestine but also of its political significance and domestic state of affairs. 

Ultimately, this internship program aims to bring foreign nationals into the West Bank in a process of cultural exchange with Palestine and its people. Palestinians are a hospitable and welcoming people, with family structures that embed them in a dynamic and vibrant culture. Why not come to Palestine to discover more about its history, culture, and people? 

Internship Program Components:

• 3 hours of Arabic classes per week
• Homestay with a Palestinian host family (if available) 
• Center-led excursions to Hebron
• Day trips to neighboring cities in Palestine 
• Meetings with human rights organizations & law workers  
• Attendance at local cultural festivals 

What You Will Contribute 

As an intern for the Palestinian Culture Program, you will engage with and contribute to the Palestinian community of Hebron while broadening your understanding of the culture of Palestine. 

There are many ways in which internships can benefit the Palestinian community of Hebron, such as by participants creating various programs for school and university students. Examples of these programs can include cultural information sessions, Q and As, or even programs that focus on an intern’s specific field of study. 

Furthermore, interns can create and design community development activities that utilize the Center’s connections and resources. For example, interns can collaborate with local universities, NGOs, or law firms that are dedicated to improving the human rights of Palestinians. 

In addition, interns will have the opportunity to create constructive and educational workshops dedicated to the study of culture and the humanities. In these workshops, interns can create dialogues about their respective cultures with local university students.

Finally, interns will have the option of assisting local Palestinian schools to teach English to Palestinian children. This service is of the utmost importance, as exposure to other cultures and languages is of huge significance to children. By taking part in the Palestinian Culture Internship Program, interns will learn as much about Palestinian culture as local Palestinians will learn about theirs! 

Summer Internships In Palestine

For those interested in traveling to Palestine while also seeking to gain academic credits, Engage in the West Bank’s Palestinian Culture Program is also available as a summer internship. Participants in this program will receive internship credit upon completion of the program, as well as a certificate verifying the internship.

As a member of the summer internship program, participants will dedicate their time to learning about the culture and political circumstances of Palestine, with added emphasis on the intern’s chosen field, whether it be politics, religious studies, refugee aid, community development, or any other specialization. If you want to immerse yourself through cultural and community development summer internship with Engage in the West Bank, do not hesitate to contact us via email, putting the phrase “Summer Palestinian Culture Internship” in the subject line. This program is an ideal opportunity for any student looking to enroll in a unique internship during their summer break. 

Things To Know About Palestinian Culture

Modern-day Palestine lies at the center of the Levant, which itself lies at the central axis of the Middle East, the Mediterranean, Asia, Europe, and North Africa. Because of this unique geographical positioning in the world, Palestine’s own culture has been influenced by numerous nations and peoples. This combination has not led to Palestine being divided, but rather has created a unique blend of cultures like few other places in the world!

Palestinian History 

Throughout its history, Palestine has been heavily influenced by other cultures and empires. This global influence on Palestine is the result of 13 separate occupations throughout its history, amongst which have been the Assyrian, Greek, Roman, Ottoman, and British empires. This rich and diverse heritage means that Palestine can lay claim to numerous European, Middle Eastern, African, Asian, and Mediterranean influences.

This diversity in culture is further enhanced as a consequence of Palestine’s location in the Holy Land, the source of the three major Abrahamic religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Palestine’s diversity has always been its strength and has resulted in its people fostering a culture of hospitality and inclusion towards foreigners. During their time in Hebron, Engage in the West Bank will lead program participants on tours through the city’s historical sites and areas of cultural significance. 

Food And Cuisine

Palestinian cuisine is highly reflective of its diverse history, with Greek, Mediterranean, Turkish, and Middle Eastern influences being predominant. Food and feasting are highly symbolic of community in Palestinian culture, often being the focal point at festivities and family gatherings. 

Staples of the Palestinian diet include bread, meat, rice, sauces, spices, soups, and desserts. Palestinian food culture is famous for its various breads such as its Taboon (sometimes called Laffah) flat bread and its unique white cheese known as Jibneh Baide. This cheese is made from either goat’s or sheep’s milk and is famous for its nutritious value and distinct flavor. Palestine is also famous for its meat dishes, which most often consist of either chicken or goat. An example of a world-renowned Palestinian dish is Qidreh, which is made from rice, chickpeas, and chicken cooked in broth and various spices. 

Not only will the Center’s staff provide a traditional Palestinian breakfast every morning, but we will also occasionally cook dinner for all of the Center’s members. This includes volunteers, interns, students, and staff. And, of course, the Center’s staff know all the best places in town where you can grab a quick bite to eat!  

Language, Literature And Oral Tradition

Palestine’s rich and diverse history also means that there is an array of languages spoken within its borders. Arabic is the most widely spoken language, but there are also a large number of English speakers as well as a small Hebrew-speaking minority. 

