Short-Term Volunteering Programs and Internships in Palestine by Engage in Palestine: Many people with at least some level of awareness about the Palestinian Issue can see the difficulties faced by Palestinians and feel the natural human urge to want to help those affected by Israel’s ongoing Occupation of Palestine. Visiting Palestine can be a great way to support Palestinians by uplifting the local economy while you also have the opportunity to learn more about Palestine and get to know Palestinians.
But to go beyond that, taking up a volunteering role or an internship can be a great way to help the people of Palestine on the ground and build meaningful relationships whilst developing your skills and gaining the experiences you need in the professional world of work now or later in life.
You can find many opportunities in Palestine, depending on your career ambitions, areas of interest, field of studies, and previous experience. By participating in short-term volunteering programs and internships in Palestine programs (up to 3 months), you will get to have a meaningful and impactful experience without the long commitment sometimes required by volunteer or intern positions, for example, for 6-12 months.
Keep reading to learn more about why Palestine is a great place to participate in a short-term volunteering or internship program and other relevant information, such as about the safety situation, how to prepare yourself, and some available opportunities.
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Why Palestine?
As alluded to, Palestine is a beautiful country that has had a particularly troubled history over the last +75 years due to the Israeli Occupation. As a result, all Palestinians face oppression and hardships to some extent or others, with Palestinian refugees and poor people usually suffering the most. The country has a fascinating history dating back thousands of years, with a rich culture (including very tasty food!). As the location of many of the Holy Land cities like Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and Jericho, it is a really interesting place to visit and spend time in.
Additionally, if you are interested in learning Arabic, Palestine is a great place to do it because the locals are friendly and helpful in assisting you, and you can learn in a fully immersive Arabic-speaking environment. Additionally, Palestinians speak the Levantine dialect, which is the most recognized throughout the Arab world, so it is probably the most useful one for prospective Arabic students to learn.
If you’d like to read more, here are some reasons to visit Palestine and some reasons to volunteer in Palestine.
Is It Safe To Volunteer In Palestine?
Yes, it’s safe. There are often negative media reports about the situation in Palestine, so it is understandable if you are concerned about safety. Still, the reality is far different from what you have likely heard. Almost all media reports circulate inaccurate and biased news without telling the full story. Additionally, the discourse on Palestine is almost always from a colonial and orientalist lens, and regular Palestinians, particularly the working class, are often censored and denied the use of their voice on social media and in the media.
The Situation In Gaza
Most of what you might hear in the media happens in Gaza, which has been under Israeli blockade and siege by air, land, and sea for at least 15 years. This makes daily life extremely difficult for many people in Gaza, and Gaza is often referred to as the world’s largest open-air prison. 98% of the tap water is undrinkable, and the majority of people in Gaza only have electricity for 3-12 hours per day.
On top of that, it is a tiny piece of land where around 2.1 million Palestinians live, of which around 1.4 million are internally displaced refugees from other parts of historic Palestine. All of these are just a few consequences of the Israeli occupation that you will rarely, if ever, hear about in the news.
The Situation In The West Bank
In contrast to Gaza (which foreign tourists are unable to visit due to the blockade and siege), the West Bank is a far more stable, accessible, and safe destination for international tourists to visit. While there are occasional outbreaks of violence, they are usually highly localized. Foreign tourists are not often exposed to the difficulties (unless they actively look for them). As long as you are sensible with your movements and you don’t seek out trouble, it is perfectly safe to volunteer in Palestine.
Many internationals, both men and women, have visited the West Bank and said they felt safer here, even when walking alone at night than in their own countries such as the UK, the US, and Australia. They have reported feeling very welcome and that Palestinian people are friendly and helpful. On top of that, many Palestinians leave their car doors and front doors unlocked because street crimes such as petty theft and pickpocketing, while prevalent in many countries around the world, are almost unheard of in Palestine.
Why Choose Short-term Volunteering Programs and Internships in Palestine?
Unfortunately, Israeli tourist visas (issued on arrival at Ben Gurion airport or the land borders with Jordan) only last for 90 days. So, the maximum length of stay if you are doing voluntary work or an unpaid internship is three months. This is generally sufficient time to get a taste of Palestine and see if it fits you. However, it can be possible to leave after 90 days and re-enter a few days or weeks later to get a new visa, but this process is unpredictable.
If you want to find longer-term work in Palestine, you will have to go through an arduous Israeli visa process before you even enter the country. So we only recommend this if you have already visited Palestine, know the country, want to work here long term, and are willing to go through the visa application process.
How Can I Prepare For An Internship In Palestine?
Palestine, as mentioned, has its unique history and culture, so be sure to research the place and its customs before visiting. This will give you a better idea of what to expect and also will help advise you when packing your luggage.
