Reasons to Intern in Palestine Instead of Israel: People who are seriously interested in learning a critical foreign language and immersing themselves into a fascinating region of the world often look to volunteer or work in the Middle East. The beautiful culture, heterogeneous societies, and extensive historical relevancy are amongst the top reasons to intern in this region, particularly the Levant Region.
Palestine arises as a highly sought after intern destination, with ample opportunities to work with NGO’s, educational programs, and community development agencies. When the scope of opportunities are narrowed to choosing between Palestine and Israel, there are certain things that potential interns must consider. Between juxtaposition of the Israeli Occupation and persistent, authentic amiability of Palestinians, Palestine serves as a more ideal country in which to intern.
The Occupation
The ongoing Israeli Occupation that has been imposed on Palestine often brings interest as well as questions at the forefront of potential volunteers’ minds. Whether you are in Palestine or Israel, the Occupation raises no threat to international volunteers. The entirety of the impact, unfortunately, lands on Palestinian citizens and their navigation through everyday life. However, the Occupation does still serve as a deciding factor for the question of interning in either Palestine or Israel.
This political and military imposition tends to severely limit the scope of understanding of the region if one chooses to intern in Israel. By not seeing the effects or true implementation of the Occupation, one will not be able to fully grasp the entirety of the conflict and therefore will receive an incomplete, perhaps even biased perspective. Interning in Palestine gives volunteers a healthy dose of both perspectives, once traveling through and experiencing places in Palestine and Israel.
The entirety of the region is worth visiting, as there are historical and religious sites expanding through both countries. Interns are encouraged to travel to different cities during their days off in order to gain as much information and perspective as possible. In Palestine, interns are encouraged to absorb as much truth and information as possible, whereas, in Israel, some information and travel can be restricted and inaccessible.
The Culture
For most people around the world, the culture in Palestine is unlike anything they have previously experienced. The communities are close-knit, the families are strong and cohesive, the food is delicious, and the people graciously welcome foreigners. If you’re lucky enough to come during Ramadan, you will experience Iftar, a large feast at sundown followed by coffee, conversation, and adventures well into the night with bustling marketplaces and places to shop, where the city comes to life.
The deep, personable culture of Palestine is the highlight of most interns’ experience, for it provides them with countless memories and newly forged friendships that last beyond their time here. This culture is not something that you can find in Israel, for it has been authentically developed and deeply rooted for centuries in this lovely region of the world.
The Untold Story
At the end of the day there are innumerable reasons to do an internship in Palestine. From the culture to the historical and religious significance, to the new, refreshing perspective, Palestine offers something for everyone.
So, why Palestine? Innately, the political situation is quite complex and nuanced, and one must remember there are always two sides. The Palestinian side is often either misrepresented or entirely ignored.
For that reason, Palestinians are especially welcoming of visitors because they are reminded of the respect and empathy of members from the international community. You may walk down the street and hear many people say “Welcome to Palestine” or “You are welcome here,” because the people of Palestine truly embrace visitors and cherish the opportunity to show visitors that Palestine is a safe and beautiful place.
Warmly welcomed by the Palestinian people
In addition to being warmly welcomed by the Palestinian people and in some cases (wherein students stay with host families) welcomed into a Palestinian family, an internship here offers unique educational opportunities and experiences.
During the course of an internship in Palestine, you may get the chance to visit a university and discuss the political situation with a professor, play a pickup game of soccer with your neighbors, or pass out water and dates to patients in the city hospital all in the same day.
The array of possibilities and avenues in which to make a significant, positive impact on the lives of others stands out as an important, if not the most important reason to intern in Palestine instead of Israel.
How to Fly to Palestine?
The easiest way to get 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.
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.
Any questions
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact at Rafat@excellencenter.org
Whatsapp:+972599479880
For more information, please visit our website: https://excellencenter.org
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