The main style of Arabic spoken in Hebron is the Palestinian dialect, a subsection of the larger Levantine dialect which is spoken by approximately 13 million people worldwide. Palestinian and Levantine Arabic are the dominant dialects throughout the Levant – the region that borders the Mediterranean and that includes Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and Palestine. Because of Palestine’s unique position at the center of the Levant, its dialect is widely spoken and understood throughout much of the Middle East and North Africa, as well as among the Arabic diaspora.

Palestine’s culture, in particular its oral tradition of poetry and music has had a significant influence on the construction of the Arabic language, especially in regards to its grammar. With the founding of Islam, written Arabic has continued to evolve. When these two important influences, the oral and the Islamic, combine, they ensure that Palestine is now a very literary society. As a participant in the Palestinian Culture Program, you will be introduced to Palestinian poetry, music, and literature both at the Center and throughout Palestine.

Religion In Palestine

As previously mentioned, Palestine is regarded as the Holy Land for three of the world’s largest religions: Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. In the West Bank and Gaza Strip, the majority of Palestinians are Muslim, though there is a sizable Christian minority as well as a smaller Jewish minority in the West Bank. 

Palestine also contains or is very near to many of the holiest religious sites in the world. For example, Bethlehem – the birthplace of Jesus – is located in the West Bank near the Palestinian-Israeli border. Al-Aqsa Mosque, located in East Jerusalem, is the third holiest site in Islam and is widely recognized for its beauty and prestige. One of the most important religious and historical sites for both Muslims and Jews alike is the Masjid Al-Khalil, located in Hebron. Engage in the West Bank would be only too happy to show participants all these important cultural, religious, and historical sites in Palestine! 

Palestinian Social Customs And Traditions

The people of Palestine are tightly knit and family-oriented and typically have large extended families. These families are often (but not always) patriarchal, meaning that they are led by a senior male figure. As a rule, members of Palestinian families are quite supportive of one another, with family members often taking on the role of caregivers to supplement any welfare gaps left by the state. In addition, members of the Palestinian diaspora working abroad send their earnings back to their families in Palestine, providing vital economic support for their loved ones at home. 

Palestine has a highly educated population, with the public school system prioritizing skills such as reading, writing, science, and mathematics. As there is such a high demand for quality education, Engage in the West Bank offers additional educational support to the public school system in Hebron. For more information, please take a  look at our website under the heading of “Volunteer Programs.”  

Palestinian Arts And Music

Palestine is home to many widely recognized arts and crafts, including the art of olive wood carving, a technique associated with Bethlehem, and famous for its depictions of religious scenes and figures. The city of Hebron is especially famous for its glassblowing craftsmanship, while Gaza is famous for its pottery and rugs. The art of henna, which became prominent after the rise of Islam due to the religion’s prohibition on tattoos, is especially noticeable in Palestine during festivals and local holidays. 

The performing arts are another key component of Palestinian culture, often depicting themes of cultural pride and national resistance when performed at public venues. Palestine is home to a unique form of dance “Dabke”, which is traditionally present at celebratory events such as weddings, festivals, and holidays. Engage in the West Bank actively participates in and contributes to local festivals and traditions, and would be happy to include participants on such occasions.

Visit Palestine! 

Palestine is an incredibly diverse nation, its culture consisting, in part, of influences by various civilizations and empires throughout history. Today, Palestine’s impact on world culture is distinguished by its influence on Arabic cuisine, art, and language. The aspects of its culture highlighted here have of course only scratched the surface of a heritage that is thousands of years old. 

Why not visit Engage in the West Bank to experience Palestine’s beauty first-hand, among a people eager to connect with the outside world? 

Benefits Of The Palestinian Culture Program

There are numerous benefits to enrolling in our Palestinian Culture Internship Program, including: 

• 12 hours of complimentary Arabic lessons for each month that they enroll for (3 hours per week)
• Participants may choose between Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) and Colloquial Arabic – either Levantine or Palestinian 
• Accommodation with a Palestinian host family, or in a shared dorm or apartment
• Complimentary breakfast in the center 6 times per week 
• Center-led visits to various sites within the city of Hebron such as the Old City, religious sites, refugee camps, and factories 
• Engagement with the Palestinian community through Center-led activities and workshops
• Gaining an understanding of Palestinian human rights issues through day trips to refugee camps and Israeli settlements 
• Opportunities to visit other cities and sites including Bethlehem, Ramallah, Nablus, Hebron, Tulkarm, Qalqilya, Jenin, and the Dead Sea
• University credit
• Certificate upon completion of the program 

Interacting With Palestinian Culture

Interns in Palestine will find that the majority of Palestinians are incredibly friendly and open to foreigners. If participants utilize their Arabic skills, no matter how well-developed, they will find that most Palestinians are enthusiastic and patient communicators who will be delighted that people are taking 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 to visit cultural sights, historical monuments, and many other landmarks. Although Palestinians 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 before the COVID pandemic, Engage in the West Bank welcomed around 80 interns each year. Since travel into the West Bank has recently resumed, we have been seeing a steady flow of participants to the Center once again. 

