10 Best Youth Volunteer Abroad Programs in Palestine: Volunteering overseas is becoming something of a rite of passage for many young people. After school, some people want to broaden their horizons and see more of the world before settling into a career. While some people opt for a working holiday visa in a country similar to their own, or for traveling on their own or with friends, others prefer to spend their time volunteering with a social cause they care about.
Palestine is a great place to volunteer for many reasons. First, it offers young people a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful community service while immersing themselves in a rich and complex cultural landscape. Next, the West Bank is home to vibrant Palestinian communities, historic sites, and refugee camps. This, alongside the daily realities of military occupation, presents both challenges and opportunities for volunteers’ personal growth.
All over the world, when real change happens, it’s usually the youth who are behind it. In a region where global solidarity plays a crucial role, youth volunteers foster international awareness and support locally led development efforts that empower Palestinian communities.
Table of Contents
Why Join Youth Volunteer Abroad Programs in Palestine?
A Land of History and Resilience
Palestine is a welcoming place with a beautiful landscape and deep historical significance. Home to some of the holiest places in the monotheistic religions, vibrant souks, art and music, and fantastic food, the region has been a crossroads of cultures, religions, and empires for much of modern human history.
The land is resilient, with each street bearing witness to centuries of struggle and perseverance. Volunteering in Palestine offers a unique opportunity to not only immerse yourself in this inspiring setting but also contribute to its preservation. By engaging in educational programs, supporting local communities, or documenting different narratives, volunteers play a crucial role in safeguarding Palestinian heritage.
Through these efforts, young volunteers help amplify the voices of Palestinian resistance while ensuring that the stories, traditions, and identity of the place continue to thrive for future generations.
Contributing to a Meaningful Cause
The impact of volunteering in Palestine cannot be overstated. Since 1967, Palestine has been under military occupation, which has severely impacted the day-to-day lives of its people. As a result of this continuing occupation, there are significant needs within the community, and therefore, a strong case for why volunteering makes an impact.
Volunteer efforts bridge gaps in essential services, helping to enhance quality education, access to healthcare, and economic opportunity. This supports the Palestinian spirit of resistance and helps the society to work towards a brighter future. The presence of international volunteers also helps to impart a sense of global solidarity for the Palestinian people, so they feel that they are not alone in the struggle for self-determination.
Personal and Professional Growth
Volunteering in Palestine is not only impactful for the community, but it also offers real benefits for volunteers.
During your time volunteering in Palestine, engaging with your program content will build essential, transferable skills like leadership and cross-cultural communication through interactions with the local community, as well as Arabic language skills as a second or additional language. For those interested in working internationally, it will also help to enhance their career prospects through gaining experience in a conflict-affected country.
Types of Volunteer Programs in 2026/2027
Because of the high level of need, there is a wide variety of programs to which people from all backgrounds and with all kinds of skills can contribute.
Education and Youth Empowerment
Due to restrictions on Palestinians, including the limitation of mobility, one of the most pressing needs in Palestine is supporting the provision of education to children and young people. Things like teaching English, tutoring in mathematics, or even just general life skills can be incredibly valuable to the local population.
This is particularly true for those living in Palestinian refugee camps. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency, specifically set up to support refugees from the 1948 ‘Nakba’ during the establishment of Israel, has been responsible for the education of many vulnerable people over the decades. Now that their resources have been severely restricted, international volunteer support to help supplement education is more important than ever.
Mentorship & Career Guidance
Supporting young Palestinians in their professional aspirations. With a challenging job market and high unemployment, Palestinian youth need all the support they can get to gain employment or start their own business. Mentorship and guidance in professionalism or entrepreneurship are a great way to help support the next generation of leaders in Palestine.
Creative & Recreational Activities
Art, music, and creativity have been proven to help people express and cope with trauma, allowing them to tell their stories in their own ways and to process and heal from their experience of living under occupation. Physical activities like sports or games also help to boost children’s mood, physical health, and sense of belonging.
List of Youth Volunteer Abroad Programs in Palestine 2026/2027
Below is a short overview of the Youth Volunteer Abroad Programs in Palestine.
1. Volunteer in the West Bank Program
Volunteer in the West Bank: Join us at Excellence Center 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 Excellence Center 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. Excellence Center 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 Excellence Center 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, Excellence Center 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.
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, including 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 operate as social enterprises, running businesses such as kitchens and grocery stores to generate income and further support their work.
How to Apply for 2026/2027 Programs?
Application Process
The first step to applying to a program is deciding which program to apply for!
There are many different volunteer abroad programs that you could choose from, each with its own benefits and drawbacks.
