Tips for International Volunteering in Palestine: Planning to volunteer in Palestine can be an exciting and enriching journey, but preparation is key to making the most of your time here. Many past volunteers have shared valuable insights about navigating life in Palestine, from embracing the local culture to adapting to a different pace of life. Learning about cultural norms, language basics, and daily living tips can help you feel more at home and deepen your connections with the community.

Whether it’s understanding how to dress appropriately, finding the best ways to communicate with locals, or discovering hidden gems in the area, these lessons can significantly enhance your experience. Volunteering is not just about giving back; it’s also about learning, growing, and building lasting relationships. By tapping into the wisdom of those who have come before you, you can prepare yourself to live comfortably and meaningfully in Palestine while making a genuine impact.

8 Tips for International Volunteering in Palestine

1. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

People in Palestine are generally extremely helpful regarding questions on just about any aspect of life here. As soon as you arrive in Palestine, you will benefit greatly by asking locals for directions.

Some volunteers in Palestine have found it helpful to ask local people how much they pay for services like taxis, buses, etc., to ensure they are getting a fair price.

Palestinian people will also help walk you through their customs and conventions on interaction if you ask them to. For example, how to eat, dress, greet people say goodbye, etc. Knowing these most basic aspects of Palestinian socialization can help foster more meaningful and productive interactions and help you fit into your surroundings.

Another thing you may also want to ask local people is where they tend to go for things like food, fun, etc. Local people will surely be able to direct you towards whatever experience you want, cultural, culinary, educational, etc.

2. Try Participating in the Local Culture

From their experience, many volunteers and travelers in Palestine will tell you that you can benefit greatly by stepping out of your comfort zone and participating in local cultural/religious activities.

To give just one example, many volunteers who arrive during the month of Ramadan choose to participate in the fasting that is central to this holy month. Even if you are not Muslim, the people here will be impressed by your willingness to participate in their culture and help you out along the way.

It is also an enriching experience to visit holy sites from time to time, such as the Dome of the Rock, Al-Aqsa Mosque, the Western Wall in Jerusalem, or the Tomb of the Patriarch in Hebron. These cultural and religious landmarks are part of what makes Palestine such a historically rich and unique place.

3. Learn at Least a Few Arabic Words and Phrases

For many of the same reasons mentioned above, learning to speak even a few words in Arabic can greatly enhance your experience abroad. Local people will be happy to hear you speaking Arabic, even if you are not an expert, and will feel that you are respectful and interested in their culture.

Speaking from experience, the most helpful set of vocabulary regard pleasantries (ie. Hello, thanks, you’re welcome, take care, etc), and words for commonly purchased items like food and clothing.

4. Have Fun!

Traveling is just as much about enjoying yourself as it is about learning. One of the most important things you can do while in Palestine is to be outgoing and make the most of the experience rather than be shy and reserved. As long as you try your best to be friendly and respectful, there is nothing to worry about.

5. Have a Clear Motivation

You will have to write a motivation letter before traveling to Palestine. Hopefully, this is not the first time you have thought or have been asked why you want to do it, but it is here that you first will have to write about it: why do you really want to embark on this adventure?

what is it you want to get out of the experience? do you want to learn something? Be specific about what you want to learn. Do you want to do something? be specific about what you want to do. Writing down your motivation is your first concrete plan, so spend a good amount of time reflecting on it.

6. Make a Plan

To be completely honest, the plan will likely be altered once it is on the ground, but it is still a good idea to have one. Divide your weeks or the time you are to volunteer and maybe set yourself goals for each section of time. If learning some Arabic is part of your plan, organize what you want to achieve each week, set yourself some benchmarks, this will motivate you to study and get the most out of the classes. It will also help the teachers better provide you with what you need.

If you want to help the community by volunteering with one of the community development, human rights, music, health, etc. programs, list specific things you can teach, your skills, and what you want to achieve with each class or workshop. This will not only help you structure yourself, but it will also help the coordinators do a better job. Plans are good, even if they do not get fully realized.

7. Be Flexible and Patient

Once you arrive in Hebron, be aware that the pace of your day-to-day life is most likely different than what you are used to. Schedules are not set in stone, and people are usually late or take their time. Don’t take it personally; allow yourself to learn from the experience. Use the time to talk to people and practice your Arabic.

You will enjoy yourself a lot more by keeping a positive attitude and not getting upset when things don’t turn out the way you expected. If your plans don’t get fully realized, then adapt and try to do things in a way that stays aligned with your goals and motivations.

8. Communicate

Sometimes you might experience that after being flexible and patient, the activities are not aligned with your motivations or goals for volunteering or being at The Excellence Center. If this is the case, communicate it respectfully and constructively.

The staff will listen to you and most likely try to help you find a solution together. If you can suggest how you think it would be better for you to do things, it will be even easier for the staff to find a way to make your experience even more gratifying. Communicating is always a good idea.

Final Conclusion

In conclusion, have a concrete plan but be open-minded and flexible. Every moment has the potential to be a learning moment, and ultimately, it is up to you if you get the best out of it, especially if this requires communicating with the staff to suggest some changes that will make your stay with The Excellence Center even better.

Get Further Information 

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

Engage in Palestine: https://ecpalestine.org/

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