If you speak Arabic, practice it and plan your route to whichever area of the West Bank you visit. Arrange your flights and travel insurance and notify your bank of your plans to travel abroad. Pack your bags accordingly, bearing in mind that the winters can actually get quite cold and wet and summers are blistering hot, and you will soon be ready to go!
List of our Short-Term Volunteering Programs And Internships in Palestine
Engage in Palestine in Hebron (a city located in the South of the West Bank) runs language, training, internships, and volunteer programs for those interested in helping Palestinian people. During your time with us, you will get to experience the local culture while developing your professional skills. All our programs are run flexibly from 1 week to 13 weeks, depending on your circumstances and needs.
After you arrive, you will be assigned a liaison manager to channel your work to where it is most needed. We also provide you with accommodation, daily breakfast, and tailored Arabic tuition from a dedicated, personal Arabic tutor to help volunteers aid Palestinians in their native language.
We welcome people with all kinds of skills, such as nursing, engineering, and sports coaching—we even had a circus performer volunteer to provide morale-boosting performances in refugee camps! Even if you feel you have no special skills to offer, you could consider English teaching, a popular way to help the local Palestinians develop their English language skills.
1. Palestinian Laws & Legal Practices Internship
Palestinian Laws & Legal Practices Internship: This program is designed for students of law, social sciences, human rights, and anyone interested in the Palestinian legal system and the situation of Palestinian refugees in the West Bank and Gaza. Interns can enroll for 1 to 13 weeks, with year-round availability (spring, summer, fall, and winter). The Palestinian Laws program aims to provide a full understanding of legislation applying to the West Bank and Gaza.
During the legal internship program, interns will visit local Palestinian lawyers, law faculties, courts, human rights organizations, legal religious institutions, and legal clinics. They will witness the enactment of laws, the decision-making process, court rulings, legal negotiations, and mediations in various social settings.
2. Human Rights Program In The West Bank
The Human Rights Internship Program in the West Bank, Palestine, offers an exceptional opportunity for individuals seeking hands-on experience in humanitarian aid, diplomacy, and international law while enhancing their Arabic language skills and intercultural competence. Interns will actively raise awareness of the West Bank situation and amplify local Palestinian communities’ voices. This program places interns at the forefront of fostering relationships between international visitors and local Palestinian populations.
As one of Engage in Palestine’s most popular programs, we welcome around 70 interns annually. The program includes educational sessions, presentations, community development projects, Arabic language learning, and visits to refugee camps, villages, NGOs, human rights organizations, and Palestinian universities.
3. The Internship In The West Bank, Palestine Program
The Internship in the West Bank, Palestine Program offers international participants the chance to immerse themselves in Palestinian culture and daily life and learn about human rights, Palestinian refugee situations, and politics in Hebron, West Bank. The internship opportunity involves participating in a highly respected community development initiative run by Engage in Palestine.
To facilitate a deep cultural experience, the Center visits various institutions, including non-governmental organizations (NGOs), Palestinian governmental organizations, factories, and Palestinian refugee camps in Hebron. This firsthand exposure provides an exciting opportunity for interns to gain insight into daily life in Palestine. The program offers various internships at the Center to cater to different interests and career goals.
4. Palestine and Israel In Context Internship
The Palestine and Israel in Context Internship is for students (undergraduate and graduate level), professionals, retirees, and anybody interested in the political history and present-day reality of Palestine and Israel. This internship program in the West Bank targets humanities and social sciences students looking for ways to understand the Israeli/Palestinian situation firsthand.
By participating in this internship program, students will better understand and grasp the effects of the conflict firsthand and witness the genuine opinions of everyday people, quite separate from the political headlines. We welcome students from all humanities disciplines, including but not limited to the political sciences, international relations, and non-profit management.
5. The Palestinian Culture Internship Program
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 can 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 immersive internship focuses 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, from students to young professionals and retirees or anyone interested in Palestinian culture or the politics of the Middle East. It would also suit university students interested in an internship program (from 1 to 13 Weeks) shorter than the typical semester or quarter system. Through its partnership with the Palestinian Education Authority, Engage in Palestine can also provide academic credits to all participants.
6. Volunteer And Study Arabic In Palestine (1-13 Weeks)
7. Journalism And Media In Palestine
Interns with the Journalism and Media Program in Palestine will gain valuable experience teaching Palestinian children, school students, and refugees about the power of media and journalism. This program is an excellent way to meet and network with Palestinians throughout the West Bank, learn about their lives, and give them a voice by reporting on daily life in Israel and Palestine.
This course is also a great opportunity for anyone traveling throughout the region, whether to Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Ramallah, Jenin, Nablus, Tel Aviv, Haifa, or Hebron. You can help report on the local political situation and assist the local youth in doing the same.