When choosing a program, we recommend that you:
Choose a locally run organisation
There are lots of well-meaning organisations out there, and while they may provide a good experience for volunteers, the same might not be true for the local community they operate within. One way to ensure your time volunteering has a positive impact is to check whether your organization of choice is created by, or at least run by, local people. This means there is a greater chance that the program outcomes are needed, safe, and beneficial for the community.
Check elsewhere for testimonials.
These days, anyone can post anything online and call it true. Check whether the organisation has an online presence elsewhere where you can verify other volunteers’ experiences. The Excellence Center is registered with Go Overseas, a well-known organisation that helps people from around the world to find meaningful and fulfilling volunteer positions. We currently have a 4.85 (out of 5) rating from over 900 reviews and have received over 20 community awards since 2019, including for 2024.
When you’ve decided on the organisation you want to volunteer with and the program you’re interested in doing, the next step is to apply. At the Excellence Center, we ask that people email Info@ecpalestine.orgto enquire about their program of choice, when they would like to arrive, and how long they would like to stay.
The next step is to complete a short, easy application form and return it. Once selected for the program, the final step is payment of your program fees. This is usually done by bank transfer or Western Union payment. Once the payment is made, you can start making your travel arrangements!
Visa and travel requirements
Currently, to travel to Palestine, you need to secure a visa from Israel. Tourist visas are issued on arrival at the border and can last for up to 90 days. As of January 1st, 2025, you need to fill out an Electronic Travel Authorisation before departure.
There are two key crossings into the West Bank: a land crossing through Jordan at the King Hussein Bridge, or arriving at Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport just outside of Tel Aviv. Travel through Jordan is currently highly recommended, as many people have recently faced difficulty entering Israel through Ben Gurion Airport. The way takes a bit longer and is a bit more complicated, but there is generally a better chance that you will be granted entry.
Funding and Financial Support
The next question you might be asking yourself is, How do I fund my volunteer experience? First, check the program fees with your chosen organization to ensure the program is within your budget. At the Excellence Center, our program fees include secure accommodation, breakfast five days a week, three hours of Arabic lessons per week, and cultural trips around Hebron city.
Bank account looking a little on the empty side? Fundraising is one way to help cover the costs of your chosen program. Crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe let your friends and family support your volunteer experience. Sharing your motivations for coming to Palestine, along with a donation link, is an easy way to get support.
Other fundraising ideas could include setting up a bake sale, doing a running challenge, and asking people to sponsor you, or organising a clothes-swap event at your local community center.
What to Expect as a Volunteer in Palestine
Daily Responsibilities and Work Schedule
A typical day will start with breakfast at 10 am at the Center. We have everything that is usually found on a local breakfast table, including bread and hummus, labne, zaatar, shakshuka, and avocado – all served with tea and coffee. Next, you will have an Arabic class. Every volunteer program includes some Arabic instruction to help you get around and engage with the community. After class, you will spend the afternoon on your program activities.
Accommodation and Living Conditions
Accommodation
The Excellence Center has a variety of accommodation options to suit different needs. Most commonly, volunteers will reside in one of our shared flats near the center. There is one for men and one for women. The apartments are modern, spacious, and equipped with everything you need for daily living. Rooms may be shared depending on the number of volunteers, but you can request a private room if you prefer. Another option (for female volunteers only) is to be placed with a Palestinian host family. This immersion is a great way to experience the local culture and language.
Cost of living
The next big thing to think about is the cost of living. Things to consider are tuition fees, accommodation, travel costs, and daily expenses. At some schools, like the Excellence Center, tuition fees are inclusive of accommodation and breakfast. Choosing a program like this can significantly reduce your costs. The currency in Palestine is the New Israeli Shekel. You can use a currency converter tool to see the rate and check websites like Numbeo to get a sense of the current cost of living for everyday expenses.
Cultural Adaptation and Social Life
Your first week in Palestine is usually spent on orientation, where you will get to know your new surroundings and see some of the cultural and religious highlights in Hebron. This will include a tour of the old city, a visit to the Ibrahimi Mosque, more information about the division of Hebron into Palestinian-controlled H1 and Israeli-controlled H2, and visits to local craft producers, such as ceramics, hand-blown glass, and the last authentic Keffiyeh factory in the West Bank.
People in Hebron are very friendly, and you are likely to be invited to people’s houses for coffee, a meal, or to meet their family. This is a great way to learn more about daily life and local food. One thing to keep in mind is that Hebron is quite a conservative city, so it is recommended for women and men to wear long, loose-fitting clothing, come summer or winter.
