Why Volunteer in Palestine in 2026/2027? In 2026, the Israeli occupation continues to shape many aspects of Palestinian life, perpetuating displacement, economic hardship, and a deep sense of instability. In the West Bank, military checkpoints, land confiscations, and the expansion of Israeli settlements disrupt daily life and limit access to education, healthcare, and livelihoods. The ongoing blockade and recent bombardment of Gaza have created dire humanitarian conditions, with over 80% of residents relying on aid. Unemployment remains among the highest in the world, particularly for youth and women.
The displacement of Palestinians, beginning with the 1948 Nakba, continues even today. Forced evictions and home demolitions uproot families, especially in East Jerusalem and Area C, the Israel-controlled area of the West Bank. Despite these significant challenges, Palestinian communities show deep resilience, with grassroots efforts to preserve cultural identity, advocate for justice, and continue hope for a better future.
Since 2011, the Excellence Center has run programs to support the local community, focusing on areas of high need, including refugee camps, Bedouin communities, orphanages, and schools. Our programs, supported by international volunteers and interns, directly address critical resource and service gaps, enabling Palestinians in Hebron to live in as much peace and prosperity as possible until the occupation ends.
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A Unique Cultural Exchange Experience
Most of what is told about Palestine in the media is not reflective of the kind, friendly, and welcoming nature of its people or the deep and rich history of the land itself. Volunteering with the Excellence Center is a unique opportunity to experience Palestinian culture, traditions, and daily life beyond what tourists typically see.
During your time at the Excellence Center, you will have the chance to experience Palestinian culture and traditions and engage in activities like attending local events, learning and using Arabic daily, and cooking traditional dishes (Maqlooba, a dish made with rice, vegetables, chicken, and spices, is a firm favorite of the volunteers!).
Volunteering is a meaningful way to build bridges and create lasting connections with Palestinians and other volunteers worldwide. Guests at the Excellence Center often leave Palestine with enduring friendships; many even return for a second or third time.
Learning more about the stories of everyday Palestinians gives you an intimate look into life under occupation and the resilience of the people who carry on despite the restrictions and the violence they face. Spending time at the Excellence Center and getting to know community members is a meaningful way to promote mutual understanding and solidarity with the Palestinian cause.
Witnessing Resilience and Strength
There are countless stories of resilience in Palestine at the individual and community levels. In Hebron, where the Excellence Center is based, people resist the occupation in their own way; through activism, providing education and employment opportunities, or simply refusing to move from their ancestral homes, even with the threat of demolition.
For the people of Masafer Yatta, a cluster of villages on the outskirts of Hebron, day-to-day life can be incredibly challenging. On a recent visit to Umm Al Khayr, a small town living in the shadow of a growing Israeli settlement, our volunteers met with a community representative who spoke with them about the ever-increasing challenges of life there. He talked about how the village of 200 people feared random attacks from the 700-odd settlers on their doorstep.
A large yellow gate separates the two areas, and the difference couldn’t be more stark. At the settlement, large modern houses dwarf the ramshackle structures of the neighboring village. These small living spaces, which house around five people across two rooms, are sometimes demolished without warning or consent. Permits to rebuild are often denied, leaving people with the choice of leaving or setting up tents instead. They chose the tents.
Despite decades of suffering the impact of the occupation, the Palestinian spirit is unbreakable. You will meet people who have suffered such profound loss and incredible hardship and still enjoy their days with kindness and smiles. This is a form of resistance in itself. Our volunteers offer so much value to the community through their activities, and they, in turn, learn so much from the strength and determination of the Palestinian people during their time in Hebron.
Why Volunteer in Palestine in 2026/2027?
Volunteering is an enriching experience that offers the opportunity to learn and grow both personally and professionally. However, the impact on the host community can not be understated.
The Excellence Center offers a wide range of programs because many social problems need attention. Volunteering at the Excellence Center can help to improve educational, youth empowerment, and community development outcomes for Palestinians in Hebron. Most importantly, it allows people to share their stories and feel heard and seen by the world.
Your impact doesn’t end with your time in Hebron, either. When they return home, many volunteers who feel inspired by their time with the Excellence Center often share their experiences to help raise awareness and advocate for Palestinian rights. This is really helpful towards the cause, as external pressure is essential to building Palestine’s long-term future.
1. Education and Skill Development
Volunteering is an excellent opportunity to build skills and gain real-world experience. People who spend time at the Excellence Center have the opportunity to develop new and transferable competencies, such as teaching, cross-cultural communication, and project management. Because volunteers can customize their programs and focus on their interests or expertise, there are plenty of opportunities for both professional and personal growth.
“The Excellence Center itself is an inspiring place, offering a mix of educational programs and community engagement. My main role was teaching English to students at the center and at the nearby Al-Fawwar refugee camp. The students were motivated, eager to learn, and the experience of teaching them was both rewarding and humbling. There was also a great community of local teachers at the center, many of whom taught both English and Arabic. They were warm, supportive, and made me feel part of the team right away.” – Thomas, Switzerland, 2024 Volunteer.
Learning another language can be difficult. One of the best ways to learn new words and build sentences is through immersion in a community that speaks that language. This is particularly true of Ammiya Arabic, spoken in Palestine. While we teach many different dialects, there are significantly fewer resources to encourage learning this dialect. At the Excellence Center, you will be exposed to spoken Arabic daily and quickly build the skills to communicate locally.
2. A Safe and Structured Volunteering Experience
For many of the people who come to Palestine to volunteer, safety and security are among their biggest concerns. The media often portrays the West Bank in ways that do not reflect life here. While the region’s security is always unpredictable, over 1000 volunteers have safely come to spend time with us at the Excellence Center since 2011.
