Volunteer Opportunities and Life in Palestine: The Excellence Center was founded by dedicated local community servants to create a bridge between Palestine and the world. 

We offer educational, cultural, social, and community programs to a diverse range of international students, interns, and volunteers. With a wide variety of topics to choose from, the Excellence Center has something for everyone interested in learning about and experiencing life in Palestine.

Since its inception in 2011, the Excellence Center has offered a rich and immersive learning experience to over 1000 international visitors, providing significant benefits to the local community, including children, Palestinian refugees, youth, and women. 

Volunteers are an essential part of the fabric of the Excellence Center, supporting many social benefit activities for the community around Hebron and learning about the realities of life in Palestine. 

Daily Volunteer Life in Palestine

Daily life as a volunteer at the Excellence Center is whole! The first week is usually spent on orientation, where you will get to know your new surroundings and see some of Hebron’s cultural and religious highlights. 

A typical day will start with breakfast at 10 am at the Center. We have everything you usually find 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. These will differ depending on the program you’re in. Some volunteers will teach English to schoolchildren at the Center or at a nearby refugee camp. In contrast, others will visit human rights organisations and actors to gain insight into the day-to-day situation. Additionally, some volunteers will spend time speaking with local journalists and news agencies. 

In your free time, you can spend time relaxing at the Center, where we sometimes cook dinner together, heading to one of the many cafes and restaurants on busy Ein Sara street, and spending time hanging out with your new friends. 

Stories of Volunteer Experiences

With a 4.85 rating out of 5 from over 900 reviews, the Excellence Center has hosted many satisfied volunteers. Read on to hear about some of their experiences, and you’ll know why! 

“Coming to Palestine is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I feel like I’m doing something important and useful with my time for the local community, and at the same time, I’m getting so much out of it. The cultural immersion, the great people I’ve met here at the Center, and the amount of personal growth I’ve experienced are incredible. I am already planning my next return!” Eva, Australia. 

“The environment at the center is really positive. It is like a big family. The staff are all welcoming and kind, and it is interesting to meet the other internationals who come to Hebron from all around the world. Every morning you eat breakfast together, and there is a lot of tea and coffee all day! It is a social place, and I have made deep and lasting friendships. Whenever I am in Palestine (and I definitely want to come back!) I will come back to Hebron to visit and learn more Arabic.” – Alix, United Kingdom. 

Want to hear more? You can see more of our reviews at GoOverseas. 

Contributions to the Community

While our volunteers typically spend one week to three months in Hebron (the maximum offered on a tourist visa by Israel), the long-term impact of volunteers on local communities is significant. Volunteer programs through the Excellence Center focus on education, skills, and capacity building, with a long-lasting impact on the people they work with. 

Breaking social barriers

More intangible but no less important is the long-term impact of volunteering on breaking social barriers. Volunteering helps build mutual understanding and respect between Palestinians and people from all over the world, reducing narrow stereotypes and creating a rich social fabric across borders. During their time here, volunteers tend to create meaningful relationships with local people, from the Center staff to the shopkeepers of Ein Sara Street to the children at Al Fawwar refugee camp. These connections are beneficial for local and international alike. 

Responsible volunteering

It’s important to remember that Palestinians do not need saving; they are the experts on their own struggle. When it comes to volunteering, this means deferring to local leadership, listening more than speaking, and ensuring that all volunteer activities align with the community’s needs and goals. Rather than imposing solutions or trying to be heroes, volunteers should amplify local initiatives and provide support where asked.

Traveling Around Palestine

One of the great benefits of volunteering in Palestine is the opportunity to travel and explore a vast, beautiful, and historically rich land. During the weekends, you have the chance to see cities like Ramallah, the cosmopolitan center of the West Bank, the religious sites of Bethlehem and Jerusalem, and the economic hub of Hebron. Each town has its own story and personality. Aside from the checkpoints, which can sometimes take a while to cross, getting around the West Bank can be pretty easy and affordable thanks to shared public taxis called ‘Servees’. 

Alongside weekend trips, there are plenty of activities in Hebron, where the Excellence Center is based. You can do things like visit the famous Ibrahimi Mosque, wander the winding streets of the old city, visit the Al-Fawwar refugee camp, meet local artists and activists, and see local industries like handmade glass and ceramics, as well as the last functioning keffiyeh factory in the West Bank. 

10 Short-Term Volunteer Opportunities In Palestine

Here you can see which short-term volunteer opportunities in Palestine are available.

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.

Support from Volunteers in Palestine

The thought of coming to an entirely new place in a completely new region, especially one that’s in the news as much as Palestine, might be a little scary. Never fear! We’ve got you covered. 

The Excellence Center has been welcoming international volunteers for well over a decade, and we are very experienced in supporting new volunteers as they settle in and navigate their new life in Palestine. 

Accommodation and meals

Rather than trying to find your own accommodation in a strange new place, the Excellence Center organises accommodation for you! 

