The Palestinian Refugees Volunteer Program is a great opportunity for a wide range of people, from students to retirees, who are passionate about human rights and wish to work directly with Palestinian refugees in the West Bank. Volunteers in this program will work with Palestinian children, youth, and women primarily to enhance their skill sets and provide education in one of the refugee camps around the city of Hebron.

Schools within Palestinian refugee camps are widely known to be underdeveloped, lacking many of the basic resources to fulfill their students’ educational needs. Volunteers will therefore be presented with the opportunity to work directly inside schools to help fill this disparity, while also having the opportunity to collaborate with human rights organizations, community centers, and international NGOs to advocate for the rights of refugees. Participants will also create educational workshops with a specific audience in mind, such as Palestinian children, youth, or women, to teach new skills while also fostering meaningful cultural exchange. 

This volunteer program is ideal for those with an interest in political science, human rights, or the politics of the Middle East who would like to pursue a career in teaching or humanitarian aid. The program spans anywhere from 1-13 weeks depending upon your preference, and during that time you will reside in Hebron with a Palestinian host family or a male dorm with other volunteers.

What Does Joining Us Mean?

By joining the Engage in the West Bank, Palestine, you not only support a local Palestinian organisation but also the Palestinian community in general. We offer low-priced courses for Palestinian students to empower lower-income families and give them access to affordable education and extra English language classes. The center also offers many free-of-charge workshops, seminars, and courses to support Palestinian refugees in the city of Hebron.

Finally, volunteers in Palestine can play an important role in contributing to the Palestinian community’s well-being. Your work with us helps to develop and build pathways to understanding. Many opportunities are offered on volunteer projects in Palestine supporting education and focusing on community development.

About Displaced Peoples In Palestine

Many are surprised to learn that there are, in fact, Palestinian refugees within Palestine itself. The Palestinian diaspora is the largest group of displaced peoples in the world, with approximately 7.1 million dispersed globally. This phenomenon finds its roots in two key years within the mid-20^th century.

The first is 1948 during the Nakba when Palestinians fled from their homes to escape Israeli militias, and the second is 1967 during the Six-Day War which ended in Israel occupying the Syrian Golan Heights, the West Bank, Gaza, and the Egyptian Sinai Peninsula, while also illegal annexing Jerusalem. While Jordan and Egypt had administered the West Bank and the Gaza Strip respectively between the time of the Nakba and the Six-Day War, these territories both fell under Israeli control thereafter. 

Over 700,000 Palestinians who fled during the Nakba from what was to become the new state of Israel to territories under Jordanian or Egyptian control thereafter became refugees, and their children to this day are still assigned refugee status. Palestinians also fled to other parts of the region as well including Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan, however, the latter was the only country in the world to offer citizenship to the newly displaced refugees. Additionally, many Palestinians eventually also migrated to other parts of the world such as Europe and the Americas.

Support Palestinian Refugee Camps 

Palestinian refugees fall under the purview of the United Nations, with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency–more commonly referred to as the UNRWA–supporting 19 refugee camps within the West Bank alone. Conditions in these camps such as Al Fawwar or Al Arroub are notoriously cramped and uncomfortable, lacking necessities, services, and infrastructure including hospitals and enough schools to accommodate the camp populations adequately.

These Palestinian refugee camps in the West Bank originally began as expansive tent-cities filled with people displaced after the 1948 Nakbah, however as time went on and it became clear a return would not happen anytime soon, stone structures gradually replaced tents, causing cramped, concrete quarters. Palestinian Refugee camps therefore have an exceptionally high population density, where people often experience housing shortages and overcrowding. 

When can I volunteer?

Volunteers with Palestinian refugees can stay from 1-12 weeks in Hebron, West Bank and they can choose their preferred starting and ending dates. The center hosts volunteers year-round for anyone interested in working with Palestinian refugees in the West Bank, takes an interest in political science, human rights or the political situation of the Middle East, would like to pursue a career in teaching, or is simply looking for ways to give back.

While we operate our Palestinian Refugees Program year-round (Summer, Winter, Fall, and Spring), we also have summer volunteer programs specifically designed for students looking for opportunities to go abroad while also gaining university credit.

Through a partnership with the Palestinian Ministry of Education, Engage in the West Bank, Palestine can offer academic credit to our currently enrolled university students. This makes for the perfect opportunity to travel to Palestine/Israel during your summer, gain hands-on experience in a related field, and work towards your degree all at the same time. 