Day-to-day life in Hebron is quiet and friendly, and the Center provides safe accommodation and security advice while in-country. Many of our volunteers say they feel safer here than in their home neighborhoods. We ensure each volunteer receives proper orientation to help them settle into life in Hebron and is connected directly to a support network of coordinators and fellow volunteers at the Center. For any other questions about safety and security in Hebron, please contact us at Info@ecpalestine.org.
To address the community’s diverse needs and make volunteering accessible to everyone, the Excellence Center offers a range of programs. Some of our most popular programs include the Human Rights program, where volunteers learn in-depth about the human rights situation in Palestine, visit local human rights organizations in the West Bank, and speak with local people about their experiences living under occupation. We also offer journalism programs, volunteering with refugees, teaching English in rural villages, and more.
To help our volunteers settle into the community, we offer 3 hours of Arabic instruction per week throughout your program. We also provide intensive Arabic courses for people who would like to learn Modern Standard Arabic or a spoken dialect while being immersed in an Arabic-speaking community.
Whatever your work background, skill level, or area of interest, we have a volunteer program that suits your needs.
3. Advocating for Justice and Solidarity
If you’ve been following the news for the last couple of years or knew about the conflict in Palestine before that time, it might feel like the situation is too big or complicated to make a difference. In our experience, individuals can really help just by showing up and standing in solidarity with the Palestinian cause. These days, the Israeli Government tries to stop anyone at the border who even indicates they may try to come to the West Bank. Coming to Palestine and spending time with the people and in the community is in itself a form of peaceful activism.
“Volunteering with the Excellence Center in the human rights program was very fulfilling and gave me a lot more insight into the human rights situation in Palestine that cannot be directly observed from a foreigner’s lens. The administration is highly knowledgeable about Palestine’s political and social landscape, and was more than willing to share their knowledge with the volunteers.” – Adam, USA, 2026, Volunteer.
The media is often unbalanced when it comes to reporting on Palestine. That’s why we believe it’s so important that as many people as possible can go to the West Bank and witness the realities of life under occupation. When people come to spend time in Palestine, they learn details about the occupation that the media often doesn’t cover. Then, when volunteers go home, they usually tell their friends and families what they’ve seen, write to their local media, or use their own social platforms to spread the word. Every single story helps contribute to the broader movement toward justice and human rights.
Volunteer Testimonials and Real-Life Stories
With a rating of 4.85 from 900 reviews on GoOverseas, the Excellence Center has supported many people worldwide to have a positive, often life-changing, experience in Palestine. Genevieve, who volunteered at the Excellence Center in January of 2025, shares her story:
“I’m a Physics PhD student from the United States. I came to the Excellence Center for one month to teach English and learn Arabic, but my experience encompasses so much more than that. I got to see the Old City of Hebron, witness discrimination against Palestinians by Israeli guards, and speak with people who endured physical violence perpetrated by the settlers and soldiers. The Excellence Center helped arrange for me to visit the Ibrahimi Mosque, the glass factory, and the kuffiyeh factory. I also got to visit Bethlehem, Jerusalem, and Masafer Yatta.”
Even though she was taking part in the English-teaching program, Genevieve had the opportunity to take many trips around Hebron and the rest of Palestine and to learn about life here firsthand.
“One of the most valuable parts of my experience here was getting to see the settler areas in Hebron and Masafer Yatta. Seeing the stark differences in infrastructure and quality of life between the Palestinian and settler areas was eye-opening. Even though I’m sad to leave, I’m excited to be able to use my experience to educate others about what is actually happening in the West Bank.”
After only one month in Hebron, Genevieve reflects on how the experience has changed her perspective and her life, including a plan to return to spend more time in Palestine and with the Center.
“I will always remember the kind people I met here and their experiences with the occupation. Volunteering in Palestine truly provides a unique, life-changing experience. I’m so thankful to everyone I met here who welcomed me with open arms and helped me understand the local situation. I can’t wait to come back, and in the meantime, I hope to use my experience to support the Palestinian cause.”
Why 2026 and 2027 are the Right Time to the Excellence Center?
Why volunteer in Palestine in 2026? While the plight of Palestinians has been a global story since 1948, the last couple of years have catapulted it into the headlines again. Since October 7th, 2023, security measures against Palestinians in the West Bank have increased significantly, along with settler violence. At the same time, the education and employment needs of Palestinians continue to grow.
The presence of international volunteers in Palestine shows support and solidarity for Palestinians, especially as life gets more difficult for the people here. This meaningful gesture helps ensure people know they are not forgotten, that their stories will continue to be told, and that there is a witness to their hope for a future outside of the occupation.
List of 10 Impactful Volunteer Programs in Palestine 2026/2027
Our 10 Impactful Volunteer Programs in Palestine 2026/2027 are ideal for students and others seeking summer volunteer and internship programs in the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Palestine, or the Middle East.
Here you may find the list of 10 Impactful Volunteer Programs in Palestine 2026/2027:
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.
Reviews, Ratings, and Community Awards
The Excellence Center has been honored with several prestigious Community Awards and recognized as the Best Language School and Top Volunteer and Internship Program Provider for 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024. For more details, please visit our profiles on GoOverseas.com and GoAbroad.com.
How To Apply
If you want to apply for our Volunteer programs in Palestine, please email us at Info@ecpalestine.org. We will send you an application form to complete and return to us to begin the process.
Find Us Online
WhatsApp:+972 599 479 880
Website: https://ecpalestine.org/
EC Website: https://excellencenter.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/excellence.center
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ExcellenceCenter
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
Tags: how to volunteer in Palestine, Volunteer opportunities in Palestine, Volunteer programs West Bank 2026/2027