Our volunteers stay in shared apartments very close to the Excellence Center building. In keeping with the local culture, there is one for males and one for females. These comfortable, modern, and secure apartments have all the amenities for your stay, including bedding, a washing machine, and a fully equipped kitchen. 

For full immersion, women might opt to stay with a local host family, where they will get daily exposure to Arabic language practice in real-world situations – along with the benefit of making new friends, eating home-cooked traditional food, and learning more about the local culture. 

Safety and support

The staff at the Excellence Center is deeply committed to safety and ensuring that volunteers have the support they need for a positive experience in Palestine. This includes comfortable housing, tailoring program content to people’s interests, and a host-family atmosphere with regular invitations to tea and dinner. 

For anyone struggling to settle in or who needs some extra information or support before departing from their home country, the Center is always available to help. 

The campus building is located in a very safe and secure part of town, away from the H1 and H2 divisions, so volunteers feel comfortable spending time at the many cafes and restaurants nearby and then walking home at night. 

Certificate and recognition

The Excellence Center can support your professional goals by providing a certificate of completion for your selected program or course. Through our partnership with the local Education Ministry, we can also offer academic credit for your course, should you wish to pursue it. 

Learning Arabic and Cultural Insights

Spending time in another country is a great way to immerse yourself in a completely new culture, learn a new language, and gain some invaluable skills. 

Arabic is one of the world’s most spoken—and most beautiful—languages. During your time volunteering in an Arabic-speaking country, it is helpful to learn some of the local colloquial Arabic to engage well with the community. All volunteer programs at the Excellence Center include three hours of Arabic language class per week for the duration of your stay with us. The classes are focused on speaking, so that you can be ordering your own coffee or making small talk with shopkeepers in the neighbourhood in no time! 

While in Palestine, you’ll get a deeper understanding of the social and political context of the area, along with a first-hand look into life under military occupation. You’ll hear stories of how everyday life is affected, especially in Hebron, which is split into the Palestinian-controlled H1 and the Israeli-controlled H2. But more than the issues and challenges, you’ll also get to experience the incredible resilience of the local people and their kindness and hospitality despite everything they have endured. 

Challenges and Rewards

Volunteering in Palestine is an enriching experience, but like anything, it also comes with its challenges. 

Some of the perks

• Personal growth: Many volunteers reflect on the incredibly positive, if not life-changing, experience they have here at the Excellence Center. Witnessing the continuation of the Palestinian struggle for self-determination teaches resilience, while experiencing the hospitality of the people teaches kindness and generosity. You will learn so much from your local peers. 

• Community growth: At the Excellence Center, you become part of a community. Center personnel, including coordinators, support staff, teachers, and volunteers, all become a network for people during their time in Palestine. Volunteers also benefit from seeing students improve in their learning, seeing smiles on children’s faces, and helping people feel like their voices and experiences in the occupation are being heard.

• Memorable experiences: There are so many things to do and see in Palestine, and our volunteers tend to make the most of them! From weekend trips across different parts of the West Bank to time in rural villages near Hebron to visits to refugee camps like Al Fawwar, volunteers make their time in Palestine truly memorable. They also tend to grow close to their fellow volunteers, forming lasting friendships and memories. Many volunteers return to the Excellence Center multiple times to reconnect with friends and the community they came to love. We’re not saying coming to Palestine will change your life, but based on our feedback, it’s highly likely. 

Some things to keep in mind

• Political tensions: Volunteers will be living in a conflict-affected area. This means they will be exposed to some of the tensions of daily life in Palestine. Freedom of movement is restricted for Palestinians in the West Bank, so volunteers may also face things like long waits and ID checks at checkpoints. 

• Language barrier: While many people in Palestine speak at least some English, navigating it can be tricky at times. That’s why the Excellence Center offers three hours of Arabic lessons per week to help you get around and connect with locals. 

• Cultural adaptation: Going anywhere new means adapting to a different culture and way of life. The same goes for Palestine. For those new to living in a muslim majority country, some things to keep in mind are keeping your body covered with ong, loose clothing (especially in more conservative Hebron), not touching people of the opposite sex in public (even for a handshake – unless it is offered to you), and remembering that hospitality is a bit part of the culture here. It’s not unusual for someone to ask for your contact details or invite you to their house for dinner shortly after meeting them. Just do what you are comfortable with! 

Conclusion

Volunteering with the Excellence Center is an incredibly impactful and meaningful experience. Not only are you investing in your own professional expertise and self-development, but you are also making a real difference for the local community and showing your solidarity with the Palestinian cause. 

We’re excited to welcome you to Palestine! For more information or to apply to one of our programs, please email us at Info@ecpalestine.org.

Find Us Online

WhatsApp: +972 599 479 880

Website: https://ecpalestine.org/

EC Website: https://excellencenter.org/

Volunteer in Palestine: https://volunteerinpalestine.org/

Study in Palestine: https://studyinpalestine.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/excellence.center

Tags: Volunteer experiences in Palestine, Volunteer In The West Bank, Volunteer Programs in Palestine, What it’s like to volunteer in Palestine