While in Palestine, you will also have the opportunity to travel on weekends if you wish! Local mini-buses called Services (pronounced Servees) take passengers from Hebron to different hubs in the West Bank, including Bethlehem, Jerusalem, and Ramallah. This public transport option is cheap and pretty easy to navigate, helping you to see many of the cultural and historical wonders of Palestine.
Ethical Considerations and Responsible Volunteering
Before you start your volunteer journey, there are some essential things you should consider. More critical than travel logistics is responsible volunteering. So what does that mean? And how can you ensure your volunteer experience does not harm?
The Importance of Responsible Volunteering
Engaging in responsible volunteering means consistently considering whether you are taking up space that should be filled by a Palestinian, or if the work is doing enough to support or build local capacity. It’s better to gauge this when you are looking for the right program and organisation to work with, than to realize it’s not the case afterwards.
Responsible activism also means understanding the risks that local activists face. Unlike foreign volunteers, who often have the privilege of leaving if tensions escalate, Palestinians live with the long-term consequences of resistance. Volunteers must be careful not to put local activists in danger by attracting unnecessary attention, engaging in actions without community approval, or sharing sensitive information that could endanger lives.
Avoiding “Voluntourism” in Human Rights Work
One of the most significant ethical concerns in human rights volunteering is the risk of “voluntourism”, a phenomenon where short-term, unskilled volunteers engage in work that may be more about their own experience than the needs of the community. In the context of Palestine, this can take the form of well-meaning individuals participating in activities without a complete understanding of the political situation or historical context.
To make sure they avoid voluntourism, volunteers should:
Learn about the Palestinian history and current politics before arriving.
Select roles that support existing local initiatives rather than creating new, unsustainable projects.
Understand that volunteering in this context is not about “helping” Palestinians, but standing in solidarity with and learning from them.
Reviews and Awards
The Excellence Center has been honored with several prestigious Community Awards and recognized as the Best Language School and Top Volunteer and Internship Program Provider in 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024. For more details, please visit our profiles on GoOverseas.com and GoAbroad.com.
Now you’re ready to start planning your volunteer experience in Palestine! If you’ve still got any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Info@ecpalestine.org, or browse our website for more information about life in Palestine.
The Excellence Center is a great option to consider for your volunteering. Locally led and run, we offer a great range of programs to suit many areas of interest and expertise.
To apply or to learn more about any of our programs, reach out to us at the email address above. We look forward to welcoming you!
Contact Us
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at:
The Excellence Center in Palestine is excited to offer volunteer and internship programs for 2025 to support the Palestinian community in the West Bank! These programs focus on key areas, including human rights, Palestinian women’s rights, refugee issues, Palestinian culture and politics, and current developments in Palestine and Israel.
These 2025 volunteer programs are ideal for students and anyone interested in meaningful summer volunteer or internship opportunities. Join us in the West Bank, Palestine, and gain invaluable experience in the heart of the Middle East.
Go Overseas Award Winners
Great Reviews on GoAbroad
Human Rights Internship Program
The Human Rights Internship Program in the West Bank, Palestine offers valuable experience in humanitarian aid, diplomacy, and international law.
Interns develop Arabic language skills and intercultural competency while raising awareness of the West Bank’s situation and amplifying local voices. They play a key role in fostering relationships between international visitors and local communities
Online Arabic Programs
The Excellence Center offers a range of online Arabic programs covering Levantine dialects (Ammiyya Arabic) from Palestine, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, and Modern Standard Arabic.
Join our Intensive Online Arabic courses, which provide 20 hours of instruction per week. With this format, students can quickly acquire Arabic skills and complete a full 80-hour course in just four weeks.
Palestinian Laws and Legal Practices Internship: Ideal for law, social sciences, and human rights students interested in the West Bank legal system. Intern for 1 to 13 weeks year-round. Gain comprehensive knowledge of legislation in West Bank and Gaza.
The Palestinian Refugees Volunteer Program offers a unique opportunity for individuals of all ages, from students to retirees, who are passionate about human rights.
Volunteers work directly with Palestinian refugees in the West Bank, focusing on enhancing skills and providing education to children, youth, and women in refugee camps near Hebron, Palestine.
Volunteer In Palestine
“I participated in the Volunteer and Study Arabic program at the Excellence Center, where I taught English, learned Arabic, and explored Palestinian culture by visiting local sites, Palestinian refugee camps, and even attending a wedding.
The Arabic lessons were invaluable, providing me with a strong beginner’s foundation. The Center offers an ideal learning environment, with supportive staff and leaders. I felt safe in Hebron and enjoyed the warmth of local Palestinians who frequently invited me for coffee and conversation.I highly recommend the Excellence Center in Palestine to anyone interested in volunteering in the West Bank or studying Arabic!” — Chirag, USA