What can I volunteer for?

As a volunteer of the Palestinian Refugees Program, your prime responsibility will be offering educational and cultural services within the Palestinian refugee community. Most of Engage in the West Bank, Palestine’s efforts are directed toward education since this is a critical need. The importance of working within these camps alongside refugees cannot be overstated.

Because these Palestinian refugee camps are outside the main city centers, the people residing within them have limited opportunities to connect with international visitors and practice their English. The Center therefore tries its best to respond to this need by organizing educational and community activities to bring Palestinians and international participants together. 

Other Ways To Volunteer with Us

However, if education is not your forte, there are several other ways to volunteer and assist refugees of Palestine. Volunteers can organize workshops and activities to build skillsets, such as improving CV and resume content and presentation, creative exercises exploring different art forms, or even sporting events and cultural festivals. Volunteers are especially encouraged to create unique opportunities by utilizing their skillsets and expertise.

For example, healthcare professionals could provide medical aid or assist local NGOs with a medical focus in their efforts to assist refugees within the camps. Volunteers with a special skill or expertise in performing arts are encouraged to organize concerts and other live performances for cultural enrichment. Engage in the West Bank, Palestine has previously worked with volunteers to host live music venues and even circus events, so there is no limit to ideas. 

What Else Do We Offer?

In addition to their work with the Center, volunteers will also spend 3 hours a week in complimentary Arabic courses. These classes are designed so participants may better assist the people with whom they are working, with the hope they may connect on a fundamental level. Additionally, making the effort to learn the local language is a mark of good diplomacy and respect for the culture, one that is noted and appreciated by all those you meet.

Participants will also take part in Center-led excursions to various historical and politically significant sites within Palestine. These excursions generally include visiting the Old City of Hebron and the neighboring cities of Jerusalem and Bethlehem, while also touring refugee camps to gain a better understanding of Palestine’s contemporary political situation.

To make sure all our participants are accounted for and can make the best use of their skills, we offer many Volunteering programs to help Palestinians and refugees:

Program Components:

• Volunteer with Palestinian children in refugee camps
• Create workshops for Palestinians in local refugee camps
• Conduct musical or theatrical performances
• Assist local human rights and charity organizations
• Aid local NGOs in providing medical assistance to refugees
• Enroll in Arabic language courses
• Participate in Center-led excursions to Palestinian cultural sites

Schedule For Volunteers

Volunteering for Engage in the West Bank, Palestine requires commitment and flexibility. On average volunteers should work approximately 30 hours a week from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Participants will have two days off per week, one on Friday when the Center is closed and another day of the participant’s choosing.

Breakfast is provided every morning at the Center and typically consists of bread, olive oil and za’atar, hummus, labneh, baba ghanoush, falafel, and cucumber, tomato, and bell pepper – all the essentials you will find in a traditional Palestinian morning meal. Center staff, volunteers, and interns all sit together during breakfast as custom dictates, which also allows everyone a chance to touch base while creating stronger communal bonds. 

The Center also facilitates regular excursions into Hebron and neighboring cities throughout the week, connecting volunteers with local activists and organizations. Evenings are usually free, giving volunteers the chance to explore the city and its many restaurants, shops, and historical sites by themselves.

In addition to their contributions to their specific programs, volunteers also attend Arabic courses twice per week for an hour and a half per session, which will require some study and preparation as well. All this together means schedules tend to fill up quickly, and volunteers find their time in Palestine passes very quickly!

Is this program for me?

The Palestinian Refugees Volunteer Program is perfect for those passionate about elevating human rights, improving the lives of Palestinian refugees, and becoming more informed about the political situation in the West Bank, specifically concerning refugee status in a Palestinian context. Additionally, those interested in diplomacy, international law, and the politics of the Middle East will find this program beneficial, all while gaining real-world experience. 

This program is especially beneficial for university students, as Engage in the West Bank, Palestine can provide academic credit to program participants through our partnership with the Palestinian Ministry of Education. Additionally, recent graduates will find this to be a great opportunity for contextual application of their specialty while building their skills. 

Engage in the West Bank, Palestine does not discriminate on any basis; this includes nationality, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or any other discernable way. We have 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 of 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! 

Do I need specific skills to volunteer? 

There are only 3 criteria for participants, the first being conversational fluency in either of the program languages (i.e. 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 with 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 eagerness to learn

Arabic Lessons for all our Volunteers:

All our international volunteers in Palestine receive 3 hours of Arabic classes a week, or 12 hours a month, with one of our experienced Palestinian teachers at the Center.