You can hear from past volunteers about their experiences while volunteering with Engage in the West Bank under the descriptions of the various programs, as well as reading the testimony below 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.”  

Who Can Participate?

Engage in the West Bank does not discriminate on any basis; this includes nationality, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or any other basis. Engage in the West Bank has a long history of welcoming people from around the globe, from all walks of life, and all backgrounds and identities. All are welcome!

Previous participants on our programs have hailed from the following countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States! 

While volunteering here, you will be part of a community that is vibrant, talented, and passionate. Interns on our program speak many languages, come from every corner of the planet, and have an incredible amount to offer. As an intern, you will have the chance to connect with people from all around the world and build lifelong friendships with them. You will also of course have endless opportunities to network and build up professional contacts within Hebron. 

Who Will Benefit? 

Those looking for a unique internship experience that will connect them with the culture and life of contemporary Palestine will benefit from this program, as it delves deeply into Palestinian history, politics, and humanitarian issues. This internship will suit students of Political Science, Archaeology, Linguistics, and other fields who are looking to pursue a summer internship or to enhance their present studies. Anyone who is thinking of traveling through the Levant will certainly benefit from the Palestinian Culture Program’s breadth and scope. 

Are There Any Criteria For Participants? 

There are only 3 criteria for participants, the first being conversational fluency in either of the program languages (English or Arabic). Secondly, participants should be between the ages of 18 and 70, though exceptions are possible in special circumstances. And finally, we ask participants to have a positive attitude and an eagerness to learn. 

Participant Requirements: 

• Colloquial fluency in English and/or Arabic 
• 18-70 years of age (unless granted special permission by the Center’s Director) 
• A positive attitude and an eagerness to learn

Traveling To Hebron 

Reaching our center may entail a lot of traveling, but it need not be arduous. Although there are some obstacles to be overcome when traveling to Hebron, Engage in the West Bank has compiled a list of all the resources that you will need 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 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

Program Costs And Information

Engage in the West Bank is priced competitively in comparison with other programs at 300 Euros per week. Program costs cover language courses, accommodation, complimentary breakfast each day that 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 that participants will pay.

Program Fees Cover:

• Accommodation
• Language courses
• Operating costs
• Complimentary breakfast 
• Group excursions to Hebron 

A Unique Experience

Although the Center hosts volunteers from all over the world, many people are unaware of the diversity of Palestine and the Levant, having only a vague understanding of the timeless culture of these lands. 

By enrolling in this internship program, participants will be taking part in a unique experience that they will be sure to remember throughout their lives. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the Arabic language and culture while living in Hebron. 

What is the Language of the Course? 

All of our programs aim for English speakers. However for the sake of immersion, the higher the course level the less English is present in the classroom. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to utilize their Arabic skills to the best of their ability while traveling through Palestine, thereby ensuring a fully immersive experience.

General Information Regarding Program Costs And Components: 

Reviews And Awards 

Since 2011 Engage in the West Bank has welcomed individuals from 40 different countries! While we continue to develop our programs to provide the best possible learning experience, for over 10 years the Center’s fundamental mission has remained 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 the West Bank’s meaningful and unforgettable impact on international travelers. 

Engage in the West Bank is famous for its cultural immersion, friendly staff, and atmosphere, and its commitment to dispelling misconceptions about Palestine and Palestinians. If you have an interest 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 the West Bank is the right organization for you:

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

Summary 

The Palestinian Culture Internship Program in Hebron, West Bank works to immerse its participants in the culture of Palestine, and in particular that of Hebron. This will entail learning Arabic, venturing into the city to interact with local Palestinians, residing with a Palestinian host family (depending on availability), visiting important cultural sights, learning about Palestinian cuisine and arts, participating in local festivities, and much more! 

If you are seeking a career in, or have an interest in the fields of social anthropology, Arab culture, human rights, or the political situation in Palestine, this internship will provide you with invaluable experience and insight into Palestinian culture and daily life. 

How To Apply:

If you want to take part in our Palestinian Culture Program, please write to us at Info@ecpalestine.org. We should be able to respond to your initial inquiry within 1-2 business days.

In the subject line of your email write “The Palestinian Culture Internship Program.” Upon responding we will attach an application form which you will then fill out and return to us to begin the process. Sounds good? Then write to us!

Related Internship Programs– Please Click To Read

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