8. Volunteer in Palestinian Local Schools
You’ll contribute meaningfully to the West Bank, Palestine, and Palestinian communities here. Furthermore, you will help Palestinian students gain important skills and knowledge while learning about their culture and way of life. It’s a perfect internship opportunity for anyone passionate about education, Palestinian community development, and making a positive impact in the West Bank.
9. Volunteer With Information Technology In Palestine
The program is available to anyone over 18 years old. It does not require any special qualifications, making it an open opportunity for anyone interested in traveling to the Israel/Palestine region and learning Arabic while living with Palestinians and immersing themselves in the culture. This flexible and open-ended project allows volunteers to come to the West Bank year-round.
In addition to personal development and cultural exchange, volunteers can create lesson plans and execute seminars and computer science workshops. This program contributes to the academic development of Palestinian students and helps them learn important life and soft skills for their education and future careers. It also allows volunteers to contribute to a subject area that will become increasingly influential in all of our lives.
10. Volunteer in Environment And Conservation In Palestine
This volunteer program is an excellent opportunity for students, graduates, and travelers interested in 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.
Join Us For A Volunteer Program Or Internship In Summer
If you are a student, graduate, or professional taking a sabbatical or gap year or anyone else with an extended break during the summer, we invite you to join us to take up one of our volunteering or internship opportunities over the summer. During summer (June through September), many people have holidays, including students in Palestine and abroad, which means it is when we are the busiest and host the highest number of internationals throughout the year.
So, if you join us in the summer, you will find many other international volunteers, interns, and Arabic students with whom to make friends and explore Hebron and Palestine. Additionally, our partnership with the Palestinian Ministry of Education means we can provide academic credit to current university or college students seeking it.
We invite you to join us in the summer to gain practical, real-life experience and grow your personal and professional skills while immersing yourself in Palestinian culture, traveling, and making friends with people from many different countries.
Interning Or Volunteering With Us Makes A Real Impact
We aim to make a long-term difference with all of our volunteer and internship programs for the Palestinian local community and you through exchanging ideas and “walking in each other’s shoes”. Our programs are well-researched and targeted to ensure they have a real impact and foster shared learning for our community and you. Volunteering or interning in the West Bank affords you the unique opportunity to genuinely impact your life and the lives of local Palestinians and the wider community. As with most things, the more you put into your program, the more you will get out of it.
The Kind of Impact Depends on Which Program You Choose
For example, volunteering to teach English will impact Palestinian students’ education and English proficiency. If you volunteer in our medicine and healthcare program, you will get to engage with medical professionals and support and educate medical students through running seminars or workshops.
If you intern in our Palestinian Laws & Legal Internship Program, you will learn about local laws and the local legal system through a range of different settings, such as visiting law courts and meeting with Palestinian lawyers. You will also impact the local community by contributing your time and sharing your knowledge and experience with Palestinian students and others who can benefit from it.
You will get to engage with the local community regardless of your chosen program. The Arabic lessons we provide will help you integrate into the local community and communicate with locals, even at a basic level. You will be immersed in Palestinian culture and daily life and learn about the current political situation first-hand from Palestinians, which will better inform you and, therefore, better equip you to make a genuine impact on your life and the lives of Palestinians.
Great Reviews and Community Awards
Engage in Palestine has proudly earned several Community Awards, was recognized as the Best Language School Overseas, and was the Top Provider of Volunteer and Internship Opportunities abroad for the years 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Check out our many great reviews here:
- 860+ Reviews (96%) on Gooverseas.com
- 175+ Reviews (94%) on Goabroad.com
- Participants’ video testimonials
Summary
Participating in short-term volunteering programs and internships in Palestine with Engage in Palestine offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a beautiful country with warm people, often misunderstood in the media. Contrary to common perceptions, the West Bank is safe for international visitors, and you’ll gain both personal enrichment and cultural immersion while making lifelong friends.
Beyond personal growth, you’ll benefit professionally by gaining valuable practical experience in your chosen field or exploring new career paths. We offer a variety of programs suitable for students, graduates, professionals, or anyone seeking a meaningful break.
You can volunteer or intern with us for as little as one week or up to 13 weeks at any time of the year. Alongside building hard and soft skills, you’ll make a positive impact on the local community through activities like facilitating workshops or interacting with locals. With free time to explore the region, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to experience Palestine and form lasting connections.
Contact Us
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at:
WhatsApp:+972 599 479 880
Website: https://engageinpalestine.org/
EC Website: https://excellencenter.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/excellence.center
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ExcellenceCenter
Tags: Community Service Programs in Palestine, Internships in Palestine, Short-Term Humanitarian Work in Palestine, Short-Term Volunteering Programs in Palestine, Volunteer and Internship Opportunities in Palestine
