Short-Term Volunteering and Internships in Palestine 2026/2027: 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 the ongoing Occupation of Palestine by Israel. Visiting Palestine can be a great way to support Palestinians by uplifting the local economy. At the same time, you also have the opportunity to learn more about Palestine and get to know Palestinians.
However, to take it further, volunteering or an internship can be an excellent way to support the people of Palestine directly and foster meaningful relationships, while also developing your skills and gaining the necessary experience for your future career.
You can find a wide range of opportunities in Palestine, depending on your career ambitions, areas of interest, field of studies, and previous experience. By participating in a short-term volunteering program or internship in Palestine (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.
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Why Palestine?
As alluded to, Palestine is a beautiful country that has had a distraught history over the last +75 years due to the Israeli Occupation. As a result, all Palestinians face oppression and hardships to some extent or another, 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 delicious food!). As the location of many of the Holy Land cities, such as Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and Jericho, it is an exciting place to visit and spend time in.
Additionally, suppose you are interested in learning Arabic. In that case, Palestine is a great place to do it because the locals are friendly and helpful in assisting you to learn, and you can learn in a fully immersive Arabic-speaking environment. Additionally, Palestinians speak the Levantine dialect, which is the most widely recognized throughout the Arab world, making it the most useful dialect for prospective Arabic students to learn.
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 only have electricity for 3-12 hours per day in Gaza.
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.
Why Consider a Short-Term Volunteering Role or Internship?
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’s the right fit for you. However, it is possible to leave after 90 days and re-enter a few days or weeks later to obtain a new visa, but this process is unpredictable.
If you want to find longer-term work in Palestine, then you will have to go through an arduous Israeli visa process before you even enter the country. We only recommend this option if you have prior experience in Palestine, a good understanding of the country, and a long-term commitment to working here, as well as the willingness to navigate the visa application process.
How Can I Prepare For An Internship In Palestine?
Palestine, as mentioned, has its own 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 will also help advise you when packing your luggage. If you speak Arabic, practice it up and plan your route to whichever area of the West Bank you will be visiting. 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!
Join Us For A Volunteer Program Or Internship In Summer
If you are a student, graduate, 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 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 enables us to offer academic credit to current university or college students who are seeking it.
We invite you to join us in the summer to gain practical, real-life experience, 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 both the Palestinian local community and you through the exchange of ideas and “walking in each other’s shoes”. All of our programs are well researched and targeted to ensure they have a tangible impact and foster shared learning for both our community and you. Volunteering or interning in the West Bank affords you the unique opportunity to genuinely make an impact on 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 you will have will depend on which program you choose. For example, if you volunteer to teach English, you will affect the education and English proficiency of Palestinian students. If you volunteer in our medicine and healthcare program, you will have the opportunity to engage with medical professionals and support and educate medical students through seminars or workshops.
Suppose you intern in our Palestinian Laws & Legal Internship Program. In that case, 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.
No matter which program you choose, you will have the opportunity to engage with the local community. Our Arabic lessons will help you integrate into the community and communicate with locals, even at a basic level. You will be immersed in Palestinian culture and daily life, learning about the current political situation firsthand from Palestinians. This will better inform you and equip you to make a genuine impact on your life and the lives of Palestinians.
Short-Term Volunteering and Internships in Palestine 2026/2027: Overview
Here is a brief overview of the short-term volunteering and internship programs available 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 such as 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 function as social enterprises, operating businesses like kitchens and grocery stores to generate income and further support their work.
The Benefits We Offer To You
Studying in Palestine offers numerous benefits to all of our participants. Some of these benefits include:
- Being immersed in Palestinian culture and daily life while living in Hebron.
- Provided accommodation with a Palestinian host family (for women) or an all-male dorm.
- Breakfast is provided each day you are at our center.
- Three hours of Arabic tuition per week in Modern Standard Arabic, Levantine, or the Colloquial Palestinian dialect, taught either one-on-one or in small groups by one of our well-qualified and attentive Arabic teachers.
- The opportunity to form new friendships with volunteers, interns, students, visitors, and residents.
- Participating in various activities and trips around Hebron, such as visiting the Old City, a kaffiyeh factory, a glass and ceramics factory, the Ibrahimi Mosque, a local refugee camp, meeting local artists, and engaging with local organizations.
- The opportunity to experience Palestinian hospitality and enjoy traditional Palestinian cuisine and drinks.
- Two days off per week to spend as you please. You may wish to explore nearby cities such as Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Ramallah, Nablus, Hebron, Tulkarem, Qalqilyah, Jenin, the Dead Sea in Jericho, Akko, Herzliya, Beersheva, Eilat, Tiberias, Netanya, Safed, Haifa, Tel Aviv, Masada, Amman, Aqaba, Wadi Rum, and Nazareth.
- 24/7 program assistance, including pre-departure support.
- Academic credit towards your studies for current students is available on request.
- A certificate will be awarded upon completion of your program.
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Summary
Participating in a short-term volunteering program or internship in the West Bank, Palestine, will really open your eyes. Contrary to many media reports, the West Bank is safe for international visitors, offering a range of attractions and numerous volunteer and internship opportunities. When you volunteer or intern with us, you will get to learn a lot about Palestine, a beautiful country with warm people that is highly misunderstood and misrepresented. This opportunity is sure to enrich your own life, as you immerse yourself in Palestinian culture and daily life while making friends.
However, in addition to the personal benefits and growth opportunities, you can also develop yourself professionally by gaining practical experience in your chosen field. This can give you experience in your chosen or prospective career path, help you explore new career paths or interests, or provide a break from your regular life. We offer a wide range of volunteer opportunities and internship programs that are suitable for students, graduates, professionals, anyone taking a gap year or sabbatical, or anyone else wishing to get to know Palestine.
We look forward to welcoming your application for the Palestine internship or one of the other short-term volunteering opportunities here at Study in Palestine in Hebron in the very near future!
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Tags: International short-term programs in the West Bank, Short-term internships in Palestine, Short-Term Volunteering in Palestine, Volunteer and Internship Opportunities in Palestine