On top of this, all volunteers will also have plenty of chances to meet many people in Palestine to learn and practice their Arabic skills. Volunteers can freely choose what kind of Arabic they would like to learn during their time in Palestine at Engage in the West Bank, Palestine.

Arabic Dialects to Study

All volunteers, at our base in Hebron, will receive a choice of Arabic dialects to learn during their time in the West Bank. As part of your volunteer placement, we offer a choice of:

• Shami or Levantine Arabic (Amiyya dialect)
• Colloquial Palestinian Arabic
• Modern Standard Arabic (MSA)
• Mixed Program: (Modern Standard Arabic & Shami Arabic)

Of course, if you’re not sure, we are happy to help you make an informed decision on your choice of dialect. As always, we pride ourselves on flexibility, so if you try one and it’s not quite for you, we can sort you out with a change!

Housing

When staying in Hebron, you will have the option to reside either with a Palestinian host family or in a dorm; there are advantages to both. For those staying in a dorm, you will have extra time to become acquainted with other Center participants and volunteers. Additionally, the dorms are located in Hebron’s metropolitan center, providing ample opportunity to explore downtown, either by yourself or with your fellow dorm mates.

The second option available to participants will be to reside with a Palestinian host family. This option will provide participants with an intimate view into Palestinian daily life, customs, and culture, while also giving them a chance to become familiar with family structures and taste some of the delicious Palestinian cuisine. It’s also likely that participants residing with a host family will attend family gatherings and cultural events, guaranteeing a culturally immersive experience! 

Participants may also choose to live in private accommodation, however this will entail covering their expenses. If this option is preferable, we are happy to help find a living situation suitable to your needs. 

Whichever housing option participants choose, your time in Palestine is sure to be immersive, enriching, and memorable! 

Traveling To Hebron

Reaching the Center in Hebron, Palestine will be a long journey, but it need not be arduous. Although there are some obstacles when traveling to Hebron, Engage in the West Bank, Palestine has all the resources you 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

If you have any further inquiries about travel to Palestine, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team. You can find our contact information at the bottom of this page. 

In Which Language Is The Program Run? 

All of our volunteer and internship programs are geared toward English speakers. However for the sake of immersion, the higher the Arabic course level the less English will be utilized in the classroom. Additionally, students will necessarily need to utilize their Arabic skills to the best of their ability when navigating through Palestine, thereby ensuring a fully immersive experience.

General Information Regarding Program Costs and Components

Program Costs And Information

Engage in the West Bank, Palestine is priced competitively with other programs at 250 Euros a week. Program costs cover language courses, housing, complimentary breakfast each day the participant is at the center, operating costs, and group excursions. No additional or hidden fees apply to these programs. The cost above is the complete and final cost participants will pay.

Program Fees Cover:

• Housing
• Language courses
• Operating costs
• Complimentary breakfast 
• Group excursions into Hebron 

Program Reviews 

We continue to strive towards “excellence”: In 2022 we 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, Palestine also ranked 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 ranked one of the top three programs worldwide in offering volunteer opportunities. We received the community choice awards from 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, Palestine’s impact on the community of travelers around the world. Engage in the West Bank, Palestine continues to rate highly as a 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

The Palestinian Refugees Volunteer Program is perfect for anyone looking to become involved in improving the health, education, and rights of refugees in the West Bank, Palestine.  

Summary

The Palestinian Refugees Volunteer Program is perfect for those passionate about advancing human rights and assisting the cause of refugees in the West Bank, Palestine while actively working alongside local Palestinians. As a component of this program, participants will visit Palestinian refugee camps, work with human rights and international organizations, and provide education to refugee children.

Additionally, participants will experience Arabic language and cultural immersion while living in Hebron as they learn the language and live with a local Palestinian host family. For those looking to aid the cause of Palestinian refugees and explore a career in humanitarian aid, the Palestinian Refugees Program is a great place to start. 

How To Apply

If you want to participate in the Palestinian Refugees Program, please, write to us atInfo@ecpalestine.org. We should respond to your initial inquiry within 1-2 business days.

In your email’s subject line, write “Volunteering With Palestinian Refugees.” We will send you an application form which you will fill out and return to us to begin the on-boarding process.

Related Volunteer Programs

How To Get Further Information 

For more information, please visit our website: https://engageinpalestine.org/

Website: https://excellencenter.org/

Whatsapp:+972 599 479 880

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