Over-50s Volunteering in Palestine: The Excellence Center in Palestine invites people who would like to meet Palestinians, engage in the Palestinian culture, and study Arabic in the city of Hebron, West Bank, Palestine. This volunteering program is suitable for anyone who is looking for short term volunteering opportunities and programs in the area of Palestine and Israel. We appreciate a lot of people with a lot of different experiences to come and join our programs.
In the last 10 years, the Center hosted more than 300 internationals between the ages of 25 to 75 years. So, your age doesn’t matter at all in order to volunteer and learn Arabic in Palestine as well as engage in some educational, community development, social, and cultural activities.
In fact, it is of great benefit to the Excellence Center and the community to have people from a wide age bracket as each age group, young and old, bring with them various strengths and capabilities. Our view on this has come from years of experience in Palestine where we have seen the benefits of young and older volunteers and students mixing together.
Older and wiser
It is common for people over 50 years of age to wonder whether they are too old to participate. Many think that volunteer and intern opportunities are only for the younger generation but this is not the case.
We welcome volunteers and interns between the ages of 18 and 75
One of the advantages that comes with age is wisdom. Older volunteers have the benefit of experience gained during their lifetime. We respect the fact that our over 50s volunteers will have seen more of life, encountered many different situations and had the opportunity to put their skills and education to the test. We appreciate these volunteers sharing their knowledge with us and together we are able to find the best ways of doing things.
It is very beneficial for volunteers of all ages to work together. Everyone has their own set of skills and attributes and when these are brought together, the results are amazing! Youthful energy and enthusiasm, along with seasoned experience and wisdom are a winning combination. We can all learn from each other and share our thoughts and ideas.
Spend your free time with us
Often, we find that older volunteers are able to be more flexible with their arrangements and they usually have more free time. Perhaps you are retired or semi-retired and are looking for a new challenge. Maybe you have more time to spare now that your family commitments have become fewer. Sometimes, our over 50s visitors find that they are now in a position where they have the time and money to enable them to do more travelling. It may simply be that you have decided that now is the time to do something different!
Whatever the reason, we will be happy for you to spend your time with us at The Excellence Center. You will also have the opportunity to travel to other parts of Palestine if you wish. We can advise you on places to visit, how to get there and where to stay. We will do everything that we can to enhance your experience and ensure that you have a good trip.
Over-50s volunteer or intern
Over the past few years, EC has been delighted to host many individuals between fifty and seventy years of age with both our Volunteering Programme and TESA internship scheme. As an EC over-50s volunteer or intern, you can learn about a new culture whilst being embraced by a community that values your experience.
Through English language teaching and community development activities organized by the EC, you can contribute to the development of the Palestinian community in Hebron, and inspire a new generation to become successful participants in the global workforce. This is a very important undertaking and can provide a lasting legacy.
A Valuable place for you as a volunteer
Whether you just want to share your knowledge of English or mobilize unique business skills, or passion for a sport or hobby, there’s a valuable place for you as a volunteer. In return for valuable knowledge and experience, EC over-50s volunteers and interns in Palestine are rewarded with innumerable new experiences, as well as new skills, and lasting friendships.
Former Participants Experience
During his time volunteering with the EC, Ray, an over-50s alumnus of the EC Volunteering in Palestine Programme, taught the English language to local students. ‘I volunteered because I wanted to do something positive to help Palestinians because it did not involve physical labor (given my age…69 then)’, he said. I was delighted to ‘feel that I had helped them in some small way’, he said.
As well as teaching in the Centre, Ray also helped to conduct various activities organized by the EC in local educational establishments and took trips with members of staff and volunteers to local historical sights. I enjoyed meeting ‘a variety of nationalities’ volunteering at the Centre, he said, as well as local staff members and students of all ages and abilities.
Ray was able to make the most of the chance to experience Palestinian culture and enjoy local hospitality, by living with a host family. ‘I really appreciated being treated as one of the family by my hosts,’ he said. ‘[They] fed me regularly and allowed me to socialize with them and their relatives (as far as the language barrier would allow)’. ‘I did learn some Arabic in Palestine,’ too, ‘enough for basic social situations and shopping’, he said.
‘The Centre also looked after me very well.’ Ray said. The EC responded well to my needs, ‘including the provision of bathing facilities’ when my needs sometimes couldn’t be met at my host family’s house.‘I gained a lot from Palestinian culture’ through volunteering with the EC, Ray said, ‘I gained a greater understanding of Palestinians, and of their amazing resilience’.
Something for Everyone
The Excellence Center offers lots of different volunteering opportunities. (See our volunteer programs for over 50’s listed below). These programs vary and you can choose the one which most interests you and to which you are best suited. You do not need to have any academic qualifications or additional language skills in order to participate (although if you have some of these qualifications, they would be useful for certain programs).
We recognize the value of experience gained through life and we appreciate practical skills, different perspectives and the creative thinking that older volunteers are able to offer.
Volunteer programs for Over-50s
Please have a look at our volunteer programs in the city of Hebron, West Bank , Palestine:
- Teaching English whilst Studying Arabic in the West Bank
- Journalism and Media
- Volunteering in Local Palestinian Schools
- Computer Technology
- Medicine and Healthcare
- Environmental Conservation
- Community Development
- Music and the Arts
- Sports and Fitness
- Human Rights in the West Bank
- Women’s Rights in Palestine
If you are interested to teach English, please check the Teach English, Study Arabic in Palestine (2-3 months) or the Volunteer to Teach English and Study Arabic in Palestine if you wish to stay less than 2 months
| Place of Program | Hebron, West Bank, Palestine |
| Program Fees | Starting from 230 € (Euro) a week |
| Age | 18+ |
| Minimum Duration | One Week |
| Maximum Duration | 3 months |
| Area of volunteering | Human rights Teaching English Palestinian community development Women’s rights in Palestine Refugees in Palestine |
| Number of volunteers | 3-5 at the same time |
| Nearest Airports | Ben Gurion, Tel Aviv Airport in Israel Eilat Ramon Airport in Israel Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, Jordan |
| Accommodation | Palestinian Host Family Shared Apartment Private Apartment = Additional Cost |
| Starting/Ending Dates | Flexible – Anytime |
| Application Deadline | No Deadline |
| Days off | Two days (Fridays and Saturdays) |
| Educational Degree | Not Required |
| University Credit | Available |
| Reviews and Ratings | Reviews and ratings on Gooverseas.com Reviews and ratings on Goabroad.com Participants’ video testimonials |
How to Fly to Palestine?
The easiest way to get to Hebron, Palestine is to fly to Ben Gurion in Tel Aviv in Tel Aviv Airport (Israel). It takes about two and a half hours from the airport to the Excellence Center via shared Taxi.
You can also fly to Eilat airport and then travel by booking a shuttle or taking a bus to Jerusalem and then To Hebron. The whole trip can last between 6-7 hours.
It is also possible to fly into Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, Jordan, and then cross into Palestine/West Bank, but it takes considerably more time and is more expensive.
Great reviews and community awards
In 2019, we received our first “Go Overseas Community Choice Awards” in acknowledgement of the Excellence Center’s impact on the community of travellers around the world. For many years, the Excellence Center has been one of the most highly rated travel organizations for its volunteer and internship Program.
Check out our many great reviews here:
- Reviews and ratings (95%) on Gooverseas.com
- Reviews and ratings (91%) on Goabroad.com
- Participants’ video testimonials
Visa to Palestine
Upon your arrival at Ben Gurion Airport (Tel Aviv Airport), Israel, you will be granted a tourist visa valid for 90 days. There is no need to obtain a visa ahead of time. (See the article How to Get a Visa for more information).
Traveling to and from Hebron, Palestine
You may find all necessary information about how to get to Hebron, Palestine in these three articles:
Programs duration
Volunteers can participate in the program for the duration of 1 week to 3 months.
You will be expected to be available to work for 5 out of 7 days per week, with days off on Friday and another day of your choice. The schedule allows for plenty of time to study, explore the area, meet the locals and experience life in Palestine.
Final Remarks
If you would love to volunteer in Palestine or come and learn Arabic, but have been putting it off as the years are passing by, please do not let that worry prevent you from having a wonderful experience! We realize that you may not want to play football with the kids, nor climb mountains,(however, if you do want to- you are more than welcome), but we want the skills and experience that you have.
It is a fact that most of our volunteers are younger and you will be mixing with them but you are never too old to travel, meet new people, learn a new language and make a difference in your life and the lives of others. We think that our older volunteers bring a lot of valuable assets to the programs, both to the Palestinians and the younger international volunteers alike. The younger people you meet can learn a lot from you and in turn, they will be able to share your wisdom with others. You may also find that as an older volunteer, you learn something from the young people. It is great for everyone to come together to share their knowledge and discuss ideas.
You are never too old to have a new experience and your participation in one of our volunteer and internship programs in Palestine can really make a difference. Please join us in Palestine- we need you and we think that you will enjoy discovering this fascinating country!
How to get the application form and book your Arabic course
Please send an email application request to Rafat@excellencenter.org. We will then send you the application form.
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Find us online
Whatsapp:+972599479880
Excellence Center’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ExcellenceCenter
Excellence Center’s Facebook account: https://www.facebook.com/RafatECHebron
Watch us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsQSLdFZWZcBm6Uj0XMYuKg
Visit and Explore Palestine: https://www.facebook.com/ExplorePalestine
